9.1 This document has demonstrated the diversity of the area ranging from the higher ground of the Mendip slopes and Cotswold plateau, through the undulating limestone hills and plateaux to the intimate valleys of the tributaries of the River Avon and the open floodplain of the River Avon. Much of the landscape can be understood in terms of the deposits of Jurassic Limestone and its subsequent variable erosion by the various river systems. The diversity is reflected in the subdivision of the area into 18 distinct landscape character areas. Approximately one third of the area is recognised to be of national significance through inclusion within either the Mendip Hills AONB or the Cotswolds AONB. In addition the majority of the rural parts of the area also fall within the Bristol/Bath Green Belt. This designation is important in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. This document seeks to recognise the valued characteristic of each landscape regardless of any designation.

9.2 This assessment recognises the way the landscape has evolved and the way it needs to change and adapt to meet developing requirements and expectations. It is clearly not possible to identify the pressures for change in the future although climate change is likely to be one. It is now widely recognised that climate change is likely to exert powerful and inevitable pressure for change in the next 50 years. What is less clear is quite how the changes will manifest in terms of local climate and its impact on the landscape and local agricultural economy.

9.3 Many landscape changes such as hedge removal resulting from agricultural change have slowed down in recent years, however it is clear that there are ongoing challenges and challenges that have yet to be identified. Whatever the source of change, it needs to be managed so as to conserve the valued and diverse character of the area and to ensure that future changes enhance rather than detract from that character.

9.4 The landscape character assessment is an important mechanism for maintaining and enhancing the rich and varied landscape of Bath and North East Somerset. By documenting landscape character as it is now, we have a vital base-line which will help us assess future change and direct future projects. It is intended to prepare guidelines for specific issues such as development at the edge of settlements or strategies for specific areas such as priority areas for new tree planting. It is also intended that the assessment will provide a useful basis for local communities in carrying out more detailed assessments such as Parish Plans or Village Design Statements. This project may also be a useful vehicle for bringing together information on the local landscape across the area as a whole. It will also provide an overview for detailed assessments by developers in support of planning applications.