Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA)

Landscape and Visual Appraisals

A proposed development can have negative impacts on the existing landscape, even if it is a relatively simple and straightforward planning project on a small site. Local authorities are protective over any chances of a development triggering changes to the character and appearance of the natural landscape, and any restrictions in place will only be tighter if the specific location has links to distinctive local features, heritage assets and particularly valued views.

If a landscape change in a specific area is likely to happen as a result of a development, a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) may be needed. By booking the process for the affected development site, developers can guarantee that any potential concerns have been identified and addressed, prepare for design choices that would otherwise negatively harm the landscape, and assure the local planning authority that planning consent can be granted.

What is a Landscape and Visual Appraisal?

Also sometimes known simply as a landscape visual appraisal, a landscape and visual appraisal (LVA) is an activity designed to analyse how development proposals could alter the character and appearance of the present location, as well as the surrounding areas. It is specifically useful in small-scale projects that have the potential to alter the visual appearance of the local environment, and the data will help to inform the design of the development and inform key decisions.

Often confused with a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), the main difference between the two is that one is for smaller developments, whereas the other is for larger developments. An LVA is also less formal and detailed compared to an LVIA, and out of the two, only an LVIA is used in conjunction with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As such, LVAs do not follow EIA development regulations.

Alternatively, a townscape and visual appraisal (TVA) will be used for small developments in urban areas that don’t need an EIA, and a townscape and visual impact assessment (TVIA) will be used for large developments in urban areas that do need an EIA. Arbtech provides landscape and visual appraisals, landscape and visual impact assessments and environmental impact assessments, so if you’re unsure of which you need for your development, you can speak to our team and let us guide you.

When Would a Developer Need a Landscape and Visual Appraisal?

Any time a development has the ability to change the character or appearance of the landscape – but it doesn’t need an environmental impact assessment (EIA) – the developer would need to organise a landscape and visual appraisal. It would also be necessary to arrange one if it meets the parameters of a landscape visual impact assessment (LVIA), but the scale or size of the development is classed as small.

Other Reasons for a Landscape Visual Appraisal

An LVA could also be needed if:

• The design could affect local visual amenity or existing landscape character
• The development site is on the edge of a settlement, near protected landscapes or within open countryside
• The local authority has asked for evidence of how visible the development will be from nearby properties and public viewpoints
• The planning proposal could affect designated landscapes, heritage assets, public rights of way or visually sensitive areas

Relevant Examples Where an LVA Could Help

Development types that could require a landscape and visual appraisal:

Certain special cases and miscellaneous types of development would also be likely to need an LVA, such as for the process of landraising or landscape remodelling, the installation of public art or sculptures in the countryside, the creation of wind farms or wind turbines, the practice of integrating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), the exercise of forest felling in scenic areas, and the use of a sustainable or green infrastructure approach.

LVA Process

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Several steps are involved in completing a landscape and visual appraisal, starting with the land surveyor creating an understanding of the existing landscape. Both a desk study and a site visit will be needed to record key landscape elements, such as the built form, field boundaries, land use, topography and vegetation. For rural and urban areas, landscape character assessments (LCAs) or townscape character assessments (TCAs) may be referred to as a way of highlighting the location’s distinctive qualities.

The land surveyor in charge of the process will then tailor the appraisal to the development by looking over the plans. Two aspects are considered: the landscape and visual effects, which will be listed and detailed in an easily understandable format. With data collected from the site and project, it can then inform design and planning, added to the planning application and abide by the rules of the local authority and relevant regulators like the Landscape Institute and Natural England.

Landscape and Visual Appraisal Report

After the appraisal, a report will be written to detail the results of the inspection, the nature of the development, the profile of the affected area, and any changes that are needed to allow the project to continue without harming the aesthetics of the landscape. Information from any townscape or landscape character assessment services will also be included, giving the developer a complete picture of how the visual assessment was undertaken and what the conclusions were.

Acting as environmental statements, an LVA report would show compliance with guidelines for landscape, with the same type of document being provided following LVIA work or any other survey to support planning. The completed report will be recognised by the planning officer from the local planning authority, and it should be included with the application for planning permission. Once the planning application is submitted alongside the report, nothing should prevent planning consent from being granted.

Requesting Support from LVA Services

At any point that a small-scale project could affect the landscape character of an area, a landscape visual appraisal will be needed. As for larger developments, a landscape visual impact assessment may be better suited. By speaking to the team at Arbtech, you can work out which landscape survey would be more suitable for your needs.

Our consultancy has helped clients all over the country with various obstacles that would otherwise disrupt land developments. If you want more information on how booking an LVA with us works, what the likely cost would be and who would carry out the appraisal, see the section below.

Pricing for Landscape and Visual Appraisals

Because every development is different, the cost of a landscape and visual appraisal can vary from project to project. Multiple factors can affect the price, including the amount of fieldwork needed, the complexity of the site, and the number of viewpoints that need to be analysed. For this reason, we tailor each quote based on the information our clients provide us with, preventing anyone from spending more than they need to.

By speaking to the team at Arbtech, you’re giving one of our administrators the chance to price up a landscape and visual appraisal using the specifications of your planning project, the dimensions of your development site, and the details of your needs and requirements. We start with a baseline fee and only add on what we need to, making it fair for all clients and removing the alternative option of making everyone pay the same amount.

Consultants of Landscape and Visual Appraisals

LVAs require a professional land surveyor with knowledge and experience of landscape character and visual sensitivity, as well as the impact of planning policy and local planning restrictions; it is equally important to be aware of the impact on development from the perspective of changes to land character and the stipulations of local policy.

Our team are qualified and licensed in conducting landscape visual appraisals, and with landscape consultants in each part of the country, we ensure nationwide coverage to all clients. Whoever we instruct to work for you and support your planning project, you’ll be in good hands and will receive a universally comprehensive and high-quality service.

Book Your LVA with Our Team Now

If you aren’t sure if you need a landscape and visual appraisal (LVA) or a landscape visual impact assessment (LVIA) for your proposed development – or even if your plans are likely to affect the existing landscape character or townscape character of an area – you can speak to our team via our website, over the phone or by sending an email and give us an opportunity to work out what you need and price up a free quote for the required landscape survey services. We’re also specialists in ecology, arboriculture and other areas, so if you need any additional assessments, we can help with them too.

From the early planning stage to when your planning application is submitted to the local council, our team can guide the way for you, quantifying the visual effects and ensuring that none of your plans negatively alter the visual appearance of the nearby environment. Our landscape and visual services have helped countless clients in recent times, and with the key landscape data we collect, the analysis of potential positive and negative impacts, and steps to avoid breaches of local policy, you will see success in your planning application and move your project to future stages.