The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) in September 2004. LCA provides a structured approach to identifying the character and distinctiveness of the landscape, so allowing these special qualities to be better understood and reflected in decision making.
LCA methodology draws upon a two-stage process of characterisation and evaluation. The first stage of characterisation seeks to identify, classify and describe areas of distinctive character. The second stage of evaluation follows on seeking to make judgements based on the knowledge of landscape character, for example quality and sensitivity to change, and recommend management principles. The LCA documents have been structured to reflect this two-stage process.