Landscape Policy

Local Development Framework

The Landscape Team help to determine policies which have an impact on the built and natural environment.

Landscape Architects work closely with planners and influence the development of the Local Development Framework (LDF), particularly with regard to the balance of green space and built form. They identify urban renewal opportunities, transport network improvements and renewable energy opportunities.

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure is the network of natural environmental components and green and blue spaces that lie within and between the North West's cities, towns and villages which provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. Green Infrastructure North West.

The Landscape Team is aiming to develop a Green Infrastructure plan for Cheshire East for incorporation in the Local Development Framework (LDF), identifying both existing infrastructure and identifying ‘green’ and ‘blue’ infrastructure for protection and enhancement and to promote improvement opportunities.

Urban design policy

Urban design is concerned with the physical and social quality of settlements. It is important to make sure that new development does not have an adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

Certain criteria relating to amenity, design, access, infrastructure and resources must be met before development takes place. The Landscape Team assists with the determination of the best location and organisation of the different development types, incorporating housing strategy, urban design, landscape character assessment and with reference to relevant planning policies, planning constraints, parish plans, conservation areas, conservation area appraisals and design guidance, such as the Manual for Streets.

The Manual for Streets

The Manual for Streets is a joint publication produced by the Department for Transport and Communities and Local Government. It is expected to be used predominantly for the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new residential streets, but it is also applicable to existing residential streets subject to re-design.It aims to assist in the creation of high quality residential streets that:

• build and strengthen communities
• balance the needs of all users
• form part of a well-connected network
• create safe and attractive places which have their own identity
• are cost-effective to construct and maintain.

The Manual for Streets in four consecutive sections: 

• Manual for Streets Part 1 (PDF, 1MB)
• Manual for Streets Part 2 PDF, 1MB)
• Manual for Streets Part 3 PDF, 2MB)
• Manual for Streets Part 4 (PDF, 2MB)

From time to time, specific policy documents are produced such as public realm strategies.

Landscape character

A Landscape Character Assessment has been completed for Cheshire; this replaces the original Cheshire County Council Landscape Assessment of 1994. It provides an overview of the Landscape of Cheshire East and is used to inform responsible land use, decision making, as well as complying with planning policy guidance.

The Landscape Team is aiming to develop a landscape Character Strategy as a guide for existing landscape protection and future design and management. This strategy will be based on landscape character assessment of both built and open environments.

A Landscape Assessment of Congleton at district level was also completed for what was previously the Congleton borough in 1999.

Page last reviewed: 10 October 2017