Landscape Architects in the UK

Browse 126 verified landscape architects across the UK. Get quotes for Landscape Design, Planting Plan, LVIA and more.

126 verified landscape architects across the UK on The Planning Review.

What does a landscape architect do?

A landscape architect designs and manages the external spaces around a development and assesses its visual impact on the surrounding landscape. In the UK planning system, their work ranges from producing planting plans and public realm designs for residential schemes to carrying out Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs) for major infrastructure projects. Their core task is to demonstrate that a development sits comfortably in its landscape setting, provides functional amenity space, and meets planning policy requirements for green infrastructure and environmental quality.

Landscape architects are particularly important where development affects designated or sensitive landscapes, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscapes), Green Belt, conservation areas, and settings of listed buildings. In these contexts, an LVIA following the GLVIA3 methodology is almost always required as part of the planning application. The landscape architect's professional judgement on the significance of landscape and visual effects can determine whether consent is granted or refused, and planning inspectors at appeal give substantial weight to competent landscape evidence.

Beyond impact assessment, landscape architects produce planting schemes, landscape management plans, boundary treatments, and surface water features (such as swales and rain gardens) that satisfy both policy and end-user needs. Their involvement from the outset ensures landscape is integrated into the masterplan rather than applied as an afterthought, which leads to better design outcomes and a smoother planning process.

When do you need a landscape architect?

  • The development is in or affects an AONB (National Landscape), where an LVIA and landscape-led design are expected
  • The site is in the Green Belt, and you need to demonstrate the proposal preserves openness and visual amenity
  • The LPA requires a landscape scheme or full LVIA for a major residential development (10+ dwellings)
  • The development affects the setting of a conservation area or listed building, where external spaces contribute to character
  • The site is on the edge of a settlement and the transition to open countryside must be carefully designed
  • Landscape is a reserved matter on an outline or reserved matters application
  • The proposal is for a wind farm, solar farm, or other energy infrastructure requiring an LVIA
  • A planning condition requires a landscape management plan for a scheme with significant soft landscaping
  • The site has Tree Preservation Orders or significant existing vegetation that the design must respond to
  • You are delivering a public realm, streetscape, or town centre regeneration project

Services you can get local quotes for

  • Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
  • Landscape Design
  • Landscape Management Plan

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment cost?

Costs vary considerably depending on the scale of the development, the sensitivity of the landscape, and the number of viewpoints required. For a small to medium residential development, a proportionate LVIA or landscape appraisal typically costs £3,000 to £8,000. For major developments or those in sensitive landscapes (AONB, National Park, Green Belt), a full LVIA with photomontages can range from £8,000 to £25,000 or more. Wind farm and solar farm LVIAs, which require extensive viewpoint analysis and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) mapping, often cost £15,000 to £40,000+. Photomontages are usually charged separately at £500 to £1,500 per viewpoint.

How long does the process take?

A landscape design package for a planning application typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to produce, depending on the complexity of the site and the stage of the architectural design. An LVIA requires more time due to fieldwork, photography (which should ideally be done in both winter and summer for deciduous vegetation), and the production of photomontages. A full LVIA typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. For sensitive sites requiring seasonal photography across two seasons, the assessment period can extend to 6 months or more to capture both leaf-on and leaf-off conditions.

What is the difference between an LVIA and a landscape appraisal?

A full LVIA follows the detailed methodology set out in GLVIA3 and involves systematic assessment of both landscape character effects and visual amenity effects, with formal significance judgements. A landscape appraisal is a less formal, proportionate assessment that may be appropriate for smaller or less sensitive schemes. The choice between the two depends on the scale and location of the development and the requirements of the local planning authority. An LVIA is almost always required for developments in designated landscapes, for EIA development, or where landscape impact is likely to be a key planning issue.

Do I need a landscape architect for a householder application?

Generally not. Householder planning applications (extensions, garden structures, etc.) rarely require professional landscape input. However, if your property is in a conservation area, AONB, or the setting of a listed building, or if the proposal involves significant tree removal or affects public views, a landscape statement or planting scheme from a qualified landscape architect can strengthen your application and help avoid refusal on landscape grounds.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain and how does it affect landscape design?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a requirement under the Environment Act 2021 for most planning applications to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development baseline. This is measured using the statutory biodiversity metric. For landscape architects, BNG means that planting schemes and landscape designs must now be designed not just for visual amenity but to create genuine ecological value, with appropriate habitat types, species mixes, and long-term management commitments (typically 30 years). BNG has significantly increased the integration between landscape design and ecology.

Legal and regulatory framework

  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Chapter 15 — Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
  • NPPF, Chapter 12 — Achieving well-designed and beautiful places
  • Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)
  • Environment Act 2021
  • Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition (GLVIA3)
  • Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Section 197
  • The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
  • National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) — Natural Environment

Professional accreditations

  • Landscape Institute

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