landscape and visual impact assessment

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) as a component part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key tool in the UK planning process. ECUS Landscape can assist in identifying the potential landscape and visual impacts of a proposal in the early stages of its design and help our clients to find solutions that minimise these impacts and recommend enhancements that will maximise the benefits. LVIA may also be beneficial for other development proposals where an EIA is not formally required to help reduce its landscape and visual impacts.

ECUS Landscape is able to offer a high quality, professional service in all aspects of LVIA. We have extensive skills in predicting and analysing landscape and visual impacts through consultation with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, comprehensive desk and field surveys, and impact evaluation. We have broad experience in developing effective mitigation techniques and clearly presenting our findings. Where practical we use a cost effective, iterative approach to design where the proposals respond to the findings of the LVIA to minimise the potential negative effects.

We are fully conversant with all LVIA guidelines including the good practice Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. We utilise the latest computer software to predict and analyse impacts and present proposals.

Our LVIA services include:

• Baseline assessment to review the existing landscape character and views
• Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) mapping
• Identification of potential sensitive landscape and visual receptors and impacts
• Assessment of magnitude, sensitivity of landscape and visual receptors
• Assessment of magnitude of landscape and visual changes
• Assessment of significance of landscape and visual impacts
• Advising how these impacts can be reduced and mitigated
• Identify opportunities for landscape enhancement
• Landscape design incorporating mitigation and enhancements
• Photomontages and 3D visualisations

We work closely with our in house EIA team who coordinate the full range of EIA technical specialisms and the production of complete Environmental Statements.

Our services are available individually or as part of an integrated package. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and the different service options we can provide.