Landscape Character

to the landscape. BGL6 - Landscape Character Chilterns National Landscape 1) The Chilterns National Landscape is a nationally important landscape designation, and development proposals are expected to conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty within the area, its cultural significance and wildlife habitats. There is a presumption against major development (10 dwellings or more, or greater than 0.5ha) in the National Landscape unless it can be demonstrated that there are exceptional circumstances and the development is in the public interest. In the case of National Landscapes, whether a development constitutes a ‘major development’ is not limited to the 10 dwelling threshold and will be assessed on a site-by-site basis, taking account of the nature and scale of the proposal and its relation to the local context and whether it could have a significant adverse impact on the purposes of the National Landscape designation. Planning permission will be granted for development within the Chilterns National Landscape only if the proposal: a) conserves and enhances the special qualities, distinctive character and natural features which contribute to the National Landscape and the overall purpose of the National Landscape designation; b) has regard to the Chilterns National Landscape Management Plan, Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and supplementary technical notes by being of high-quality design which respects the natural beauty of the Chilterns and its traditional built character, and reinforces the sense of place and local character; c) avoids adverse impacts from individual proposals and any cumulative effects, unless these can be satisfactorily mitigated; d) does not harm important views into, out of or within the National Landscape; and e) submits a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment where the development is within the National Landscape area or will likely affect its setting. Landscape Regions/Character Areas 2) Proposals that have an impact on the distinctive landscape character in which they are set will be required to demonstrate that they have taken into consideration the key characteristics, attributes and sensitivities of the landscape typology in which the proposed development is to be located, together with the landscape guidelines set out in the Hertfordshire Landscape Character Assessments for Three Rivers. The council will support proposals that: a) Lead to the removal or a reduction in the impact of existing structures and land uses that are detrimental to the visual quality of the landscape b) Enhance public access and recreation opportunities without detriment to the landscape or wildlife c) Contribute to the delivery of Green Infrastructure d) Contribute to the measures identified in the Hertfordshire Landscape Strategy to strengthen, reinforce, safeguard, manage, improve, restore and reconstruct landscapes. 3) When considering proposals for development which may affect the management of an area or particular feature of the landscape, details of management proposals to protect and enhance the contribution of the site to the wider landscape will be required. Reasoned Justification 9.76 Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), as they have been known since their inception in 1949, have been elevated to National Landscapes to place them alongside their larger and more well -known counterpart National Parks, to highlight their equal place in the country’s aims around health, wellbeing, sustainable public access, climate change and nature recovery. 9.77 New development should conserve and enhance the special character and natural beauty of the National Landscapes. Proposals should also protect the setting of the National Landscapes and safeguard views into and out of the area. The areas of the district within the Chilterns National Landscape are shown on the policy map. 9.78 The NPPF sets out that great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty of National Landscapes. The requirement for Local Plans to reflect National Landscape designations is set in legislation with the 2023 Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (s245) and subsequent 2024 Government guidance, placing a duty on public bodies preparing a Local Plan to further the purposes of the National Landscape. 9.79 The Chilterns National Landscape Management Plan can be found at https://www.chilterns.org.uk/what-we-do/future-proofing-the-chilterns/management- plan/ 9.80 There are a variety of landscape character areas for which assessments have been produced identifying key characteristics and influences. A Landscape Strategy has also been produced which includes suggestions for managing future change. Further details can be obtained from: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling- waste-and-environment/landscape/landscape-character-assessment.aspx 9.81 The council will seek to ensure that development complements the surrounding local landscape of Three Rivers as identified in the current Local Character Assessments, through siting, layout, design, appearance and landscaping of development. When preparing applications consideration should be given to: • The development pattern of the area, its historical and ecological qualities, tranquillity and sensitivity to change • The pattern of woodlands, fields, hedgerows, trees, waterbodies, walls and other feature • The topography of the area. 9.82 Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Landscape Character Assessments for information in relation to these matters and the council’s Trees and Landscape Strategy. 9.83 For developments in or near the Chilterns National Landscape, the council will have regard to the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and Supplementary Technical Notes on Chilterns building materials (flint, brick and roofing materials). These provide further information on