Landscape and Heritage
Download and view related documents below:
The Landscape Assessment of Land Surrounding Settlements in Cotswold District assesses the landscape sensitivity and capacity of land around settlements across the District. It identifies the key landscape characteristics, constraints and opportunities associated with potential development areas and has informed the assessment and selection of proposed site allocations within the emerging Local Plan.
The Assessment of Proposed Local Plan Site Allocations: Major Development in the Cotswolds National Landscape considers whether proposed site allocations within the Cotswolds National Landscape constitute major development for the purposes of national planning policy. It evaluates the scale, nature and potential effects of development on the National Landscape and informs the Council's consideration of site allocations required by the National Planning Policy Framework.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy provides a framework for protecting, enhancing and delivering green infrastructure across Cotswold District. It identifies existing green infrastructure assets, opportunities and deficiencies and sets out how green infrastructure can be incorporated into new development, support nature recovery, improve health and wellbeing, strengthen climate resilience and inform the preparation of the emerging Local Plan.
The Heritage Impact Assessment considers the potential effects of proposed Local Plan site allocations on designated and non-designated heritage assets across Cotswold District. It assesses the significance of heritage assets, the likely impacts of development on their setting and significance, and identifies mitigation measures to avoid or reduce harm, providing an evidence base to inform site selection and plan-making.
The Local Green Space Evidence Paper assesses sites proposed for designation as Local Green Space within the emerging Local Plan. It evaluates each site against the criteria set out in national planning policy, including its proximity to the community it serves, local significance and character, and provides the evidence base for proposed Local Green Space designations.
The Recreation Mitigation Study assesses the recreational impacts of planned growth on internationally designated nature conservation sites, including the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC and North Meadow and Clattinger Farm SAC. It identifies the mitigation required to address increased visitor pressure, including Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace (ANRG) and Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM), and provides a framework for the delivery and funding of mitigation to support the emerging Local Plan.
The Special Landscape Area Review assesses the District’s Special Landscape Areas and considers whether their boundaries, characteristics and justification for designation remain appropriate. It reviews landscape quality, character and sensitivity, identifies the special qualities of each designated area, and provides evidence to inform landscape policies and the assessment of proposed site allocations within the emerging Local Plan.
Assessment Of Proposed Local Plan Site Allocations Major Development In The Cotswolds National Landscape (CDC, July 2026) - pdf - 2.37 Mb