LUC has recently been appointed to undertake a landscape character assessment and landscape sensitivity and capacity study for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The quality of the landscape across the whole borough is high and has been identified by residents as one of its main asserts. Its national importance is recognised by the fact that around 70% is designated as part of the High Weald AONB.

Our work will update our original 2002 assessment. It will take account of recent policy changes including the NPPF, the publication of the new Approaches to LCA (Natural England 2014), emerging information on the Tunbridge Wells landscape including its important historic and cultural components and on-the-ground landscape change.

The study will include a character and capacity study in relation to potential housing and community development around the main conurbation of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Southborough and adjoining settlements. It will help in recognising the challenge of incorporating required development in the context of this sensitive rural landscape. An innovative bespoke mobile App will be developed to help collate stakeholder values and perceptions on what is important and why to help feed into decision-making.

The updated assessment and capacity study will provide an evidenced baseline and practical tool to guide future planning and management decisions in a way which protects, enhances and manages this valued landscape.

Kate Ahern, LUC Director of Landscape Planning says: “We are delighted to continue our long standing relationship with TWBC and look forward surveying, characterising and describing this special landscape.”