Landscape Surveys

Landscape Survey Services Explained

A landscape survey is a professional assessment that examines the character, quality and visual qualities of a piece of land or an area of townscape. Such surveys produce evidence to support planning applications by demonstrating how a proposed development relates to its surroundings and what effect it is likely to have on the landscape or built environment, both during construction and after completion.

For developers, housebuilders and housing providers, landscape surveys are an important part of the planning process. Local authorities are required to consider the visual and environmental impact of development proposals, and without a credible landscape assessment to draw on, an application may face objections or refusal on the grounds of insufficient information.

We connect developers and landowners with experienced landscape architects and consultants who can carry out the full range of landscape survey and detailed assessment services needed to inform decisions and support planning applications across England, Scotland and Wales.

What Does a Landscape Survey Cover?

A landscape survey encompasses a broad range of assessment types. The specific requirements for such surveys will depend on the scale and nature of the development, its location, the sensitivity of the surrounding area and what the local planning authority expects to see. Typically, such surveys will include desk-based research followed by site investigation.

The main categories of landscape survey are set out below.

Landscape and Townscape Visual Impact

These assessments evaluate how a proposed development will affect what people can see from the surrounding area.

Such surveys consider the views of residents, visitors and other users of the landscape to inform decisions about whether the development will cause harm to valued views or the overall visual character of the place.

A Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) is typically used for smaller or less complex sites where a lighter-touch landscape survey assessment is sufficient.

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a more detailed exercise and is commonly required for larger schemes, developments in sensitive locations or protected areas, or projects that are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The equivalent assessments for built-up areas are the Townscape and Visual Appraisal (TVA) and Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment (TVIA).

Landscape and Townscape Character

Character assessments go beyond visual impact to examine what makes a particular landscape, historic environment or townscape distinctive.

Through desk-based research and site surveys, landscape architects identify the patterns, features such as trees and qualities that define the character of an area and consider how a proposed development would affect those qualities.

Such surveys include the Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) which analyses the historic environment in terms of its component parts, from landform and vegetation to land use, cultural associations and historical features such as ruined structures and archaeological sites.

A Townscape Character Assessment (TCA) performs the same function in an urban or suburban context. An Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Survey establishes the quality of agricultural land that may be affected by a development.

A Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) examines the combined effect of a proposed development alongside other existing or planned changes in the same area.

Further Visual Analysis

Some planning applications call for more targeted visual analysis in addition to or instead of a full landscape survey assessment.

Such surveys include Viewpoint Assessments that identify and record specific locations from which a development will be visible and assess the degree of impact at each point. Visual Envelope Mapping (VEM) and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis use mapping techniques to establish the full geographic extent from which a development could theoretically be seen.

A Daylight and Sunlight Assessment examines how a scheme would affect the availability of natural light to neighbouring properties. A Facade Analysis looks at the external appearance of buildings and how they relate to their setting.

Strategic Landscape Planning

Larger or more complex development proposals, including site allocations, strategic land releases and major infrastructure projects, may require assessments that go beyond the individual site level to consider the broader historic environment and landscape context.

A Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment (LSCA) evaluates how capable a particular landscape is of accommodating change.

A Landscape Capacity Study takes a wider geographic view, examining how much development an area can absorb without unacceptable harm to its character.

A Design and Access Statement (DAS) sets out the design principles behind a proposal and explains how the development responds to its setting.

In some cases an Earthwork Survey may be needed. Strategic Landscape Planning assessments inform site allocation decisions at a local plan or regional level.

Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Development

Landscape surveys also play a role in ensuring that new development contributes positively to green infrastructure, biodiversity and the long-term management of land and habitats. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) sets out how habitats, green spaces and ecological features within a development will be managed over time.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) ensures that environmental impacts during the build phase are identified and controlled. A Green Belt Impact Assessment (GBIA) examines whether a proposed development would cause harm to the purposes of the Green Belt designation.

Green Infrastructure Planning considers how new and existing green spaces, habitats and natural systems can be connected and enhanced through the development process.

Historic Environment, Heritage and Cultural Landscape

The historic environment is an important component of landscape character and some developments will require a specialist landscape site survey to assess impact on heritage assets and their settings.

Such surveys include the Heritage Impact Assessment and Statement that evaluates the significance of affected heritage assets and the likely impact of the proposed development on that historic environment.

A Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) examines how the landscape has evolved over time and what historic features and patterns remain legible within it.

Landscape Surveys and Planning Policy

UK planning policy requires local planning authorities to protect and enhance the natural and historic environment, including the character and appearance of the landscape.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets clear expectations about how developments should respond to landscape character and avoid harm to valued views and settings. 

Several other pieces of legislation and policy are relevant to landscape assessment, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, the European Landscape Convention, and UNESCO World Heritage Site protections.

Landscape assessments must be carried out in accordance with established professional guidance, principally the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment published by the Landscape Institute in association with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

Landscape architects and consultants carrying out landscape surveys should be accredited by the Landscape Institute and demonstrate a current understanding of relevant methodologies and planning policy.

What Does a Landscape Survey Involve?

While the scope of each assessment will vary depending on the type of survey required, landscape surveys generally follow a consistent process.

Desk-Based Research

The consultant will begin by gathering background information on the site, its surroundings and wider historic environment.

This desk-based research includes national and local landscape character area designations, relevant planning policies, heritage and environmental designations, mapping data and any previous studies or assessments covering the area.

Field Survey

Desk-based research is followed by a site visit to observe and record the character of the landscape first-hand. This landscape assessment typically includes recording landform, vegetation, land use, built features, watercourses and any features of cultural, ecological or historical note such as archaeological sites.

Key viewpoints – the locations from which the development is most likely to be seen – are identified and photographed in this stage of landscape surveys. Where a visual impact assessment is being carried out, photomontage techniques may be used to show how the completed development will appear from those viewpoints.

GIS Mapping and Analysis

Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping is used to record and analyse spatial data about the site and its surroundings, including zone of theoretical visibility modelling, habitat mapping and landscape character boundary delineation.

Landscape Survey Report

The landscape survey findings from the desk-based research, field survey and GIS mapping are written up in a formal report, which will set out the character and condition of the landscape, the predicted effects of the development, any mitigation measures proposed and conclusions on the overall level of impact.

The detailed assessment report is produced in a format suitable for submission to the local planning authority as part of or in support of a planning application. The information included in such surveys will be precise enough to inform decisions.

Book the Landscape Surveys You Need

The range of landscape survey types, from the landscape site survey to an earthwork survey, can make it difficult to identify which landscape assessment your project needs.

The right starting point is to engage qualified landscape architects or consultants who can advise on what is required based on the nature of the development, its location and what the relevant local planning authority is likely to expect. Instructing the right landscape survey should inform decisions and prevent costly delays.

Use our free service to get fast, no-obligation quotes from trusted consultants in our network who carry out landscape surveys.

Fill in the form at the top of this page, and we will connect you with an expert who can advise on the scope of work your project needs and help you move your planning application forward.