Deposit Draft Local Development Plan - Rhondda Cynon Taf

Policy NSA 25 - Special Landscape AreasSpecial Landscape Areas are identified at the following locations:1. Mynydd y Cymmer;2. Mynydd Troed y Rhiw Slopes;3. Llwyncelyn Slopes;4. Cwm Clydach;5. Cynon Valley Northern Slopes;6. Cwm Orci;7. Rhondda Fawr Northern Cwm & Slopes;8. Hirwaun Common, Cwm Dare & Cwm Aman, and;9. Brecon Beacons Edge at Llwydcoed.• Locally rare landscape;• Setting for special landscapes.6.98. In order to protect the visual qualities of each SLA, development proposalswithin these areas will be required to conform to the highest possibledesign standards.6.99. In the Northern Strategy Area SLAs have been identified to protect thedistinctive upland / valley landscape of the area. Particular considerationhas been given to the protection of the unspoilt valley slopes and ridgeswhich form a visual backdrop to the settlements of the area.6.100. Details of the SLAs are contained in the Rhondda Cynon Taf SpecialLandscape Area Study (2007).Development within the defined Special Landscape Areas will beexpected to conform to the highest standards of design, siting, layoutand materials appropriate to the character of the area.6.97. Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) have been designated to protect areas offine landscape quality within Rhondda Cynon Taf. The designation of theselandscape areas has been undertaken at local level using a regionallyagreed methodology. The methodology used to identify the SLA’s inRhondda Cynon Taf builds on the Countryside Council for Wales LANDMAPmethodology and considers factors such as:• Prominence;• Spectacle – dramatic topography and views;• Unspoilt areas - Pre-industrial patterns of land use;• Remoteness & tranquillity;• Vulnerability & sensitivity to change;90Preserving Our Heritage, Building Our Future