Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
LVIAs are required as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process as per The Town and Country Planning (Environemtal Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. EIAs are required where developements pose potential significant effects on the environment. This is determined by a process called screening usually conducted by the local planning authority and is tested against criteria thresholds http://planningguidance.communities.gov.uk/blog/guidance/environmental-impact-assessment/screening-schedule-2-projects/ They can also be conducted as a useful stand alone appraisal tool where developing in sensitive areas but thresholds are not met for a full EIA. LVIAs should, ideally be initiated at the very start of your project and be a open document to obtain the maximum benefit from them but can be conducted at any time. They are certainly worth investing in for any medium to large size project or one where the project will effect a landscape valued or protected e.g. for visual amenity, historical significance, biodiversity, geodiversity or conservation value.
We have recently conducted a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for our client to assess the effects of their proposed go-kart track on the local landscape and visual amenity. The LVIA is a very useful tool in assessing a project during the design stage as it not only highlights potential conflicts with the planning authority before they occur allowing you to resolve them first but it can also provide design solutions that would otherwise be missed. The LVIA in this instance has emphasised issues regarding the hydrology of the site and at the same time provided a very neat solution! The assessment also informed the design process as to where conflicts with local residents and wildlife would be and suggested solutions for these.
If you have or are embarking on a project within a sensitive area such as green belt, conservation areas or near protected wildlife sites then it may be worth investing in an LVIA. Please give djogs a call to discuss your project, we would be happy to discuss and advise on whether an LVIA could save you time and money
Call us today to discuss your requirements:
01543 762726 or Click here to get in touch
