Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document ...

City of Bradford Metropolitan District CouncilLocal Development Framework For Bradford9.9 FLOODPLAIN PASTURESummary9.9.1 A very distinct, flat, open landscape with relatively large, rectilinear fields enclosed byhedges, occupying the low-lying floodplains of Bradford’s open valleys.Distribution9.9.2 This landscape type is very distinctly defined by the particular physical characteristics ofthe floodplain. It’s flat topography, its fertile alluvia soils and in particular the fact that theland is often flooded by the river, mean that there are virtually no buildings in thefloodplain, though it is common to find sewage works as a significant landscape element.Landscape Elements9.9.3 Major transport links running through the valleys have traditionally been located on theedge of the floodplain because of the dangers of flooding. Roads canals and railwaysare all found here, sometimes bisecting the older pasture fields on raised banks abovethe washland flood level. The movement from trains, canal boats and vehicles is asignificant feature of this landscape.The fields and pattern of fields are the dominant element in the landscape, with hedges(or walls on the lower slopes at the edge) being significant. There are a few tree clumps,Landscape Character Supplementary Planning DocumentOctober 2008 Page 58