Page 16 - Ickford NP Background Evidence

16 ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN : BACKGROUND EVIDENCE REPORT

Key Landscape and Topography
issues for Ickford

One of the core principles in the National Planning Policy of sensitive landscape were identified in the study – the higher
Framework is that planning should recognise the intrinsic the percentage, the more sensitive a landscape is likely to be
character and beauty of the countryside. Local plans should to new development. Ickford village itself is identified as being
include strategic policies for the conservation and enhancement in the 75-90% sensitivity category.
of the natural environment, including landscape. This includes Ickford lies within the Vale landscape type. Specifically, it
designated landscapes but also the wider countryside. is covered by the Ickford Pastoral Vale Character Area.
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a tool to help
understand the character and local distinctiveness of the Key characteristics of this area are
landscape and identify the features that give it a sense of place. • Low level landscape
A LCA was produced in 2008 for Aylesbury Vale, including • Small ditches and streams
the area of Ickford. The assessment identified 79 landscape • Predominantly flat
character areas and 13 landscape character types covering • Predominantly pastoral
landscape, visual, historic and ecological considerations. Local • No woodland
Plan policies on landscape require development to have regard • Moderate density of settlement
to this 2008 LCA (as amended 2015 and any future review). • Ridge and Furrow
Development must recognise the individual character and • Meadows along the river Thame.
distinctiveness of particular landscape character areas set out
in the assessment, their sensitivity to change and contribution Distinct features of this area are
to a sense of place. AVDC intends to review the 2008 LCA to • Meandering streams
take place relatively early in the VALP plan period. • River Thame
Areas of Sensitive Landscape: A follow up study to the • Stone bridges
LCA examined how sensitive areas are to change and new • Willow trees pollarded and collapsed along water courses
development. The following criteria were used: landscape • Views between villages
quality, scenic quality, rarity, representativeness, conservation • Archaeological earthworks
interest, wildness, associations and tranquillity. Four categories • Large areas of natural grassland in the west.
VISION FOR ICKFORD – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
www.visionforickford.co.uk