Home Executive Summary 1. Introduction 2. Landscape Character 3. The Evolution of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Landscape 4. The Built Environment 5. Elements at Risk and Strategies for Recovery 6. Interpretation of Tradition 7. The Changing Countryside 8. Conclusion

Executive Summary

This report was commissioned by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership in 2002. Its aim is to assist a wide range of persons broaden their understanding what it is that makes the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty different from other parts of the country (e.g. the Chilterns or the Shropshire Hills), with particular reference to the built environment. It is also seen as providing a link between the highly technical content of a Landscape Character Assessment and the more accessible guidance that exists to supplement local planning policy, particularly the growing number of community-based Village Design Statements.

A brief introduction to the report describes the area, defines what is meant by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and sets out the purpose of the project, its methodology, scope and limitations.