Characterisation

Jackson Planning had developed a well-received methodology for characterisation.  

 

Characterisation is a complex and multilayered assessment, which needs to consider a wide variety of sources including landscape setting and historic development as that has a significant influence on contextual character.  In order to bolster the quality of characterisation studies are examined at various levels.

 

Character is considered at four spatial scales:
 

1. Settlement Scale (The town context) 

2. Spatial Scale (Layout/ Townscape) 

3. Building Scale (Streets)
4. Detail Scale (Buildings)

 

The key findings at each level of characterisation supported by the evidence from the publications and street surveys are recorded with a full range of built and landscape characteristics.  

 

This method has been developed to provide a rapid characterisation of the settlement.

 

This objective assessment of the settlement’s character should inform the design solutions for future development so as to ensure that it is locally distinctive and recognisable as fitting with the established pattern of the settlement. The evidence is set out at a variety of scales to help work from macro to micro. 

 

Jackson Planning have completed characterisation studies for the following settlements using this methodology.

 

Petersfield, Hampshire

East Meon, Hampshire

Bishops Waltham, Hampshire

Chute, Wiltshire