The following method was used to identify any landscapes of high value that potentially merit policy protection through LLD. An essential element in reviewing and proposing areas for LLD is the adoption of a consistent systematic and transparent process.

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Relevant guidance

Natural England’s recommended ’Approach to Landscape Character Assessment’ (2014) [See reference [i]] includes a definition of ‘Landscape Value’ in Annex 1, stated as:

“The relative value or importance attached to a landscape… which expresses national or local consensus, because of its quality, special qualities including perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness, cultural associations or other conservation issues”.

The methodology draws specifically on the Landscape Institute’s Technical Guidance Note 02/21 (TGN 02/21) on ‘Assessing landscape value outside national designations’, which is the current best practice guidance. This publication includes a helpful summary of the range of factors that can be considered when identifying landscape value. These are:

• Natural heritage – landscape with clear evidence of ecological, geological, geomorphological or physiographic interest which contribute positively to the landscape.
• Cultural heritage – landscape with clear evidence of archaeological, historical or cultural interest which contribute positively to the landscape.
• Landscape condition – landscape which is in a good physical state both with regard to individual elements and overall landscape structure.
• Associations – landscape which is connected with notable people, events and the arts.
• Distinctiveness – landscape that has a strong sense of identity.
• Recreational – landscape offering recreational opportunities where experience of landscape is important.
• Perceptual (Scenic) – landscape that appeals to the senses, primarily the visual sense.
• Perceptual (Wildness and tranquillity) – landscape with a strong perceptual value notably wildness, tranquillity and/or dark skies.
• Functional – landscape which performs a clearly identifiable and valuable function, particularly in the healthy functioning of the landscape.

TGN 02/21 also provides some advice on the practical application of the factors listed above. This is summarised as follows:

• The listed factors are not fixed as they need to be appropriate to the particular project and location.
• The relative importance attached to each factor is likely to vary across different landscapes. Judgement is required as to how the factors weigh up in any particular circumstance.
• There are likely to be overlaps between the factors, and with other specialist studies (such as ecological or cultural heritage). These should be acknowledged when presenting overall conclusions.
• Although landscape condition can influence value, poor landscape management should not be a reason to downgrade a landscape’s value in a planning context if other factors indicate value.
• Landscape function can influence value, but the presence of a spatial designation such as Green Belt or an ‘area of separation’ (or settlement gap) does not in itself indicate that a landscape has high value.
• Landscape value, and the way in which landscapes are valued by people, can change over time.

Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland jointly published Guidance on Local Landscape Designations in 2006, which was updated in 2020. This includes recommendations on the key steps to follow and criteria to use when undertaking local landscape designation studies. TGN 02/21 recognises that this guidance may be helpful for other nations that do not have their own guidance, and suggests that where local designations are used, the identification of their spatial boundaries and their landscape qualities should be supported by evidence.

TGN 02/21 also references case law which indicates that:

• Many areas of countryside are understandably valued by local residents, but to be considered “valued‟ in the context of the NPPF, there needs to be something “special‟ or out of the ordinary that can be defined.
• To be valued a site is required to show some demonstrable physical attributes rather than just popularity.

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Approach

This study:

• Identifies those special landscapes within Cherwell District that have ‘above ordinary value’, including consideration of boundaries.
• Defines the attributes and identify the qualities that make them worthy of local designation.
• Ensures a robust and consistent criteria-based approach to defining locally designated landscapes.
• Identifies guidelines for protecting the qualities that make an area worthy of designation.

The analysis does not preclude the potential for there to be areas outside of the recommended LLDs that may also have a high landscape value, be locally valued and popular or possess features, attributes or qualities of value that may also merit protection.

Geographic scope

The study provides analysis for six assessment areas which correspond with the AHLV designated under the 1996 Local Plan (as noted, this designation was not carried forward within subsequent local plans). These are:

• The Ironstone Downs;
• The Cherwell Valley;
• The Thames Valley;
• North Ploughley;
• Muswell Hill; and
• Otmoor

The assessment areas are shown on the figure below.

Area of Search (Former Areas of High Landscape Value) - View the map full screen in a new tab

Links to the Cherwell District Landscape Character Assessment

This review was undertaken alongside the update of the Cherwell District Landscape Character Assessment, also by LUC. The review has utilised information from the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within which the assessment areas fall.

Links to neighbouring authorities’ LLDs

A review of existing LLDs within neighbouring authorities was also undertaken, particularly where they lie close to the district boundary and where land within Cherwell District could be considered to form an extension of the existing LLD.

The following Local Plans define LLDs:

• Buckinghamshire Council, Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) 2023 – 2033: Policy NE4 defines Areas of Attractive Landscape (AALs) and Local Landscape Areas (LLAs). Evidence on their special qualities and values is provided in the ‘Defining the special qualities of local landscape designations in Aylesbury Vale District’ (LUC, 2016).
• South Northamptonshire Part 2 Local Plan 2011-2029: Policy NE2 defines Special Land, with evidence on their qualities provided in South Northamptonshire: A Review of Special Landscape Areas (June 2017)
• Strafford-on-Avon District Core Strategy 2011 to 2031: Policy CS.12 defines Special Landscape Areas.

At the time of writing, LUC, on behalf of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, was also reviewing the potential for inclusion of LLDs in their forthcoming Joint Local Plan. The findings of this emerging study were considered where possible, to ensure continuity across the administrative boundaries.

Evaluation criteria

The following seven evaluation criteria are drawn from the relevant guidance, including TGN 02/21. They also draw on criteria developed by LUC in previous local designation studies which have been assessed as robust through the Local Plan examination process.

Local distinctiveness and sense of place

A landscape which is rare/unique or special in the local context; and/or with a strong sense of place derived from its combinations of elements; and/or a landscape which contains character/features or elements which are considered to be important, typical or rare examples. A landscape may have additional distinctiveness if it has a strong association with the character of a particular settlement, whether through strong views from the settlement or through providing a clear sense of arrival at the settlement.

Potential indicators:

• A coherent landscape character conferring a recognisable sense of place.
• A distinct landform or topography forming a discrete or recognisable area.
• A distinctive rare or representative land cover.
• An area representative of a particular phase in landscape history/development.
• Features form a landscape setting that makes a contribution to the character of a settlement.

Landscape quality (intactness/ condition)

The physical state of the landscape, intactness of the landscape and the condition of individual natural and cultural elements such as hedgerows.

Potential indicators:

• Functional aspects of the landscape such as ecological integrity, visual coherence etc.
• Presence of characteristic and valued features (as listed in the Landscape Character Assessment).
• Presence of well managed features in good condition.
• Absence of incongruous features/detractors or not visually intrusive.

Scenic qualities and perceptual aspects

A landscape that appeals to the senses – primarily visual; and/or perceptual and aesthetic qualities such as sense of tranquillity and remoteness.

Potential indicators:

• Strong visual character e.g. patterns/composition of vegetation/ landform.
• Memorable, important or distinctive views.
• Qualities of expansiveness, openness, enclosure, seclusion.
• Tranquillity or perceptions of tranquillity – peace, quietness, birdsong, dark skies, presence of water – streams, estuary, sea.
• Uninterrupted tracts of land with few built features.
• Relative lack of human influence/absence of incongruous features.

Natural qualities

Presence of natural attributes that contribute to the value of the landscape. It looks at the distinctiveness of landforms, the presence and extent of semi-natural habitats and wildlife that contribute to sense of place.

Designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) will add value. It also considers any particular functional value associated with the natural landscape, particularly in the healthy functioning of the landscape (e.g. natural hydrological systems/ floodplains; areas that form carbon sinks, such as woodlands; areas of diverse landcover (benefits pest regulation); areas that form an important part of a multifunctional Green Infrastructure network; and landscapes and landscape elements that have strong physical or functional links with an adjacent national landscape designation, or are important to the appreciation of the designated landscape and its special qualities.

Note: Note that this criterion alone will not be enough in its own right for an LLD as likely to be covered under other designations.

Potential indicators:

• Visible expression of geology and landform creating distinctive sense of place.
• Presence of wildlife and/or habitats/species that make a particular contribution to sense of place or scenic quality.
• Provides a valuable function associated with the natural landscape – such as, as a floodplain, or in providing linkage with, transition to or appreciation of an adjacent national landscape designation.

Cultural qualities

Presence of cultural attributes that contribute to the value of the landscape. This considers the extent to which the landscape displays time depth: either in terms of the presence of natural features, historic field patterns (with reference to the Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation) or heritage assets that contribute to landscape character. The designation of heritage assets such as Conservation Areas, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings and Registered Parks and Gardens (RPG) will add value.

Note: Note that this criterion alone will not be enough in its own right for an LLD as likely to be covered under other designations.

Potential indicators:

• Presence of settlements, buildings or other structures that make a particular contribution to sense of place or landscape character.
• Visible presence of historic landscape types or specific landscape elements or features that provide evidence of time depth or historic influence on the landscape.

Recreation value

This criterion considers the presence of features and facilities which enable enjoyment of the landscape, and the importance of these. This may include public rights of way, Country Parks, open access land and outdoor tourist/ visitor attractions with facilities. Recreation activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding or more formal recreation activities where enjoyment of the landscape is important to the experience. Accessibility from urban areas is also an important consideration. Importance of features may be indicated by designation such as long distance footpaths or recreation routes or national cycle routes.

Note: needs to be more than just ‘popularity’.

Potential indicators:

• Evidence of recreational activity based on experience of the landscape (e.g. walking routes, access opportunities, activities such as birdwatching).

Associations

Landscapes associated with particular people such as artists or writers or events in history that contribute to their character.

Potential indicators:

• Associations with written descriptions, artistic representations, and associations of the landscape with people places or events

Desk-based analysis

Initial desk-based analysis was carried out for each assessment area based on the evaluation criteria. This involved the collation of a wide range of up-to-date mapped information relating to landscape, cultural heritage, nature conservation and planning. Data used within the report, including data collated in the GIS database is shown in the table below.

Input from stakeholders on the valued attributes and special qualities of the Landscape Character Areas was also used for this stage.

Site visits

A systematic field survey was undertaken to verify and refine the desktop analysis for each assessment area, to check scenic qualities and perceptual aspects, and to take photographs to accompany the analysis.

Making judgements on landscape value

The landscape within each assessment area was appraised against the individual criteria set out above. Aspects of value (qualities and/or elements/features/areas of value) are summarised for each area.

A judgement was made as to whether each area can be considered to have ‘above ordinary’ landscape value. This terminology reflects the language used in the TGN’s definition of a ‘valued landscape’ which is:

“an area identified as having sufficient landscape qualities to elevate it above other more everyday landscapes”.

In some cases, one criterion alone may have been sufficient to result in an overall judgement of ‘above ordinary’ value, but more often the judgement was informed by a number of criteria.

The evaluation of each former AHLV indicates any significant spatial differences within the area, and also considers how the area relates to surrounding landscapes. As a result, an area recommended for inclusion in a LLD may be all of, part of, or an extension of a former AHLV.

Landscape is a continuum and boundaries generally represent zones of transition. There will rarely be a sharp change in identified landscape qualities either side of an LLD boundary. For ease, boundaries have been drawn along best fit physical features including lanes and field boundaries and therefore may include areas of lesser or greater quality or areas of different character. Conversely, there may be some areas within an LLD that do not fully meet the criteria but are part of a wider ‘whole’ that meets the criteria.

It should also be recognised that land adjacent to a recommended LLD may perform a buffer role in relation to that area, such that development outside of the candidate LLD could have an adverse impact its qualities. This would need to be taken into account when considering any development proposals.

Candidate LLD areas should be of a sufficient size and form a coherent recognisable area. An important feature or site is not, on its own, enough to merit landscape designation. The following points were considered in assessing whether an assessment area is appropriate for LLD:

• Is the area of sufficient size to make it practical to develop policies for its protection, management and planning? Or does it form part of larger valued area extending into neighbouring district(s)?
• Is the area recognisable as a cohesive place or entity, of consistent character?

Assessment area profiles

The detailed analysis for each assessment area is presented in the Assessment Area Profiles. Each individual assessment analysis is structured as follows:

Maps and representative photographs

• Maps (on 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey base) showing the extents of the former AHLV and any landscape or landscape-related designations in and around the study area.
• Photographs of some of the key aspects/features of the assessment area.

Summary and context

• A summary description of location and defining landscape character, with reference to the Cherwell Landscape Character Assessment.

Evaluation

• Analysis against the seven assessment criteria.

Summary of landscape value and qualities

• A summary of the landscape value and qualities followed by a conclusion as to whether the assessment area has ‘above ordinary’ landscape value.
• A map showing proposed LLD boundaries.

Landscape guidelines

• Guidelines are provided for each area, grouped under ‘landscape management’ and ‘development management’ subheadings.