A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a formal study that evaluates how a proposed development or change in land use will affect:
- The landscape itself – its physical features, character, and quality.
- The visual experience of people – how it will be seen from different viewpoints and how it changes the visual character of an area.
It’s often used in planning applications for projects like wind farms, transmission lines, roads, quarries, or large buildings to help decision-makers understand the potential impacts before approving or rejecting the proposal.
Two Main Components of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
Landscape Assessment
- Looks at the fabric (landform, vegetation, water, built elements), the character (rural, urban, industrial, etc.), and the value of the landscape (e.g., scenic, cultural, ecological significance).
- Considers how the proposal will change the existing character and whether those changes are positive, neutral, or negative.
Visual Assessment
- Considers views and viewpoints – where people might see the development from, and how prominent or intrusive it might be.
- Takes into account the sensitivity of receptors (residents, road users, visitors to scenic sites, etc.) and the magnitude of change in what they see.
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – (LVIA) is both an art (judging scenic and character qualities) and a science (structured methodology, measurable changes), aimed at helping planners and the public understand how a project will look and feel in its setting.
3 Notable Australian Projects that Required Professional LVIA (By Others)
1. Snowy 2.0 Pumped Hydro Project (Snowy Mountains, NSW)
- This massive renewable energy infrastructure project expanded the existing Snowy Hydro scheme. Given its location in a sensitive alpine environment within Kosciuszko National Park, detailed LVIAs were conducted to assess impacts on the rugged mountainous landscape, visual amenity from popular recreational areas, and heritage values.
2. WestConnex Motorway Project (Sydney, NSW)
- Sydney’s major motorway expansion involved extensive landscape and visual impact assessments due to its scale and the effect on urban and suburban landscapes. The project analyzed how new roads, tunnels, and interchanges would change views, vegetation, and noise buffers, especially near residential neighborhoods.
3. Adelaide Desalination Plant (Lonsdale, SA)
- Construction of the desalination plant on the coast required an LVIA to assess its impact on the coastal landscape and visual character. The assessment considered views from the beach, nearby residential areas, and natural coastal habitats to minimize visual intrusion and support landscape integration.
Our Experience
Citicene brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in delivering comprehensive Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs) across a diverse range of project types and environments. With a deep understanding of landscape architecture, environmental planning, and visual design principles, Citicene’s multidisciplinary team is well-equipped to assess, predict, and manage the visual and landscape effects of development proposals with a high degree of technical skill and contextual sensitivity.
Our team combines academic qualifications in landscape architecture gained from numerous projects including infrastructure developments, renewable energy installations, residential and commercial developments, and large-scale public works. This blend of theory and practice allows us to deliver assessments that are not only rigorous and compliant with current planning guidelines but also tailored to the unique character and environmental context of each site.
Utilizing a robust methodology aligned with national and international best practices, Citicene evaluates the magnitude and significance of potential impacts, balancing technical data with qualitative insights.
We prepare clear, detailed reports that combine written analysis with high-quality photomontages, wireframes, and mapping to effectively communicate findings to clients, planners, and the wider community. Our assessments go beyond mere compliance – they provide strategic recommendations for mitigation, including design refinements, landscape planting schemes, and management measures that help reduce adverse effects and enhance visual integration.
In summary, Citicene’s expertise in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is grounded in a combination of technical excellence, contextual sensitivity, and effective communication. Contact Citicene to learn more about how we can assist with Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments.
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments FAQs
What is a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)?
An LVIA is a structured study that examines how a proposed development will affect the physical landscape and how it will be seen from different viewpoints. It helps decision-makers and the public understand the project’s potential visual and environmental effects.
When is an LVIA required?
LVIAs are often needed for large or visually prominent projects, such as wind farms, roads, quarries, transmission lines, or major buildings, particularly when planning approval processes demand a clear understanding of visual and landscape impacts.
What’s the difference between landscape assessment and visual assessment?
Landscape assessment looks at the land’s physical features, character, and value, while visual assessment focuses on how the project will be seen by people from specific viewpoints and how much it will alter those views.
Who uses the results of an LVIA?
Planning authorities, developers, communities, and environmental regulators rely on LVIA findings to make informed decisions about whether and how a project should proceed.
How does Citicene conduct an LVIA?
We combine technical analysis, on-site studies, and high-quality visual tools like photomontages and mapping. Our process follows national and international best practices to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance.
Why is LVIA important for project approval?
A well-prepared LVIA can demonstrate that visual and landscape impacts have been understood, addressed, and mitigated, helping to smooth the path through planning and reduce objections.
How long does an LVIA take?
The timeframe depends on the project’s scale, complexity, and site location. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while major infrastructure assessments can span several months.
What information do you need to start an LVIA?
We typically require project plans, elevations, location maps, and details of proposed materials, along with access to the site for field assessment.
Can visual impacts be reduced?
Yes. Our reports often include mitigation strategies such as adjusting building design, altering placement, or implementing landscape planting to help the project blend into its surroundings.
What makes Citicene’s LVIA service different?
We bring over 20 years of landscape architecture expertise, combining deep technical knowledge with a sensitivity to the character of each site. Our assessments are thorough, visually clear, and strategically focused on solutions – not just compliance.
