User Guide

What is the East of England Urban Landscape Typology?

Summary

The East of England Urban Landscape Typology is an overview of landscape character in settlements.

Explanation

The East of England Urban Landscape Typology is an overview of landscape character in settlements which can be used as a starting point to informing future assessments such as Green Infrastructure (GI) strategies and decision making on growth, both in terms of the extension to existing settlements as well as the creation of new settlements.

Why does urban landscape character matter?

Summary

The pressure for change in urban landscapes is now more intense than ever and it is important to understand the character of urban landscapes in order to manage that change.

Explanation

The majority of the population live and work in the urban landscape. Many of our urban landscapes have been populated for over 1000 years and have experienced great changes. The pressure for change is now more intense than ever and it is important to understand the character of urban landscapes in order to manage that change. Understanding the character helps us to understand how the place has evolved, its unique identity and the special qualities which should be protected and enhanced. It is important to understand the character of urban landscapes in order to retain the identity of towns and cities and create sustainable places.

How was the East of England Urban Landscape Typology created?

Summary

Settlement descriptions were developed for each of the major settlements across the East of England.

Explanation

Major settlement centres from ports and new towns through to smaller market towns were selected for study. Settlement descriptions were developed and consulted on. Importantly this work has focused principally on the landscape character of settlements, however it is acknowledged that these settlements have an important built character and that the combination of built and landscape elements leads to an overall understanding of a settlement’s sense of place.

How can the East of England Urban Landscape Typology be used?

Summary

The East of England Urban Landscape Typology can be used to aid understanding of the urban landscape character and sense of place.

Explanation

The East of England Urban Landscape Typology can be used to aid understanding of the urban landscape character and sense of place. It can also be used alongside the East of England Landscape Typology to aid understanding and decision making regarding East of England landscapes. The Urban Landscape Typology also provides a broad context for more detailed studies of the distinctive character of urban areas such as Townscape Assessments.