Introduction
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.