User Guide

Understanding the East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations

Summary

The Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations sets out a straightforward method by which decision makers can assess the sensitivity of regional landscape character types to different change scenarios.

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations sets out a straightforward method by which decision makers can identify the impact of such change across the East of England (sensitivity analysis) and positively focus change through appropriate design and management.

Our landscape is neither natural nor static. It is the product of a myriad of planning, design and management processes, activities and ideas. Change is therefore a fundamental characteristic of the landscape. Change is not necessarily negative and a methodology must seek to understand change in context and manage accordingly, recognising opportunities to create new character, rather than preserving the status quo or restoring previous landscape character.

Landscape change can encompass a myriad of scenarios and factors. For this analysis, the emphasis was on types of change which have specific resonance for the East of England. These include:

Growth: the emerging work then being undertaken in the context of the Growth Areas and Growth Points/New Growth Points agenda in relation to housing scenarios for the East of England Plan Review and Integrated Sustainability Appraisal/related work such as the Regional Scale Settlement Study;
Infrastructure associated with growth, such as transport corridors and highway schemes;
Climate change predictions;
Renewable energy proposals;
Other forms of change associated with land management e.g. agricultural change.

What is landscape sensitivity?

Summary

Landscape sensitivity is the degree to which the landscape can accommodate change without adverse impact on its character.

Explanation

Landscape sensitivity relates to the stability and robustness of character and is the degree to which the landscape can accommodate change without adverse impact on its character. This involves making decisions about whether or not significant characteristic elements of the landscape will be liable to loss, or whether important aesthetic aspects may be liable to change.

Why does landscape sensitivity matter?

Summary

It is important to understand the sensitivity of a landscape when planning future change in order to maintain the integrity of the landscape and prevent loss of landscape character.

Explanation

It is important to understand the sensitivity of a landscape when planning future change in order to prevent loss of landscape character.

Landscapes where the key characteristics have high sensitivity are vulnerable to change and risk the loss of the character which makes them unique and valued. Once lost, it is difficult to restore the sensitive landscape and its character.

In less sensitive landscapes, the key characteristics are better able to accommodate change and therefore the special qualities of these landscapes are less likely to be lost through changes.

How was the East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis carried out?

Summary

Forces for change were identified, together with their effects on important landscape characteristics and a landscape strategy to respond to the change.

Explanation

The process developed to carry out the Landscape Sensitivity Analysis was divided into four tasks:

Identify the forces for change acting on the landscape in question.
With reference to the East of England Landscape Framework, identify character and important physical, cultural and aesthetic characteristics of the landscape which may be sensitive to that change.
Assess how the landscape characteristics will be affected by the proposed change (sensitivity) using a three point scale: high, medium and low.
Devise a landscape strategy - develop design and management guidance in relation to the type of change within the landscape, to respond to the important landscape characteristics, and to ensure that change responds to local distinctiveness, and reinforces or creates character.

What information does the East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations contain?

Summary

The East of England Landscape Sensitivity and Analysis of Recommendations provides details of the method and pilot studies regarding change associated with growth in the context of housing.

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Sensitivity and Analysis of Recommendations provides details of the method and pilot studies regarding change associated with growth in the context of housing, however the principles are such that it can be applied to consideration of all types of change across the East of England.

Key steps of the method are described with guidance on how the method could be applied with reference to theoretical examples and observations regarding the potential use of the method.

What recommendations for landscape sensitivity studies does the East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis make?

Summary

The guidance makes recommendations for those wishing to commission landscape sensitivity studies.

Explanation

The guidance makes recommendations for those wishing to commission landscape sensitivity studies, such as:

Ensure that sensitivity analysis is always based on an understanding of landscape character. Use available relevant information (relevant landscape typologies/landscape character assessments and landscape strategies).
Landscape sensitivity studies should apply to a particular type of change.
Ensure the method and data sources are correct for the scale of the study. All sensitivity studies should be streamlined, avoiding use of data for its own sake. Data should be relevant - avoid over complexity or reliance on large amounts of data.
Where visual sensitivities are also considered, these should be clearly separate from those concerning landscape character.
The analysis should be clearly stated and explained, with the method transparent and easy for non landscape professionals to follow.
Where possible, judgements should be strengthened by stakeholder views.
Landscape sensitivity judgements should link back to landscape characteristics.

How can the East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations be used?

Summary

The East of England Landscape Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations will help to manage and shape the significant levels of landscape change anticipated in the region.

Explanation

The East of England Sensitivity Analysis and Recommendations will help to manage and shape the significant levels of landscape change anticipated in the region. It will help to ensure that change is delivered in ways that respond to and enhance the distinctive character and sense of place of the East of England. The approach can be used to understand change in context and manage accordingly, recognising opportunities to create new character rather than preserving the status quo or restoring previous landscape character.