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Landscape Character Assessment

Landscape character is the distinct set of elements that makes a landscape recognisable. It is what gives it a unique ‘sense of place’.

Landscape character assessment (LCA):

  • the process of mapping, classifying and describing the patterns and variations which contribute to the character of a landscape.

The European Landscape Convention (ELC):

  • came into effect in the UK in March 2007,
  • is adopted and promoted by the Council of Europe.

The ELC definition of landscape:

“Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.”

Following the introduction of the ELC, a broader approach to ‘landscape’ has been pursued at a national level. It's principle is that all landscapes matter, regardless of location or condition. The ELC makes it clear that landscapes do not stop at urban boundaries.

The LCA report presents a description and evaluation of the landscape of Darlington. It provides part of the evidence base for forthcoming development planning documents.

No previous landscape character assessment has been carried out for the Borough of Darlington. As a result there is a perceived gap in the available evidence on landscape character/landscape sensitivity.

In particular, the report has been commissioned to inform a review of potential housing sites. The findings of the LCA are more widely applicable to a range of land use planning policies and decisions.

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