In its decision-making on applications, the Local Planning Authority will take into account the different roles and character of the various landscape areas in the District, and recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, in order to ensure that any development permitted is suitable for the local context. In doing so regard must be given to the hierarchy of designations as expressed in NPPF 2012 paragraph 113.

At a landscape scale, Braintree is located primarily in the South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland National Character Area and this character assessment is relevant in considering applications for development.

Proposals for new development should be informed by, and be sympathetic to, the character of the landscape as identified in the District Council’s Landscape Character Assessments. Proposals which may impact on the landscape such as settlement edge, countryside or large schemes will be required to include an assessment of their impact on the landscape and should not be detrimental to the distinctive landscape features of the area such as trees, hedges, woodlands, grasslands, ponds and rivers. Development which would not successfully integrate into the local landscape will not be permitted.

Where development is proposed close to existing features, it should be designed and located to ensure that the condition and future retention/management will not be prejudiced but enhanced where appropriate.

Additional landscaping including planting of native species of trees, hedgerows and other flora may be required to maintain and enhance these features.

The restoration and enhancement of the natural environment will be encouraged through:

Development proposals which result in harm to the setting of the AONB will not be permitted.

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.