Capture Winter Views for LVA and LVIA
As we move into winter, this is the perfect time of year for our Landscape Architects to be getting out on site to capture views to inform a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) or Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).
With trees without their leaves, visibility is at its peak which gives a worst-case scenario and allows us to best assess the visual impacts of proposed development. This in turn helps to inform appropriate mitigation measures, which may be critical in the planning balance.
Should it not be possible to gather winter view photography, due to access or other restrictions, it should be noted that the LVA or LVIA can still be carried out, providing that the seasonal variations in the landscape and views are appropriately described in the assessment. A recent Technical Guidance Note from the Landscape Institute (Technical Guidance Note LITGN-2024-01 Published August 2024) states ‘Regarding seasonal constraints, it is within the competence of a landscape professional to be able to describe how the landscape and views would vary with the seasons, and to take account of these changes in their assessment.’
What is LVA / LVIA?
LVA and LVIA is used to identify the potential landscape and visual effects of change and development. It comprises two interrelated parts:
- A Landscape Assessment, which considers the potential changes to distinguishing landscape features and character. The term landscape is taken to encompass the whole external environment including the countryside and urban areas.
- A Visual Assessment, which considers the potential changes to views for local residents, walkers, horse riders, visitors and the setting of heritage features. Collectively these are described as ‘receptors’.
The output of a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) is typically a stand-alone report, prepared to accompany planning applications. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is required where it also forms part of an Environmental Statement for EIA development. An LVIA includes additional detail, including an assessment of the significance of effects.
LVAs and LVIAs are used to inform accurate decision making and it is, therefore, important that assessments are accurate, clear, transparent and accessible – at The Landmark Practice we work hard to ensure that our output ticks all these boxes.
It is also important that the assessment is proportionate to the development proposed. Huge tomes of information produced for small scale developments in areas which are not sensitive, are both unnecessary and costly, and are likely to alienate readers.
There is therefore no ‘one size fits all’ and assessment requirements should be tailored for each development. Proposals in the urban environment are likely to require Townscape and Visual Impact Assessments (TVIA). Landscape and Visual Reports (LVR) are a ‘lighter touch’ option that can sometimes be used to tick the validation requirement boxes for smaller schemes. In some instances, we may be able to focus on visual effects only and in others, on landscape character.
Good Practice
Good practice in LVA and LVIA is driven by adherence to professional guidance, the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition (GLVIA3). A number of planning authorities reference GLVIA3 as part of the information required by the local validation checklist, to guide applicants on the landscape and visual information that must be submitted to support planning applications.
We also adhere to the Landscape Institute’s Technical Guidance Note on the Visual Representation of Development Proposals (2019). This document provides advice on the selection, production and presentation of types of visualisation appropriate to the circumstances in which they will be used, ranging from photographs to show the baseline conditions, through to wireframes and technical visualisations (photomontages) to show the proposed situation.
Our Experience
At The Landmark Practice, we have an experienced team of Landscape Architects who have worked on LVAs and LVIAs for wide range of developments, from urban extensions to student accommodation, quarry conversions to solar farms and wind turbines.
Our in-house Graphics team supports our LVA and LVIA outputs and can also provide stand-alone services including preparing models of Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTVs), wireframe models and rendered photomontages.
We Can Help
Pre-application (and in some case post-submission) requirements from planning authorities regarding LVA and LVIA requirements are not always ‘proportional’ and can often be confusing. We invite our clients, existing or future, to get in touch to discuss any needs for their sites.
If you would like more information about LVIA, TVIA, LVA or graphics please contact the office on 0117 9230455 or enquires@thelandmarkpractice.com.