Objectives:
L1.
Maintain
and enhance the quality and distinctive character of the Yorkshire Dales landscape (as measured through
the national Countryside Quality Counts indicator).
L2.
Encourage
widespread take-up of Environmental Stewardship and other agri-environment schemes (so that at least
80% of the National Park is covered by agreements by 2010), so as to:
a) maintain
and enhance the pattern and
historic character of traditional field boundaries (drystone walls and hedgerows);
b) protect
and enhance the mosaic of valuable managed habitats (hay meadows, pastures, rough grassland, native
woodland and moorland);
c) maintain
and
enhance the pattern of traditional farmsteads, associated farm buildings, features and field barns,
as well as individual or small groups of native trees, where they make a major contribution to landscape
character.
L3. Prevent
the introduction of new commercial plantations and reduce the area of existing conifer plantations (outside
areas targeted for red squirrels) by at least 20% (600ha) by 2012.
L4
Prevent
the introduction of significant development ‘detractors’ from the landscape, notably:
a) new
quarries (other than for local use of building stone and roofing slate);
b) extensions
to existing quarries (except where the environmental and amenity benefits would clearly outweigh the
impact on the landscape), - and implement agreed landscaping and restoration schemes for all existing quarry sites;
c) multiple
or large-scale
wind turbines (a ground-hub height of 25m or more);
d) new
overhead power and telecommunications lines and associated equipment — and seek to underground at least
10km of existing line by 2011.
L5.
Work
with companies, authorities and agencies responsible for power, water, telecommunications and highways
to minimise the impact of infrastructure works on the appearance and character of the landscape.
L6. Maintain
all nationally-important geological sites in ‘favourable’ condition, and develop a series of Regionally
Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites by 2009.
L7. Maintain
the overall tranquillity and sense of remoteness within the National Park, and carry out a re-assessment
of levels of tranquillity by 2011.
L8. By
2008, develop approaches to signage and road improvement and maintenance works that better reflect the
distinctive rural character of the National Park, and introduce measures
to
conserve and enhance important roadside verges.
L9. Use
the management and creation of important habitats in the Dales to prevent soil erosion, reduce flood
risk and improve water quality and management, particularly along the Rivers Ure, Aire, Swale, Wharfe,
Ribble and their tributaries.
L10. Support and encourage small-scale renewable energy developments, such as local hydro-electric
generation,
small-scale wind turbines, and wood-fuelled heating systems linked to managed woodland, that meet local
needs and do not adversely affect the distinctive character of the Yorkshire
Dales’ landscape.
Landscape ~ Aims and objectives
