Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Cornwall, UK
Landscape and visual assessment to support the proposed extension of a rural holiday park within a sensitive Cornish landscape.
Located within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and in close proximity to a National Landscape, the study examined landscape character, visibility, and visual containment to inform planning strategy and support a proportionate landscape response.
Client: Private Client
Collaborators: V L Landscape Consultancy
Services: LVIA • Visual Assessment • Viewpoint Analysis
Focus: Designated Landscapes & Visual Containment
Year: 2025
Context
The site is located within a rural valley landscape characterised by rolling landform, hedgerows, woodland structure, and a dispersed settlement pattern.
Situated within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and close to a National Landscape, the assessment considered the relationship between the proposed development, local landscape character, and nearby protected landscapes.
01
Landscape Analysis
Landscape analysis focused on landform, vegetation structure, landscape designations, visual containment, and potential visibility.
The study identified that the site occupies a naturally enclosed valley setting, where mature vegetation and topography substantially limit wider visual influence, including views from surrounding protected landscapes.
02
Topography
Low-lying valley setting contained by surrounding higher ground.
Vegetation Structure
Established woodland and hedgerows provide strong visual enclosure.
Landscape Character
Rural landscape pattern defined by enclosure, tranquillity, and agricultural structure.
Visual Containment
Landform and vegetation reduce visibility from the wider landscape.
Visual assessment
Representative viewpoints were selected to understand potential visibility from nearby public routes, local receptors, and the surrounding landscape context.
Photomontages and visual analysis demonstrated that views towards the site remain limited and localised due to existing vegetation, valley enclosure, and the site's contained position within the landscape.
03
Outcome
The assessment concluded that landscape and visual effects would remain localised and limited in extent.
The proposal responds to the site’s existing landscape character and can be integrated through sensitive design, planting, and long-term landscape enhancement.
04
Landform Containment
Existing valley landform helps contain visibility and reduce wider landscape effects
Visual Containment
New planting and habitat creation reinforce local character and ecological value
Vegetation Retention
Retaining existing hedgerows and woodland structure to preserve enclosure, screening, and landscape character
Key benefits
Evidence-led planning support
Assessment within protected landscapes
Landscape-responsive development strategy
Protection of rural character and views
Long-term landscape integration
