Visual Impact Assessment Consultancy

Sweco’s heritage, archaeology, landscape architecture experts can carry out thorough Visual Impact Assessments to paint a full picture of your development and how it will affect a proposed site and its surroundings.

A Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) evaluates how a proposed development or change in the built or natural environment will be perceived from key viewpoints and across the surrounding landscape or townscape. Whether needed from a landscape or heritage vantage point, it is vital to seek impact assessment support at the earliest opportunity.

VIAs combine technical analysis, geospatial data capture and analysis, photographic and digital visualisations, and clear professional judgement to describe the magnitude of change, the sensitivity of receptors (people, communities, heritage assets), and the resulting significance of any activity. Assessments – from desk- to field-based – support planning applications, design development, stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA)

What is an LVIA?

A Landscape VIA focuses on how a proposal will affect broader landscape character and the visual experience across rural, coastal and peri-urban settings. It considers both scenic composition and landscape character — how the addition will sit within landform, vegetation, skylines and distant views.

Key questions our Landscape and visual impact assessment consultants can answer

1. From which locations will the proposal be visible (and to what degree)?
2. How will views and landscape character change for residents, recreational users and road/rail users?
3. Is the proposal likely to be perceived as dominant, intrusive, or assimilated into the landscape?
4. What are reasonable, design-led mitigation options to reduce visual harm?

What does a LVIA involve?

1. Desk review of landscape character assessments and local planning policy
2. Site survey and systematically photographed viewpoints (winter and summer if needed)
3. Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) / viewshed mapping
4. Wireline drawings and verified photomontages from agreed representative viewpoints
5. Landscape character and visual receptor sensitivity assessment
6. Sequential assessments for linear transport corridors (where relevant)

Output

1. Illustrated baseline (maps, landscape character summary)
2. Set of verified photomontages and wirelines for planning submission
3. Clear tables showing sensitivity, magnitude of change and significance
4. Recommendations for mitigation: earthworks, planting, screening, orientation, materials and lighting strategy
5. Plain-language summary for consultees and decision-makers

Heritage & Townscape Visual Impact Assessments (HTVIA)

What is a HTVIA?

A Heritage & Townscape Visual Assessment assesses the visual effects of a proposal on the setting, townscape character, and appreciation of the significance of heritage assets (listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, historic landscapes). It places strong emphasis on change to the experience, legibility and significance of historic places rather than only the physical impacts.

Key questions our HTVIA consultants can answer

1. Will the proposal alter the ability to appreciate and understand a heritage asset’s significance?
2. Does the setting of a heritage asset contribute to its significance, and what part to views of the asset have to play in that contribution?
3. Are there cumulative or sequential changes that might erode townscape character or the historic skyline?
4. What design, material and management measures could avoid or reduce a change in setting and harm to significance?

What does a HTVIA involve?

1. Desk-based historic (including documentary) research and review of heritage designations
2. Identification of key viewpoints that allow an asset’s significance to be appreciated (from, towards, through across and including the asset)
3. Photographic records, annotated historic views and verified visualisations targeted to heritage assets
4. Assessment of change to setting using clear criteria like visibility, inter-visibility, dominance, and legibility
5. Consideration of cumulative impacts with existing or consented developments

Output

1. A heritage-sensitive VIA section within the main report, or a dedicated heritage-focused VIA as required
2. Statement(s) of significance including any contribution made by setting, supported by an annotated viewpoint schedule
3. Verified photomontages/wirelines that demonstrate before-and-after development
4. A reasoned assessment of harm (if any), alternatives, and proportionate mitigation measures
5. Heritage-led design recommendations and monitoring/management suggestions