 Contents
1.1 Background to the Study
The Landscape Character Assessment coverage for Hampshire is one of the
most developed in the country. The Borough-wide Landscape Character Assessment
for Test Valley Borough Council was originally undertaken in 1996 and
has served the borough well since that time. However, this document preceded
the publication of Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England
and Scotland 2002[1] and The Hampshire Landscape: a strategy
for the Future in 2000. These two documents advance the requirements
of modern Landscape Character Assessments in Hampshire towards a much
greater integration of landscape, ecological, historical and cultural
aspects of the landscape, and consideration of the significance of settlements
within the landscape, and tranquillity. The importance of public participation
was recognised and has since been developed in the county, largely based
on the involvement of communities of interest and local communities of
place groups.
1999 also saw the publication of the Hampshire Historic Landscape
Assessment, which has informed Landscape Character Assessments undertaken
by other districts since that time. Most recently, Hampshire County Council
have looked in greater detail at the contribution of habitat diversity
in informing landscape characterisation.
There was therefore a need to update the Test Valley Landscape Character
Assessment, in line with current best practice and the approach taken
by the County, Hampshire boroughs and districts and the North Wessex Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Countryside Agency and Hampshire County Council felt that ordinary
members of the public were not as yet being adequately involved. The renewal
of the Landscape Character Assessement provided an opportunity to pilot
a new method of reaching the general public, combined with the need to
bring Test Valley Borough’s landscape assessment up to date, in
line with the new guidance and current practice within Hampshire.
The Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment is a district
wide assessment, which sits within the framework of the national and county
Landscape Character Assessments and compliments the neighbouring district
wide assessments. It is designed to support the emerging Borough Local
Plan and the Main Report Volume 1 is to be adopted as Supplementary Planning
Guidance.
Top 1.2 Engaging Local
Communities
A recent study undertaken in Hampshire[2] indicated that the attitudes
of many local residents to the landscape may not accord with the accepted
and often unchallenged views expressed through the public participation
process in the past. It also demonstrated that there is a very mixed level
of understanding of the pressing issues affecting the landscape. In the
past there has been greater emphasis in involving organisations, interest
groups and representatives of elected bodies. Their contribution remains
invaluable but the processes adopted failed to bring out what local people,
unaffiliated to interest groups and organisations, felt about the landscape
on their doorstep.
The Test Valley Community Landscape Project has sought to put in place
a means to engage local people and bring their views, using their own
words, into identifying landscape character distinctions within the borough
and the important characteristics of each character area. To this end
a series of local residents’ focus meetings were held across the
borough right at the early stages of the project. With members of the
study team attending all these meetings, and a prompt report back to the
team by the organisers, Miller Associates, the views of those who attended
informed the definition and description of the landscape character types
and character areas.
Test Valley Borough Council undertook a wide preliminary consultation
exercise in Autumn 2003, distributing a summary of the key aspects of
the landscape character types and character areas to organisations, interest
groups, representatives of elected bodies, those who commented on rural
aspects of the Initial Deposit Draft Borough Local Plan 2004 and a group
of the local residents from the first focus group meeting.
A workshop was subsequently held in November attended by representatives
from the residents’ focus groups and invited members of local interest
groups. The responses from the wider consultation and the workshop led
to a refinement of the classification and description of the borough landscape
and the strategies and guidelines for the management and planning of the
countryside.
The continuing involvement of the local residents throughout the assessment
process has demonstrated that the general public do indeed see the landscape
in which they live in a very different light to professionals and those
with an active interest in the landscape. It also identified the difficulties
of communicating the process of Landscape Character Assessment to the
general public. However, the participation exercises showed that local
people would like to be consulted, can use the techniques of Landscape
Character Assessment to better understand and articulate their perceptions
of the landscape and wish to contribute to the development of landscape
planning and management policies.
Top 1.3 Objectives of
the Test Valley Community Landscape Project
The aim of the project has been to provide a clear framework to guide
the future development and management of the borough landscape in order
to ensure that the distinctive character of the borough is retained and
change is accommodated in a positive way to the benefit of the people
who live and work in the borough, the ecological and historical value
of the borough and the overall condition of the landscape.
The prime objectives of the study have been as follows:
To involve the general public, as well as stakeholders, in the Landscape
Character Assessment process in a practical and valuable way;
To develop greater public awareness of issues affecting the landscape
and identify the real values the public attach to the landscape;
To produce a Landscape Character Assessment that can be readily understood
by both the public and professionals and within which the characteristics
of the landscape are clearly identified;
To use this process of better understanding and communication to enable
the public and stakeholders to effectively inform the identification of
influences on the landscape, management strategies and planning policy;
To ensure a fully integrated approach to characterisation informed by
using landscape, ecological, historical and cultural assessments and weaving
them together to define landscape types and landscape character areas;
To recognise fully the role of settlement character in determining the
landscape form and the modern intimate relationship between the built
form and its inhabitants and the surrounding rural landscape;
To assist in the conservation, enhancement and restoration of a viable
and healthy landscape within the Test Valley borough through landscape
management guidelines;
To assist in the conservation, enhancement and restoration of the landscape
through well founded planning policies;
To inform the emerging Borough Local Plan;
To use the process to identify areas that require further work.
Top 1.4
Summary of Methodology
The methodology adopted for the Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment
follows the guidance set out in Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance
for England and Scotland 2002. The methodology however differs in
some respects from that adopted by other Hampshire districts and boroughs.
A full description of the methodology can be found in Volume 4 to this
report.
Key aspects of the methodology were to:
Undertake a detailed review of the study area through overlay mapping,
desk studies, background knowledge of the area, review of the 1996 Test
Valley study;
Achieve compatibility with the existing Hampshire County landscape,
historic landscape and ecological assessments and refinement to more detailed
level;
Achieve compatibility with the North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape
Character Assessment and adjacent Landscape Character Assessments including
those in Hampshire and other adjoining authorities;
Undertake consultations at different stages of the project with key
individuals and organisations to assist the project team in understanding
the local landscape character and forces for change;
Ensure extensive liaison with local residents and local interest groups
to draw upon local knowledge and perceptions;
Employ the Landscape Consultant as a co-ordinator, bringing together
public perceptions of the landscape with landscape, ecology, historical
and cultural assessments of the landscape to determine and describe landscape
types and landscape character areas, to evaluate the landscape and set
out broad management strategies;
Prepare a report that reflects the stakeholders process. The Draft report,
maps and illustrations and presentation to the focus groups and stakeholder
workshop are designed to be clearly understood at a lay level, backed
by technical information.
At all times the study was approached with the aim of obtaining
a greater understanding of local perceptions of the landscape and reflecting
these in the assessment and the final report. The methodology was also
developed to reflect the intention to adopt the Main Report Volume 1 as
Supplementary Planning Guidance and provide supporting evidence to ensure
that the Borough Local Plan Review complied with the Landscape Character
Assessment requirements of PPG7 and PPG1.
Top 1.5 Structure of
the Report
The Report is set out in four volumes. Volume 1 brings together the
results of the separate studies into the landscape, ecology, history and
community perceptions. It summarises the Borough-wide characteristics
of the landscape and the influences on the formation of the past and present
landscape. It goes onto classify the Borough into twelve landscape character
types (LCTs) which are defined by their overriding geology, landform,
and landscape pattern. Each landscape character type is further classified
into forty distinctive landscape character areas (LCAs) where local features
define a specific identity.
Volume 1 is set out as follows:
Section One: Introduction sets out the background
to the study, its objectives, a summary of the methodology and the structure
of the Reports.
Section Two: Formative Influences on the Landscape sets out
the main influences that have created the landscape we see today across
Test Valley Borough. These include physical influences
(geology, soils and agriculture, landform and hydrology, climate, ecology
and vegetation) and the human influences (historic landscape
character, historic settlement pattern, historical periods, cultural and
community values). Social and economic influences are set out in the next
section under Forces for Change.
Section Three: Forces for Change – Borough-wide
identifies the main forces of change to the landscape of the Borough.
It looks at the main aspects of national, regional and local policy and
guidance that will affect the future of the countryside and looks in more
detail at the main social and economic forces for change found to affect
the Borough. This section has drawn extensively from national, county
and local sources and from the responses of consultees. A bibliography
of sources and list of consultees is to be found in Volume 4 (Appendices)
of this report.
Section Four: The Character of the Test Valley sets out the
characteristics for each landscape character type identifying the landscape,
ecological historical and community perceptions and requirements for each
type. These are key aspects that are common to all the character areas
within the character type and are not repeated in the character area descriptions
and guidelines. Each type is followed by the landscape character areas
within that type with detailed assessment reflecting the distinctive characteristics
of the particular area.
Volume 2 is set out as follows:
Section Five: Strategies and Guidelines for Landscape Character
Areas sets out landscape strategies for each landscape character
area and guidelines for land management and the built form.
Volume 3 contains the ‘Report on Community and Stakeholder
Involvement in the Landscape Character Assessment Process,’ and
examines the benefits and advantages of the methodology adopted for this
study.
Volume 4 contains the supporting appendices and includes a
bibliography, Historic Landscape Character Assessment, ecological study
and methodology.
Top 1.6 How to Use the
Study
The Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment is designed to be used
as a live document which will advise the planning process and land management
within the Test Valley Borough.
Government guidance in PPG7 and PPG1 makes it clear that changes within
the countryside should respect and enhance the distinctive character of
the land and built environment. This can only realistically be achieved
if those responsible for changes, developers, landowners, farmers, government
and local government bodies, have ready access to clear guidance on what
makes each area distinctive and how this can be respected and enhanced.
This Report sets out that guidance for the Test Valley Borough.
Users of this study are advised that we have tried to avoid unnecessary
repetition and therefore it is essential to read the relevant text for
both the landscape character type and character area within which the
land, which is of interest, falls. The landscape character type sets out
the characteristics and guidance common to all areas within the type.
The area specific details are set out under each landscape character area.
Context and details of background studies can be found in Section
Two and the Main Report Volume 4 (Appendices).
For clarification, we have adopted the following approach to our classification
and assessment.
Landscape classification is central to Landscape Character Assessment
and is concerned with dividing the landscape into areas of distinct, recognisable
and consistent common character, grouping areas of similar character together3.
For the Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment the Borough
has been divided into Landscape Character Types (LCTs). Each LCT has been
sub divided into distinctive Landscape Character Areas (LCAs).
Landscape Character Types (LCTs) are generic in nature,
in that they may occur in different parts of the country, but wherever
they occur they share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography,
drainage patterns, vegetation, historical landuse and settlement pattern.
Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) are units of landscape, which
are geographically specific and have their own individual sense of place.
These are particularly useful in planning and management terms so that
appropriate policies or actions can be applied at a local level.
In 1993, Hampshire County Council defined a range of generic Landscape
Character Types for the rural areas of Hampshire, divided into two broad
groupings: the Chalklands and Lowland Mosaic. Within the Test Valley Borough,
these two groupings were subdivided into a total of eight county level
Landscape Character Types. These eight types have been examined in more
detail and refined, resulting in a more detailed locally specific classification
of subdivisions, boundaries and characteristics which are summarised under
the Key Characteristics for each LCA. The classification also reflects
the Landscape Character Assessments of adjacent LCTs and LCAs outside
Test Valley.
By looking at the forces of change within the Test Valley, such as agricultural
policy, the future of Andover, demand for wind farms and access to the
countryside, the study identifies the Key Issues and Local Issues affecting
each LCT and LCA.
An understanding of the characteristics and main issues in each character
area provides the basis for an overall Strategy and more detailed Guidelines,
contained within Volume 2, which are designed to retain and strengthen
the distinctive landscape character (landscape, biodiversity, history
and culture) of each character area, protect each area from inappropriate
changes and identify specific improvements to the features of the landscape.
The Guidelines are sub-divided into two categories: Land Management and
Land Use and Development.
Community Involvement: This report includes a summary
of local community views (Section 2) and notes within each landscape character
area. The results of the community participation exercises were used to
inform the strategies and guidelines (Volume 2). A full report on the
community involvement project can be found in ‘Test Valley Community
Landscape Project: Report on Community and Stakeholder Involvement in
the Landscape Character Assessment Process.’ March 2004 (Volume
3).
Built Form: This includes a general description of
the locally distinctive building materials and building style. It is not
intended to guide new built form. Further details will be included in
Village Design Statements which can be informed by the Landscape Character
Assessment.
Key Characteristics: These are the features that distinguish
a landscape character area. They will include the main features of the
landscape type (distinctive geology, topography, vegetation) and locally
distinctive features. They will include commonly repeated features of
the landscape and single features that have an important influence in
defining local sense of place.
Natural and Cultural Landscape Issues: These include
live issues that are anticipated to influence future change in the landscape.
Some are a continuation of current changes whilst others are potential
issues arising from new or expanding forces of change. The Issues are
identified from professional sources and the perceptions of the local
community and may have either a beneficial or adverse effect on the landscape.Guidelines:
The Guidelines are set out in Volume 2 which will not be included as Supplementary
Planning Guidance. They set out recommendations for each landscape character
area, based on the natural and cultural landscape characteristics of each
area, in order to conserve, enhance and create a healthy and locally distinctive
landscape across the Borough.
Proposed New Forest National Park: At the time of preparation
the final decision on the boundaries to the National Park had not been
made. It is not expected that the part of the Borough which lies within
the New Forest Heritage Area will be significantly effected by the decision.
However inclusion of the area proposed by Test Valley Borough, up to the
A27, may have a long term affect on the landscape of that area.
Urban Areas: the urban areas have been considered as
a part of the Settlement Analysis (Volume 4: Appendices) but a townscape
character assessment has not been undertaken for each urban area. We have
however examined the historic development of the towns and shown the underlying
landscape character area within which the settlement lies.
Top 1.7 Project Steering
Group
The Project Steering Group consisted of:
David Carman – Hampshire County Council
Peter Phillips and Jill Colclough – Test Valley Borough Council
Amanda Mathews – Countryside Agency
The Project Steering Group were supported by Linda Tartaglia-Kershaw
- Hampshire County Council and Maddy Winter and Steve Lees - Test Valley
Borough Council.
KLPC, Giffords and Countryscape would like to acknowledge the help and
support provided by Steering Group members and other members of staff
at Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council throughout
the study. We also acknowledge the contribution made to the Test Valley
Community Landscape Project by Miller Associates who were responsible
for managing the focus group meetings and the stakeholder workshop.
Footnotes
- Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland.
The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. 2002
- Rural Focus Groups Study 2002 Hampshire County Council and Miller
Associates
- Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland.
The Countryside Agency and Scottish Heritage. 2002
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