Visual Impact Assessment

Visual Impact Assessments (VIA)

A Visual Impact Assessment evaluates how a proposed development will affect the appearance of the surrounding landscape and the views experienced by people — helping planners, developers and local authorities understand whether a scheme will integrate successfully into its environment.

Request a Quote What is a VIA?
Aerial view of landscape for visual impact assessment

What is a Visual Impact Assessment?

A specialist study that examines how visible a proposed development will be, and assesses the significance of any changes to existing views and landscape character. At PELA, we prepare clear, evidence-based assessments that support planning applications throughout the UK, in accordance with recognised industry guidance.

VIAs are commonly required for:

  • Residential developments
  • Commercial buildings
  • Renewable energy projects
  • Solar farms
  • Wind turbines
  • Infrastructure projects
  • Industrial developments
  • Educational facilities
  • Public realm improvements
  • Major extensions and redevelopment schemes
Our Process

Our Visual Impact Assessment Process

01

Baseline Landscape Assessment

We begin by analysing the existing landscape, establishing the existing visual environment before any development takes place.

  • Topography
  • Existing vegetation
  • Landform
  • Buildings and settlements
  • Public rights of way
  • Landscape character
  • Important viewpoints
  • Heritage and environmental features
02

Viewshed Analysis

Using digital terrain modelling and mapping software, we identify where the proposed development may be visible — an objective understanding of the development's visual envelope.

  • Identify potential viewpoints
  • Understand visual receptors
  • Assess visibility across the wider landscape
  • Inform viewpoint selection for assessment
03

Visual Impact Assessment

Each viewpoint is assessed using recognised professional methodology, evaluating who will see the development, how often, and how much the view will change.

  • Who will see the development
  • How often they will see it
  • How important the existing view is
  • How much the view will change
  • The significance of the visual effects
04

Photomontages and Visualisations

Our realistic visualisations help planning officers, consultees and local communities understand what the completed development will look like.

  • Verified photomontages
  • Existing and proposed viewpoint photography
  • Wireframe models
  • 3D visualisations
  • Before-and-after comparison images
05

Mitigation Recommendations

Where visual impacts are identified, we provide practical mitigation measures that reduce visual impacts while improving the overall quality of the development.

  • Native tree planting
  • Woodland belts
  • Hedgerow reinforcement
  • Earth bunding
  • Revised building siting
  • Reduced building heights
  • External material recommendations
  • Landscape design improvements

Why is a Visual Impact Assessment Important?

Planning authorities require Visual Impact Assessments to ensure new developments meet the following objectives.

Respect local landscape character
Protect important public views
Minimise visual intrusion
Support sustainable development
Demonstrate good design principles
Meet planning policy requirements

A professionally prepared VIA can significantly strengthen a planning application by providing clear, objective evidence of the development's visual effects.

Who Requires a VIA?

Visual Impact Assessments are frequently requested for the following submission types.

Early preparation of a VIA can identify potential planning issues before they become costly design changes.

  • Planning applications
  • Reserved Matters submissions
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
  • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA)
  • Renewable energy developments
  • Strategic housing developments
  • Infrastructure projects
  • Commercial and industrial developments
About PELA

Why Choose Phillip Ellis Landscape Associates?

We combine landscape architecture, planning expertise and visual analysis to produce clear, professional assessments trusted by planning authorities and design teams.

  • Planning-focused
  • Professionally illustrated
  • Evidence-based
  • Clearly written
  • Tailored to each site
  • Delivered on time
  • Suitable for planning submission
Landscape site overlooking rural setting

Request a Visual Impact Assessment

If you are preparing a planning application and require a Visual Impact Assessment, our team can help. Contact Phillip Ellis Landscape Associates today to discuss your project and receive a tailored quotation.

Initial site appraisals Planning advice Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) Photomontages Landscape design Mitigation strategies Planning support
Request a Quote

To eliminate the 'Buildability Gap' and ensure Cost Certainty on your project:

Contact Us