Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

This comprehensive assessment is presented as a written report with photographs and illustrations alongside full colour AutoCAD drawings. It is based on methodology drawn from the Landscape Institute's Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2002).

Baseline studies are carried out with the aim of describing, classifying and evaluating the existing landscape and visual features, character and appearance of the landscape within and surrounding the site. Particular attention is given to the sensitivity and ability of the site to accommodate change. Conclusions are then drawn about the site's ability to accommodate change, following which mitigation and enhancement measures can be proposed.

Desk Study
Likely to include using Ordnance Survey maps, aerial photographs, structure and local plans, landscape assessments, biodiversity records and other related documentation to obtain information about the landscape surrounding the site. The desk study defines land use, built development, general landscape character, relevant planning designations and potentially sensitive visual receptors such as nearby properties.

Field Survey
Our desk studies provide a sound basis for field survey work to record site features, identify principal viewpoints and highlight sensitive landscape and visual receptors. This is achieved by walking the site, local roads and footpaths and the wider area to identify vantage points from which the development may be seen.

Evaluation
The baseline desk and field study information is then evaluated and analysed to identify the significance of likely landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development on the existing landscape character and its visual appearance. Factors which contribute to the level of significance include the type and sensitivity of landscape and visual receptors; the distribution of those receptors and the extent to which these receptors are likely to tolerate change.

Landscape impacts are changes in the fabric, character and quality of the landscape as a result of development. So, Landscape Impact Assessment is concerned with:

• Direct impacts on specific landscape elements;
• More subtle effects upon the overall pattern of elements that gives rise to landscape character and regional and local distinctiveness;
• Impacts on acknowledged areas of special interest or value such as designated landscapes, conservation sites or sites with cultural associations.

Visual impacts relate solely to changes in available views of the landscape and the effects of those changes on people. So, Visual Impact Assessment is concerned with:

• Direct impacts of the development on views of the landscape through intrusion or obstruction;
• The reactions of viewers who may be affected;
• The overall impact on visual amenity which can range from degradation through to enhancement.

Mitigation and Enhancement
The final stage in the landscape and visual assessment process is the consideration of mitigation and enhancement measures. There is often a cross-over between mitigation and enhancement measures, the latter representing 'pure' added value, while the former is necessary to counter a potentially negative impact of development, but may also result in significant added value.