Protection of the Landscape

10.8 Landscape contributes significantly to the identity of the area, providing the setting for everyday life in the village, town and the countryside. The distinctiveness of the local landscape character is reflected in the local topography, pattern of tree cover, field size and shape, nature of boundaries, form of settlement and building materials.

10.9 There is no national landscape designation in St Edmundsbury, but Special Landscape Areas cover the Little Ouse Valley, Lark Valley and the Brecks, the area south of Bury St Edmunds including Ickworth Park and the historic parklands at Ampton, Culford, Euston and Hengrave. The Landscape Character Assessment, currently being prepared by Suffolk County Council, will be used to inform future planning decisions. The Borough Council, when considering development proposals, will have regard to the special landscape characteristics of each area, especially those designated as Special Landscape Areas. Proposals for development in Special Landscape Areas must reflect the sensitivity of the location in terms of type of activity, siting and appearance.

10.10 Landscape features: Trees contribute significantly to the visual quality of the locality, the variety of the landscape and the biodiversity of the borough. Of particular botanical and ecological importance are the remaining pockets of ancient woodland in the borough including the nationally renowned Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve. The Borough Council has a duty under planning legislation to ensure tree and woodland preservation wherever it is appropriate.

10.11 There is considerable scope for improving the landscape around built up areas and the adjoining countryside. It is important to reduce the visual intrusion of development and to protect and enhance the landscape features of the area.

10.12 Historic field systems, river valleys, watercourses, ponds, hedgerows, hedge banks, historic parks, walls, green lanes and ancient woodland are amongst the features which add to the richness and character of the countryside. Areas and sites of importance include Stour Valley and Brecks, Clare Castle and Knettishall Heath. The Borough Council will seek to protect existing landscape features and, where appropriate, will encourage landowners to provide additional planting and habitat using native species as part of new development proposals.

POLICY NE3: PROTECTION OF THE LANDSCAPE

Development will be permitted only where:

• a) It does not have an adverse impact on features of wildlife, semi-natural habitat, historic features, landscape and amenity value, including Special Landscape Areas (as defined on the Proposal map), and protects them during construction;
  b) It includes the retention and new planting of trees, hedgerows and woodland through the submission of a landscape scheme giving full details of planting species, species mix and plant specifications; and
  c) Suitable compensatory provision is made in the event of unavoidable loss.

Developers will be required to submit, where appropriate, landscaping schemes concurrently with applications for planning permission and approval of reserved matters. A landscaping scheme should include the following details as appropriate:

• i) an accurate site survey indicating the species, condition, position and size of trees and other features of wildlife, landscape and amenity value, clearly indicating any trees and/or features to be removed;
• ii) a planting scheme showing the species and features to be provided and details of materials and management intended to aid establishment;
  iii) means of protecting trees and other features of wildlife, landscape and amenity value during development;
  iv) accurately plotted existing and proposed site levels supported by cross sections indicating effects on trees where appropriate;
  v) a soil survey indicating details of soil shrinkage potential;
  vi) a schedule of maintenance operations for a 5 year period and details of land to be offered for adoption; and
  vii) hard landscaping including paving, surfacing, lighting, fencing, walling (including retaining walls) and other means of enclosure.

For the purposes of this policy, features of wildlife, landscape and amenity value are defined as: trees, hedgerows, hedgebanks, watercourses, open water, heathland, wetland, grassland, woodland, green lanes and parkland.