Areas or buildings within the study area, with statutory and non-statutory designations are identified.
During the site visit, the chartered landscape architect checks each viewpoint to see whether the proposed development site will be seen. They also note the character of the surrounding landscape and the percentage of the view which would be taken up by the proposed development site.
As the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) is based on a “bare earth model” trees and houses can often change the visibility from a potential viewpoint.
Where the proposed development is relatively small, the view from some viewpoints on the edge of the 2km study area occupy a very small percentage of the overall view and, as such, will not make a substantial impact on the landscape.
This image is an example of historical information which may be relevant to the study.
For example, this image shows that the proposed development site is within the green belt.
Photograph of an interesting landscape feature adjacent to the site of a proposed development, requiring an LVIA.
The first stage of preparing an LVIA is the desk study which explores a 2 km (or more) study area around the proposed development site.
Using the information from the desk study, the chartered landscape architect then identifies potential viewpoints from which the proposed development site may be seen, in preparation for one or more site visits.
Photographs from each viewpoint towards the site show the extent of the site, in relation to the wider view, and other key features in the area.
The completed written report of around 10,000 words includes detailed information about viewpoints to the proposed development site and the expected impact on the surrounding area. The report is impartial and is based on the knowledge and experience of the chartered landscape architect in relation to the potential visual impact and the potential impact on the landscape surrounding the proposed development site.
The next stage is producing a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) drawing to determine the most likely places for intervisibility between the proposed development site and surrounding areas. N.B. The ZTV is based on a “bare earth model” and does not take into account buildings and vegetation, which often restricts views.
Master Plans
This masterplan was created as part of a landscape strategy for a new housing development on a brownfield site.
Landscape masterplan for a planning application for the demolition of a single dwelling and building of two new houses.
LIVIA: Lower Irwell Valley Integrated Action
Working with local people, Salford City Council and the local industries in the area, Hilary produced a masterplan of the area, highlighting the opportunities for improvements to individual areas, in addition to creating new cycling and walking connections throughout the project area.
The masterplan was taken forward by Newlands, a Forestry Commission and Regional Development Agency regeneration programme.
This site covers an area of 300 hectares. The area provides 1500 social housing houses as well as heavy industtry next to the river and much of the green space used for tipping (lots of different areas used for different types of tips.)
Planning Drawings
Detailed landscape plans can be produced to submit with a planning application, or can be required as a condition of a successful application.
Detailed planting and paving design to be submitted with a planning application.
A detailed landscape plan to discharge a landscape planning condition associated with an apartment building.
Domestic
We can undertake domestic garden design projects of any shape or size.
BEFORE: This underused courtyard (above) was redesigned to give access from a newly built bedroom for a wheelchair user, who was also a keen gardener.
The smooth surface and raised planters next to the ramp will provide an opportunity to continue with this hobby.
AFTER
Lighting adds to the scene and extends the hours of use.
On completion of the courtyard, we were invited to design the rest of the garden, with a view to making it as accessible as possible.
A small square garden, with a half-metre change in level across the diagonal was an interesting project, when mixed with the clients’ desire for a large sunbathing and entertaining area and a flat lawn. Through careful consideration this was achieved by lowering the lawn and raising the planting area.
The clients provided us with regular updates on the build and we were pleased to be able to visit the finished project a few weeks later.
The remains of a hawthorn hedge were cut back against the “trunks” and these now give the impression of a more established garden.
Still Waters Run Deep: Railings project
Working with two primary schools, we ran projects designed to raise the children’s awareness of the movement of water at the confluence of two local rivers, adjacent to the proposed park. The children watched coloured inks mingling in a tank of water, listened to music about a river and thought of words which would describe the movement of the water. They then danced like droplets of water, from the fast moving source through the meanders of older rivers and then out to the sea. They produced drawing of the movement of the river and then made paper rope and laid it on the floor to show the same movement.
From the hundreds of images, we looked for repetitive shapes and used these to create templates for laser-cut steel panels.
The panels were designed to be read at two levels. The wavy tops were designed to be read by drivers on the adjacent road, whereas the details were designed to be read at pedestrian pace.
Saragossa
As a chartered landscape architect and, at the time, a full member of La Fédération Française du Paysage, Hilary worked, in France, with Christine Dalnoky and produced detailed planting plans for 26 individual gardens which make up the “Parque del Agua” (Water Park). The Metropolitan Water Park was awarded the Luis Buñuel FAD Award in the category of Landscape and City.
Continuing Professional Development (Lifelong Learning)
The following images are a collection of ideas and insights into the wider world of Landscape Architecture.
