Developing land successfully requires technical reports, practical advice that balances planning policy, commercial objectives and environmental considerations.
Landscope works alongside developers, planning consultants and project teams to provide specialist agricultural planning and soils consultancy throughout the development lifecycle. From initial site appraisals and Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys through to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Soil Management Plans and construction support, we provide clear, proportionate advice that helps projects progress efficiently.
Our objective is simple: to deliver the right technical solution for your site, avoiding unnecessary work while ensuring planning applications are supported by robust, evidence-based information.
Our Services
Planning & Site Appraisal
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Surveys
Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Land Assessments
Site Feasibility Assessments
Agricultural Constraints Reviews
Site Selection Support
Planning Strategy Advice
Soils & Construction
Soil Resource Assessments
Soil Management Plans
Soil Handling Specifications
Construction Phase Advice
Materials Management
Site Restoration
Aftercare Strategies
Environmental Assessment
Agricultural Impact Assessments
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Statement (ES) Chapters
Agricultural and Soils Chapters
Technical Appendices
Mitigation Strategies
Planning Condition Support
Renewable Energy & Infrastructure
Utility-scale Solar
Grid Infrastructure
Cable Corridors
Wind Energy
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
Development Consent Order (DCO) Applications
Selected Project Experience
East Hemel Urban Extension (The Crown Estate)
Prepared the Agricultural Land Use chapter of the Environmental Statement for a strategic urban extension comprising up to 4,000 homes and employment land. The assessment evaluated the effects of the permanent loss of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, informed the Environmental Impact Assessment process, and established mitigation measures including a Soil Management Plan and soil resource protection commitments to support the outline planning application.
The practical influence on the scheme:
The assessment identified the extent of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land affected by the development, enabling the likely loss of this resource to be considered by the decision-makers in accordance with national planning policy.
It also established mitigation measures for the protection and sustainable management of soil resources during construction. These included the preparation of a Soil Management Plan, appropriate stripping, storage and reuse of topsoil and subsoil, and measures to minimise compaction and deterioration of soil quality.
These recommendations were incorporated into the project's environmental commitments, providing a basis for implementation through the detailed design, construction management process and, where appropriate, planning conditions.