LVIA & Landscape Planning
What is an LVIA and when is one needed?
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), considers the likely effects of a proposed development on the surrounding landscape character and views.
An LVIA is often required for planning applications where landscape and visual matters are likely to be important, particularly for sites within or close to designated landscapes, settlement edges or within open countryside. For smaller schemes, early-stage proposals or less sensitive sites, a Landscape and Visual Appraisal, (LVA), may provide a more proportionate level of assessment. In towns and urban settings, a Townscape and Visual impact Assessment, (TVIA), may be more appropriate.
We can advise on the right scope for your project at an early stage, helping to ensure the assessment is proportionate, focused and aligned with planning requirements.
Designated Landscapes and National Parks
Much of our work is undertaken in sensitive landscape planning contexts, where the quality of landscape assessment can be critical to the outcome of an application. This includes sites within or near designated landscapes such as the Cotswolds National Landscape, the Wye Valley and the Chilterns, as well as Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) and other areas across the UK.
We also have experience preparing landscape assessments for sites subject to Grey Belt considerations, where landscape sensitivity, visual containment, settlement context and the contribution of land to Green Belt purposes are all assessed as part of the process.
Where a site lies within or close to a designated landscape, Green Belt or sensitive settlement edge, clear and well-reasoned landscape assessment is essential. It helps identify constraints and opportunities, informs the design process and provides decision-makers with a robust basis for understanding potential effects.
A Rigorous, Landscape-Led Approach
Our assessment work is grounded in a clear understanding of landscape character, visual context, planning policy and the specific qualities of each site.
We prepare LVIAs, LVAs and TVIAs that are proportionate, clearly structured and supported by sound professional judgement. Each assessment is tailored to the scale and sensitivity of the proposal, whether for early feasibility advice, pre-application discussions, planning submissions and ES chapters.
By integrating assessment with design thinking, we help project teams understand landscape and visual constraints early, refine proposals where needed and present a clear planning case supported by credible landscape assessment.
