(LVIA) Landscape Visual Impact Assessment in Kent

Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) in Kent

LVIA Required Before Planning in Kent?

We support Kent 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

Fast response 

Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.

Free expert advice

Clear guidance before you commit.

Cost-effective

Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time

Typical 10-day turnaround

Industry Leading Standard

Expert Team

We stay with you from first call through to submission. 

Do you need a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) in Kent?

In simple terms, you’ll need a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for your Kent 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.

Kent planning authorities frequently require LVIAs where development may be visible from sensitive landscapes or heritage-influenced settings, including:

  • Settlement edges adjoining countryside or designated landscapes

  • River-valley and canal-side locations

  • Elevated sites with views across rolling terrain

  • Areas intervisible with historic towns or listed assets

  • Infrastructure corridors where cumulative visual effects need assessment

LVIAs are often requested where visual sensitivity is highlighted early.

We deliver expert Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment services across Kent, supporting projects in towns, villages and sensitive landscape settings.

Why Planning Authorities in Kent Request a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)

In Kent, 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

On a mixed-use proposal on rising land near a Kent settlement boundary, early feedback highlighted potential skyline and character impacts. A comprehensive LVIA was prepared, including agreed viewpoints covering long-distance views and public rights of way. Mitigation measures focused on stepped massing, strengthened landscape structure and refined site layout. The LVIA supported officer recommendations and allowed the application to progress.

How the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment Process Works

We deliver compliant, planning-ready LVIAs that meet Kent policy standards and support your application with robust visual evidence.

Key LVIA Deliverables for Kent Projects

Your Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is structured to meet Kent’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 Kent 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 Kent site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay. 

FAQ - LVIA in Kent

Why is LVIA commonly required for development in Kent?

Kent includes sensitive countryside, coastlines and historic landscapes.

Kent County Council – https://www.kent.gov.uk/

Residential growth, infrastructure and coastal development.

 

It assesses landscape and visual impacts on settlements and views.

 

Are long-distance views important in Kent LVIAs?

Yes, particularly across open countryside.

 

Yes, especially layout and height.

 

Yes, development near protected areas is closely assessed.

 

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