Somerset Landscape Sensitivity Assessment

Somerset benefits from a number of National Landscapes designated for their natural beauty and distinctive character, including the Quantock Hills, Mendip Hills, Blackdown Hills and Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs. In addition the Somerset Council area borders Exmoor National Park in the west, and Dorset National Landscape to the south. All these designations consist of upland landscapes, which exert a visual influence over their surrounding lowland areas and the settlements located within them. It is important that proposed development does not detract from the ‘special qualities’ of National Parks and National Landscapes.

The Quantock Hills National Landscape, (99 square kilometres) lies entirely within the Somerset Council area, making up 3% of its total area. The Quantock Hills have many ‘special qualities’, including the exceptional panoramic views provided by their elevation; upland oak-woods; moorlands scattered with Neolithic monuments; distinctive beech hedgebanks; and rich, distinctive built heritage.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is located in the north of Somerset. Extending across 198 square kilometres, 61% of the total designation lies within the Somerset Council area (making up 4% of the Somerset Council area). The landscape rises from the Somerset Levels to the south-west and has been designated for the varied and diverse topography; views towards their distinctive hill line; internationally important caves; farmed landscapes with their networks of semi-natural habitats and drystone walls; and varied history of human occupation.

The Blackdown Hills National Landscape straddles the county’s southern border. Extending across 367 square kilometres, 30% of the total designation lies within Somerset Council area (making up 3% of Somerset Council area). The landscape has been designated for its special qualities, including the prominent undeveloped skyline of the northern scarp slope; rich mosaic of diverse and interconnected semi-natural habitats; sense of remoteness and tranquillity; ancient hedgebanks; and the number and extent of well-preserved buildings in the local vernacular.

The Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape is situated in the south-west of Somerset and extends across the county border into Dorset and Wiltshire. Covering 986 square kilometres, 2% of the total designation falls within Somerset Council area (making up 0.75% of Somerset Council area). The landscape has been designated for its distinctive chalk landscapes, including chalk downlands, chalk escarpments, and chalk river valleys. This bedrock geology underpins the landscape, which exhibit a range of special qualities, including distinctive flora and fauna, a historic settlement pattern, a multitude of historic sites, panoramic views and dark skies awash with stars.

Dorset National Landscape is located immediately to the south of Somerset, sharing a boundary for approximately 25 kilometres, with a small area of the designation extending into the Somerset Council area. Dorset National Landscape has been designated for its diverse landscapes underpinned by exceptional geology; rich wildlife and its legacy of landscape-inspired work by writers, artists and musicians. The preservation of these special qualities needs to be considered within the wider setting of the national landscape.

Exmoor National Park mainly falls within Somerset, but as a National Park has its own local planning authority and is therefore excluded from this assessment. However, as an elevated upland area, there is an important visual connection between Exmoor and the surrounding lowland landscape to the east within Somerset Council area. Development in the setting of the National Park needs to be carefully considered to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the special qualities of the National Park. These special qualities include; distinct and diverse landscapes; mosaic of habitats; expansive tracts of moorland; farmed heritage; network of public rights of way; and a timeless, tranquil quality.