25. Landscape/Townscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA)
What is it?
Policy LC1 of the Plan Strategy states that new development should seek to protect and, where appropriate, restore or improve the quality and amenity of the landscape. The Council will adopt the precautionary approach in assessing development proposals in any designated landscape, giving careful consideration to a range of criteria.
Policies LC1A (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), LC1B, (Areas of High Scenic Value), LC1C (Local Landscape Policy Areas) and LC1D (Landscape wedges), LC2 (Lagan valley regional park) and LC3 (Belfast Hills), LC4 (coastal areas) set out further specific landscape policy requirements.
A Landscape/Townscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) is the process of evaluating the effects of a proposal on views and on the landscape itself (“townscape” is defined as the landscape within the built-up area).
When is it required?
A Landscape and Visual Appraisal should be provided with applications for the following where the proposal is not EIA Development:
- proposals in the countryside which are likely to have a significant visual impact within the landscape, and for any Major applications within or affecting the setting of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; or
- proposals in the urban area which are likely to have a significant visual impact on the townscape; or
- proposals for wind turbines where their overall height would exceed 15 metres and where Environmental Impact Assessment is required.
What should be included?
A Landscape/Townscape and Visual Appraisal should follow the methodology set out in the Guidelines on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment published by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. A LVA typically follows the format of an LVIA but, by definition, does not consider significance, with no requirement to give a judgement on the significance of effects.
Further guidance is contained in the Placemaking and Urban Design Supplementary Planning Guidance.
