Going green? Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments or LVIA’s, as well as showing you the impact on developments from a social and economic point of view. Can also highlight a range of environmental factors and be used in a range of environmental projects.
Environmental Developments & LVIAs
LVIA’s are synonymous with wind turbine and solar panel developments – they have often been used to display the placement of these developments, as a superior way of presenting the visual impact to the public. Historically, many members of the public have been opposed to these developments based on the negative impact that they can have on a particular view or outlook. An LVIA can create an accurate representation of how an environmental project can look – for many people, their fears may not be as bad as they suspected, and they can make their judgement based on an accurate visual assessment.
Environmental Impacts
In addition, an LVIA can highlight potential damage to an environment. Statistically, road developments are ‘the single most destructive element’ as they can potentially cause animals to lose access to water or nesting areas. If access to water is lost, many animal colonies can start to die out and may be driven away from the area. Many birds nest in specific trees or specific parts of a forest year on year; an accurate LVIA can help plot the exact route that a road will take. These areas can then be double-checked for any nests or any signs of any other colonies of animals.
Finally, an LVIA may be a requirement ahead of any work taking place. An LVIA is a low-impact option, which can highlight any problems ahead of the work commencing. Should a project change, that can cause additional damage to the environment. For example, if one route for a road is chosen, but is then found to be unsuitable, and construction has started, there may already be damage to habitats.
All of these environmental factors can make an LVIA a low-impact, ‘green’ option, moving forward in the future of developments.
Have you found yourself asking, what soil test do I need? Soil tests are utilised in many ways, and there are a variety of different types of soil test available depending on what you need one for. Soil tests are predominantly used within three different contexts – for agricultural or horticultural works, on a construction site or in the case of waste removal.
Agricultural or Horticultural Soil Tests
In an agricultural or horticultural setting, a soil test is used to estimate the concentration of the nutrients in the ground. The composition and characteristics of the soil (such as its pH) and the fertility of the soil – which is the expected potential for growth.
A soil test will also identify whether there are any nutrient deficiencies or any contaminants in the soil. Such as lead, arsenic, barium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc.
By identifying these factors, the soil test results can be used to calculate the amount and type of fertiliser used on an agricultural site. As well as to help identify which crops would thrive in a particular garden.
Construction Related Soil Tests
A soil test can be used on a construction site to determine whether the soil can accommodate the construction project being undertaken. In this case, the density, strength, sand content, compaction, and organic content. Any contamination will be identified to assess how these factors may impact on the construction project. Results from the soil tests may also be used for reports that would support the development’s planning application.
There are two different approaches to soil tests on a construction site – in situ tests, which are conducted on the site itself, and laboratory tests. The in situ tests can be used to gather information on the properties and classification of the soil. Including the grain size, tip and shear resistance analysis, shear strengths and groundwater pressure. Alternatively, a laboratory test can examine the soil shrinkage, the soils suitability as a subgrade for a road, its hydraulic conductivity and the level of water content. The soils response to vertically applied pressure can also be tested, which is key when building foundations or basement rooms.
Waste Removal Soil Tests
Before waste soil can be taken to a landfill site, a number of tests must be carried out. These include the Waste Classification test, which identifies whether the soil is hazardous or non-hazardous. Following the completion of the Waste Classification test, the Waste Acceptance Criteria test must also be completed. A Waste Acceptance Criteria test determines whether the waste can be sent to a landfill that accepts inert waste, non-hazardous waste or whether it must go to a hazardous landfill site. You can find out more information about a Waste Acceptance Criteria test in our dedicated article.
Soil tests are incredibly useful in all sorts of contexts and can help to keep development projects running smoothly and ensure that gardens thrive.
ProHort Ltd provide a range of soil tests, depending upon your requirements. Why not find out more on our Soil Tests and Analysis page.
A Tree Survey – Which One Do I Need?
The Difference Between A Tree Survey, An Arboricultural Impact Assessment & An Arboricultural Method Statement.
If you are submitting a planning application and there are trees located on or near to the site. There are a number of different tree surveys and assessments that the local planning authority could ask for, depending upon the context. With all of the surveys being given a similar, but not quite the same, name or title, it can be confusing and difficult to understand what the difference between each of them is. Here, we aim to provide some clarity regarding the different options available and what you get for your money in each one. If you’re looking for a tree survey to take place, then read on…
Tree Survey
The tree survey should be conducted to the British Standard 5837 and involves the survey and identification of each tree that is on or near the site. The survey will identify specific data about each tree, including the trees common and botanical name, the size and age of the tree, its overall health, the length of life expectancy, the crown spread and height and the trees Root Protection Area. All of the other reports and assessments will be based upon this initial survey, so it is a vital part of the planning process.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment will identify which trees will be retained on site and which will be removed. It will also consider the impact that development plans could have on the trees that are to be retained on site, and vice versa. The health and the expected lifespan of the trees will be considered as the level of impact will depend on these factors. For example, if a tree is healthy and has a long lifespan, it will be impacted less severely than a tree that is unhealthy. Upon consideration of these factors, any measures that are needed to mitigate the impact will be recommended.
The Arboricultural Impact Assessment will also consider any alternative factors that may affect the development, such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) applied to any of the trees.
The Arboricultural Method Statement is the final stage of the process, with the purpose of specifying how any construction works will be carried out to ensure that the retained trees on site are not damaged.
This could include recommendations of protective fencing, pruning of the trees, machinery movement restrictions, consideration of soil compaction and methodology for the installation of under and above ground services. The method statement will be completed on a site-specific basis and will consider different aspects depending upon the development plans for the site and existing features on site.
These surveys and assessments are reliant upon the results of the others in order to be most effective and it is highly likely that each of these will be required when seeking planning permission for a site with trees present.
ProHort Ltd can provide all three different types of survey, working closely with you to ensure that your development can move ahead smoothly without being halted by the presence of trees. Why not check out our services for more information or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our latest news.
The Benefits Of A Planting Plan
You may have heard of a planting plan and be wondering why you would choose to have one. What is the benefit compared to just laying the plants out yourself where you think they would look best. So, what are the benefits of a planting plan.
Having a planting plan completed before planting up your garden can have a number of different benefits, depending upon what you use your garden for and what you want to plant. These benefits include:
Tailored To Your Garden
Putting together a planting plan gives you the opportunity to identify what you want from your garden and then reflect that in the style of planting. For example, if you are looking for a sensory style garden, then the planting plan can include plants that have strong scents, bold colours and generate some sound in their movement such as the soft brushing sound of grasses in the wind. Alternatively, the planting plan might identify hardy plants if you are looking for a low maintenance garden or grasses if you prefer an Oriental style. It all depends on what you want!
By reviewing your requirements and incorporating them in to the planting plan before any work has been carried out, this enables you to ensure that your plan meets those requirements and brings you one step closer to having your dream garden.
Ensure Your Plants Thrive
As well as considering your requirements, a planting plan also considers other factors in the garden that may have an impact on the plants that grow there. These factors can include:
condition of the soil,
climate,
drainage,
available shelter or shade.
The plants chosen for your garden should then reflect these external conditions. This will ensure that they grow well in the conditions present.
Beneficial Planting Combinations
Beneficial planting combinations involves the planting of different types of plants that complement each other in close proximity. These will then grow well due to the complementary qualities of their neighbouring plants. Complementary plants can be identified by their growing patterns. For example, one plant is tall and narrow and the other provides ground cover – and by their similar feeding requirements. Alternatively, a crop or plant protection approach can be taken by utilising plants that attract certain pests to distract them from damaging important crops.
Best For You
ProHort can provide detailed planting plans, considering all of the factors required to design your perfect garden. Why not find out more on our Planting Plan page.
LVIA’s are synonymous with wind turbine and solar panel developments – they have often been used to display the placement of these developments, as a superior way of presenting the visual impact to the public. Historically, many members of the public have been opposed to these developments based on the negative impact that they can have on a particular view or outlook. An LVIA can create an accurate representation of how an environmental project can look – for many people, their fears may not be as bad as they suspected, and they can make their judgement based on an accurate visual assessment.
areas. If access to water is lost, many animal colonies can start to die out and may be driven away from the area. Many birds nest in specific trees or specific parts of a forest year on year; an accurate LVIA can help plot the exact route that a road will take. These areas can then be double-checked for any nests or any signs of any other colonies of animals.
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Beneficial Planting Combinations