Policy GP/LC: Protection and enhancement of landscape character

The

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

landscape is varied with intimate river valleys, open fens, wooded claylands and ridges, and rolling chalk hills.  Built around the banks of the River Cam, Cambridge is a distinctive and iconic historic university city. 

The

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

needs to ensure the varied character of different parts of the area is properly considered in planning decisions. Developments should respond to the local landscape character and take opportunities for enhancement.

The new

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

Landscape Character Assessment (2021) has looked in detail at the physical and human/cultural influences that have shaped the evolution and character of the landscape today.  It has identified 33 different Landscape Character Areas with a distinct local identity and sense of place.  Detailed information is provided about each, including the condition of the landscape, key sensitivities and guidance on landscape management and integrating development into the landscape.

New development can provide opportunities to enhance the landscape, such as improving the edges of settlements. The edges of Cambridge and the villages are an important area of transition which require sensitive landscaping to protect the setting of the settlements and to provide a well-defined edge which respects townscape and the countryside beyond.

In many South Cambridgeshire villages there are locations where a strong countryside character penetrates into the village, or separates two parts of a village. These Important Countryside Frontages, identified in the South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018, are part of village character, and warrant continued protection.  Other important green gaps in the landscape which should be protected and maintained will be identified in the policy.

Responses to the First Conversation highlighted we should require developments to be in keeping with the landscape, informed by Landscape Character Assessments. We should include policies which seek to protect sensitive and valued landscapes.

The plan needs to consider the whole landscape associated with historic Cambridge and the River Cam. It should continue to retain significant green corridors through the urban areas and linking to an enhanced countryside beyond.

This refers to development in its widest sense, including buildings, and streets, spaces and places. It also refers to both redevelopment, including refurbishment, as well as new development.

proposals should consider their impact on views to and from the

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

boundary, and on designated and undesignated heritage assets.

There is also scope to improve the landscape setting of some of the villages.

No Policy – Not considered a reasonable alternative as policy guidance is needed to guide how landscape issues are addressed in planning decisions.

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

  : Topic paper 5: Great Places

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Landscape Character Assessment (2021)

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Strategic Heritage Impact Assessment (2021)

South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018

• Policy NH/1

  Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. You can

  find more information on the Councils’ websites:

  Cambridge: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/conservation-areas 

  South Cambridgeshire: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/natural-historic-and-built-environment/historic-environment/conservation-areas/

  and Green Separation at Longstanton
• Policy NH/2: Protecting and Enhancing Landscape Character
• Policy NH/13: Important Countryside Frontages

Cambridge

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018

• Policy 8: Setting of the city

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.