Review of Local Landscape Areas in Perth and Kinross

Review of Local Landscape Areas in Perth and Kinross

LUC is working together with Perth and Kinross Council to review and update the current Local Landscape Areas (LLAs) within the Perth and Kinross Council area. The current set of LLAs was adopted in 2014 and are set out in Perth and Kinross Council’s current Landscape Supplementary Guidance 2020. Given changes in national policy and guidance since 2014 as well as changes in development pressures, it is important to review and update the current set of LLAs to ensure they remain fit for purpose and continue to recognise the special qualities of such landscapes. We are therefore seeking your valuable local knowledge and feedback on the current set of LLAs to inform the review process. The review will result in revised LLAs which will form an updated supplementary guidance document and part of the next Local Development Plan.

The consultation is open from the 8th October 2025 and will close on the 5th November 2025.

Local Landscape Areas

LLAs play an important part in protecting and enhancing landscapes with locally appreciated special qualities. Information on LLAs can be useful to inform development management and potential site allocation and strategic landscape policies. LLAs do not prevent development from taking place but can be used to ensure the special landscape qualities are considered.

Perth and Kinross Council have 11 LLAs covering 1,444 km2. They consist of a range of upland and lowland landscapes such as Rannoch Forest, Loch Tay, Glen Almond the Ochil Hills. The current LLAs can be viewed on the map below and full details of each LLA can be found in the Supplementary Guidance 2020 document.

Map of Perth and Kinross and local and national landscape designations - View map full screen

In accordance with NatureScot and Historic Environment Scotland (HES)’s Guidance on Designating Local Landscape Areas (2020), landscapes are considered for designation against the following landscape criteria:

• Scenic: Landscape that appeals primarily to the visual senses, and is appreciate for its beauty.
• Cultural: Landscape with clear evidence of archaeological, historical or cultural interests / associations / significance, offering a time-depth to people’s experience.
• Natural: Landscape of strong natural or semi-natural character, with clear evidence of ecological, geological or geomorphological interest.
• Recreation and Enjoyment: Landscape recognised as offering opportunities for recreation and amenity, where experience of landscape is important.
• Local Distinctiveness and Sense of Place: Landscape that has a strong sense of identity.
• Health and Wellbeing: A landscape which makes particular contribution to both the physical and psychological health and wellbeing of a local community and/or visitors.
• Important Spatial Function: Landscape that performs a clearly identifiable and valued spatial role.

Where we are now and how you can help

The review of the LLAs is currently being carried out, and is focused on checking and updating the boundaries and citations set out in the 2020 Supplementary Guidance. Getting the views of key stakeholders with an interest in the landscape of Perth and Kinross is a crucial part of the process.

You can help us better understand your local landscape by telling us what you value about the landscapes you know, and how those landscapes are changing.

In order to provide feedback and contribute to the review, please complete the short online survey below.

All information will feed into our review of the LLAs. Thank you in advance for your help.