Landscape & Visual Assessments

Chartered Landscape Consultants Across UK & Ireland

Assessing for Impact

At Arthian, our landscape and visual assessment consultants provide expert evaluation of landscape character, visual amenity and nightscape effects for developments across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. We support planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), site promotion and design refinement – ensuring landscape and visual considerations are addressed early, proportionately and in line with national guidance.

Assessment Capabilities

We tailor our assessments to project scale, planning context and environmental sensitivity, combining desktop analysis, fieldwork and advanced visualisation. All assessments are delivered in accordance with Landscape Institute guidance, and supported by our in-house specialists in ecology, lighting and planning.

Our Landscape & Visual Assessment Services

Our services include:

Development Feasibility Assessments

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA / LVA)

Nightscape Assessments

Visualisation & Verified Views

Development Feasibility Assessments

We support early-stage site selection and Local Plan promotion by identifying potential landscape and visual constraints before design work begins. Our assessments help clients understand the opportunities and sensitivities of a site, guiding strategic decisions and reducing planning risk. Using tools such as visibility mapping and photographic analysis, we provide clear, evidence-based insights to inform land promotion, masterplanning, and stakeholder engagement.

Our feasibility assessments typically include:

Early-stage screening of landscape and visual constraints
Visibility mapping to identify key viewpoints and potential receptors
Photographic analysis to illustrate site context and visual sensitivity
Review of landscape designations, character areas, and planning policy
Strategic advice to support Local Plan representations and site promotion

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA / LVA)

We deliver robust landscape and visual impact assessments for both EIA and non-EIA developments, supporting planning applications with clear, evidence-based analysis. Our assessments consider the potential effects of development on landscape character and visual amenity, drawing on detailed fieldwork, desk study, and stakeholder consultation. We offer specialist inputs including green belt appraisal, tranquillity analysis, Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA), and cumulative effects evaluation. Our team also works closely with design teams to shape effective mitigation strategies that respond to site context and policy requirements.

Our LVIA / LVA services include:

Full assessments for EIA and non-EIA schemes
Green belt appraisal to assess openness and landscape function
Tranquillity analysis to evaluate sensory impacts and experiential qualities
Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) for sensitive receptors
Cumulative effects analysis for multi-phase or multi-site developments
Mitigation design advice to reduce impacts and enhance landscape integration

Nightscape Assessments

We assess the impact of artificial lighting on landscape character and visual receptors, helping clients understand how development may alter the night-time environment. Our assessments are often integrated with lighting and ecology inputs to provide a holistic view of potential effects, particularly in sensitive or dark sky areas. By evaluating changes in visual tranquillity, light spill, and perceptual qualities, we support planning applications with clear, context-sensitive analysis and mitigation advice.

Our nightscape assessments typically include:

Evaluation of artificial lighting impacts on landscape character and visual receptors
Integration with lighting design and ecological assessments
Analysis of light spill, glare, and changes to night-time tranquillity
Identification of sensitive receptors, including residential areas and designated landscapes
Mitigation recommendations to reduce visual intrusion and preserve dark skies

Visualisation & Verified Views

We produce high-quality visualisations to support LVIA reporting, stakeholder engagement, and public consultation. Using GIS-based mapping, photomontages, 3D modelling, and augmented reality outputs, we help communicate the potential visual effects of development with clarity and precision. Our verified views are prepared in line with industry guidance, ensuring technical accuracy and credibility in planning submissions and appeal processes.

Our visualisation services include:

GIS-based mapping to identify key viewpoints and visual receptors
Photomontages showing proposed development in context
3D modelling to explore massing, layout, and landscape integration
Augmented reality outputs for immersive stakeholder engagement
Verified views prepared to industry standards for planning and appeals

Development Feasibility Assessments

Our feasibility assessments typically include:

Early-stage screening of landscape and visual constraints
Visibility mapping to identify key viewpoints and potential receptors
Photographic analysis to illustrate site context and visual sensitivity
Review of landscape designations, character areas, and planning policy
Strategic advice to support Local Plan representations and site promotion

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA / LVA)

Our LVIA / LVA services include:

Full assessments for EIA and non-EIA schemes
Green belt appraisal to assess openness and landscape function
Tranquillity analysis to evaluate sensory impacts and experiential qualities
Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) for sensitive receptors
Cumulative effects analysis for multi-phase or multi-site developments
Mitigation design advice to reduce impacts and enhance landscape integration

Nightscape Assessments

Our nightscape assessments typically include:

Evaluation of artificial lighting impacts on landscape character and visual receptors
Integration with lighting design and ecological assessments
Analysis of light spill, glare, and changes to night-time tranquillity
Identification of sensitive receptors, including residential areas and designated landscapes
Mitigation recommendations to reduce visual intrusion and preserve dark skies

Visualisation & Verified Views

Our visualisation services include:

GIS-based mapping to identify key viewpoints and visual receptors
Photomontages showing proposed development in context
3D modelling to explore massing, layout, and landscape integration
Augmented reality outputs for immersive stakeholder engagement
Verified views prepared to industry standards for planning and appeals

Why Choose Arthian's Landscape & Heritage Team?

Chartered landscape assessment consultancy with UK and Irish coverage, trusted by developers, planners and environmental consultants

Integration

Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.

Our Experience

National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.

Our Understanding

Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.

Results Driven

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LVIA and LVA?

LVIA is a formal assessment often required for EIA developments. LVA is a lighter appraisal suitable for smaller schemes. We help determine the appropriate level based on project scope.

Do you offer visibility mapping and ZTV analysis?

Yes—we produce Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTVs), viewpoint analysis and cumulative mapping to support feasibility and LVIA reporting.

Can you assess night-time visual effects?

Absolutely. Our nightscape assessments evaluate lighting impacts and are often integrated with ecology and lighting consultancy inputs.

Do you provide expert witness services?

Yes—our senior consultants regularly support planning appeals and inquiries, providing robust evidence and professional representation.

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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Landscape & Visual Assessments

Assessing for Impact

Assessment Capabilities

Our Landscape & Visual Assessment Services

Development Feasibility Assessments

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA / LVA)

Nightscape Assessments

Visualisation & Verified Views

Development Feasibility Assessments

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA / LVA)

Nightscape Assessments

Visualisation & Verified Views

Why Choose Arthian's Landscape & Heritage Team?

Integration

Our Experience

Our Understanding

Results Driven

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LVIA and LVA?

Do you offer visibility mapping and ZTV analysis?

Can you assess night-time visual effects?

Do you provide expert witness services?

Get in Touch