LVIA Required Before Planning in Wales?
We support Wales 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
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In simple terms, you’ll need a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for your Wales 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.
Planning authorities across Wales frequently require LVIAs where development may be visible from sensitive or nationally important landscapes, including:
Settlement edges adjoining open countryside, uplands or coastal settings
Canal-side and river-corridor locations
Elevated or exposed sites within or near designated landscapes
Areas with intervisibility to heritage assets or historic landscapes
Infrastructure and energy-related development where cumulative effects need evaluation
LVIAs are often requested where visual effects are identified early in the planning process or where landscape sensitivity is high.
We deliver expert Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment services across Wales, supporting projects in urban centres, rural communities and sensitive landscapes nationwide.
In Wales, 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.
We deliver compliant, planning-ready LVIAs that meet Wales policy standards and support your application with robust visual evidence.
Your Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is structured to meet Wales’ 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 Wales can be submitted confidently, supporting a smoother planning process and clear decision-making.
Site is assessed to capture potential viewpoints.Â
Desk research of the landscape study area
Collate assessments and evaluate the key componentsÂ
 We respond to any LVIA queries or amendments required.
Ready to secure approval and start on site? We’ll confirm what your Wales site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.Â
Wales has nationally designated landscapes and strong policy protection for visual amenity.
Welsh Government – https://www.gov.wales/
Wind energy, infrastructure and large residential schemes often require assessment.
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It supports compliance with landscape protection and sustainable development objectives.
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Yes, coastal views and seascape character are often highly sensitive.
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Yes, significant adverse impacts may require redesign or mitigation.
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Yes, particularly for energy and infrastructure projects.
