Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Snowdonia National Park Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study

Gillespies was appointed to develop and apply a methodology based on the Welsh LANDMAP system suitable for assessing the sensitivity and capacity of the landscape to accommodate renewable energy, transmission/ telecommunications infrastructure and tourism development across the local planning area of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Snowdonia National Park.

Whilst the environmental and socio-economic benefits of these developments were fully appreciated by the client group, it was recognised that there was insufficient guidance available to officers to assess the potential impacts and to ensure that they do not result in unacceptable harm to the landscape of the study area, much of which is designated as National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The study was developed to provide guidance to developers and local planning officers, helping them protect sensitive and distinctive landscapes from inappropriate development whilst encouraging a positive approach to the right development.

The study is highly regarded and used as a supporting document for the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan and was adopted for Supplementary Planning Guidance for the Eryri Local Development Plan.

The work was recognised as a great example of best practice and won a National Landscape Institute Award in 2015.