Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
What It Is
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) evaluates how a proposed development will affect the landscape character and the visual amenity of an area. It is a core requirement under the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations and the Landscape Institute’s Guidelines for LVIA (GLVIA3).
The assessment considers both the physical impact on the landscape itself (topography, vegetation, built features) and the way people experience views from homes, roads, footpaths, or heritage locations.
Why It Matters — Risks Without It
❌ Planning refusal if visual or landscape effects are not addressed
⚠️ Costly redesigns if impacts are identified late in the process
📣 Objections from communities, councils, or statutory consultees (e.g. Natural England)
🧾 Delays in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning approval
What’s Measured
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Existing landscape baseline and character areas
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Visual receptors — residents, visitors, road users, and heritage settings
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Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis and viewpoint photography
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Magnitude and significance of change caused by the development
How It Works
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Desk study of planning policy, landscape character assessments, and mapping
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Site surveys and viewpoint photography to establish baseline conditions
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ZTV mapping and visualisations to predict visibility
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Assessment of impacts using GLVIA3 methodology
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Reporting with clear conclusions, mitigation measures, and planning-ready outputs
Who It’s For
🏗️ Developers of housing, infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects
🏢 Planning consultants and architects preparing planning submissions
🌳 Landscape architects integrating mitigation and design solutions
🏛️ Local authorities requiring independent LVIA evidence
What You Get
📄 A planning-compliant LVIA report following GLVIA3 and EIA Regulations
📊 ZTV maps, wireframes, and photomontages to illustrate impacts
🧠 Expert recommendations for design and mitigation (e.g. planting, screening)
✅ Evidence to demonstrate that landscape and visual impacts have been properly assessed
Plan With Confidence, Reduce Risk
A robust LVIA ensures that landscape and visual effects are fully understood, managed, and presented to decision-makers — giving your project the best chance of planning success.
