3.AONB and Landscape Character Areas

(GIS, UoG Licence, 2023)

The Landscape Character Areas (LCA) describe the distinct nature of specific areas of the study Area. A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) carried out by LDA in 2002 described in detail the character of areas of the Forest of Dean. The LCAs detail the features and elements that make landscapes distinct from one another by describing the landscape character area and type. 15 such areas are described here and are useful in the process of envisioning the settlement in context. They are defined by natural boundaries rather than municipal ones and give insight into how the new settlement will fit in the landscape. The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty has a high protective designation and is nationally recognised. It contains several LCAs including Limestone hills wooded valleys and limestone plateau. The character and type of landscape areas does not eliminate and area from development but influences the decision. The AONB is not to be developed on nor its buffer region and any development in proximity would be subject to an Landscape Visual Impact Assessment.

(LDA,2002)