Local Requirements - Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment

Types of application or development that require this information

• Non householder developments within or adjacent to Bradford Landscape Character Areas

Excluding proposals for:

• Changes of use where no building works are proposed
• External alterations to buildings that create no new floor space

What information is required?

A Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment should be completed to assess the type and scale of development.

The information provided should be appropriate to the scale and nature of the proposed development and generally:

• Assess the susceptibility of the landscape and visual baseline to the specific change as a result of the proposed development.
• Assess the values of the landscape and visual characteristics.
• Combine these to assess landscape sensitivity.
• Where there is potential for adverse landscape or visual effects, a landscape and visual impact assessment will also be required.

Further information

• The Landscape Character Assessment Map is an interactive map showing the different landscape character areas, types and sensitivities. This map should be used in conjunction with the Landscape Character Assessment Supplementary Planning Document to understand the different characteristics of the landscapes within the District. The SPD also provides guidance for managing development and change within these landscapes.
• Landscape Character Assessment Supplementary Planning Document
• National Character Area profiles: data for local decision making
• Landscape and seascape character assessments
• Natural England – An Approach to landscape sensitivity assessment – to inform spatial planning and land management.

Policy driver

• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 12: Achieving well-designed places
• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 15: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
• National Planning Practice Guidance: Landscape
• Core Strategy - Policy SC1: Overall Approach and Key Spatial Priorities
• Core Strategy - Policy SC3: Working Together
• Core Strategy - Policy SC4: Hierarchy of Settlements
• Core Strategy - Policy SC6: Green Infrastructure
• Core Strategy - Sub Area Policy: AD1, WD1, PN1;
• Core Strategy - Policy EN3: Historic Environment;
• Core Strategy - Policy EN4: Landscape; Policy
• Core Strategy - Policy EN5: Trees and Woodland;
• Core Strategy - Policy EN6: Energy;
• Core Strategy - Policy EN9: New and Extended Minerals Extraction Sites
• Core Strategy - Policy EN11: Sand, Gravel, Fireclay, Coal and Hydrocarbons
• Core Strategy - Policy DS2: Working with the Landscape
• Core Strategy - Policy DS3: Urban Character.
• Supplementary Planning Document - Landscape Character Assessment.