Fairhurst

Landscape Architecture : North Lanarkshire

LOCATION: North Lanarkshire, Scotland
CLIENT: North Lanarkshire Council
STATUS: Completed June 2008

The study involved undertaking a Landscape Character Assessment of three geographical areas within North Lanarkshire, the M8 Corridor, Community Growth Areas and Local Expansion Areas. The assessment was required to inform the location of potential growth, urban expansion and future development for the emerging North Lanarkshire Local Plan. Three levels of detail were required for the majority of the assessment which included assessing the Landscape Quality, Landscape Character Types and Landscape Elements and Features.

Level 1: Landscape Quality Assessment and a statement of the landscape value. The physical state of the landscape, and its intactness, from functional, visual and ecological perspectives (landscape quality) and how well used the site was with its level of relative value (landscape value) was identified.

Level 2: Description of Character Types at a district level. Areas were grouped based on distinct characteristics, elements and features, and combined to create a character type with a geographical boundary and definitive title e.g. Fragmented Farmland. The Level 2 Assessment included text descriptions, annotated photographs, an assessment of the ability to absorb change, landscape mitigation and enhancement opportunities, and recommendations.

Level 3: Character Area Plans showing Character Types in further detail at a local level. This level examined the landscape characteristics, elements and features in a more detailed manner than the previous two levels and showed land use, prominent landform, watercourses, key views, areas and types of significant vegetation, main transport corridors and visual detractors, such as pylons and electricity lines.
The results of these three levels of assessment were predominantly presented on A3 drawings which accompanied the report that summarised the findings and concluded by stating which areas would be most suitable for future urban expansion. The reports and drawings were issued electronically and as hard copies, and the level 1 info was also provided in GIS format for the local authority’s future use.

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