Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA)

Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) is the process of evaluating the effect of a proposal upon the landscape it affects. There is an important distinction between visual effects (the human view or perception) and the landscape effects (which occur whether or not anyone can see them). Landscape Character Assessment is a methodology within landscape assessment which identifies the distinctive qualities of a landscape or landscape areas.

We use these tools across a wide range of scales:-

• LVIA usually forms part of an Environmental Assessment, which may be required in support of planning applications for larger developments. Character Assessment of a large area might be needed to determine the most appropriate location for a development - for example, siting a power station, or routeing a power line or highway.
• At a smaller scale, assessment might be required on just one site, where issues of landscape character and quality could be important elements of a planning application - for example, a development in an Area of High Landscape Value or of particular urban character.
• At a site level we use landscape survey to identify and record the positive and negative features of the site (eg boundaries, levels, vegetation, aspect, views, environmental qualities). The Assessment then analyses the site data to guide the design process, to maximise the site's assets and opportunities and minimise any problems.

We see Landscape Assessment as a vital component of development planning and also the foundation of good design. As well as being our principal input into the Environmental Assessment process, it can equally be a major part of the preparation and presentation of Proofs of Evidence to Public Inquiries. You can see project examples to the right and on the Environmental Assessment page.

Project examples:

Lounge Disposal Point

Lounge Disposal Point Restoration

We provided a Landscape and Visual Proof of Evidence on behalf of Leicestershire County Council for an Inquiry into the future of this contested restoration site. The inspector found in favour of the Council's position, that the site should be restored at the earliest opportunity.

Humberfields Waste Transfer

Humberfields Waste Transfer Station

We represented local community concerns about this project in an Area of High Landscape Value. Our evidence to Public Inquiry critiqued the developer's landscape assessment and photomontages, and questioned whether the developer had sufficiently explored alternative locations outside the Area of High Landscape Value. The Inspector broadly concurred and developer's appeal was refused.

North Cave Wetlands

North Cave Wetlands

It has been our pleasure to be involved in two phases of this project whose purpose is to extend North Cave's excellent Yorkshire Wildlife Trust wetland nature reserve, through quarrying of local sand and gravel reserves. We have produced the Landscape and Visual Assessment components of both EIAs.

Tansterne Power Station

Tansterne Straw-Burning Power Station

Our Landscape and Visual Proof of Evidence was developed from earlier Landscape and Visual Assessment work, and was submitted to Public Inquiry. The Evidence included the above graphical review of the East Riding's Landscape Character Assessment, and its position on landscape quality and sensitivity. Our aim was to place the landscape quality of the proposed site in context within the County. The Secretary of State upheld our client's Appeal, taking the view that the proposed site was an acceptable location for this important renewable energy development.

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