Landscape Supplementary Planning Document
The distinctive landscape character is one of the things that makes Northumberland National Park a special place.
Spread over the hills and valleys at the very top of England, but right in the centre of Britain, the landscape of Northumberland National Park has key distinct characteristics. To the north there are the breathtaking rolling moors and grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, with their ancient hill forts and pure rivers. In the east is the Upper Coquet Valley with the landmark Simonside Hills surrounded by beautiful villages, such as Harbottle and Holystone. To the west are the valleys of the North Tyne and Redesdale, wild, inspiring and once home of the Border Reivers. The landscape supports habitats suitable for rare species such as red squirrel. In the south is the imposing ridge of the Whin Sill with Hadrian's Wall, a World Heritage Site, striding along its crest.
The many people who visit and live in the National Park appreciate the stunning and varied landscape. A key characteristic is its openness, with landscapes and horizons free from significant human intrusions which contribute significantly to the high levels of tranquillity.
With over 1,100 kilometres of public rights of way and long distance walking routes, and 750 square kilometres (75% of the National Park area) of open access land, Northumberland National Park offers significant opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of its special qualities.
In 2007 the Authority commissioned a Landscape Character Assessment of the National Park (and the wider Tynedale District). The Landscape Character Appraisal and associated map can be viewed by following the links.
A Landscape Strategy for the National Park
The landscape of Northumberland National Park we know today has changed and evolved over time and will continue to do so in future. The Landscape Strategy will develop a framework within which this will happen in a way which does not erode what is special about the National Park landscape, but rather secures a living working landscape that reflects the way we live today, while respecting and protecting natural features and cultural aspects from the past.
Landscape Supplementary Planning Document
New development has the potential to negatively impact on the landscape of the National Park. This document will provide information on the landscape character of the National Park relevant to the assessment of planning applications, establishing guidelines for particular types of development.
Help shape these documents...
We will be consulting on a draft Landscape Supplementary Planning Document in November 2010, and a draft Landscape Strategy early in 2011. In order to assist with the preparation for these documents we would like your opinions on the landscape.
You can do this by completing the online questionnaire.
If you require a hard copy of the questionnaire please contact us.
