James Bentley

I have gained considerable experience in all aspects of landscape planning through my involvement in a wide variety of often complex projects throughout the country and within the UK over the past twenty years. I have been involved at the forefront of developing guidance related to methods of better understanding aspects of landscape and natural character assessment, which has positively contributed to the development of the profession. As a result, I have written numerous articles, including 'Embracing Seascapes: Beyond the Land.'

Much of my work has focused on broad scale landscape and natural character assessments for second generation resource management plans, where I have identified Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Natural Character areas throughout the country. I have continued this through providing advice regarding appropriate management mechanisms to manage the values that underpin these sensitive areas. I have also project managed numerous proposal-driven environmental planning projects, including utilities, large-scale infrastructure, mining, aquaculture, urban development, re-zoning and retirement complexes and subdivisions. As a consequence of this, I am a trusted and reliable expert witness at both the council and environment court levels.

I am also involved in tutoring third and fourth year landscape architecture students at Lincoln University concerning landscape planning aspects. I thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to increase awareness around the landscape planning aspect of landscape architecture.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons), Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education (now The University of Gloucestershire)
Post-Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education (now The University of Gloucestershire)

Affiliations

Registered Member, New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA)
Member, Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
Chartered Member, Landscape Institute, UK