Landscape

329. The Hampshire landscape has great variety. However, the changes brought about by modern agriculture and development have had a negative effect on local distinctiveness and biodiversity. The authorities recognise the need to provide a framework for countryside conservation which acknowledges the inevitability of changes necessary to maintain a healthy rural economy, but also makes allowance for the human and economic value of retaining an attractive and varied landscape.

E6 To ensure that development maintains and enhances areas of distinctive landscape character, local planning polices will pay particular regard to:

(a) the need to respect scenic quality, sense of remoteness and historic landscapes;

(b) the sense of place, including the local character of buildings and settlements; and

(c) the setting of settlements;

in the whole countryside.

330. The 11 Landscape Character Areas shown in Figure 3 opposite are described in the Hampshire Landscape Strategy : a Strategy for the Future. This sets out aims and guidelines to conserve and enhance the countryside areas throughout Hampshire, and provides a framework for all those involved in shaping the landscape of the future.

331. There is a wide variety of character because of geology, ecology, archaeology and land management practices. This variety needs to be respected. The intrinsic qualities of the rural landscape, the seasonal and cyclic patterns, the absence of urban influences and the quietness of the more remote areas are fundamental to the experience and the tradition of the countryside. The public perception of the value of these special qualities is reinforced by the contrast with the greater activity, disturbance and noise associated with urban areas and their surroundings. It is important that this rural resource is not undermined by a gradual introduction of urban characteristics and activities, and that a clear distinction is maintained between countryside and town.

332. National guidance is placing an increasing emphasis on countryside conservation based on landscape assessment. Attention is focusing on local distinctiveness and individuality within the landscape, acknowledging differences of character rather than attempting to evaluate quality. The recognition of the particular attributes and subtleties of the different local landscapes will enable local planning authorities to resist the erosion of landscape quality by inappropriate development and ensure that, in responding to continually changing circumstances, development remains in keeping with the character of the local landscape.

E7 In determining proposals for development within or adjacent to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape will be a major consideration whilst having regard to the economic and social well-being of the area.

Any development which would have a significant adverse effect on the natural beauty, character and quality of the landscape will not be permitted.

Major industrial or commercial developments will not be permitted unless:

(i) there is proven national interest;

(ii) it can be demonstrated that there are no other alternative sites available; and

(iii) the bulk of the buildings, siting, layout, design and materials are in sympathy with the local environment.

333. At a national level, the statutory designation Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) recognises areas of landscape importance. The designation applies policies and controls which favour the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the countryside and carry a stronger presumption against damaging development than other landscape designations. In terms of their landscape quality, AONBs and National Parks are equivalent. AONBs therefore share, with National Parks, the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.

E8 Development should avoid or minimise any adverse effect that proposals would have on woodlands, trees and hedgerows. Where appropriate, proposals should include new woodland, tree and hedgerow planting, and management proposals to conserve and enhance existing features.

334. Woodlands, trees and hedgerows are an integral part of the character and quality of much of Hampshire's traditional landscape. The varied distribution and the particular species groups help to create the variety of character in the Hampshire landscape. The protection, enhancement and management of woodlands, trees and hedgerows is essential to the health and continuity of this rich natural heritage.

E9 The quality of the environment along major road and rail corridors will be conserved or enhanced. Development proposals should avoid or minimise any adverse effects on the quality of the environment along major road and rail corridors.

335. Every day, Hampshire's roads and railways are used by many people. The character of the environment along these routes is important, not only because of the impression created for those people, but also because it can help contain and reduce the impact of the routes themselves. Equally important is the way in which the routes respect the local character of the landscape and settlements through which they pass.

336. Local planning authorities will make every effort, when deciding on individual planning applications and by promoting policies and proposals in local plans, to ensure that the views from these routes are conserved and enhanced. The authorities, in partnership with local authorities and others will initiate a programme of enhancement along selected routes.