The following criteria (originally proposed in TR1 and revised in Progress Paper No 7) based on a review of existing information on landscape assessment listed in Table 7.3a (see Section 2.4.2 of Progress Paper No 7 for details on information review), have been used for determining whether an area has landscape value:

• Presence of a distinct landscape character defined as characteristic patterns or combinations of landform and land coverage creating a sense of place; or

• Presence of a valued landscape such as protected coastline, forest, marshes, scenic spots; or

• Presence of specific and relatively rare landscape elements such as hilltops, ridgelines, coastlines, river valleys, prominent watercourses, forests and ponds; or

• Presence of an area with specific land use, eg prime agricultural land and fishponds, which add landscape value to the area.

• In addition to the above criteria, the Study Team has taken into account the following considerations, suggested by PlanD, when justifying landscape value of an area:

• the landscape character of an area in the context of its juxtaposition and compatibility with other physical features;

• the significance of the landscape character of an area in terms of its local, district and territorial distinctiveness; and

• the sensitivity of the landscape system and its ability to accommodate changes.