Landscape Capacity Study 2010: Site Options
In March 2010, Terra Firma Consultancy Ltd and Kirkham Landscape Planning Ltd were commissioned to carry out a more detailed Landscape Capacity Study of the borough, examining sites immediately surrounding Basingstoke, Tadley and Bramley, and also including Overton and Whitchurch. The study generally follows the same approach taken in the 2008 study, however it considers each site in more detail whilst giving a capacity scoring from low to high. Please click here to view 2010 Study.
This work will form part of the LDF evidence base and will be considered alongside the other studies and assessments to help determine the most suitable location for future development in the borough.
Landscape Capacity Study 2008
A Landscape Capacity Study (LCS) was produced by the Council in 2008 to help inform decisions about the further extent and direction of development within the borough of Basingstoke and Deane.
Landscape Capacity is defined as 'the extent to which a particular area or type of landscape is able to accommodate change without significant effects on character or overall change in landscape type'. In relation to this assessment, the study indicates how much development is likely to be possible within the study area without causing unacceptable harm to visual amenity or the character of the landscape. The areas selected for the study area comprise the area immediately surrounding Basingstoke, Tadley and Bramley. The LCS study areas are parcels of land that are distinguished by their different landscape characters. It should be noted that the overall assessment given to any area does not mean that the assessment applies to the whole area - it may only apply to one part of it.
The study was undertaken using current best practice advice for the assessment of the impact of development on landscape character and visual amenity. It was carried out by Borough Council officers using data compiled primarily by field surveys. This was supported by aerial photography, Ordnance Survey maps and planning guidance. The final part of the process included verification of the results by an independent landscape consultant.
The LCS report comprises a series of assessment sheets covering the study area, outlining the characteristics of the area along with a summary of the capacity of the landscape to accommodate change. This is expressed on a five point scale from Low to High. It is accompanied by a series of maps showing the Landscape Capacity within the study area. Please click here to view 2008 Study.
The 2008 Landscape Capacity Study identified that further detailed assessment of the areas would be required as part of the next stage of the development of the Local Development Framework, in order to establish in more detail where the development could potentially be accommodated along with possible mitigation.
Landscape Assessment 2001
The Landscape Assessment Main Report was adopted by the Council in July 2001. It was carried out in accordance with the Countryside Agency's national guidance on landscape assessment, which gives more emphasis to the protection of landscape character and the features that make one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse. A fully integrated approach to landscape assessment was undertaken, drawing together historic, ecological and landscape elements into the characterisation process.
To view the Landscape Assessment 2001 please click here.
The Landscape Assessment provides the basis for responses to development proposals affecting the landscape of the borough. It has also provided the basis for the preparation of the Countryside Design Summary and acted as a starting point for Village Design Statements.
Countryside Design Summary
The Basingstoke and Deane Countryside Design Summary explains the design relationship between the borough’s landscape, settlement patterns and buildings. It provides design criteria against which any future development can be assessed and aims to ensure that careful consideration is given to the way in which new development will relate to its surroundings. The CDS now forms part of the council’s Design and Sustainability SPD (Appendix 14).
Click here to view Countryside Design Summary
