Preliminary Seascape Character Assessment Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex
Ian HoulstonLDA Design
Suffolk Coast Forum Monday 9th July 2018
Philip WatsonSuffolk County Council
The Main Stages of Assessment Step 1. Define Purpose and Scope
Step 2. Desk Study
Step 3. Field Survey
Step 4. Classification and Description
PurposeThe main purposes of the assessment are to:
• provide an agreed baseline description of offshore areas, consistent with information available for terrestrial areas in published landscape character assessments, to inform planning, design and management decisions undertaken by a range of interested parties; and
• contribute to the baseline evidence for the Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (SLVIAs) of developments in the coastal and marine environment including the East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two offshore windfarms.
Desk StudyReview key references.
Order and overlay datasets:
• Existing character assessments• Designations• Physical influences: geology, topography/bathymetry biodiversity • Cultural influences: marine heritage, fisheries, tourism, industry,
shipping
Output: Draft Seascape Character Types
Field SurveyFor each draft Character Type:
• Assess and describe aesthetic and perceptual qualities. • Assess and describe views from land to sea, sea to land and along
the coast.• Prepare photographic record for each location. • Secure GPS co-ordinates for each location.
Output: Refinement to mapping and descriptions for draft Seascape Character Types
Classification and DescriptionReporting to cover:Methodology.Baseline Review with Thematic Mapping.Landscape / Seascape Character Types:• Location• Key Characteristics• Physical Influences• Cultural Influences• Aesthetic and Perceptual Qualities
Briefing Paper and Proforma• For each of the draft Seascape Character Types, review the key
characteristics identified and comment. Is there additional detail to add?
• Review the map illustrating draft Seascape Character Types and suggest any amendments to the boundaries.
Please return forms to Lucy Williams by 27th July (refer to Briefing Paper for details)