User Guide

What is the East of England Landscape Framework?

Summary

The East of England Landscape Framework comprises a range of information sources aimed at aiding the planning and management of landscape, both urban and rural, in the East of England.

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Framework comprises a range of information sources aimed at interpreting landscape character for the purpose of aiding the understanding, planning and management of the East of England landscape, both urban and rural.

How can the East of England Landscape Framework be used?

Summary

The Framework can be used at different resolutions as an integrated framework for decision making regarding landscape in the East of England.

Explanation

The Framework can be used at different resolutions as an integrated framework for understanding landscape, aiding and informing landscape decision making, as well as being a key tool for planning and management of East of England landscapes. It facilitates a joined up approach to landscape issues: enabling co-operation across administrative boundaries and enables landscape issues to be integrated into policies, programmes and projects.

What information does the East of England Landscape Framework contain?

Summary

The East of England Landscape Framework includes a Landscape Typology, an Urban Landscape Typology, Integrated Landscape Character Objectives and Guidance on assessing the sensitivity of the landscape of the East of England.

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Framework comprises a range of information: the East of England Landscape Typology – a consistent, integrated landscape typology for the East of England, an Urban Landscape Typology – an overview of landscape character in settlements; Integrated Landscape Character Objectives - expressions of what each landscape character type comprises of, the benefits that they can provide and objectives for their future; and Guidance on assessing the sensitivity of the landscape of the East of England – a method for identifying impacts of change upon the landscape.

How does the East of England Landscape Framework relate to local Landscape Character Assessments?

Summary

The East of England Landscape Framework provides a broad scale understanding of landscape, whilst local Landscape Character Assessments provide greater detail and understanding of local scale variations in landscape character.

Explanation

Local Landscape Character Assessments provide an important element in the development of the East of England Landscape Framework: following a Land Description Unit GIS analysis, local Landscape Character Assessments were used to inform and refine the development of the East of England Landscape Typology. It is important to use a scale of assessment relevant to the project being undertaken. County, district and parish Landscape Character Assessments should be used when working with more local decisions.