Chapter 3 – Assessment Findings
Summary of findings
Overall, the areas previously designated as Areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV) were found to still have ‘above ordinary’ landscape value. That is, the landscapes are considered to have particular qualities/characteristics that elevate them above that of ‘ordinary’ countryside.
Changes to boundaries have been as a result of additional development on the edges of Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington, which have resulted in land previously designated now being under development, or being overtly impacted by urban influences.
Further modifications to boundaries have been to differentiate between the different landscapes e.g. dividing the Cherwell Valley from North Ploughley. Other minor boundary amendments have been to follow logical boundaries on the ground, such as roads and hedgerows.
The Cherwell Valley has been split into two separate LLDs (Cherwell Valley and Upper Cherwell Valley) as development on the edge of Banbury has reduced the special qualities of the land immediately surrounding the town.
The recommended LLDs can be seen on the figure below.
Recommended Local Landscape Designations - View the map full screen in a new tab
Next steps
The study will be used by CDC alongside other pieces of evidence to shape open countryside policies for the forthcoming Local Plan. Further detailed landscape assessment work may be required to inform this process.