In order to understand our landscape’s character, and manage future change we carried out a detailed landscape character assessment in the mid 1990’s.   The Lake District National Park Authority published its Landscape Character Assessment and Guidelines in September 2008.   This complements the work carried out for the rest of Cumbria.

The Cumbria Landscape Classification (CLC) 1995 defines the character for 37 landscape types and sub types, across the County (outside the National Parks).   It sets out the characteristics that make each landscape type distinctive.   This information was refined and published in Technical Paper 5 - Landscape Character.

Technical Paper 5 – Landscape Character was produced to support the development of policies for the Joint Structure Plan and includes the results of the CLC and information on Landscapes of County Importance and Historic Landscape Characterisation.   It also includes maps defining the landscape character types.   A copy of this and its associated maps can be downloaded below.

Cumbria Landscape Character Guidance and Toolkit

The above documents are being reviewed and incorporated into the Cumbria Landscape Character Guidance and Toolkit.  This is being developed in partnership with the Cumbrian local planning authorities to help devise landscape character policy in the emerging Local Development Frameworks.  A project brief and newsletter on this can be downloaded below.

The toolkit will encourage the use of landscape character assessments to achieve high quality developments that are built in the right place and that respect and enhance their surroundings.   When development proposals are put forward, often for major schemes such as minerals, waste and wind energy developments, consideration will usually need to be given to their impact on landscape character.   Developers may provide this information through an Environmental Statement, based on a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment.   We can then assess the effect a proposal has on the character and distinctive features of a particular landscape using the above documents and site visits.   We aim to ensure that proposals enhance or are compatible with local landscape character.

Some of the distinctive features we look at when assessing character and development impacts include;

• built features – traditional farmhouses, barns, walls, etc.
• natural features – hedges, woodlands, hay meadows, wetlands, valleys, fells, rivers etc.
• cultural features – land use and management, settlement patterns, field enclosure etc.

Cumbrian Landscape Survey and Workshops

As part of developing the toolkit we sought views on landscape issues during Spring 2009.  

Workshops seeking views on our existing landscape character descriptions and management guidelines were held across the county in June and July and online comments were sought during August and September 2009.  Click here to find out more.

A copy of Cumbria Landscape Classification is available to buy for £10.   To order a copy please send a cheque made payable to Cumbria County Council, to Hazel Hayton-Swindle, County Offices, Kendal, LA9 4RQ.

For more information on guidance and methodology for assessing landscape character and the impact of development on the landscape follow the links below.