User Guide

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.

What is the East of England Landscape Character Typology?

Summary

The Framework is a consistent, integrated landscape typology for the East of England.

Explanation

The Framework is a consistent, integrated landscape typology for the East of England. The typology is a structured, spatial framework for describing and evaluating the countryside and is capable of operating at different levels of resolution.

How was the East of England Landscape Character Typology created?

Summary

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Character Typology draws on a range of data including local Landscape Character Assessments, Historic Landscape Characterisation, biodiversity, and rural settlement datasets. Ecological character was gained through analysis of data associated with designated sites, the extent of semi-natural habitats and biodiversity opportunity mapping. Settlement character was defined through the analysis of the mix of settlement types and the size of nucleation in each landscape character type.

This information was supplemented with local knowledge and understanding of the landscape generated through consultation events. The fundamental building block of the Framework at the landscape level is the Land Description Unit (LDU). LDUs are distinct and relatively homogenous units of land, each defined by a series of definitive attributes, so called because they define the extent of each spatial unit. There are four definitive attributes at the 1:250,000 scale. These encapsulate both the underlying natural (landform and ground type) and cultural (landcover and settlement pattern) dimensions of the landscape.

What is the Landscape East website?

Summary

The Landscape East website contains information about the Landscape East partnership, and provides access to resources and documents about the landscape of the East of England.

Explanation

The Landscape East website contains information about the Landscape East partnership, and provides access to resources and documents about the landscape of the East of England. The website contains a range of information including an interactive map, Landscape Character Type information, a gallery of images and a glossary explaining relevant landscape terminology.

How do I use the maps on the Landscape East website?

Summary

The simple interactive map enables The simple interactive map enables users to explore the East of England Landscape Typology. It displays the Landscape Character Types over a clear base map.

Explanation

The simple interactive map enables users to explore the East of England Landscape Typology. It displays the Landscape Character Types over a clear base map. County and District/Borough/Unitary boundaries and National Character Areas can also be displayed. The map allows users to zoom in and out and to move around the map. Clicking on the landscape character types displays its associated description.

What can I do with the information on the Landscape East website?

Summary

The Landscape East website provides access to the East of England Landscape Character Framework which can be used to understand the landscape character of the East of England.

Explanation

The Landscape East website provides access to the East of England Landscape Character Framework which can be used to understand the landscape character of the East of England. The information and data which comprises the Framework can be used to inform decision making and planning in all areas which may influence, or be influenced by, landscape.

Climate change

Summary

The Framework can be used to help understand climate change adaptation and mitigation opportunities in different types of landscape.

Explanation

The Framework can be used to help understand climate change adaptation and mitigation opportunities in different types of landscape. Having a holistic understanding of the East of England landscape and variations in character is essential for planning adaptation and mitigation whilst also enabling climate change impact monitoring.

Planning

Summary

The Framework can be used to enable planning policy and decisions to consider the landscape implications of development plans and proposals.

Explanation

The Framework can be used to enable planning policy and decisions to consider the landscape implications of development plans and proposals. A comprehensive understanding of the East of England landscape, both urban and rural as well as objectives for their future management and an assessment of sensitivity is a valuable tool for achieving sustainable development. It also means that the strategic planning in the East of England can use the framework to help tackle cross-border issues.

Biodiversity

Summary

The East of England Landscape Framework can help guide biodiversity planning. It has been underpinned by analysis of the natural landscape, which gives an indication of potential habitats for creation, and cultural landscape, which helps guide habitat creation that enhances sense of place.

Explanation

The East of England Landscape Framework can help guide biodiversity planning. It has been underpinned by analysis of the natural landscape, which gives an indication of potential habitats for creation, and the cultural landscape, which helps guide habitat creation that enhances sense of place.

The Framework contains character descriptions and a spatial framework for habitat-creation targeting and the design of ecological networks. It has been underpinned by analysis of geology, soils, landform and biodiversity, providing a strategic overview of ecological potential for the creation of different habitat types. The combinations of natural and cultural factors that have influenced Landscape Character Types are often associated with particular habitats. Although this does not limit the choice of habitats suitable for creation it provides a potential focus for targeting conservation resources.

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