Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) with case studies
This post is one of a series on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) with case studies. The other title in the series include:
Ecology in LVIA; Value of Fauna and flora in LVIA reports in Sussex
Mitigation in LVIA in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent
Importance of Cumulative Effects and LVIAs in Sussex, Kent and Surrey
LVIA reports in Sussex, Kent and Surrey
Secrets of scoping for LVIAs in Sussex, , Wiltshire and Hampshire
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) may be part of the EIA process for projects in Sussex and Surrey that require planning permission. Projects in Sussex, Surrey and Kent or Hampshire frequently consent procedures. If they are located within a Special landscape Area or in the South Downs National Park, an LVIA may well be required and is undertaken by Landvision. Projects in Sussex and Surrey which require LVIAs include agricultural or semi natural land converted into more intensive agricultural use. LVIAs in Kent and Hampshire may thus include agricultural areas where the proposed use of soil improves, fertilizers or installation of drainage schemes. may alter landscape character. In these parts of Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey, landscape effects and visual impacts may be assessed. LVIAs undertaken by Landvision can include reclamation of land from the sea or installation of irrigation which both require LVIAs as part of the landscape planning process. Other recent projects requiring LVIAs have included a farm expansion scheme on agricultural land in the North Downs SLA of Kent and LVIAs for new housing in South Downs National Park in Sussex.
The Baseline Checklist for SDNP can be download here.
The EU Directive 20 11/92/EU The Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, calls for measures to assess likely and significant effects on environment, due to size, location and nature of these proposed projects. For example, The installation of solar farms or onshore gas and oil exploration rigs and wells, may have some significant environmental effects. The LVIAs or landscape effects and visual impacts of other proposed projects may include; installation of new pylons, new industrial style buildings and changes to previously uninterrupted views. If located in SDNP or AONBs or SLAS, these changes, in landscapes open to views in Sussex and Kent may require EIAs and LVIAs and associated mitigation.
Stewardship of unspoiled landscapes and Conservation of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is important, to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our Surrey and Hampshire countryside. Cultural heritage is recognized in LVIAs as important and strongly associated with stewardship and conservation ideals of LVIAs in the Home counties. To preserve landscape character intact and not erode landscape quality, LVIAs are required in AONBs in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. If you have sites in an AONB in Kent or Sussex or in the SDNP (South Downs National Park) in Sussex, for more information on how we can help and advise you on your project, call us at Landvision, 01892 782200 or use the contact page as the page title suggests ( Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) with case studies).
You can ask questions on the blog about LVIAs.