Torbay Local Development Framework 2006 - 2026
Evidence Base: Torbay Landscape Character Assessment
In accordance with Government Guidance set out in Planning Policy Statement 7, planning authorities should ensure that the quality and character of the wider countryside is protected and where possible enhanced with particular regard to statutory designations (including landscape, wildlife or historic qualities).
Enderby Associates were engaged by Torbay Council to produce a detailed Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for the district. The assessment forms part of the evidence base of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and will assist the development of future landscape policies in the area.
The purpose and objectives of the LCA include the following:
- To provide an assessment of the character, distinctiveness and qualities of the Torbay landscape, including cultural and natural heritage resources and to classify the landscape into distinct Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and identify key characteristics for each type.
- To provide an analysis of each (areas) type’s scenic qualities, sensitivity to change and future development pressures and the capacity and suitability of areas to accommodate development.
- To identify opportunities for conservation, restoration, enhancement or renewal as appropriate and provide strategic guidelines and recommendations for each landscape type to guide development and landscape management decisions; (this may include environmental improvements or improvement of public access or facilitating a range of appropriate recreational facilities). To state what it is about this landscape type that requires protection and why.
- To promote awareness of landscape character and the importance of landscape conservation, enhancement and restoration
As part of the Torbay LCA process we organised two Stakeholder workshops. The first workshop (July 2008) discussed the initial findings of the assessment, and reviewed the draft description of the Landscape Character Type (LCT) identified. The second workshop (September 2008) sought to analyse the sensitivities (with the development of a ‘sensitivity matrix’) of each Area of Local Character (AOLC) in accordance with the LCA brief.
The Torbay LCA is split into two parts:
- Part 1: Covers the natural and man made influences on the character of the area, and identifies the individual landscape character types and how these fit within the national, regional and local context. It includes detailed descriptions and key characteristics of the Landscape Character Types (LCTs), which summarise the consistent characteristics identified across various individual Areas of Local Character (AOLCs).
- Part 2: A separate document, addresses the sensitivity and capacity of the landscape to accommodate change.
The Final Reports (Part 1 and 2) and the associated Landscape Character Map for Torbay is available to view download (see Related Documents).
Please contact us at LDF@torbay.gov.uk if you have any queries.
A reference hardcopy is also available to inspect at the above offices (during normal office hours).
Related Documents
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Torbay Landscape Character Assessment Part 1
Explains how the Torbay landscape has evolved, and identifies the landscape character types which may be applied to various parts of Torbay, as well as other parts of Devon, following the Landscape Character Type framework established for the County by Devon County Council.
Last updated: 04/05/2011, 11:08am (10.5 MB) -
Torbay Landscape character Assessment Part 2: Sensitivity and Capacity
Part two determines the sensitivity of Torbay's landscape to change and, in particular, land use changes and development, such as new housing, employment development, or renewable energy generation.
Last updated: 15/12/2010, 9:40am (13 MB)
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- Email: strategic.planning@torbay.gov.uk
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