Tranquillity in our area
We recognise the importance of visual and audible tranquillity as a significant asset in rural and urban areas. Tranquillity can support health and well-being for all and be a key contributor to quality of life along with the enjoyment of landscapes, heritage assets and open spaces. Conserving tranquillity is also important in terms of protecting and enhancing wildlife and habitats, which in turn contribute to visual and audible peace.
But tranquillity can be significantly impacted by intrusive sights, sounds, lighting and movement associated with development and human activity. Tranquillity is very much, although not wholly, a natural asset and once lost or degraded is hard to reinstate.
The Central Bedfordshire Tranquillity Strategy is made available to planners, specialist advisers, developers and local communities to aid assessment of how planning proposals can be considered in relation to impacts on tranquillity. The strategy includes guidance on what should be assessed in relation to the potential impact of proposals on tranquillity. The strategy also identifies general principles/strategies that can be put in place to protect, enhance and create tranquillity.