Landscape officer
Landscape officers typically work within local authorities, where their main role is to ensure local landscapes are protected and enhanced for the future.
Typically, their duties include:
- Reviewing development proposals against relevant legislation, policy and guidance.
- Providing expert advice in relation to planning applications.
- Reviewing and critiquing Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs).
- Developing spatial planning documentation.
- Helping inform the design of major development projects.
Landscape officers will work with a wide range of stakeholders including:
- Planners.
- Other technical specialists within the local authority.
- Developers.
- Agents.
- Consultants.
- Statutory bodies.
- General public.
Landscape officers will often hold degree level qualifications in a landscape related subject area, such as Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design or Landscape Ecology.
The Landscape Institute is the Royal Chartered Institute for Landscape professionals. There are various levels of membership from student up to retired membership and it is also possible to become a chartered member.
Within some local authorities, the position of landscape officer is expanded to include responsibility for trees. In this situation, the post holder is also responsible for securing the protection of existing trees in the area and negotiating tree issues in relation to development proposals. In particular, they will be responsible for providing advice in relation to tree preservation orders.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Ancient woodland.
- Archaeological officer.
- Conservation officer.
- Designated areas.
- Ecological survey.
- Ecologist.
- Forest ownership.
- Forests.
- Green belt.
- Japanese knotweed.
- Landscape architect.
- Local planning authority.
- Planning permission.
- Protected species.
- Sharawadgi.
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- The benefits of urban trees.
- Timber.
- Tree hazard survey.
- Tree rights.
- Tree preservation order.
- Working with landscape maintenance contractors.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments