A to Z Index:

Landscape Studies

Appropriate land use, the promotion of quality landscape design and the conservation of valued landscapes are objectives of national planning policy and the Aberdeenshire Council Development Plan. These objectives are a function of the Natural Heritage Team through The Environment Planner (Landscape).

The Environment Planner (Landscape) acts as an internal consultee to Development Control, assists with the production of landscape related policy, progresses landscape capacity for development studies around settlements, works on improvement strategies for open space networks for some Aberdeenshire towns, and develops specific landscape design implementation projects.

Input to the Development Control process relates to types of development which have significant implications for landscape and typically require an Environmental Impact Assessment. These types of development can range from residential to commercial proposals, and include relatively new industries such as wind energy.

Policy work includes adapting Scottish Executive initiatives such as planning for open space, and adapting them to create strategies for specific Aberdeenshire settlements. Landscape design guidance has been formulated for ALP and the landscape capacity around a number of Aberdeenshire settlements appraised to contribute to identifying future development land in accordance with structure plan forecast requirements.

Landscape implementation projects include the Johnshaven coastal amenity area which has been progressed as part of the NORTRAIL coastal path initiative, and acting as client representative on the Peterhead Town Centre Regeneration Scheme.

Landscape Improvement Strategies