Character Assessment

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.   This set out to identify the elements and features that make our landscape distinctive.   This did not include land in the National Parks.   Work is currently progressing to assess the landscape character of the Lake District National Park.   This will complement the work carried out for the rest of Cumbria.

The comprehensive assessment of Cumbria’s landscape character was carried out using methodology published by the Countryside Commission.   It resulted in the production of Cumbria Landscape Classification (CLC), 1995.   This defines the character for 37 landscape types, or sub types, across the County (outside the National Parks).   It sets out the characteristics that make each landscape type distinctive.   This information is now contained in Technical Paper 5 - Landscape Character.

Technical Paper 5 – Landscape Character was produced to support the development of policies for the Joint Structure Plan.   This sets out how the landscape has been characterised 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 and Landscapes of County Importance.   A copy of this can be downloaded below.  

These documents will be incorporated into Strategic Landscape Character Guidance.  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 on this can be downloaded below.

We use the details of the landscape character assessment to achieve high quality developments that are in the right place and that respect and enhance their surroundings.   When development proposals are submitted to us, 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 in sympathy 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.

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.