Soils & Peat

Soil & Peat Strategies for Planning, Development & Restoration

Integrated Land, Soil & Peat Strategies for Planning, Development & Restoration

At Arthian, we deliver comprehensive soils and peatland consultancy services to support sustainable land use, environmental compliance, and responsible development across the UK and Ireland. Whether you’re looking to diversify agricultural land, developing infrastructure, or restoring sensitive habitats, our team helps you navigate the environmental, technical and regulatory complexities of soil and peatland systems.

We work with developers, planners and landowners to deliver tailored strategies that balance project delivery with habitat protection, carbon stewardship and long-term sustainability.

We utilise Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) in England and Wales, grading land from Grade 1 (excellent) to Grade 5 (very poor). Grades 1, 2, and 3a are considered Best and Most Versatile (BMV) and are protected in planning policy.

We use Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) in Scotland, ranking land from Class 1 to Class 7, with Classes 1 to 3.1 considered prime agricultural land.

Agricultural Land Classification

Understanding the quality and capability of agricultural land is essential for planning and development. We provide expert assessments based on location, using the relevant governing bodies for each region.

Site-Specific ALC and LCA Assessments

Planning Support and EIA Integration

BMV and Prime Land Constraint Analysis

Liaison with planning authorities and regulators

Site-Specific ALC and LCA Assessments

We provide site-specific assessments of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) in England and Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) in Scotland to support planning applications and guide land use decisions. These assessments help determine the quality and versatility of soils, giving a clear picture of how land can be used or developed. By identifying areas of best and most versatile agricultural land, we help clients understand potential constraints, explore opportunities for mitigation, and make informed, evidence-based choices about land management and development.

Planning Support and EIA Integration

Our assessments are designed to integrate seamlessly with planning submissions and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), helping ensure consistency, clarity and compliance throughout the process. We work closely with planning teams to provide clear, site-specific evidence that supports decision-making and meets regulatory expectations. By aligning our work with wider project timelines and requirements, we help clients navigate planning and EIA stages more smoothly, reducing delays and strengthening the overall submission.

BMV and Prime Land Constraint Analysis

We identify areas of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land in England and prime agricultural land in Scotland to help clients understand potential planning constraints linked to agricultural policy. These land classifications can influence development opportunities, so our analysis supports clients in navigating policy restrictions and exploring options for land use and mitigation. By highlighting key constraints early, we help unlock development potential while ensuring proposals are informed, strategic, and policy-compliant.

Liaison with planning authorities and regulators

We engage directly with planning authorities and environmental regulators to help streamline approvals and ensure our assessments meet both local and national standards. By maintaining clear and proactive communication with bodies such as the Environment Agency (EA), SEPA, and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs), we help reduce delays and improve the clarity of submissions. Our team ensures that technical evidence is aligned with planning and permitting requirements, supporting a smooth and compliant planning process.

Site-Specific ALC and LCA Assessments

Planning Support and EIA Integration

BMV and Prime Land Constraint Analysis

Liaison with planning authorities and regulators

Why Choose Arthian for Soils & Peats?

Our Understanding

Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.

Our Experience

National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.

Integration

Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.

Results Driven

Commitment to technical rigour, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an agricultural land classification for planning?

Yes—land classification helps determine development suitability and whether land should be protected for food production.

What is a Peat Management Plan (PMP)?

A PMP outlines how peat will be excavated, reused, stored, and restored during development. It’s often required for upland or sensitive sites.

Can you assess soil waste for reuse or disposal?

Absolutely. We provide soil sampling, waste characterisation, and classification to support compliant reuse or disposal strategies.

What is a PLHRA and when is it needed?

A Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment evaluates slope stability and slide risk. It’s commonly required for infrastructure or energy developments, such as onshore wind farms.

Can you support carbon assessments for peat disturbance?

Yes—we deliver carbon balance and payback modelling using government tools and bespoke calculators.

Our Latest Projects

View All Projects

Energy Engineering

Rushcliffe Borough Council Heat Decarbonisation Plans

Development of heat decarbonisation plan to support the Council's aim to make services carbon neutral by 2030

Energy Engineering

London Borough of Islington Heat Decarbonisation Plans

Development of 31 comprehensive Site Heat Decarbonisation Plans via Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) Phase 5 funding

Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Design Temporary Works

MORAY WEST CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Onshore Civil Engineering Design for Transmission & Distribution

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.

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Soils & Peat

Integrated Land, Soil & Peat Strategies for Planning, Development & Restoration

Agricultural Land Classification

Site-Specific ALC and LCA Assessments

Planning Support and EIA Integration

BMV and Prime Land Constraint Analysis

Liaison with planning authorities and regulators

Site-Specific ALC and LCA Assessments

Planning Support and EIA Integration

BMV and Prime Land Constraint Analysis

Liaison with planning authorities and regulators

Why Choose Arthian for Soils & Peats?

Our Understanding

Our Experience

Integration

Results Driven

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an agricultural land classification for planning?

What is a Peat Management Plan (PMP)?

Can you assess soil waste for reuse or disposal?

What is a PLHRA and when is it needed?

Can you support carbon assessments for peat disturbance?

Our Latest Projects

Rushcliffe Borough Council Heat Decarbonisation Plans

London Borough of Islington Heat Decarbonisation Plans

MORAY WEST CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Get in Touch