Policy information sourced from the Central Befordshire Local Plan

EE5: Landscape Character and Value

In order to safeguard intrinsic character, scenic beauty and perceptual qualities of the landscape such as tranquillity, all development proposals will need to have regard to the key characteristics and sensitivities of the site and its setting, as set out in the Central Bedfordshire Landscape Character Assessment.

All major development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they incorporate landscape enhancement, in accordance with the guidelines in the LCA, the Central Bedfordshire Design Guide and other relevant documents for specific areas. This includes the Chilterns AONB, Forest of Marston Vale and the Greensand Ridge Nature Improvement Area. Landscape and visual appraisal will be expected to support planning applications and, include the assessment of local landscape character and views.

All development will be required to respect, retain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of the local landscape by:

  1. Reflecting the local character and distinctiveness in terms of the scale and pattern of the surrounding landscape and existing settlement form; and
  2. Integrating on-site mitigation sympathetic to local character in scale with the landscape setting as well as the scale of the development.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan