East Suffolk Council
Landscape
The quality of existing and proposed landscapes is an important consideration for East Suffolk. Landscapes help to create a sense of place, and good design should ensure that they are properly considered. East Suffolk is proud to have a dedicated Landscape team which provides advice across the council, predominantly focused on planning, but contributing to a wide range of matters.
Landscape character
East Suffolk has a rich and varied landscape, from farmed claylands, to coastal heaths and estuarine marshlands. It is also home to designated landscapes such as the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape. These important landscapes are protected through national and local policy to ensure that the quality, distinctiveness, and vitality of the local environment is maintained.
Supporting information references and links
Further information regarding landscape character and settlement sensitivity can be found in the following documents:
- Suffolk Costal Landscape Character Assessment
- Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment
- Suffolk Coastal Settlement Sensitivity Assessment
- Local plan evidence base » East Suffolk Council
- Waveney District Settlement Sensitivity Assessment
Planning application submission requirements
Different levels of landscape information will be required for different types of development. The table below provides an outline of the minimum level of information that is expected for submission of a planning application.
| Planning application | Landscape information required |
|---|---|
| Major | LVA/LVIA and Landscape Masterplan/Strategy |
| Minor but in a sensitive landscape | LVA and Indicative Landscape Masterplan/Strategy |
| Paragraph 80 houses | LVA and Indicative Landscape Masterplan/Strategy |
LVA = Landscape and Visual Appraisal
LVIA = Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Local and national landscape guidance
- Landscape Institute LVIA guidance
- National Character Areas
- Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment
- Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape Management Plan
- National Landscapes Lighting Desgin Guide
Local planning policy
East Suffolk currently has two adopted local plans which cover the former Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Districts. These plans contain policies relating to the landscape which require development to have regard to local landscape character, and to preserve the natural beauty and special qualities of the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape. Developments which have the potential to impact upon the National Landscape, its setting, or other sensitive landscapes, should be informed by landscape appraisal and landscape and visual impact assessment. Development in East Suffolk will predominantly occur around existing settlements and it must be sensitive to the peripheral landscapes associated with these areas. It is also important that new development does not result in excessive light pollution or effect the tranquil character of the district. Schemes should be well integrated into the landscape and connected to surrounding green infrastructure and the Public Rights of Way network. The plans also contain policies which require the use of SuDS on major development sites. SuDS should be well incorporated into green infrastructure provision, contributing to the design quality of the scheme, and providing accessible, multi-functional spaces. They should also deliver water quality and biodiversity improvements.
Full policy wording can be found in the relevant local plan documents:
SuDS
Increased surface water run-off resulting from the introduction of impermeable surfaces through new development can lead to flooding unless properly dealt with. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) offer an effective way of dealing with surface water on site or slowing flows into existing water courses. Features such as basins and swales can require a reasonable amount of space to function properly so need to be considered at the outset; if properly designed, SuDS can provide attractive, multi-functional spaces.
Supporting information references and links
Further information regarding SuDS, including requirements for planning application submissions, can be found on the Lead Local Flood Authority website.