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PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Any large development requires planning permission before starting any building, engineering and mining operations or undertaking a material change of use of building(s) or land. The local planning authority (LPA) is responsible for deciding whether a development should be approved. To get planning permission an application needs to be made to the LPA.

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Some types of development, referred to as Permitted Development, does not need an application to be submitted to the LPA.  This usually refers to small alterations and extensions to residential properties but can refer to non-residential developments in certain instances. 

THE SUPPORT WE OFFER

A Chartered Landscape Architect can play a key role in strengthening planning applications by demonstrating how a proposal:

  • Sits within its context

  • Minimises harm

  • Enhances the local environment

 

The support offered by a Chartered Landscape Architect can cover design and technical reporting in the form of strengthening the Design & Access Statement or other motivations submitted to the LPA. We are able to demonstrate how a proposal responds positively to its setting, reduces environmental harm, and creates attractive, sustainable places. This builds a stronger case for planning approval by addressing landscape, visual, and design considerations.

 

A Chartered Landscape Architect adds value to planning submissions in the following ways:

1. Site Appraisal and Context Analysis

  • Assess the site’s physical features (topography, vegetation, drainage, access, boundaries).

  • Review landscape character, heritage assets, and ecological sensitivities.

  • Identify constraints and opportunities that shape the development layout.

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2. Landscape and Visual Assessments

  • Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA): For smaller or less sensitive schemes, demonstrating how a proposal fits within its context.

  • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA): A formal, structured assessment (often required for larger developments or Environmental Impact Assessments) to evaluate potential effects on landscape character and views.

  • Viewpoint Analysis and Visualisations: Photomontages and sketches to reflect how the scheme will appear from different vantage points.

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3. Design Input to Masterplanning

  • Advise on siting, massing, orientation & layouts that reduce visual impact.

  • Include enhancements to the environmental quality of a development.

  • Provide a holistic approach to green infrastructure.

  • Ensure compliance with national and local design codes, landscape character assessments, and planning policy.

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4. Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

  • Propose visual & landscape enhancements to development proposals.

  • Design to provide ecological and social benefits.

  • Recommend biodiversity enhancements.

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5. Technical Reports and Supporting Documents

  • Produce landscape strategies and design statements.

  • Draft Green Infrastructure Plans & Landscape Management Plans (LMP's).

  • Provide input for Design and Access Statements (DAS)

  • Provide design input to address Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

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6. Stakeholder and Public Engagement

  • Present landscape proposals to stakeholders.

  • Provide drawings or visuals to reflect the design intent.

  • Support discussions with officials, consultees & design review panels.

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7. Post-Consent Support

  • Support the discharge of landscape-related planning conditions.

  • Prepare detailed plans, specifications, and management schedules.

  • Oversee implementation to ensure compliance with planning approval.

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