Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) in London
LVIA Required Before Planning in London?
We support London developments by providing LVIAs that assess effects on countryside views, settlement edges and heritage settings. Supplying an LVIA early helps prevent planning delays and further information requests
Fast, Clear, Planning-Ready Support
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Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
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Clear guidance before you commit.
Cost-effective
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Typical 10-day turnaround
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Expert Team
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Do you need a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) in London?
In simple terms, you’ll need a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for your London site if your planning application could affect the character of the landscape or the views experienced by people nearby.
An LVIA is the document that explains how your development will look, how it fits into the surrounding landscape, whether it will change key views, and what can be done to reduce visual impacts. It helps the Local Planning Authority understand the real-world effects of your proposal and decide whether it is acceptable in landscape and visual terms.
London planning authorities frequently require LVIAs where development may be visible from sensitive urban or heritage contexts, including:
Tall or prominent developments affecting townscape views
Riverside sites along the Thames
Locations within or adjoining conservation areas
Areas intervisible with listed buildings or protected vistas
Major infrastructure and regeneration corridors where cumulative effects require assessment
An LVIA is often requested where design justification is required.
We deliver expert Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment services across London, supporting projects throughout the capital’s urban and metropolitan landscapes.
Why Planning Authorities in London Request a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
In London, an LVIA is often required where development may alter countryside views or affect heritage settings. Prepared in line with the Landscape Institute’s GLVIA3 guidance and relevant planning policy, an LVIA explains how your proposal will appear in the landscape and identifies the measures taken to minimise visual and landscape effects.
Local Case Insight
How the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment Process Works
We deliver compliant, planning-ready LVIAs that meet London policy standards and support your application with robust visual evidence.
Key LVIA Deliverables for London Projects
Your Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is structured to meet London’s planning requirements and typically includes:
Baseline assessment – Landscape character review, policy context and on-site survey with key viewpoints captured.
Visual outputs – Accurate photography, wireframes and ZTV mapping to show potential visibility and change.
Impact and mitigation analysis – Clear GLVIA3-aligned assessment of landscape and visual effects with proportionate mitigation.
Submission-ready report – A concise, LPA-aligned LVIA formatted for smooth planning submission.
This ensures your LVIA in London can be submitted confidently, supporting a smoother planning process and clear decision-making.
Step 1
Site Survey
Site is assessed to capture potential viewpoints.
Step 2
LVIA Preparation
Desk research of the landscape study area
Step 3
Coordination stage
Collate assessments and evaluate the key components
Step 4
Submission and support
We respond to any LVIA queries or amendments required.
Next Steps
Ready to secure approval and start on site? We’ll confirm what your London site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
FAQ - LVIA in London
Why are LVIAs required for development in London?
London’s dense urban environment creates complex townscape and skyline impacts.
London Councils – https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/
Which London developments typically require LVIA?
Tall buildings, regeneration schemes and infrastructure projects.
How does LVIA support planning decisions in London?
It assesses effects on townscape character and strategic views.
Are heritage views important in London LVIAs?
Yes, especially protected vistas and conservation areas.
Can LVIA influence building height in London?
Yes, height and massing are often revised.
Is LVIA required outside central London?
Yes, where development affects visual amenity.
