Module Identifier RS25420  
Module Title LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING IN PRACTICE  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Alister J Scott  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   40 Hours 20 x 2 hour lectures  
  Practical   18 Hours 5 practicals  
Assessment Semester Assessment   3-part Assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4 1. Landscape and policy data capture 2. Landscape analysis and mapping landscape types 3. Planning policy assessment and interpretation   100%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Alternative assignment using same procedures Outcomes assessed as above   100%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Implement a designated landscape assessment methodology for a given study area
2. Implement appropriate procedures from the Town and Country planning system to a specified land use situation
3. Evaluate and formulate recommendations for a case study with respect to best practice in landscape and planning procedures
4. Evaluate the relevant issues relating to public participation and perception for a given study area

Aims

This practical and vocational module involves the students undertaking a landscape and planning assessment of a given area in keeping with principles of best professional practice.   In so doing students understand the complex linkages between the town and country planning system and landscape management, together with an ever increasing range of non-statutory planning tools. Using field situations and evaluating real-life planning issues provides both realism and relevance in a countryside context. Skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation are developed within the framework of countryside protection and enhancement.

Specific Aims

Understand the context and operation of the Town and Country planning system
Understand the techniques for assessing, evaluating and managing whole landscapes.
Appreciate the potential of landscape planning in achieving countryside protection and enhancement

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
The assignment involves the students working over the semester on a complex land management problem. There are several tasks to complete which are directly assessed.   

.2 IT and information handling
The requirement to undertake a field and desk study involves the compilation and analysis of considerable amounts of information. This is directly assessed

.6 Careers need awareness
The assignment relates directly to the world of work by involving the students in local authority led systems and procedures that are used and assessed on a daily basis in the work situation. Through the teaching and the assessment students will understand the issues and difficulties associated with protecting the countryside. This is directly assessed.

.7 Self-management
The assignment will require extensive skills in self management. There are three interlinked stages to the assignment which will have staggered deadlines. This will allow the student an opportunity to respond to feedback and improve over the course of the assessment.

Reading Lists

Technical Reports
Countryside Council for Wales. (1996) The Welsh landscape: our inheritance and its future protection and enhancement CCC116. CCW, Bangor

Books
Cullingworth, J B and Nadin, V. (1994) Town and country planning in Britain. 12th. Routledge

Technical Reports
The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. (2002) Interim landscape character assessment guidance.

Web Page/Sites
Scott, A J. (2001) www.irs.aber.ac.uk/als/netpage/lectures/planningohp.htm.

Books
Usher (ed). (1999) Landscape Character: Perspectives on management and change. HMSO, London