Landscape Character Assessments (LCA)
Landscape character and its sensitivity to future development
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a tool to assess and identify features and elements that contribute to the character of the landscape. LCAs are used to inform planning policies, the allocation of land for development, the assessment of planning applications and the process of Environmental Assessments.
The
provides an up-to-date assessment for the District. It has replaced the Newbury District Landscape Assessment (1993) and Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment (2003). It sits alongside the , which extends beyond West Berkshire.The sensitivity of the character of the landscape to future development can also be assessed.
2009
In 2009, a Landscape Sensitivity Study was completed for the main towns of West Berkshire in order to inform the most appropriate options for the direction of sustainable growth across the district.
The areas covered were:
2011
In 2011, a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (LSA) was completed for the rural service centres (Burghfield Common, Hungerford, Lambourn, Mortimer, Pangbourne, Theale) and service villages (Aldermaston, Bradfield Southend, Chieveley, Cold Ash, Compton, Great Shefford, Hermitage, Kintbury, Woolhampton) in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
You can read
, orYou can view the individual site reports below:
2014
In 2014, a Landscape Capacity Assessment (LCA) was completed for potential housing sites in the AONB. You can read
of the Assessment.The areas covered were:
2015
In 2015, a Landscape Capacity Assessment (LCA) was carried out for other potential housing sites in, or within the setting of, the AONB.
The areas covered were:
2017
In January 2017, a Stratfield Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), adopted in May 2017.
2020
In November 2020, Landscape Capacity Assessments were carried out for potential housing sites.
The areas covered were:
2021
In September 2021, Landscape Capacity Assessments were carried out for potential housing and employment sites.
The areas covered were:
2022
During 2022, Landscape Capacity Assessments were carried out for potential housing and employment sites.
and set out the methodology used.The areas covered were: