Assessing Landscape Sensitivity in Wales
Landscape Sensitivity Assessments are used in spatial planning to help guide development or land management changes to less sensitive landscape locations.
They indicate whether the landscape character would be more susceptible or less susceptible to the type of change and whether that could affect landscape value.
They assist in the strategic planning of infrastructure development - for example, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, and land allocations for housing and employment.
They are carried out at an early stage in planning, usually before specific development proposals and sites come forward. Local Planning Authorities often use them when preparing their Local Development Plans.
Our guidance describes how Landscape Sensitivity Assessments:
- fit into a spatial planning process
- are commissioned carried out or reviewed
Our method is tailored to Wales but follows similar principles to guidance in England and Scotland.
If you have any queries about this guidance, you can contact us at: