Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVAs) and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIAs)

We regularly carry out LVA / LVIAs for clients during the early planning stages, in accordance with the published guidance Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd edition) – Landscape Institute/ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013).

The purpose of these studies is to assess the potential impacts of a proposed development on the landscape and visual amenity of an area. Carried out early in a project’s evolution, these can be a valuable part of a suite of studies (including Arboricultural reports) that when correctly used to guide the design process can result in the best chance of a positive outcome for a scheme.

Landscape (elements and character) and visual impacts are assessed separately, although the procedure for assessing each is closely linked. A clear distinction is drawn between landscape and visual impacts;

• Landscape impacts relate to the effects of the proposal on the physical and other characteristics of the landscape and its resulting character and quality.

• Visual impacts relate to the effects on views experienced by visual receptors (e.g. residents, footpath users, tourists etc.) and on the visual amenity experienced by those people.

We have worked on a wide range of proposals from a single dwelling to large residential schemes of up to 400 dwellings to include affordable housing, open space and landscaping/green infrastructure, attenuation features , biodiversity enhancements and play areas.