Cornwall Seascape Character Appraisal

Local councils and communities are encouraged to share their insights on the draft Cornwall Seascape Character Appraisal, which will be open for feedback between the 17^th April and 15^th May 2026.

Seascape appraisal is a process that helps provide an objective evidence base for planning policies, development proposals and marine planning. It ensures that the visual, cultural, historic and natural aspects of seascapes are understood before decisions are made.

Your perspectives are vital in capturing the character, challenges and opportunities unique to each area. Your comments will help ensure that coastal and marine planning is well‑informed, place‑based and sensitive to what people value, helping balance development needs with the protection of our unique coastal character.

What is the purpose of a seascape appraisal in planning?

A seascape appraisal (or Seascape Character Assessment – SCA) is used in the planning system to help understand, describe and manage the character of coastal and marine areas in a consistent, evidence‑based way. Its key purposes are:

1. To inform planning and decision‑making

Seascape appraisal provides an objective evidence base for planning policies, development proposals and marine planning. It ensures that visual, cultural, historic and natural aspects of seascapes are understood before decisions are made. This reflects requirements in the Marine Policy Statement, which asks planners to consider visual, cultural, historical and archaeological impacts on coastal landscapes and seascapes.

2. To integrate land and marine planning

Seascape Character Assessments help bridge the gap between terrestrial planning and marine planning by analysing coastal and offshore areas in a holistic way, rather than treating land and sea as separate.

3. To guide sensitive design and protect local character

By mapping and describing what makes each stretch of coast distinctive, seascape appraisal supports sympathetic design of new development and helps avoid harm to valued coastal character. It highlights natural, cultural, aesthetic and perceptual qualities that need consideration.

4. To support marine planning and strategic management

Seascape Character Assessments underpin the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) marine plans by defining Marine Character Areas with agreed key characteristics, ensuring planning is based on consistent national evidence.

5. To capture local experience and stakeholder knowledge

Seascape Character Assessments rely on fieldwork and stakeholder engagement, providing a structured way to bring local insights into planning decisions.