Townscape Character Assessment (TCA)

Townscape Character Assessments

Developments undertaken in urban areas can affect the visual appearance of the present and surrounding area, impacting cityscapes, historic streets, residential neighbourhoods and town centres. From the building size and the scale of the development to the materials used and the proposed layout, even the smallest of changes can harm the identity of an established townscape.

The location of an urban development could see it close to key areas, and only through organising a townscape character assessment (TCA) can you fully appreciate the impact on it and take measures to remain within relevant local policies. By booking a TCA, you can also reap the benefits of heightening your development plans and boosting your chances of planning acceptance.

What Does Townscape Character Assessment Mean?

A townscape character assessment (TCA) is the name of an insightful review undertaken to pinpoint and analyse the distinctive assets of an urban or built environment. The appearance, identity and structure of a town or city are analysed at length, considering such features as architectural styles, building types, density, height, land uses, landmarks, layouts, public spaces, rooflines, street patterns and the history and evolution of the area to date.

Instead of exclusively focusing on natural features, a TCA summarises how individuals that come into contact with the location experience and interact with its urban fabric, helping to define pivotal character areas and what makes each of them unique. It could be a requirement for developers to arrange a survey as a way of demonstrating that the plans have been created and executed with acknowledgment of responsible development methods.

It has an extremely close likeness to a landscape character assessment (LCA), which is virtually an identical category of landscape survey, but instead of being based on urban areas, it concentrates on rural areas.

Why is a Townscape Character Assessment Important?

Between showing consideration for the existing landscape and seeing a new development continue as planned, a townscape character assessment ticks a lot of boxes and offers countless benefits, such as:

• Catering for urban growth while sponsoring heritage, scale and community value
• Helping local planning authorities with judging proposals and implementing development policies
• Informing developers on enhancing the urban environment rather than harming it
• Making sure the design complements the surroundings rather than competing with them
• Supporting planning applications with reliable evidence

Townscape Character Assessment Methodology

Townscape Character Assessment

At the start of the assessment process, background research on the specific development site will be conducted, retrieving any existing information from conservation areas, densities, historic maps, land uses, local heritage registers, street and block layouts, urban design frameworks and masterplans, and local and national planning policies that affect the area.

The landscape consultant will then visit the site in person to undertake a visual analysis of all features. Factors that are considered include the heights, massing and materials of architecture styles, the focal points and heritage features of landmarks, the boundaries and building lines of street patterns, the green space, lighting, paving and signage of public realm quality, and the activity and movement of how people use and navigate the space.

A combination of design data and on-site observations can then help the landscape consultant map out townscape character areas. Each part of the site is evaluated by certain parameters, such as the age, condition and style of built structures, the density and layout, the accessibility and street layout, and the accumulative contribution to overall townscape character.

Townscape Character Assessment Report

Following both parts of the townscape assessment, a report will be created with the intention of passing it on to the local planning authority to support applications for planning permission. Reports from a TCA would usually include details about the site, a brief description of the survey, a summary of defining features, notable positive and negative elements, and the level of sensitivity and how easily it could be affected by physical changes caused by a new development.

It will also explain vital recommendations for the development plans that will ensure it can continue without affecting the visual appearance of the location. For example, this could include opportunities for enhancement and regeneration, approaches that make it possible to integrate new developments with respect to the area, the role of design on materials, rooflines and street patterns, and the acknowledgement of conservation issues, heritage assets and the public realm.

Townscape Character Assessment Guidance

As a way of removing any common questions about how Arbtech specifically manages townscape character assessments, we’ve explained the expected cost of a survey and report, and in addition to that, we’ve set out directions for moving forward with arranging a research study and site inspection conducted by one of our consultants.

Townscape Character Assessment Cost

Urban settings are complex, and with that in mind, any assessments on them need to be comprehensive and relevant. Several considerations can see the price of a TCA fluctuate, such as the character of the area, the level of visual sensitivity, and the number of key views that may be hindered by the proposed development. For instance, if the development could disturb conservation areas or heritage assets, a more in-depth and extensive review is to be expected.

The team at Arbtech would much rather start with a baseline price and then add onto it using the details of the site and project instead of making all costs universal for the same type of survey. It could sound unfair on the surface, but by doing this, we prevent developers of simple projects from paying the same as developers of complicated projects or charging more to cover all eventualities. Our approach means that we prioritise a client’s details, requirements and expectations.

Book a Local Townscape Character Assessment

To take the first step in planning a townscape character assessment, please speak to our team directly via email, phone or our website, and make sure that you give our team as much information as possible in regards to your development site, planning project and survey requirements. We are experienced, licensed, trained and qualified in undertaking a wide range of different services, so even if a TCA isn’t needed, we can help you with whatever other surveys you need to get planning.

After receiving your details, our friendly team will create a free quote for the necessary surveys on your site, whether it involves a townscape character assessment, a landscape character assessment or an entirely different type of inspection. The team at Arbtech can either carry out the surveys first-hand or pass you on to a partner company that can, so whatever the situation, come to us and give us an opportunity to help you in accomplishing your planning goals.