Landscape Supplementary Planning Document

The Northumberland National Park Authority adopted its Landscape Supplementary Planning Document on the 14th September 2011. The Landscape Supplementary Planning Document will be used to inform the determination of planning applications.

You can download a copy of the Landscape Supplementary Planning Document or alternatively you can download the sections which you are interested in;

Landscape Supplementary Planning Document
- Part 1 (Background)
- Upland Burn Valleys - College Valley, Harthope Valley, Breamish Valley, Upper Coquet Valley
- R ounded Hills - Cheviot Rounded Hills
- Foothills and Fringes - Northern Hills, Bowmont Water and Glendale, Ingram Hills and Breamish Valley, Upper Coquetdale (Alwinton)
- Rolling Uplands - Otterburn Plateau, Cottonshope Valley, Kelly's Pike to Callerhues Crag, Shitlington Common and Ealinghamrigg Commons
- Moorland Forestry Mosaic - Kielder, Wark and Redesdale Forest,
- Rolling Upland Valleys - Redesdale, Otterburn and Elsdon Valley, Bellingham and Woodburn Valleys, Upper North Tyne Valley
- Outcrop Hills and Escarpment - Harbottle Hills, Simonside Hills
- Sandstone Upland Valleys - Coquet Valley (Harbottle - Hareheugh), Grasslees Valley, Coquet Valley (Rothbury)
- Parallel Ridges and Commons - Thirlwall Common, Haltwhistle, Melkridge and Ridley Commons, Haughton and Simonburn Commons
- Upland Commons and Farmland - Eastern North Tyne Slopes, Grindon Common
- Glacial Trough - Valley Sides - Haltwhistle to Bridge End
- Basin Valley and Fringes - River Irthing

To view who and how we consulted on the Landscape Suppmentary Planning Document you can download the Statement of Consultation

A Landscape Strategy for the National Park

The landscape of Northumberland National Park we know today has changed and evolved over time and will continue to do so in future.

The Landscape Strategy will develop a framework within which this will happen in a way which does not erode what is special about the National Park landscape, but rather secures a living working landscape that reflects the way we live today, while respecting and protecting natural features and cultural aspects from the past.

Northumberland National Park Authority have produced a Forces for Change document which identifies a number of emerging Forces for Change to the landscape of the National Park. The document underwent public consultation for 6 weeks in February/ March 2011, following the comments received during the consultation a draft Landscape Strategy will be developed. In September 2011 the National Park Authority will endorse the draft Landscape Strategy for a 6 week public consultation period in the Autumn.

The Landscape Strategy background document containing the Forces for Change is available for you to download here.

Landscape Character Assessment

The distinctive landscape character is one of the things that makes Northumberland National Park a special place.

Spread over the hills and valleys at the very top of England, but right in the centre of Britain, the landscape of Northumberland National Park has key distinct characteristics. To the north there are the breathtaking rolling moors and grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, with their ancient hill forts and pure rivers.

In the east is the Upper Coquet Valley with the landmark Simonside Hills surrounded by beautiful villages, such as Harbottle and Holystone.

To the west are the valleys of the North Tyne and Redesdale, wild, inspiring and once home of the Border Reivers. The landscape supports habitats suitable for rare species such as red squirrel.

In the south is the imposing ridge of the Whin Sill with Hadrian's Wall, a World Heritage Site, striding along its crest.

The many people who visit and live in the National Park appreciate the stunning and varied landscape. A key characteristic is its openness, with landscapes and horizons free from significant human intrusions which contribute significantly to the high levels of tranquillity.

With over 1,100 kilometres of public rights of way and long distance walking routes, and 750 square kilometres (75% of the National Park area) of open access land, Northumberland National Park offers significant opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of its special qualities.

In 2007 the Authority commissioned a Landscape Character Assessment of the National Park (and the wider Tynedale District). The Landscape Character Appraisal and associated map can be viewed by following the links.