Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Landscape Assessment is the process of evaluating the impact of a proposal upon the landscape and visual character of the area it affects. Often this is part of a larger Environmental Assessment, which may be required as part of a planning application for large developments. It can also identify the positive qualities of a landscape to maximise the opportunities presented by a site, for example landscape character, aspect, and enclosure. Landscape Assessment has a broad range of uses:

• Assessment of a large area might be needed to determine the most appropriate location for a development - for example, siting a power station, or routeing a power line or highway
• At a smaller scale, assessment might be required on just one site, where issues of landscape character and quality could be important elements of a planning application - for example, a development in an Area of High Landscape Value. 

As a design tool, a survey identifies and records the positive and negative features of the site (eg boundaries, levels, vegetation, aspect, environmental qualities). The Assessment then analyses the site data to guide the design process, to maximise the site's assets and minimise any problems. For us, assessment is a natural part of the design process and is the foundation of good design.

To see how we can help you, please contact Steve Maslen