Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
What is this assessment?
The LVIA evaluates potential effects of proposed developments on the landscape and visual amenity. It's crucial for ensuring new projects harmonise with their surroundings and minimise adverse impacts.
Legal basis: Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2000
What is the process?
The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is a structured process in Ireland. It involves the following steps.
Methodology
Site visits
Assessors visit the site to understand the existing landscape, character and sensitivity of the area. They'll review aerial photography and other relevant documentation.
Baseline assessment
To establish a baseline, document elements that the proposed development may affect. For example, existing landscape features, land uses, people and buildings.
Impact assessment
The assessment differentiates between
- Landscape impacts: changes to the character or quality of the landscape
- Visual impacts: changes in views experienced by people (including visual intrusion or obstruction)
Nature of impacts
Impacts can be
- Direct: Changes to specific landscape elements or townscape characteristics
- Visual: Changes to views from various locations, including public spaces and private properties
The significance of these impacts is often a subjective perception. That makes public consultation an important part of the process.
Mitigation measures
The LVIA outlines mitigation strategies to reduce adverse effects on the landscape. These may include
- Design modifications
- Landscaping
- Other interventions to enhance compatibility with the surrounding environment
Reporting
The findings of the LVIA are typically documented in a report that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of methodologies used
- Baseline conditions
- Predicted impacts
- Recommended mitigation measures
The report is often part of a broader Environmental Impact Assessment required for planning applications.
Submitting your assessment
The results of this assessment should be included with your submission to the relevant planning authority.
Supporting information
Appendix 3 of the draft Wind Energy Guidelines (2019) describes in more detail the LVIA process and report contents.