Depending on the category of the landscape in which the planning application is made, which could for example be Special Landscape, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Great Landscape Value or Green Belt, a landscaping strategy needs to be presented to the Local Planning Authority who will have specialist landscape officers. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will also have a different tier to deal with the specific aspects of the A.O.N.B. they wish to preserve and enhance and exhibit independent Planning Guidance.
The task is to tie up the Local Authority’s requirements with those of any specialist landscaping area. There will generally need to be a Landscape Assessment to indicate the characteristics of the area and how those characteristics can be protected and enhanced. This may lead to a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, the scope of which needs to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority. Nevertheless, good landscaping schemes which enhance developments lead to consent.