Protect and Enhance?

How do we protect and enhance what we value in our landscapes whilst planning for sustainable development and managing change?

We protect and enhance our landscapes in the following ways: Landscape designations such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty aim to protect the beauty of our very best and nationally valued landscapes. The protection of these is covered by legislation and is reflected in national and local planning policies. Dorset’s protected landscapes are each accompanied by a Management Plan that seeks to safeguard its special qualities and manage change

The National Planning Policy Framework requires local planning authorities to work across administrative boundaries to deliver strategic planning priorities including the conservation and enhancement of the landscape “Great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues. The conservation and enhancement of wildlife and cultural heritage are also important considerations in these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks”.

This includes maintaining the character of Dorset’s undeveloped coast and identifying and protecting areas of tranquillity. It also encourages sustainable development to be well sited and of a good design quality that responds to local character, protects and enhances valued landscapes , and mitigate adverse effects through good design..

It also means conserving and enhancing Dorset’s historic environment. Heritage assets range from sites and buildings of local historic value to those of the highest significance, such as World Heritage Sites which are internationally recognised to be of Outstanding Universal Value These assets are an irreplaceable resource, and should be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of existing and future generations.