Landvision’s solutions to the London Greening Factor. 

Have you received a request from your Local Planning Authority for the London Greening Factor (or LGF)?  Discover Landvision’s solutions to the London Greening Factor. Suppose your Local Planning Authority (LPA) has requested details about the London Greening Factor (LGF), or you’re seeking landscape design services as a planner or property developer. Then you’ve come to the right place. With our unique blend of landscape design, ecology and tree-based training, we excel at creating sustainable landscapes. Landvision is thus ideally suited to this design work, having SQEs (Suitably Qualified Ecologists) trained in ecology and biodiversity, as well as arborists with tree-based training, in addition to landscape architects (trained in landscape management, such as for LEMPS (Landscape and Ecology Management Plans) and BNG as well as in design of landscape plans); so, in this way, all the Landvision team are designing and creating biodiverse landscapes for UGF.

Increasing the Urban Green Ratio.

In the first blog in this series, we talked about Reasons for increasing the urban green ratio in London. In this blog we now look at solutions, and designing for the London Greening Factor.

Our expert team harness sustainable landscape design, ecological surveying, and biodiversity mitigation and enhancement with sustainable management to rejuvenate green and urban spaces. This strategy not only elevates the visual amenity of landscapes but it also promotes biodiversity, ecological diversity, and improves community well-being for residents and visitors to the site.

So what will you have to provide to your Local Planning Authority?

Requirements for Local Planning Authority on UGF.

A completed copy of the UGF calculator (which is an excel spreadsheet) is supplied to the LPA by a SQE such as Lndvision. It is a good idea also to download the Guidance. This will make it easier for you to understand all the steps that will be required.

Landvision’s extensive experience in designing green roofs, rain gardens, and the planting specifications for tree-lined streets, contribute to the London Greening Factor as well as helping to immediately count towards mitigating climate change effects.

Masterplan Essentials

A Landscape masterplan will be needed; this Landscape Plan should be translated into a UGF masterplan which ideally will have the chart of the calculation shown on it. Landvision can undertake this Landscape Plan work for you.

High-scoring landscapes, rated at 1, often feature trees, woodlands, species-rich grasslands, natural ponds, and wetlands. Whether pre-existing or newly introduced, certain guidelines dictate these landscape features. For instance, creating an intensive green roof, or overlaying vegetation on a structure, these can achieve a 0.8 factor score, given a substrate minimum settled depth of 150mm. We stand ready to assist with your project requirements.

By partnering with Landvision, you’re choosing an experienced and expert team that combines years of expertise, innovation, and passion. We’re excited about The London Urban Greening Factor and about working with you on your journey to a greener, more sustainable London.

Contact Landvision

Discover more about Landvision’s solutions to the London Greening Factor.  Use the Contact page or phone 01892 782200.

Why Nature-Based Solutions in Planning Are a Must Today

1. 1. Nature-based solutions can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

1. 1. Flooding- Nature-based solutions can help to reduce flooding and the associated damage. Planting can slow water flow rates to aid response times. Plants and tree roots can absorb water and capture carbon. Leaf litter from trees and shrub planting can absorb surface water runoff and reduce flash flooding. With climate change increasing the frequency of flooding events, property developers, planners and landscape managers increasingly need to”think globally and act locally”. Actions such as planting more trees in housing schemes, and infrastructure projects will help to start the ball rolling. Nature-based solutions also help to conserve landscape character and sense of place.

 

•  Water Quality- Nature-based solutions such as tree and shrub, and waterside aquatic planting can help to improve water quality. The role of nature and planting in improved water quality is well researched and shows how we can improve water quality by filtering pollutants and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.

• Air Quality – Planting trees helps to provide natural filters and absorb pollutants.  Long-term benefits are for the longevity, well-being and health of people. This is especially true for old and young people living close to busy roads and urban areas. Planting a field layer, and a tree canopy layer is effective in trapping pollution. Nature-based solutions can help to trap air pollution particles. Reduction in diseases like asthma would follow the use of more nature-based solutions near busy roads in urban areas.

• Noise Pollution- Nature-based solutions can help to reduce noise pollution, filter noise and introduce other sounds to mitigate traffic noise, such as leaves rustling and bird songs.

• Agriculture-Nature-based solutions can also help to create more healthy, productive and efficient agricultural ecosystems. The nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle and water cycle can all be more efficient and that is good for all of us in terms of carbon capture and reducing adverse effects of climate change.

• Landslides prevention- Nature-based solutions can also help to reduce the risk of landslides by managing landscapes. Soil management and landscape management including tree management along roadsides and railway cuttings can also aid soil stability, as well as ecosystem stability.

• Biodiversity & conservation- They can also help to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.

 

•  Nature-based solutions can help to improve mental and physical health. Research shows that mental health benefits from views of greenery and closeness to nature, such as meadows and green spaces(/SANGs). Views of trees and green spaces in care homes and hospital settings introduce restful calming effects and have been proven to aid recovery in hospital settings.

• They can also help to create more livable and sustainable communities. Green spaces bring people together and allow people to unwind in a safe, attractive environment.

Nature-based solutions can help to tackle the effects of climate change.

Flooding mitigation.

One of the knock-on effects of urbanisation and deforestation has been more extreme climate change-induced flooding. Nature-based solutions help us to reduce the severity of flooding and the associated damage.

Flooding is now a major problem not just globally but also locally. Flooding can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure and livelihoods. there are also adverse psychological effects for occupants. Nature-based solutions can help reduce the risk of flooding by managing landscapes and water resources more sustainably.
For example, by restoring wetlands, planting riverbanks, planting more trees, and creating green infrastructure in urban settings, such as rain gardens as part of green/ blue links in urban areas.

Landvision designers design using nature-based solutions. These help our client’s land to become more climate change-proof to flooding events. The nature-based designed changes which we make can make temperatures more equable, introduce shade and reduce wind corridor/wind tunnel effects in urban areas.

Nature-based solutions can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Climate change is a global problem causing widespread devastation (see Pakistan) that is expected to have a continuing and wide range of impacts on the environment and human health.
Nature-based solutions can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
For example, by planting trees and creating green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

Improving Water Quality.

Nature-based solutions can help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Water pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it can have devastating effects on the environment and human health.
Nature-based solutions can help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.
For example, by restoring wetlands, planting trees, and creating green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

Improving Air Quality.

They can also help to improve air quality by providing natural filters and absorbing pollutants.
Air pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it can have serious health effects.
Nature-based solutions can help to improve air quality by providing natural filters and absorbing pollutants.
For example, by planting trees and creating green infrastructure such as vegetated buffers.

Mitigating Noise Pollution.

Nature-based solutions can help to mitigate the adverse effects of noise pollution.

 

Noise pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it can have detrimental effects on human health.
Nature-based solutions can help to reduce noise pollution by creating green infrastructure such as vegetated buffers.

 

Productive healthy agriculture.

They can also help to create more productive and efficient agricultural ecosystems.
Agricultural ecosystems are important for food production, but they can also be a major source of pollution.
Nature-based solutions can help to create more productive and efficient agricultural ecosystems.
For example, by restoring wetlands, planting trees, and/or creating green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

Preventing Landslides.

Nature-based solutions can also help to reduce the risk of landslides.
Landslides are a serious hazard in many parts of the world, and they can cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
Nature-based solutions can help to reduce the risk of landslides by stabilizing slopes and soil, and by creating green infrastructure such as vegetated buffers. When soils are protected by nature-based solutions, soil erosion, loss and ecosystem crashes eg. through landslides, are reduced. Pollution of watercourses with eroded soil is also reduced.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

They can also help to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.
Biodiversity is important for the health of ecosystems, but it is also under threat from human activities.
Nature-based solutions can help to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.
For example, by designing with increased diversity of native plants, restoring wetlands, planting native trees, and creating green infrastructure such as vegetated buffers for biodiversity.

Improved physical and mental health.

Nature-based solutions can help to improve the mental and physical health of housing residents and visitors to green spaces.
Nature-based solutions can help to improve mental and physical health by providing natural filters and absorbing pollutants. Mental and physical health is vital for overall well-being but can be adversely affected by environmental factors such as lack of access to green space, noise pollution and air pollution close to hospitals and care homes, as well as housing.
For example, Landvision help by designing schemes for schools, hospitals and care homes, including planting trees to enhance visual amenity, and by creating green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

 

Creating sustainable, liveable communities.

Accessible green space is vital for all. Nature-based solutions can help us to create more livable and sustainable communities.
Sustainable communities and SANGs are important for the long-term health and prosperity of the people who live in them.
Nature-based solutions can help to create more livable and sustainable communities.
For example, by restoring wetlands, adding accessible green space close to urban areas, planting trees, and creating green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

For professional expert advice contact our Landvision design team on 01892 782200 or by email.

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Natural Beauty (ANOB) is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United Kingdom. A picturesque region of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and ancient woodland, it is little wonder that the area has become a hotspot for a new trend in property development: barn conversions.

With their rustic charm and ample space, barns are uniquely suited to conversion into luxurious and stylish homes. Over the past few years, we have seen a growing number of homeowners and developers taking on the challenge of revamping these old buildings, transforming them into stunning homes that blend the best of country living with modern design. In this article, we will explore the trend of barn conversions in the High Weald ANOB, and the magic that happens when old meets new. Or in some cases not so old meets new.

From Rustic to Chic: Revitalizing Barns in High Weald ANOB

The High Weald ANOB is home to some of the most beautiful traditional barns in the country, but many of these buildings have been left to fall into disrepair. Thankfully, there is a growing movement of people who are passionate about preserving these historic landmarks, and who recognize their potential as stunning homes.

The challenge of converting a barn into a home is not for the faint of heart. These buildings often lack modern amenities such as plumbing and electricity, and many require significant structural work to bring them up to code. However, the results are nothing short of spectacular. The combination of rustic materials such as exposed beams and brickwork with modern design elements such as polished concrete floors and steel fixtures creates a unique and chic aesthetic that is impossible to recreate in a traditional home.

Bringing New Life to Old Barns: A Trendy Transformation

Barn conversions are not just for those seeking a rustic country retreat. They are also becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and families looking for a unique and stylish home that is close to nature. In the High Weald ANOB, many barn conversions boast features such as outdoor living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and even swimming pools.

But it’s not just the aesthetics that are drawing people to barn conversions. Many homeowners are attracted to the sustainable and eco-friendly aspects of these properties. By repurposing an existing building, they are reducing the environmental impact of new construction. Additionally, the use of natural materials and energy-efficient heating systems can help to reduce energy consumption and cut down on utility bills.

Barn conversions are more than just a trend – they are a way of preserving the past while embracing the future. In the High Weald ANOB, we are lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful and historic barns in the country, and it is heartening to see them being given a new lease of life. Whether you are a lover of rustic charm or a fan of modern design, there is something special about a converted barn. With so many stunning ways to repurpose them, it’s no wonder that this trend is here to stay.

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The population of London is expected to grow from 8.96 million in 2021 to 9.4 million in 2030 [1] and to 11 million by 2050 [2]. As it grows, the Greater London Authority (GLA) is committed to making London a greener city by increasing Urban Green Ratio.

In addition to the growth in population, London is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of tall buildings. The New London Architecture’s annual review of skyscrapers over 20 storeys or more states that there are 587 tall buildings in the pipeline in London – with 310 granted full planning permission and 127 under consideration. [3]

“City of London skyscrapers” by futureshape is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The tall buildings will be accompanied by an increase in the number of smaller buildings.

In the last two decades, the GLA has taken a number of steps to protect the green spaces in London. The London Plan has set out policies to protect the green spaces in London.

The GLA set out the primary planning goals for the Central Activities Zone as to: (a) increase green space; (b) improve air quality; (c) reduce the UHI effect (heat island) and (d) prevent flash floods, with climate change adaptation and mitigation seen as a cross cutting issue. [4]

These goals are united in conserving, generating and enhancing green spaces in London.

The GLA has estimated that the green spaces in London will need to increase by a minimum of one million square metres by 2050.

The Mayor’s London Plan in which two goals relate to urban green space and aim at addressing vegetation loss, overheating and flooding. To address the former it was envisioned to plant 2 million trees and to increase green space by 5 % by 2030 and another 5 % by 2050 (2011a), with the street tree programme especially targeting areas known to experience overheating. It also has a Living Roofs and Walls scheme focused on creating green roofs and recreational living roofs and green walls to help London adapt to the risks of climate change such as flooding, overheating, drought; and reducing the urban heat island effect in the city (GLA, 2008). [5]

Solutions

To increase urban green ratio in London, there is a need to develop innovative solutions. One of the solutions is to use green infrastructure in cities. It is the network of green spaces, rivers and wetlands, as well as features in urban spaces such as street trees and green roofs, that provide the natural environment for wildlife and people.

Green infrastructure can help to alleviate the effects of climate change. It can also help to increase biodiversity and enhance the quality of life of London residents.

One key example of green infrastructure (and blue links) is the Thames Estuary, which is the largest wetland in the UK. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Bewick’s swans.

“Bewick’s swan” by Marie Hale is licensed under CC BY 2.0

In the past, the Thames Estuary was very polluted by sewage and industrial waste. But in the 1970s, the government decided to clean up the Thames Estuary. They spent a lot of money on the clean-up. Nature based solutions can offer enhanced green spaces which also function as ways of tackling pollution, the urban heat island effect, and help with drainage.

There is a growing awareness and evidence base for the multiple benefits of green infrastructure in addition to the habitat it inherently provides to wildlife, including wellbeing of London residents and its role to alleviate the affects of climate change.

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The need for Natural Landscapes and accessible public green space.

The need for Landscapes for human well being is increasing  This includes the need for Natural landscapes for good mental health and wellbeing. Especially following events such as the pandemic Covid 19 and during wars. Historically humans have needed green space and natural landscapes such as National Parks as a place of reprieve and respite. Urban and rural open spaces are vital for the smooth functionning of modern day society. Natural Landscapes can be truly beneficial to us as individuals or in groups. They are a vital highly valued finite resource for use by the larger community. By protecting and enhancing natural landscapes, we can provide a powerful and largely free antidote to busy everyday life. The need for Landscapes for human well being

We aim to design, create and manage beautiful landscapes. By making high quality green space accessible to all, we reduce pressure on important services such as public health and social services, leaving spending for those who really need it. The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is now recognised by research.

Contact us now to discuss your project

By conserving and enhancing the quality of natural landscapes, we can restore our sense of calm and well being. Accessibility is vital, as we all benefit from a connection to nature.

This need for tranquility and calm is reflected in the demand for access to natural landscapes, National Parks such as South Downs National Park, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) such as the High Weald AONB, as well as other more remote landscapes.

Organisations such as the National Trust promote accessibility to green spaces in their rural estates, variety of gardens, historic parkland and important coastline landscapes. Wildlife Trusts such as Sussex Wildlife Trust manage wildlife reserves for the benefit of biodiversity, and these sensitively managed spaces are important natural landscapes.

The need for Landscapes for human well being,  why are natural landscapes important?

As a species, humans originally evolved as hunter gatherers. This transitioned to farmers as hunter-gatherer bands began to settle. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests not only do we need the land for survival, in terms of resources such as food, but, in fact that landscapes are also vital in promoting our physical and mental health. That the need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is increasing.

Research has shown that we can all benefit greatly by increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, connecting to nature in our local neighbourhoods.

How can Landscapes help us?

Health and Landscapes

It is now widely understood that there is a strong link between our health and the landscapes around us so it is proven that the need for Landscapes for human well being is there. By increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, and connecting with nature in our everyday lives, we can all benefit greatly in terms of our physical and mental health.

Increase in activity:

It is widely known that when we are outdoors, we are more active. Activity and exercise are very important in maintaining overall health. Physically, many health problems can be linked to inactivity and obesity. Some examples spring to mind immediately such as stroke, heart disease or cancer. Other examples may be less obvious. Conditions influenced by inactivity present with an entire range of co-morbid health problems, with links to greater risk of poor health outcomes.

By increasing the quality, accessibility, the size and number of landscapes aswell as green links via green infrastructure we can help society to be more healthy. By encouraging public use of these natural landscapes, we can therefore encourage healthier lifestyles overall. The prevention of poor outcomes and long term disease is something that can be directly influenced by this knowledge of how to manage and optimise use of landscapes. This knowledge, through sensitive landscape design and management, will lead to far better outcomes for whole communities and a fitter and healthier population, and helping prove the need for Landscapes for human well being. Use of local green space, (and staycations) may also help to reduce carbon footprints aiding the slow down of climate change.

Improving mental health:

There is now a wealth of evidence to suggest that time spent in natural landscapes can have a profound effect on our mental health. In a fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being.

Reducing stress and anxiety:

The need for fresh air and Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been demonstrated during pandemics such as Covid 19 (2020-2022 onwards). Not only does activity in our local green spaces and wider landscapes reduce stress and anxiety through the production of endorphins, but there is a growing body of research that suggest just being outside in natural landscapes really does help to make us happier and healthier. It’s a win win situation for all and the need to protect these landscapes has never been more urgent.

Technology detox:

In our fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being. We all know how good it feels to spend time in nature, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time, or we may not have access to green spaces where we live. However, there are ways to bring nature into our everyday lives, even if we live in an urban environment. By making small changes to our daily routine, we can reap the benefits of time spent in nature, even if we only have a few minutes to spare.

The importance of viewing natural beauty:

The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been proven. That by simply looking at scenes of natural beauty, this can have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that looking at nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve our mood and sense of well–being. So, next time you are feeling stressed, anxious or down, take a few minutes to step outside and look at the natural world around you. Even if you live in an urban environment, you can find beauty in the simplest of things, such as seasonal leaf clour of a tree nearby, blossom, or areas of grassland, especially if there are flowering wildflowers and grasses included in the landscape.

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• Landscape supports health and wellbeing. Landscape character when coinserved and enhanced helps to sustain local distinctiveness. Cultural identity is intrinsic to landscape character and LVIAs assist and contribute to quality of life. This can be in Lifestyle and is part of National identity, with huge benefits as  well as for visitor economy.
• It helps to recognize the importance of landscapes like national scenic areas,  coastal landscapes, national parks,  and wildest landscapes which are set up. The wildest places compliment others such as the formal landscaped areas of parks and gardens, and they become part of the urban cene, whilst protected countryside backdrops form parts of the landscape setting of towns and cities.
• Landvision’s input and landscape services also helps to promote a planned approach to development that reflects the dynamic nature of the landscape and the challenge presented by climate change.
• The quality of the environment is safeguarded, with proper landscape green infrastructure, so that there are added bonuses of being able to put in place prioritizing for improvements across the country.
• Our landscape planning policy incoludes an understanding of how that policy works in reality. This includes setting up Scottish government policy on land that is available, to enable people to be able to explain how land use planning works and how that reflects government policy, that aims to conserve and enhance the landscape, through sensitive development areas.

A Landscape Development Plan includes;

The directive in a useful domestic, home setting or a commercial landscape setting can be approached by a step by step process to make the desired changes.  From drawing of the first the rough sketch, to formulating more complex design ideas, we let our client know the general idea of how the design is going to look, and how it will be, for each of the landscape areas. Then we create a final plan of the detailed design, to the scale drawing, which varies to whatever is required for the project.

• We draw a base plan that includes your berif and requests, as well as our advice
• Develop a list of existing and desired outdoor features
• We outline the major landscape areas
• Locate desired features in proper landscape areas
• Developed the final landscape plan

Our attractive Landscape Planning and development plan will be attractive. The design principle of the landscape is to conserve key fetures of landscape character, syuch a smature trees, beautiful views, and to screen off unwanted or unsightly views. We design useable, practical landscapes because we locate play with utility Areas. We also enhance the general look of the setting, by locating play areas in pleaces where they don’t attract from the home. We can design planting schemes to suit your budget, and maintenance brief for your commercial space.  We do not try to overplant, as we know the ultimate sizes of plants, and so our plans allow for the natural the growth of for example, the shrub or the tree.  Our experts consider planting large shrubs and trees, as well as smaller plants for example for smaller sites in cities, or a scheme for the seting of a small house. That is why our schemes are so popular , as they are always bespoke. As each site needs different approaches to design.  The design varies from large to small, with plant sizes tapering from larger shrubs to a special focal pont such as a statue or a fountain in a formal garden setting. This could be a specimen tree planted with a bench at the corner.

Tree surveys.

Landvision has acquired great skill at undertaking tree safety surveys that will help you to manage your tree stock safely. Their experts will give you arboriculture advice about how to manage the trees on your landscape. They can also give some tips about minimizing any risk from trees on your site. Landvision’s experts provide tree safety advice as well as arranging and discussing how for you to allocate tree safety services on various sites that include;  sites owned by a variety of local authorities,  sites which are commercial land, with trained personnel, many of whom have honors degrees in landscape, and indepth landscape training. We will be liaising on your behalf with architect and construction professionals, to construct projects that really work well and look great, whilst retaining mature tree cover as far as practical.

The basic tree safety survey is undertaken by a Landvision professional, to assess the potential hazard to people. That hazard may be from placing a new structure near to or in the root protection area of trees, without obtaining specialist advice first.  The very basic understanding of the process, involves the information about the tree and is health which is collected and analysed by the arboricultural professional of Landvision. The tree safety surveys should be used as a form of supplementary data to assess the risk from trees; for example for restoration sites. This will make the site safer for everyone from the volunteer, and for construction workers, as well as for the visitor who is not normally on the site, or may be temporarily working on the site.

We are sure that landviison provide a tip top service on trees, with the following things  being included, after getting all the information and gathering it together, to lower the risk of trees on all parts of a restoration site. Services we offer include tree safety and BS 5837: 2012 tree survey, and that is;

• Reporting about the tree
• Preliminary site survey and consultation with client
• Determining the scope of the survey
• Tree protection, site planning and site safety preparation
• Tree  risk management
• Tree health, assessment and recommendations

We discuss the expectation of our client while conserving their landscape trees, serving the landscape as well as the client. We will also need to obtain relevant permission for site access. We will arrange all our material and tools before we arrive, so that we provide our full services. We will require written confirmation of agreed criteria for tree surveys.  The surveyor’s proposed process and the training and personal capabilities of the surveyor’s knowledge are all outlined to the client.  Our surveys range from identifying the trees that are an immediate threat to people, to those that also need to be inlcuded in the assessment. Every tree within a target area, known as the construction zone, and their potential hazards, will be listed in a Tree Schedule.

We handle tree risk management very seriously and will make tree assessment surveys avaiulable to the client and LPA where the latter requires the report. The things which we will include will be to look out for cacks in the tree, dead branches and falking bark. There is a echnological revolution afoot and there are lots of new ways to transmit data, with new ways of data storage. The location of plant and machinery,  and the drawing up of site boundaries, and work compounds’ locations, are determined following tree sfaety surveys. Tree surveys can include trees in and next to recreational areas. Due to higher levels of use, that could call for more detailed surveys and made a priority in the service schedule that to be listed.

The tree is a vital landscape fetaure. Many people have an attachment itself inspection by our team,  your local environment can play an important part in the trees current condition in which the trees are situated good pose other risks to the server,  slope,  tree lean,  tree density and weather etc.

Conclusion-

The company offers three safety services at school sites, private residential properties, streets trees and public open spaces at most affordable prices around the country.  The Landvision team is well qualified and is experienced in arboriculture, to assess the significant defects of certain trees. Trees in the city may have some long lasting defects, so it is vital to to provide tree safety surveys especially when a tree shows visible early warning signs before their failure. For more information about tree root protection.

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The landscape architect is the best professional to do landscaping in private and public architectural areas. An architect for landscaping or Landscape Visual Impact Assessment Sussex develops some designs, and on the basis of it, the expert creates plans for landscaping by making some technical sketches.

Data gathered from assessing your land

The process of carrying out the landscaping is usually accomplished in 2 ways. One of the procedures is spontaneous, and it needs some creativity or experience. Another technique is quite easy and perhaps the person may do this with some effort. It is called as the analytical process, in which professional architect makes out the ultimate solution for design.

In the case of this procedure, an architect makes Landscape Visual Impact Assessment Surrey have some data before creating any design. This data mainly comprises

• Plot dimension and direction
• Topology and features of your land
• Availability of the adjacent structures and some other strong factors, like highways and seashore
• Soil quality
• Points of access on your plot and all other requirements, stated by you

With the application of all the collected information, the proficient architect develops some ideas with own knowledge and builds up a plan by means of a 3-dimensional model of landscape designing software. At this point, you may realize the role of any landscaping architect.

However, remember that making an implementation of the design of landscape is not the job of the architect. While you have approved the planning, you have to transfer the task to other professionals.

Project execution is to be done by contractors

It is the contractor, who employs the complete design, as per the sketches, done by the architect. This architect supervises the property at the time of execution so that the contractor follows every design carefully. Your architect may also want to know about materials, which are needed for doing the work. With the completion of design, a landscape designer can give you advice on placing foliage or trees.

Thus, no matter what you like to do with your landscape, it is better to depend on the experience architects for successful results. Visit Landscape Architects for more information.

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What to do for LVIA?

While finding out the potential impact on your landscape, the professionals have to make out the features and elements of the landscape. They also focus on the designations and traits of the landscape. However, when the professionals deal with the visual impact, they have to manage the related visual amenities and views. Both the above elements are essential to for the report on LVIA. In few cases, the landscape specialists also address the issues. Thus, it is necessary to review the visual impact.

In lots of instances, we do a comprehensive assessment of environmental impact. You may choose LVIA as a part of this assessment process. For Landscape Visual Impact Assessment, the professionals usually get engaged in a discussion session. They also give instructions on the choice of site and various types of alternatives. All these instructions and discussions will help you to understand the effects of the proposed developmental works. You will also be able to find out the affordable and appropriate approaches.

Get the information from professionals

Different reporting scales are essential at various steps in the process planning.  The best landscape professionals know to prepare a standard report on LVIAs. They will give you information on development at the chosen site. For instance, they may create a comprehensive report on the choice of various options for infrastructure.

Most of the companies offer LVIA services for all types of developments in the properties-

• Commercial properties and properties for various uses
• Onshore and offshore wind farms
• Urban and residential
• Unconventional gas and oil
• The transport system, including road and railways
• Management of wastes
• Electricity transmission and product

Various LVIA services you get from a company

The LVIA professionals will help you in various ways-

• Thorough feasibility research to give you direction on the development opportunities
• Landscape analysis and survey
• Character evaluation for Landscape, townscape, and seascape
• Assessing the visual effects
• Proposals and Mitigation techniques
• Visualizations of photomontage and photography of site for the precise developmental representation
• Consultation service
• Analyze and collate the particular information
• Evidence preparation to manage all the inquiries of the public
• Qualitative assessment of the nighttime lighting and darkness
• Detailed evaluation of the amenities and dwellings

There are other ways in which you will get help from LVIA professionals-

• Study on the landscape sensitivity and capacity- Technical analysis to notify the choice of site and calculate the capacity
• Mapping the constraints and opportunities- The primary site characteristics mapping to develop the design rules

The landscape of any property and its views always have different features, sensitivities, and qualities. All these things cause a positive or negative effect on development. They also help you in making out the success in development.

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Landscape capacity is the extent to which a type of landscape is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its local distinctiveness, its landscape character or landscape type.

The findings of landscape capacity studies tend to reflect inherent sensitivity of landscape and sensitivity to development. Also, the value attached to the landscape and its elements forms a part of the landscape capacity study. A series of judgements on landscape sensitivity and landscape value are made and mapped on a landscape character area basis. The assessment of landscape character and visual sensitivity, takes into account the following factors, namely: ƒ Inherent landscape quality, intactness and condition of the landscape. Also, it examines the contribution each area makes to local distinctiveness. ƒ Consistency with the form or pattern of a particular settlement and the relationship of this with the landscape type is also examined. The main aims of Landscape Capacity Studies are to give a transparent, consistent and objective assessment of landscape capacity of different locations.

Land deemed to have “spare capacity” or potential capacity is often land around Category 1 and 2 settlements (large towns and villages) including some smaller but “sustainable” settlements. Category 1 and 2 towns and as well as “sustainable settlements” are often seen as the best possible locations for new housing and also for employment creation.

More studies will be required to look at specific areas where new development can best be placed without any adverse landscape and visual impacts. As a consequence of the need to accommodate development without causing harm to the landscape, landscape assessment reports and ecology studies may need to be carried out. It is good practice for these studies to be included in decision making. Landscape capacity studies are referred to, where available, as they can help to guide the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in assessing potential development.   

Landscape Capacity Studies.

Landscape capacity studies solely look at landscape capacity. They do not determine the detail of the actual impacts of potential development.

Levels of landscape sensitivity and capacity that are identified as part of the study are, by necessity fairly generalised statements across each area. These can be assessed in more detail for areas where protected landscapes adjoin sites.

These general levels of landscape capacity determined will indicate which detailed landscape and visual issues will need to be examined in each site allocation. Also they will help to inform how a development is undertaken and managed. The LPA take the lead in this, but are reliant on the studies undertaken by qualified landscape professionals such as Landvision to inform the decision making of the LPA planning team.

Landscape Capacity Studies and Landscape Visual impact Assessment (LVIA).

LVIAs are studies often carried out in conjunction with or after Landscape capacity studies. LVIAs are undertaken by qualified landscape professionals to assess visual impacts or landscape effects which might occur. Frequently the landscape architect will also advise on how to minimise any adverse effects on potential locations. LVIAs work with development proposals and look at ways to minimise any potential visual impact and ways in which mitigation (perhaps planting) can help reduce the impact of the development. LVIAs do determine the detail of the impacts of any potential development.

LVIAs are particularly useful for proposed developments in or near highly protected landscapes such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Landscape Areas. If you would like to know more about services that Landvision can supply; Landscape capacity studies and LVIAs please ring 01892 782200 or use contact us page.

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