Notes and Clarifications on aspects of the 3rd Edition Guidelines on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3) – Consultation

Following the GLVIA3 Member Survey in 2021 (which revealed that the majority of members feel GLVIA3 is a useful framework for LVIA, or is a useful framework but requires some clarifications) the GLVIA Advisory Panel has been working on a ‘Notes and Clarifications on GLVIA3’ document.

The aim is to replace the various statements of clarification from 2013-2015 and the Technical Information Note (TIN) 01/21 GLVIA webinar Q&As, as well as addressing questions raised by Members via responses to the 2021 survey about GLVIA3, and those sent to the Landscape Institute Technical email address.

The draft Notes and Clarifications on GLVIA3 document is available here.

The deadline for feedback has now closed, thank you to all those who contributed.

The final document will be published soon.

©Landscape Institute

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3)

The third edition of Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3) was published in collaboration with IEMA and came into force on 17 April 2013. This is a key resource for landscape professionals. Copies of the book can be ordered direct from the publisher. Although PDF versions are not available, other digital versions are, in the form of: eBook | Kindle

In general, the LI considers that it should be suitably qualified and experienced landscape professionals that carry out landscape and visual impact assessments (LVIAs). However, provided they have had appropriate training and experience, other professionals may also do so.

When it comes to reviewing assessments undertaken by others, however, in the absence of formal certification of specific competence, the appropriate ‘competent expert’ would normally be a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute who has substantive experience of undertaking and reviewing LVIAs.

This experience may be evidenced by CV, reference to previous assessments, and by endorsement by other senior professionals.

Other resources to supplement GLVIA3 include:

GLVIA3 Statements of Clarification 2013-2015
Technical Guidance Note (TGN) 01/20 Reviewing LVIAs and LVAs
LI Webinar: GLVIA Misconceptions and Best Practice – Landscape Institute Campus
Technical Information Note (TIN) 01/21: GLVIA webinar Q&As

GLVIA Advisory Panel

The GLVIA Advisory Panel continues to meet periodically to discuss issues relating to LVIA and when necessary publishes important clarifications relating to the book which are available free of charge. This Working Group was set up in 2010 to update the then 2nd edition GLVIA and remained in place after the publication of GLVIA3. Since then, through a series of competitive appointment processes the Panel now consists of all new members. Vacancies are advertised either on the LI jobs website or via Technical newsletters.

The Panel is open to hear from LI members and regulators about their experiences with GLVIA3. Communications should be directed to technical@landscapeinstitute.org These will then be shared with the Panel at its next meeting and if there is the need to take action it will do so. Please note that a personal response may not always be possible, but submissions will be reviewed, and sometimes those contacting may be invited to speak to the Panel.

Related information about visualisation.

GLVIA Panel News

June 2023

Consultation on the Government’s proposed new approach to environmental assessment for the UK

The GLVIA Panel contributed to a cross committee EOR Working Group for the LI’s response to the consultation.

The Landscape Institute brought together experts from its Policy and Communications Committee, Technical Committee, and GLVIA Panel to coordinate the LI’s response to the consultation. In addition, the working group reached out to other related professional membership organisations including IEMA, RTPI, TCPA and EPU to provide the Government with a landscape perspective on the proposals.

More information about the proposals and consultation can be found here:

Government/consultations/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment

November 2021

GLVIA3 survey – The results (update)

The GLVIA Advisory Panel, under the responsibility of the LI Technical Committee, invited members to respond to the following question:

Do you think the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment:

  1. is fit for purpose and provides a useful framework for undertaking LVIA.
  2. is a useful framework for LVIA but requires some clarifications. (If selected, the respondent was asked: ‘What are the areas that require clarification and why?’)
  3. requires a re-write and production of a new 4th edition. (If selected, the respondent was asked ‘Why do you think a new edition is required, and what changes would you like to see?’)

78 out of 5,919 members responded, equating a 1.3% response rate. Click the thumbnail below to see the responses.

Click here to Expand Image

N.B. 10 out of the 21 respondents who selected option (c) gave a reason for their selection.