Townscape and Visual Appraisal (TVA)

Townscape and Visual Appraisals

Even small urban development proposals can influence the established character of towns, neighbourhoods and streetscapes. Local planning authorities are particularly sensitive to schemes that may alter the visual appearance or spatial structure of a built-up area, especially where there are heritage assets, conservation areas or key townscape views at risk.

Where development might lead to a noticeable change in the local urban environment, a Townscape and Visual Appraisal (TVA) can provide critical insight. Commissioning one early allows the developer to identify visual risks, influence good design decisions, and demonstrate to the council that the scheme respects the local context and deserves planning approval.

What is a Townscape and Visual Appraisal?

Also referred to as a townscape and visual assessment or simply a townscape visual appraisal, a townscape and visual appraisal (TVA) assesses the potential changes a development could introduce to the character and appearance of urban areas, including how it might impact important views, streetscapes and the overall coherence of the place. It is most relevant for small to medium-scale developments that may influence the built environment or public realm.

While it shares similarities with a townscape and visual impact assessment (TVIA) such as both focusing on urban projects, a TVA is typically less formal than a TVIA. A TVA is not part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, meaning it offers a proportionate approach for developments that do not require full EIA scrutiny but still need to address visual impacts. If, for some reason, other townscape assessments are needed after a TVA, townscape impact assessments may be chosen alongside EIAs.

It is also similar to a landscape and visual appraisal (LVA) and a landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA), but with a focus on urban or semi-urban developments. A landscape and visual appraisal is effectively a rural version of a townscape and visual appraisal, just as a landscape and visual impact assessment is a rural version of a townscape and visual impact assessment. At Arbtech, we offer all four services, as well as environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to partner TVIAs and LVIAs.

If you’re unsure which is appropriate between an LVA and TVA for non-EIA development projects or an LVIA and TVIA for EIA development projects, our team can help you determine the best fit for your needs.

When Are Townscape Visual Appraisals Needed for Development?

You may need a TVA if your development is likely to alter the appearance, visual amenity or experience of a town or neighbourhood setting but does not trigger the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Similarly, if your project qualifies under the general principles of a TVIA or an LVIA but is urban in nature and of smaller scale, a TVA would be the right alternative.

Other Reasons for a Townscape Visual Appraisal

A TVA may also be required when:

• The development may affect the visual amenity or character of an urban area
• The site lies within or near a conservation area, green spaces, urban open spaces or a historic environment or heritage townscape
• The local council requests an assessment of visibility from public viewpoints or nearby properties
• The proposal could influence listed buildings, strategic views, civic spaces or sensitive townscape settings

Different Types of Development Where TVAs Apply

Development types that could warrant a townscape and visual appraisal:

TVAs may also be appropriate in more complex or visually sensitive cases, such as:

• Rooftop extensions or mass changes in historic streets
• Urban infill projects affecting key views
• New buildings in heritage settings or near important landmarks
• Town centre redevelopments and façade alterations
• Public art installations in civic spaces or plazas

TVA Format

Townscape and Visual Appraisal

The TVA process begins with a thorough understanding of the existing townscape, involving a desk-based review and on-site assessment to record built form, street layout, building typologies, materials and significant viewpoints. Where relevant, a townscape character assessment (TCA) and/or landscape character assessment (LCA) will be referenced, as well as local design codes to ensure a clear contextual understanding.

We then assess your development proposals against this baseline, focusing on townscape effects and visual impact. These are clearly documented in an easy-to-understand format that can guide design improvements, address potential impacts on the landscape, support planning decisions, and comply with local policy and national best practice guidelines.

Townscape and Visual Appraisal Report

The TVA concludes with a formal report that includes an overview of the site, a summary of local townscape character, and a detailed breakdown of the predicted impacts of the scheme. The document will also include analysis from any relevant townscape character studies or policies undertaken by the landscape professionals.

The report acts as supporting evidence for your planning submission, with our landscape consultant featuring as an expert witness of the site to show how the scheme addresses visual sensitivities and respects the setting. It is structured to be easily reviewed by planning officers and can increase the likelihood of gaining consent, particularly in sensitive or constrained urban areas.

Asking for TVA Services

Any development in a town, village or city area that could affect visual context or urban character may benefit from a TVA. For larger-scale or rural projects, a townscape visual impact assessment (TVIA) would be more appropriate. The best way to determine your needs is by speaking to our consultants.

We’ve supported developers across the country with navigating visual constraints in complex planning environments. To get advice, pricing and expert input, contact our team today.

Cost of Townscape and Visual Appraisals

As with all planning assessments, the cost of a TVA depends on the specifics of the project. Factors such as site location, urban complexity, heritage sensitivity and the number of representative views will affect pricing. We avoid fixed fees, offering instead a tailored quote based on your site and requirements.

Reach out with details of your site and proposed development, and we’ll create a quote that reflects the scale of work fairly and without inflated or unnecessary costs. From there, we can help you with gauging and dealing with the likely effects of your development on the present and surrounding landscape.

Surveyors for Townscape and Visual Appraisals

TVAs require a skilled eye for urban form, character and planning policy. Our experienced townscape consultants understand how to evaluate visual change in a complex built context and how to communicate that clearly in a planning-ready format.

With qualified professionals located nationwide, Arbtech offers consistent and high-quality TVA services across the UK. Your project will be handled by experts who know how to interpret visual change and guide your scheme successfully through planning.

Pre-Arrange Your TVA with the Team at Arbtech

If you’re unsure whether a townscape and visual appraisal or townscape and visual impact assessment is right for your development, speak to us, and our team of landscape architects, consultants and surveyors will explain the differences, assess your site’s needs, and provide a no-obligation free quote to encourage planning acceptance from the local authorities. You can contact our team on our website, over the phone or via email, and we’d be happy to help.

From the pre-application stage through to submission, Arbtech can help you identify visual sensitivities, improve design outcomes, and maximise your planning success. Whether your scheme is in a city centre, suburban edge or conservation area, we’ll ensure that its visual impact is professionally assessed and clearly communicated with our landscape and visual appraisals, or landscape visual impact assessments if it’s more suitable for your development.