Have your say on our landscapes and what’s changing them

A new study has launched to better understand, protect and enhance the unique landscapes across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and you’re invited to have your say.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are preparing a new Landscape Character Assessment and are calling for residents, businesses and visitors to share what they love about local landscapes and what they think is changing them. The study is being carried out by environmental consultancy Land Use Consultants (LUC) on behalf of the two councils.

Through a new interactive map, launching today, the public can add comments on different landscapes and places they value. This feedback will help LUC understand the local landscapes and what should be done to maintain them.

The Landscape Character Assessment will help ensure that future change respects and enhances local character and distinctiveness. The ultimate aim is to inform the councils’ work towards the Joint Local Plan, shape future policies and help guide planning application decisions for the districts. 

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “Landscape is important and different landscapes can be valued for different reasons: for their natural beauty, for the sense of place that they provide, for outdoor recreation and more. We recognise this importance and encourage you to share your thoughts on why you value them and what you think is impacting them.”

Councillor Andy Foulsham, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Policy and Programmes, said: “From our historic villages to our sweeping countryside, meadows, rivers and everything in between – we agree that our districts boast some beautiful and unique landscapes. Your feedback is important and I urge everyone who lives, works and visits our districts to have their say so these important landscapes can be best maintained and enhanced.”

The Consultation Hub is open for comments until 29 September 2023, which users can leave anonymously. To find out more and have your say, visit the new Landscape Character Consultation Hub.