ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out to both reflect on the current approach to defining landscape sensitivity within England, and to identify what the issues might be with this, through a review of two urban coastal flood risk management projects undertaken as environmental impact assessment (EIA) development by the Environment Agency, England. 'Landscape sensitivity' is a term used within landscape and visual impact assessment for identifying both the overall value of the landscape and the evaluation of this relative to a specific proposal for change. The lack of an explicit approach or method to identify and engage with landscape sensitivity outside of landscape characterisation is considered a limitation to delivering human centred design within the landscape, through an impact assessment focused approach. The chapter suggests that the issues are responded to within approaches to landscape theory and practice, regarding the identification and evaluation of landscape sensitivity, as part of decision making within environmental management and design.
