LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (LVIA)
The Guidance on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, provides a detailed framework and a standardised approach to Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.
AFA has an in-depth knowledge of this guidance and substantial experience in its application. Our real value to clients is therefore our professional expertise and ability to make sound judgements about how individual projects will affect the landscape, particularly where judgements may be finely balanced.
In undertaking LVA and LVIA work we articulate sound reasoning so that landscape and visual effects are clearly understood by decision makers.
Many of our clients also engage us to review LVA/LVIAs produced by others. We are happy to provide critiques on the approach, method and professional judgements detailed in these assessments and identify spurious arguments if they exist.
AFA, in association with HR Wallingford and The Cambridge University Coastal Research Unit (CCRU), was commissioned by Touching the Tide Landscape Partnership and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB to improve understanding of the landscape and visual effects of different coastal sea defence approaches on Suffolk's coastal character areas. This study seeks to provide guidance to the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) when commenting on and responding to planning applications or management plans relating to coastal defence, and as a guide to assist engineers, planners and other stakeholders when developing coastal defence options.
AFA was appointed in association with Roger Balmer Design (architects) to undertake a landscape and visual impact assessment of proposed eco-lodges close to Flatford Mill and within the Dedham Vale AONB. The scheme included the sensitive design and placement of eco-lodges 7m by 9m and 3.5m high. The lodges have a modern character built from materials such as cast concrete/block render painted sage green grey, timber cladding, steel beams with a natural rust finish with a low wooden deck at one end. A landscape scheme was developed as part of the masterplan and planning application which included the creation of an hazel coppice into which the lodges sit and off site planting. The landscape and visual impact assessment was used as a design tool in the development of the scheme. Planning permission was approved in Summer 2016.
AFA was appointed by the South Downs National Park to undertake an assessment of the effects of proposed housing in the small village of Selborne at the foot of the Greensand Hangers within the National Park. The village is a conservation area and birthplace of Gilbert White. Consideration was given to the effects on village character, approach routes and views and the setting of the village/conservation area. Alison gave evidence at inquiry and the planning appeal was subsequently dismissed.