Services

Landscape (or Townscape) and Visual Appraisal or Impact Assessment

The focus of our work is the preparation of Landscape and Visual Appraisals (LVA) and Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA), to help realise the potential of land. Although there is some variation amongst landscape practitioners as to the scope of an LVA compared with that of an LVIA, our approach is based on appropriateness and proportionality, and that an LVIA is:

  • undertaken when there are likely to be significant landscape or visual effects anticipated;
  • applied to larger schemes, according with the criteria for EIAs generally; and
  • includes a more complex methodology, the use of Landscape and Visual Effects tables and the assessment of significance.

An LVA is:

  • undertaken when significant effects are unlikely;
  • applied to smaller schemes and where the receptors are less sensitive; and
  • includes a simpler methodology, unlikely to have tables and is not required to have an assessment of significance.

However, there is flexibility in how each practitioner can approach the scope of appraisals and impact assessments and we tailor our approach to deliver the most cost-effective outcome for the client, whilst providing a robust analysis that can withstand scrutiny though the planning process.

We have been key members of teams that have used those processes to deliver projects throughout the UK, including for example, solar energy schemes in Scotland, Northamptonshire and Cornwall, residential schemes in Derbyshire and Herefordshire and student housing in the Green Belt in Surrey.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)

A computer-generated ZTV is frequently used to establish the theoretical extent to which the proposed development is likely to be visible in the surrounding area. It is a useful tool to guide the initial selection of representative viewpoints which is then refined by the site survey work.

Feasibility Studies

We can carry out an initial study to assess the feasibility of one or more sites in landscape and visual terms. In doing this it is important to avoid unnecessary work, but to focus on key issues that will be risks to carrying a scheme forward. Depending on the site, our approach may be to:

  • undertake a rapid review of the relevant policies referred to in any pre-apps;
  • use on line resources where appropriate or visit the site and undertake a photographic survey from publicly accessible viewpoints, such as public rights of way; and
  • present the results of the site visit and an opinion on the potential for development for each site, including potential development boundaries and broad mitigation strategies.

Landscape Design

We also provide landscape design services, often in support of a planning application. They can be undertaken at a strategic or detailed level.  At a strategic level we will prepare a plan showing existing vegetation to be retained, and the proposed planting for the scheme, comprising trees, shrubs, hedges and grass areas, as appropriate. For detailed soft landscape, we will identify the species for each planting plot and each tree, and provide a schedule of plant species, sizes, densities, seed mixes and specification notes.

Landscape Management Plans

Often working closely with ecologists, arboriculturists and other relevant team members, we prepare Landscape Management Plans (LMP), typically for a 10 year period, including landscape management objectives, the programming of vegetation removal and management, annual maintenance operations, periodic management operations and periodic review.

Public Inquiries and Hearings

We have wide experience of representing both public and commercial clients at public inquiries and hearings. Successes include residential development at Oxford Road, Bodicote, examining the role of the site in separating Bodicote from Banbury and its function as a green space that prevents coalescence; New Road, Mistley, Essex where the appeal was allowed for residential development in a Conservation Area and beyond the settlement boundary; and Alfa Laval, Brentford where consent was granted for advertising on a prominent multi-storey building, and the case turned on townscape character and amenity.