Although published three years ago most people will not have heard of this review. However owing to the Turfhills inquiry its importance in assessing the sensitivity of the landscape of Kinross-shire to change is now clear.

The introduction of new elements into the landscape, whether it be housing, landfill, new roads or industry will require an independent assessment of the landscape character in question.

 The study attempts to identify areas of the landscape that are, or may, be under threat and identifies opportunities for the enhancement: of features that contribute to landscape character.

It attempts to highlight priority areas where specific landscape initiatives should be targeted. The document is in the possession of the Perth and Kinross Council and should contribute to the planning process and in particular help them address specific development pressures such as mineral workings (sand and gravel); housing, road proposals and the influence of Objective 2 projects such as forestry and recreation.

It will to help formulate the Kinross Housing study. This study has been mentioned in previous KCT newsletters, but has been delayed until after the Secretary of State rules on the proposed Guinea Group development.

The landscape assessment also investigates the many influences which have helped to create and shape the landscape. These include the physical influences of geology; climate and ecology, the historical influences of man's activity, and the contemporary effects of changes in land use and land management. The study divides Kinross into 30 areas and then groups them into 10 categories landscape characters

Priorities

The study concludes that in terms of sensitivity of Kinross-shire landscapes and the potential for irreversible harm or long-term degradation, the following actions should be promoted.

1. Development control measures immediately (housing review).

To restrict any form of built development, high, linear or large-scale structures, mineral workings, or engineering operations that would affect the key characteristics and features of the uplands, the upland glens and the upland slopes.

To safeguard the skyline features of the local hills, Lendrick Hill, Benarty Hill and Lomond Hills, from all development proposals that could affect the skyline, land form or visual horizons.

2. A forestry and land use plan for the Ochils.

 To identify potential schemes and priorities, to translate the indicative forestry strategy into positive enhancement and management for this important upland area. New planting tends to be opportunistic. Improving recreation, conservation and the landscape virtues of existing woodlands relies on the co-operation of the land owners.

3. A recreation and access strategy.

Aimed at managing visitor pressures in the uplands and in the Ochil Glens in a positive way and to enhance recreational access provision in the upland slopes, along the river Devon and, where practical, at Kinross House and Blairadam.

4. Landscape management plan for the upland slopes.

To safeguard, conserve and enhance these highly conspicuous areas.

5. A landscape plan for the settlements.

To enhance and safeguard the landscape settings of the settlements at Kinross, Milnathort, Crook of Devon, Drum, Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell.

Safeguarding the important separation between the two settlements of Kinross and Milnathort is vital. There are opportunities for landscape enhancement at and around Kinross and Milnathort and at Balado airfield. R Moncreiff

 The landscape issues maps have been reproduced with the permission of SNH &

D Tyldesley & Associates,