Environmental Planning

Scarp has a reputation for providing high-quality, environmental planning services that are based on an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to delivering sustainable development within a framework of landscape, ecological and heritage conservation.  In accordance with best practice guidance, we undertake comprehensive survey and analysis work that is used to inform development master-planning and to identify creative, pragmatic and cost effective solutions to conservation challenges. 

Our core environmental planning services include:

• Site Appraisal and Feasibility Studies
• Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Studies
• Landscape and Townscape Characterisation Studies
• Landscape Guidelines and Strategies
• Development Framework Masterplans
• Strategic Landscape Planning
• Heritage Impact Assessments
• Landscape & Visual Appraisals of Green Belt Openness
• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
• Reviews of Environmental Statement LVIA Chapters                           for Consenting Authorities
• Planning Advice and Applications
• Public Inquiry Expert Witness

We work with an extensive network of partners across the full range of technical disciplines required for comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and have either prepared or provided inputs to EIAs for railway, employment, residential and science campus developments.  We also undertake appraisals of the effects of the development proposals on green belt openness. 

We review the landscape and visual chapters of Environmental Statements to make sure that the content, methodology and quality of the assessment is sufficiently robust information for consenting authorities to make informed decisions on planning applications.  We also provide evidence in support of our findings at planning inquiries on behalf of our clients. Our expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the UK planning system and our in-depth knowledge of the natural and built environments.

We provide landscape planning advice to some of the UK’s leading house builders, strategic land development companies and institutions. Our advice on opportunities and constraints associated with potential development sites is sought by our clients at the earliest stages, thereby providing them with the confidence to make timely, informed decisions.