Introduction

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.