Landscape Visual Impact Assessment in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire’s Scenic Views

A county known for agricultural tradition and natural beauty, Lincolnshire in the East Midlands has enough reason to preserve as much of the landscape as possible. It is currently classed as 72% rural, making sense of the many farmland, village and hilled areas that appear all over the county, as well as the sections of countryside that remain unspoiled.

Even with plenty of greenfield land remaining and ranking as the fifth largest county in England based on the rural population, local authorities aim to retain as many valuable green areas and natural assets as possible, limiting any unnecessary development projects that could cause adverse impacts on landscape character and the general visual aesthetics of the county.

Areas of Beauty in the Lincolnshire County

Including an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the coastal marshes, the flatlands of the Fens and the Lincolnshire Wolds, the county integrates various forms of natural beauty. Due to the vast rural areas all over Lincolnshire, it acts as a home to some of the finest countryside in Britain and can entertain visitors and residents with stunning views and expansive nature walks.

Although not always applicable, it is possible for planning projects to significantly affect the visual appearance of the environment with the introduction of certain types of infrastructure. In the case of new highways, large commercial buildings or a wide estate of residential buildings, an inspection and report detailing the repercussions on the environment in the form of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) may be needed before the local council will permit planning permission.

Evaluating the Impact of a Development on the Landscape

In simple terms, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is split into two parts – the first to conduct a landscape impact assessment and the second to conduct a visual impact assessment. Both are linked, except the first is more focused on gauging the specific changes to the characteristics, patterns and qualities of the landscape caused by the development, such as in cultural and historical features, bodies of water, landforms and vegetation.

Once the first part has been completed, the second part will be more focused on the expected visual effects people will experience after the development is complete. At this point, images may be taken of key areas and the land surveyor will consider the traffic of people visiting the area, how the area will look and how much of it will be impacted, all as a result of the land or property development. Whether as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or as a standalone inspection, the LVIA would then conclude with the creation of a report.

Reports for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments contain comprehensive information from the survey that will contribute to important planning decisions made by the local planning authority. Such assets within an LVIA report include a summary of the landscape character before and after the development, steps that will allow the project to continue, and tailored recommendations made by the land surveyor. A combination of the factors will then come together to form the basis of the planning officer’s decision to grant or deny planning applications.

Discuss Your Needs with Our Team

From situations involving developers who are aware of the cultural or historical value of their site to developers who are expecting to cause a major change to landscape character, our team are able to step in and offer assistance with Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments. Even if you aren’t certain if an LVIA is necessary, you can speak to Arbtech without obligation and allow us to determine if it’s the most suitable course of action.

Proposed developments in the Lincolnshire area could infringe on visual appearance, tarnishing valuable assets that are considered a part of the culture or heritage of the specific location. Fortunately, you can avoid any issues on the environment caused by your development by referring to our team for a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. Request a quote today by emailing us, calling us, reaching out on social media or filling out a form on our website.