Landscape Assessment

LVIA and LVA

What is LVIA and LVA?

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) are processes for identifying and assessing the effects of a development on the landscape and views. The LVIA / LVA typically informs the design of the development and associated mitigation to deliver a scheme with reduced adverse effects and often some beneficial effects. LVIAs and LVAs usually accompany planning applications, providing evidence for decision makers.

What is the difference between LVIA, LVA, and landscape statements?

LVIAs are typically more detailed than LVAs and form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process that determines the 'significance' of a range of environmental effects.

LVAs are typically used for smaller or less complex projects, often in less sensitive landscapes, where an EIA process is not required. Both LVIA and LVA follow a similar process, with their depth determined by the nature, scale, and complexity of a development in conjunction with the sensitivity of the landscape and views.

Landscape statements are a light-touch way of recording the likely landscape and visual issues of a project. They tend to be used where landscape and visual issues are unlikely to be substantial, but some acknowledgement and consideration is required. Landscape statements typically identify the local landscape character and key views but do not include assessment of effects supported by a methodology to industry standards. As such, landscape statements may provide useful information for a planning application but are generally not suitable for applications where robust landscape assessment is required.

What guidance is there for LVIA / LVA?

The key guidance document for LVIA and LVA is the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3) published by the Landscape Institute and IEMA. Further support is provided by a range of technical guidance that covers topics including photography, landscape character assessment, and assessment of landscape value. The photography guidance sets requirements including the camera set-up and presentation of images and technical data.

When should I use LVIA / LVA?

For planning applications, the requirement for a LVIA / LVA is usually set out in planning validation check lists produced by planning authorities. The requirement can be confirmed through a pre-application to the planning authority. It should be noted that even in cases where a landscape assessment is not strictly required, the LVIA / LVA process can make the difference between a scheme that gains planning permission and one that is refused. In our experience, planning authorities are likely to recognise schemes where landscape and visual matters have been considered and addressed early and throughout the design process.

Who should undertake LVIA / LVA?

The industry guidance (GLVIA3) requires that LVIA / LVA is undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced landscape professionals. In practice this typically means a chartered landscape architect with appropriate experience in LVIA / LVA. It is worth noting that not all landscape architects will be suitably experienced in LVIA / LVA and so confirmation of this should be sought prior to any appointment. Chartered landscape architects are registered with the Landscape Institute and can be found via the Landscape Institute’s Member Directory.

Who should review a LVIA / LVA?

LVIAs and LVAs should be reviewed by the planning authority to determine the adequacy of the assessment and whether it is sufficient to support the decision making process. Technical guidance by the Landscape Institute requires that this review should be undertaken by a ‘competent expert’. This would normally be a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute who has substantive experience of undertaking and reviewing LVIAs.

What’s involved in producing a LVIA / LVA?

The LVIA / LVA process follows a methodology informed by GLVIA3. A desktop study and field work contribute to determining a study area, the baseline section of a report, the production of several supporting maps and plans (often in GIS software), technical photography, and identification of landscape and visual receptors and their sensitivity. The study area for assessment is determined as part of the process and may vary from the immediate environs of the site to several kilometres from it, depending on the nature of the project and the sensitivity of the landscape and views.

Often, a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) is modelled using CAD or GIS software using topographic data to indicate from where a proposed development may be visible and identify possible viewpoint photography locations. Assessment of the effects of the proposed development on each of the identified receptors is determined with reference to the methodology and recorded within the report. In LVIA a statement of significance is included. During the LVIA / LVA process, recommendations for design changes or mitigation may be made, to reduce adverse effects or promote beneficial ones.

What else may be requested?

Landscape Mitigation Plans

In most cases it is typical that a landscape mitigation plan accompanies the LVIA / LVA. This demonstrates how adverse effects are to be mitigated and is typically a plan showing the principal areas of planting and seeding but may also include earthworks and notes on materials, design choices, and site operation. Increasingly, the landscape mitigation plan incorporates Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and it is typical for a landscape architect to work with the project ecologist to deliver this.

Visualisations

In some cases, the planning authority may request visualisations, ranging from simple wireframes to detailed visually verified photomontages. Where these are for assessment purposes or to form part of the LVIA / LVA process, there are technical standards produced by the Landscape Institute that should be met. The purpose of the visualisation and level of detail required should be agreed with the planning authority. Many landscape architects who undertake LVIA will be able to provide this service.

What are the next steps?

We are always happy to discuss landscape assessment, mitigation plans, and visualisations so please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us with any projects, no matter their stage.

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