This 2009 study was a first in Wales providing a landscape sensitivity and capacity study around main settlements. The method put together LANDMAP information with our approach developed in English districts.

At a strategic level LANDMAP and its value for each of the five aspects is used to set a context. Local character areas are defined around each settlement based on more detailed landform and landcover characteristics. For each of these areas a series of factors are considered to arrive at a sensitivity and a capacity for housing. Within this fine grained framework, strategic candidate sites are then assessed for their sensitivity and capacity. The study has proved robust for site allocation and development control.

The assessment has been fully updated in a 2019/2020 study within the context of the Well-being of Future Generations Act and takes factors like green infrastructure and habitat connectivity datasets into account.

Client: Monmouthshire County Council.