Landscape in the planning process

The landscapes of Aberdeenshire are an important and diverse resource with great environmental, social and economic value. The landscapes in both rural and urban locations are fundamental to the quality of people’s lives and the value of the environment. The council recognises that and is committed to looking after all the area’s landscapes for the benefit of current and future generations.

Given the fundamental role landscape plays in underpinning the quality of people’s lives it is essential that landscape change is carefully planned to conserve the valued characteristics of all Aberdeenshire landscapes.

Appropriate land use, the promotion of quality landscape design and the conservation of valued landscapes at national and local level are objectives of national planning policy and our Local Development Plan (LDP). The effect of climate change on the landscapes and the problem of decreasing biodiverse habitats are also being addressed in relation to landscape policy.

The Environment team provides advice and opinion on development proposals with significant implications for the landscape, assists with the production of landscape related policy, works on improvement strategies for open space networks for Aberdeenshire settlements and develops landscape related projects.

Input to the planning process relates to types of development which have significant implications for the landscape and typically require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These types of development can range from residential and commercial development to high profile industries such as wind energy.