Wiltshire Core Strategy Scoping Report Topic Paper 7

Foreword

This topic paper forms part of the evidence base supporting the Wiltshire Council Sustainability Appraisal (SA)/ Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report. An overview of the SA/SEA process can be found within the main report.

Detailed information for each of the SA/SEA stages have been separated into topic papers for a series of environmental and sustainability themes. This has been done to assist the reader access information for selected themes without the need to read the entire volume of information.

The topics selected for inclusion within the Wiltshire Council Scoping Report are listed below and are all available as individual topic papers.

1. Biodiversity 2. Land and Soil Resources 3. Water Resources and Flood Risk 4. Air Quality and Environmental Pollution 5. Climatic Factors 6. Historic Environment 7. Landscapes 8. Population and Housing 9. Healthy Communities 10. Inclusive Communities 11. Education and Skills 12. Transport 13. Economy and Enterprise

Contents

7.1 Introduction ...... 1

7.2 Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes...... 1

7.3 Baseline Information...... 7

7.4 Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues...... 12

7.5 Sustainability Appraisal Framework...... 12

a) Proposed Environmental and Sustainability Appraisal Objective (s)...... 13

b) Proposed Decision Aiding Questions ...... 13

c) Potential Environmental and Sustainability Indicators ...... 13

7.6 Cross Cutting Matters...... 13

Topic Paper 7: Wiltshire Council Scoping Report Consultation Version Landscapes January 2009

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 Landscapes for the purposes of the SA refer to the natural landscape around us and would include consideration of the settings of settlements, land specifically designated for its natural landscape beauty and the evolving agricultural landscape. However, the landscape is more than a view as it provides the context to a living countryside.

7.2 Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes (Task A1)

7.2.1 One of the requirements of the SA process is to take account of any other policies, plans and programmes which may be relevant to the planning document under consideration. Table 7.1, below, lists the documents that have been reviewed in relation to the landscape topic. It is important to note that the review is in no way an exhaustive list and does not attempt to identify in detail the content of every plan or programme. Following Table 7.1 a brief summary is given of each document, together with any relevant objectives/requirements and how these might be considered within the planning document.

Table 7.1: List of Documents Reviewed for the Landscape Theme

Countryside and Rights of way Act (CroW) (2000) PPG2 – Green Belts (1995) PPS6: Proposed changes – Planning for Town Centres Consultation (2008) State of the English Cities (2006) Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future (2003) The State of the Countryside 2007 SW Regional Woodland & Forestry Framework (2005) Cotswold AONB Management Plan 2008-2013 Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan 2004-09 Kennet Landscape Conservation Strategy (2005) North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan (2004) The Bourne Valley Linear Park, Feasibility Study (2006) West Wiltshire District Landscape Character Assessment (2006)

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Plan/Programme Countryside and Rights of Way Act Level National Document date 2000 Summary of document CRoW extends the public’s ability to enjoy the countryside whilst also providing safeguards for landowners and occupiers Key objectives and/or requirements Objectives: • create a new right of public access to open countryside and registered common land, • modernise the Rights of Way (RoW) system • give greater protection to SSSIs • provide better management arrangements for AONBs • strengthen wildlife enforcement legislation How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF DPD needs to have regard to areas designated for their scientific interest, scenic quality, wildlife conservation value and to the protection of public RoW SA should consider the impact of the DPD on designated areas and RoW

Plan/Programme PPG2: Green Belts Level National Document date 1995 Summary of document Details policy of preventing urban sprawl by controlling development in the open countryside around major settlements; identifies inappropriate development Key objectives and/or requirements Objectives: • maintain openness of the land • prevent harmful development, unless very special circumstances • secure nature conservation interest and retain land in agriculture, forestry and related uses • Provide opportunities for access to the countryside and for outdoor sport and recreation How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF DPD needs to include an objective and policy to protect the area identified as the Western Wiltshire Green Belt. SA should reflect the need to protect the Western Wiltshire Green Belt

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Plan/Programme The state of the countryside 2007 Level National Document date August 2007 Summary of document This is the ninth State of the Countryside report, which aims to provide a comprehensive economic, social, and environmental profile of the state of the English countryside. There are three particularly important issues thrown up by this report: 1. There is a clear ‘rural dimension’ to issues of equity and social inclusion; 2. The countryside can potentially make an important contribution to environmental sustainability, yet there are contradictions in the way rural England is used; 3. This year’s report for the first time identified the strength of rural-urban linkages and interdependencies. This is an important area for further research, in order to ensure that rural England gets its fair share of development funding and to guide its use. Key objectives and/or requirements The report focuses on the following issues, without listing specific objectives: • population & migration • access to services • housing and homelessness • health & healthcare • education rural community and governance • income, wealth and consumption • work and employment • enterprise and entrepreneurs • land use • land value • environmental quality • climate change How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF A significant part of the county is rural with many small towns and villages and areas of open countryside. Rural issues considered in this report will be an important consideration for the LDF.

Plan/Programme SW Regional Woodland & Forestry Framework 2005 Level Regional (Woodland and Forestry Framework Steering Group) Document date 2005 Summary of document This is a key regional document driving woodland and forestry strategies in the SW region. This Framework aims to be the first point of focus on the future of the region’s woods and forests – identifying how the region can benefit more from woods and become a better custodian of its woods and forests. It sets out the priorities for activity across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Key objectives and/or requirements The Framework contains a number of objectives under the following aims: Climate Change, Woodland management, Communication, Environmental Economy, Increase volume of wood consumed in SW, Increased woodfuel installations, Woodlands and leisure/tourism, Knowledge and skills, Sustainable communities, More people enjoying woodland, Protect natural resources and biodiversity, Landscape culture & heritage. How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF Policies and objectives contained within this document have the potential to achieve positive impacts on a number of sustainability issues facing the County, including Climate Change, landscape, culture and recreation, biodiversity, education and health.

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Plan/Programme Cotswold AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 Level Local Document date April 2008 Summary of document The Plan will operate alongside other statutory plans and programmes, especially community strategies, development plans and transport plans. The Plan provides the vision for the next 20- 25 years, with an immediate 5 year framework 2008 – 2013 The Plan has two main statutory purposes: 1. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB 2. To increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB Key objectives and/or requirements The following fundamental principles inform the approach to management: 1. The implications of climate change for all activities must be addressed 2. The landscape of the AONB must be managed in ways that conserve and enhance landscape character, local distinctiveness, geology and geomorphology, historic features, habitats and biological diversity 3. A sustainable approach must be taken to all issues within the AONB, particularly in the development and management of its rural economy 4. Increase people’s awareness, knowledge and understanding of the qualities of the AONB and of the opportunities to enjoy and explore the area How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF The Plan draws the attention of public bodies to the provisions of Section 85 of the CROW Act. These require all public bodies to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of an AONB when exercising and performing any functions in relations to, or as to affect, land in an AONB. DEFRA guidance issued in 2005 sets out how ‘relevant authorities’ can demonstrate compliance with this duty, including reference to AONB Management Plans

Plan/Programme Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan 2004-09 Level Local Document date 2004 Summary of document Sets out aims, key issues, objectives and policies for the 3 themes of Environment, Rural Economy and Community

Key objectives and/or requirements  conserve and enhance landscape character  conserve and enhance, the historic, archaeological and cultural features within their distinctive landscape settings  conserve and enhance the distinctive of the built environment with its historic, cultural and landscape setting  support the rural economy in ways that are sustainable  support and influence innovative ways of entertaining and providing access to community facilities and services  increase levels of awareness and understanding of the AONB

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How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF The DPD and SA/SEA should seek to take account of the key aims and objectives outlined by this document.

Plan/Programme Kennet Landscape Conservation Strategy Level Local Document date May 2005 Summary of document The strategy describes the main landscape character areas within Kennet District and suggests an enhancement strategy based on three Enhancement or intervention levels Key objectives and/or requirements Enhancement objectives are: Conserve - Landscapes of high scenic quality, with a strong sense of place are generally unspoilt, have an intact structure and are generally in good condition. They may also contain rare or uncommon landscape types and areas of ecological and cultural significance. These landscapes may require management to maintain their quality and condition but no significant intervention. Strengthen - Landscapes with attractive qualities and where character, structure and sense of place are comparatively strong. These landscapes are important to conserve but would benefit from some modest enhancement to strengthen character, structure, and to reinforce local distinctiveness. Repair - Landscapes which have been more substantially weakened by intensive farming, Dutch elm disease and non agricultural activity. These landscapes require more significant intervention to repair landscape structure and features and may require mitigation of detracting land uses or features.

How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF  Reduce visual intrusion of development.  Protect and improve the quality of the countryside.  Identify opportunities to enhance the landscape.

Plan/Programme North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan Level Local Document date 2004 Summary of document This identifies the issues affecting the management of the area and then sets out how they can be addressed. It offers a vision for the future of the area that everyone can work towards and practical actions to achieve it.

Key objectives and/or requirements The main objectives include:  Conserving and enhancing landscape character, heritage and biodiversity within the AONB; and  Sustaining natural resources e.g. soils, and promoting a low carbon economy.

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How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF A significant part of the Wiltshire County lies within the North Wessex Downs AONB and DPDs need to take account of this document and national policy guidance when formulating policy. LDF policies can help achieve the specific action plan set out in this document. Local authorities have been allocated a number of actions within the Management Plan.

Plan/Programme The Bourne Valley Linear Park, Feasibility Study Level Local Document date 2006 Summary of document The Bourne Valley Linear Park (bvlp) sets out to conserve and enhance the natural landscape of the River Bourne but is also a community-focussed project aimed at improving access and linkage along the river valley.

Key objectives and/or requirements The Project will confirm the Project’s feasibility as a highly realistic prospect to provide access for local people and tourists to; the River Bourne; the surrounding green spaces of the North Wessex Downs AONB; local wildlife and nature habitats, such as the Mere at Collingbourne Ducis; and provide safe walking and cycling through a sustainable transport link along the river valley. How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF The DPD and SA/SEA should seek to take account of the key aims and objectives outlined by this document.

Plan/Programme West Wiltshire District Landscape Character Assessment Level Local Document date 2006 Summary of document A study to provide an integrated assessment of the character of the district and to act as a baseline of environmental information to enable a better understanding of West Wiltshire’s landscapes.

Key objectives and/or requirements  Provide an up to date and integrated description of the character of the district’s landscape, identifying key landscape features.  Assess the justification for retaining the existing Special Landscape Areas and a separate policy for their protection.  Produce a concise management strategy to inform future activities connected with the conservation and enhancement of West Wiltshire’s landscape.  Identify the key sensitivities of the landscape to development and change.  To raise awareness of landscape issues.  To act as a tool for the purposes of performing the District Council’s Development Control functions.  To act as a reference and provide justification for environmental enhancements, design and restoration projects and management initiatives.

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How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the LDF The information included in the Assessment will be used within the DPD to inform the location of sites of development and the type of development.

7.2.2 The key considerations and objectives identified in relation to the landscape topic are summarised below:

 Protect and enhance the regions urban and rural landscapes (Sustainability South West, 2001).

 Planning policies should seek to protect and enhance the quality, character and amenity value of the countryside and urban areas as a whole. A high level of protection should be given to most valued townscapes and landscapes, wildlife habitats and natural resources. Those with national and international designations should receive the highest level of protection (ODPM, 2005).

 How we use the land is now an increasingly important issue – particularly as we respond to the challenges created by climate change. We are already seeing key changes such as the use of land for non-food crops, especially for energy generation, and the substantial growth in the number of wind turbines for generating electricity (Commission for rural communities, 2007).

Summary of Document Review

7.2.3 The recommendations of the landscape character assessment for the county, prepared to provide baseline environmental information to understand the areas landscapes, should be taken forward in the LDF and included in SA objectives by seeking opportunities to conserve, strengthen and repair the landscape. Specific opportunities include reducing the visual intrusion of development, identifying opportunities to enhance the landscape and protecting the distinct landscape settings of settlements. The review also highlights the importance of urban-rural linkages and interdependencies and the value of increasing access to the countryside.

7.2.4 Planning policies can also help achieve specific actions set out in management plans, reduce impact on agricultural landscapes, protect green belts and protect the public rights of way network.

7.3 Baseline Information (Task A2)

7.3.1 The collection of baseline information ensures that the SA process is based on a sound evidence base and provides the basis for predicting and monitoring any environmental or sustainability effects that may be identified during the SA stages. It is made clear in the SA guidance that a practical approach to the collection of baseline information is essential as there are opportunities to update the SA work in the future. The planning authority is encouraged to use existing data sources rather than to undertake original research.

7.3.2 “Chalk and Cheese” have often been used to describe the two geological and landscape forms into which much of Wiltshire falls.

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7.3.3 “Chalk” denotes the areas of rolling downland including the Marlborough Downs, Salisbury Plain and Cranborne Chase. Salisbury Plain, which supports the largest known expanse of unimproved chalk downland in northwest Europe, at 12,933 ha, represents 41% of the British total of this important habitat, and divides the county from north to south.

7.3.4 The chalk areas constitute more than half of Wiltshire’s land mass and dominate the southern, eastern and central parts of the county. The two largest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Britain are found on the chalk grasslands of the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA, 38,000 ha) and Porton Down (1562 ha). Chalk streams cut through the downs - the Salisbury Avon and its tributaries in the south, and the tributaries of the Thames in the Marlborough Downs. The Salisbury Avon is a Special Area of Conservation, designated for its wide variety of fish and invertebrates.

7.3.5 “Cheese” refers to the flatter pasture lands of north-west Wiltshire, which consist of beds of Oxford and Kellaways clays surrounded by a ridge of Corallian limestone. The clay vale is drained by streams that flow slowly through steep banks of alluvial silt into the Semington Brook, the Marden and the Biss before the water reaches the Bristol Avon.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

7.3.6 The landscape of Wiltshire incorporates parts of three separate AONBs. These areas account for approximately 44 % of Wiltshire (Figure 7.1 & Table 7.2). The three areas are the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB, the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Cotswolds AONB. These areas are designated for their landscape qualities for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty.

7.3.7 The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 gave them a legally equivalent status to that of a National Park. Section 85 of the Act requires the Council (along with all other public bodies) to ‘have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB’.

Table 7.2: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire

North West Indicator Kennet Salisbury Wiltshire Wilts Wilts Area of AONB (%) 66.37 22.90 46.15 29.46 44.0 Area of AONB (ha) 64156 17577 46343 15230 143306 Area Green Belt (%) 0.00 0.00 9.89 15.70 6.40

7.3.8 The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire AONB was designated in 1983 and forms part of an extensive belt of chalkland which stretches across southern England. The area is essentially divided into two; to the south is Cranborne Chase with its smooth rounded downs, steeply cut combes and dry valleys typical of a chalk landscape. To the north, the Wiltshire Downs are more elevated with the landform rising to a subtle ridge at Great Ridge/ Groveley wood.

7.3.9 The North Wessex Downs AONB was designated in 1972 and is the largest AONB in the south east of England. The area is made up of a variety of landscape types which range from open downland, river valleys and vales, and wooded plateau. Chalk downlands are particularly prominent within the AONB.

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7.3.10 The Cotswolds AONB is the largest AONB in England and Wales and the majority of its area, 81 %, is located in the South West. The Cotswolds is made up of a limestone arc across England. Particularly landscape features include a prominent escarpment with views of the west towards the Forest of Dean and Wales and an undulating dig slope, draining from south eastwards with many rivers as tributaries of the Thames.

Figure 7.1: AONBs in Wiltshire

Source: Wiltshire County Council 2005

Special Landscape Areas

7.3.11 Due to the extremely rich and valued landscapes within Wiltshire, which include rolling downland and chalk river valleys, low lying vales and ancient forests and parkland, much of Wiltshire has been given the non statutory designation of Special Landscape Area (SLA). These are landscapes of County importance.

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Landscape Character

7.3.12 In total, the diversity of landscape variations and differences in Wiltshire are represented by 16 landscape types as shown in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2: Landscape Types of Wiltshire

Source: Wiltshire County Council 2005.

7.3.13 The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) of Wiltshire, conducted on behalf of Wiltshire County Council in 2005, reported that around a third of Wiltshire’s landscape is in moderate condition, with none in poor condition. Most of Wiltshire’s landscapes are in good condition. Each of the sixteen landscape types has been assessed and a strategy developed which fits into three categories of conserve, conserve and restore and strengthen, conserve and improve.

Tranquility

7.3.14 Tranquillity is an important component of sustainability. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has developed a tranquillity measurement tool, which allows the likelihood of experiencing tranquillity to be mapped. CPRE have also calculated tranquillity scores for English local authorities and these range from +28.6 in Northumberland to -79.5 in

Slough. Wiltshire scored +3.04 and is ranked 10th out of 87 authorities.

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7.3.15 Approximately 6,980 ha of Wiltshire is designated as Green Belt, which is part of the Bath and Bristol Green Belt. The majority of this land is in West Wiltshire (5,180 ha) and the remainder is in North Wiltshire (1,800 ha). Land is designated as Green Belt for the following purposes:

 Check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.  Prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another.  Assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.  Preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.  Assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

Potential impacts of climate change

7.3.16 The effects of climate change are likely to present some particular threats to the landscape in Wiltshire. These may include changes such as the use of land for non-food crops, especially for energy generation, and a substantial growth in the number of wind turbines for generating electricity.

Summary of Baseline Information

7.3.17 Landscape character in Wiltshire provides a considerable contribution to local distinctiveness. The landscape in the authority is one of national importance. Three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s) cover 43% of the County and the southern tip of the County is included as part of the recently designated New Forest National Park. The core strategy and SA objectives need to ensure that the natural beauty of these areas are conserved and enhanced. SA objectives also need to ensure that the overall landscape quality of the county is protected.

7.3.18 A small part of Wiltshire is now formally designated as part of the New Forest National Park. The purpose of National Parks is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities by the public. It should be noted that planning in this area is the responsibility of the New Forest National Park Authority.

7.3.19 Pressures to meet housing targets in the Draft RSS may create pressures on landscapes surrounding the urban areas of Salisbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham, but also in other areas. The key issue is how to reconcile the needs of sustainable development, meeting the social and economic needs of the countryside, whilst ensuring that the intrinsic qualities of the landscape are respected and preserved. Kennet and Salisbury Districts are particularly constrained by national and local landscape designations when considering how to meet housing objectives.

7.3.20 There is a close inter-relationship between landscape quality and value as wildlife habitats. Areas designated for their landscape importance can also support many habitats and species of biodiversity value. Indeed, one of the objectives of AONBs is to conserve and enhance plants and animals. Many concentrations of sites designated for their biodiversity value lie within AONBs, such as the North Wessex Downs AONB which contains Savernake Forest SSSI.

7.3.21 The prevalence of minerals and waste sites in rural locations in Wiltshire exacerbate the potential for impact upon the rural landscape, especially in river valleys where the visual impact of sand and gravel workings can be quite pronounced, in contrast with the flat landscape and lack of concealing factors.

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7.4 Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues (Task A3)

7.4.1 The third stage in preparing a scoping report is to identify the key environmental and sustainability issues arising from the review of policies, plans and programmes and through the collection of baseline information. These are summarised in Table 7. 3 below in relation to the landscape topic. Some of the issues have been identified as a consequence of document reviews and baseline data gathered for other topics. For example, the depletion of aquifers is identified as an issue in the water resources and flood risks topic but has specific relevance to the biodiversity quality of wetland habitats. Cross cutting themes are addressed in more detail later in this topic paper.

Table 7.3: Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues for Landscape

1 Landscape character in Wiltshire provides a considerable contribution to local distinctiveness. The landscape in the authority is one of national importance. Three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s) cover 43 % of the County. Consideration should also be given to the finger areas to the New Forest National Park which forms a very distinct landscape. 2 Pressures to meet UK Government housing targets may create pressures on landscapes surrounding the urban areas of Salisbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham. The key issue is how to reconcile the needs of sustainable development, meeting the social and economic needs of the countryside, whilst ensuring that the intrinsic qualities of the landscape are respected and preserved. 3 There is a close inter-relationship between landscape quality and value as wildlife habitats. Areas designated for their landscape importance can also support many habitats and species of biodiversity value. The biodiversity value of landscapes should be adequately reflected within the SA and LDF processes. 4 A reduction in livestock has lead to difficulties in maintaining characteristic landscapes that need to be grazed. 5 There is a need to ensure high quality design and enhance the public realm. 6 Kennet and Salisbury Districts are particularly constrained by national and local landscape designations. 7 The prevalence of minerals and waste sites in rural locations in Wiltshire exacerbate the potential for impact upon the rural landscape, especially in river valleys where the visual impact of sand and gravel workings can be quite pronounced, in contrast with the flat landscape and lack of concealing factors.

7.5 Sustainability Appraisal Framework (Task A4)

7.5.1 The SA Framework is an important part of the SA process as it is the main tool for testing development plan documents such as the Wiltshire Council Core Strategy. The SA Framework is used to ensure each DPD contributes towards delivering sustainable development and contains objectives against which emerging policies and proposals can be assessed. Objectives should address the full cross section of sustainability issues. To help ‘tease out’ the potential impacts of a policy and proposal the objective is supported by a number of decision aiding questions to help the person undertaking the appraisal. The selection of objectives and decision aiding questions is informed by the document reviews, existing baseline data and the key sustainability issues identified. The final element of the SA Framework is a list of potential monitoring

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indicators to judge the effects of a policy or proposal. Set out below are proposed objectives, decision aiding questions and monitoring indicators for the landscape theme.

a) Proposed Sustainability Appraisal objective(s)

 Protect and enhance the character and quality of Wiltshire’s landscapes, maintaining and strengthening local distinctiveness and sense of place.

b) Proposed decision-aiding questions

Will the policy….

 Protect and enhance the landscape character and scenic quality of the countryside?  Conserve and enhance areas with landscape designations and take account of their management objectives?  Maintain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of settlements?  Improve access to the countryside for recreation?

c) Potential indicators to be used in monitoring significant effects

 % of local authority area designated as AONB.  % of local authority area designated as Special Landscape Area.  Area of land covered by Environmental Stewardship Agreements.  % Rights of Way network ‘easy to use’.  Proportion of land designated as tranquil.  % of Joint Character Areas showing no change or showing change consistent with character area descriptions.  % of local authority area covered by historic landscape/ urban characterisation studies.

7.6 Cross Cutting Matters

7.6.1 Many topics under consideration by the SA process have implications for more than one area. These are referred to as cross cutting matters. It is a requirement of the SA regulations to identify examples of these cross cutting matters for each topic. Examples are outlined below which relate to the landscape topic.

 There is a need for a balance between conserving the landscape and its use as a recreational facility.  Providing increased access to the countryside can help improve quality of life and also health and wellbeing through greater physical activity.  Increased flooding in the future resulting from climate change may have an impact on historic and other important landscape features.  The sensitive management of our landscape may also be beneficial to the wellbeing of local biodiversity.  The need for additional housing may impact on the quality of the Wiltshire landscape, which in turn is an important tourism and economic asset.