PUBLIC INQUIRIES
Alison Farmer, is an experienced landscape expert witness.
Alison’s public inquiry work draws heavily on her experience in protected landscapes, landscape and visual impact assessment and landscape character assessment, bringing together large volumes of information that address complex issues in order to distil the key issues and arguments. Alison applies a rigour and discipline to her compilation of evidence, ensuring arguments are clearly and convincingly articulated and can withstand scrutiny. As a talented public speaker, she is also adept at presenting her professional findings and opinions at hearings.
Alison is regularly employed as expert witness in relation to a wide range of developments.
We have significant expertise across a wide range of planning considerations which relate to landscape and which frequently arise during public inquiries in relation to different sections of The National Planning Policy Framework.
Whinash Wind Farm, Cumbria
Fullabrook Wind Farm, North Devon
Tattingstone Solar Farm, Suffolk
Spring Farm Ridge Wind Farm, South Northamptonshire
AFA has acted as expert witness to various local and National Park planning authorities in relation to local housing appeals particular where there is no 5 year housing land supply. AFA has provided independent professional advice relating to the effects of development on protected landscape, green belt, conservation areas, listed buildings and locally valued landscapes, master planning, mitigation and the creation of distinctive places.
AFA has acted as landscape expert witness for Natural England (formerly Countryside Agency) on the successful designation of the South Downs National Park and the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales boundary extensions. She has a wealth of knowledge of the designation process from initial scoping through to consultation and final designation and has an in depth knowledge of the application of Natural England's Guidance on Evaluating Landscapes for National Park and AONB Designation (March 2010).