Policy DM11: Landscape

Similarly to biodiversity (see comments in relation to Policy DM9 above), a balanced approach should be taken to reconciling the interests of landscape protection with the need to meet requirements for development in sustainable locations.

The skeleton policy provisions seem to assume a more balanced approach than those relating to biodiversity. However, it will be necessary to accommodate urban extensions outside existing urban limits in order to meet the district’s development requirements, and in so doing, some landscape impact is an inevitability. Any requirements for mitigation should not be onerous or disproportionate, and should have regard to the obligation to meet the development needs of the district.