Landscape Assessment/Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Last Updated: 21 February 2023
Used to assess any potential impacts on visual amenity and landscape character.
When required
- new caravan sites or extensions to existing sites
- solar energy systems
- wind turbines
- major developments on the edge of settlements or within the open countryside which would have potentially significant impact on visual amenity and landscape character
- development within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The level of detail should be proportionate to the scale of the proposal and the level of impact of the proposed development on the landscape. For larger or otherwise more sensitive sites or schemes, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be needed. This should be undertaken by a professional qualified to Landscape Institute standards and should show how impacts may be minimised or mitigated
- development considered to have a potential landscape or visual impact on the setting of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Lake District National Park and Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) a proportionate landscape assessment is needed. For larger and more sensitive schemes a proportionate LVIA is required.
- development which may have a significant landscape or visual impact
Content of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
A landscape and visual assessment should usually include:
Topography
An explanation of how the topography of the site has affected the design of the proposed scheme.
Current land uses
An explanation of any change of use of land and how it will affect the appearance of the landscape or adjoining land uses.
Existing trees, hedges, woodland blocks and belts, water bodies and ditches
An explanation of the effect of the proposed development on hedges, woodland, trees, reservoirs, watercourses, ponds and other features that are important for site drainage and wildlife habitat.
Man-made features
Consideration should be given to any existing visually intrusive man-made features.
Views
Identify key views from the surrounding area to the development site. Explain how the proposed development will be likely to be visible from and/or alter these views. This should include any changes to boundary treatments, access or vegetation.
Consideration should be given as to whether the proposed development is likely to be visible from surrounding areas where there are currently no views.
Landscape character
Where the proposal is located within open countryside or a small settlement, describe the landscape character of the application site and adjacent surroundings.
You should provide an analysis of the key landscape features and special qualities of the area. Include details of any historic pattern of field boundaries, woodlands and/or settlements in the surrounding area.
Settlement character
Where the proposal is located within or adjacent to an existing settlement, describe the character of the settlement.
This should include:
- the type of settlement (town, village or hamlet)
- the predominant type of building (terraced, detached, single or two storey, architectural style, age and typical building materials)
- Provide an explanation of the effect of the proposal on key views to the wider landscape from the settlement together with the effect of the proposal on local landmarks or any approach roads, gateways and footways to the settlement
Habitat character
Where the proposal is located on land or is adjacent to land that could provide priority habitats for wildlife (this may include unimproved upland, moorland, coastal wetland or limestone pavement), describe the effect the proposal may have upon the habitat character, together with any mitigation.
Heritage assets
Where the development is located within or adjacent to a heritage asset (listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas and registered parks and gardens), describe the effect the proposal may have upon any heritage assets.
Non-designated heritage assets
These may include above and below ground archaeology.
Buildings, land or features with a historic, architectural community or archaeological interest can be considered as heritage assets, even if they are not nationally designated.
Archaeological interest may apply to heritage assets, whether designated or not, when the development and history of a building may only be revealed through archaeological investigation, when modern features and additions are removed.
Recreation
Where the development is located on or adjacent to a public right of way, bridleway, national and local cycle route, open access land and key tourist destinations (beauty spots, view points) and describe measures which may enhance the enjoyment of the special qualities of the surrounding area.