Landscape and development
Landscape includes all outdoor space and features. Landscapes can grow food and natural habitats, store water and carbon, and support infrastructure. They can also provide enjoyable views, tranquillity, and the sense of continuity of life which supports our well-being.
If you are considering changing how you use land, or changing an existing surface, structure or building, you will affect the landscape and the people who use it.
Development effects
When you apply for planning permission, the landscape and visual effects of your proposed development will be assessed according to the degree of impact it has on the landscape itself and on users of the landscape.
Some developments have greater or more significant effects than others due to their scale or type. For example, a new road will change more land contours than an extension on a house, or a new factory might create more heavy vehicle movement, noise and artificial light than an office building.
All planning proposals should be designed to protect or enhance landscape.
Assessing development applications
We will assess your application with reference to:
SE1 - Design
SE2 - Natural Resources
SE4 - Landscape
SE6 - Green Infrastructure
SE13 - Flood Risk and Water Management
SE15 - Peak District National Park Fringe
ENV 3 - Landscape Character
ENV 4 - River Corridors
ENV 5 - Landscaping
We will also refer to:
Public landscape mapping
Landscape Character Areas (LCAs), Local Landscape Designation Areas (LLDAs) and site constraints such as historic environment areas and tree preservation orders (TPO) can be viewed on our interactive map.
Professional help
You can find professional landscape advice and design services the on Landscape Institute’s directory of registered landscape architects.
Advice includes:
- mitigation
- planning application
- construction
- aftercare
- maintenance
Page last reviewed: 09 April 2024
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