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: 06 November 2024