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A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire - An Introduction
Using The Strategy Effectively
The Strategy can be used by everyone with an interest in the planning, design and management of landscapes. This includes those responsible for strategic policy development at the county councils and government bodies such as the Forestry Commission and the Countryside Agency, development control planners and developers, countryside managers and local communities.
Local Community Action
Local people are particularly well placed to understand and interpret the landscapes which form part of their daily lives. Their knowledge is increasingly in demand by amenity groups and professionals alike. Local communities can take action for positive landscape conservation and enhancement by:
Newly Laid Hedge
Understanding the local landscape - the Landscape Strategy can be
used as a basis for increasing understanding of the landscape by carrying
out a detailed local landscape character assessment, through a Parish
Maps project or local historical research. (Contacts: Community Council,
Parish Council, County or District Council)
Newly Created Wetland Ulnes Walton
Monitoring the landscape - the Landscape Strategy suggests a methodology
for measuring how landscape is changing and whether strategies are working
in a positive way. Local communities can play an important role in this
process e.g. by hedgerow and boundary wall surveys, monitoring the condition
of traditional buildings and trees and woodland. (Contacts: County or
District Council)
Tree Planting Extending and Linking Existing Woodland Fringing River Floodplain
Influencing developers and the planning process - the Landscape
Strategy can be used to help develop a Village Design Statement (VDS)
which sets out the community's views on how the character of their local
settlement might be conserved and enhanced through future built development,
the provision of open space etc. Once approved VDS becomes a material
consideration in all planning applications within the area concerned
- developers and local landowners can be required to demonstrate how
their proposals are designed to reflect local landscape character. (Contacts:
The Countryside Agency, Community Council)
Promoting positive landscape change - local groups can use the strategies
and recommendations set out in the Landscape Strategy to promote positive change
in their local landscape and give support and gain funding for schemes such as
Local Heritage Initiatives or practical conservation and enhancement projects
such as a pond restoration, woodland or hedgerow planting or drystone wall repairs.
(Contacts: County or District Council, The Countryside Agency, Community Council,
Wildlife Trust)