Earlier this year, the Government published its Environmental Outcomes Report (EOR) and roadmap for reforming the English framework for environmental assessments, setting out a phased transition to be completed by 2027.

The Landscape Institute (LI) is working to influence this transition, and to prepare the profession to adapt and lead. We’ve written to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to register our interest in pilot projects, and the LI is working on actions across multiple departments.

The reform of environmental assessments will have major implications for the profession. The transition from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to an outcomes-based system is an opportunity to ensure landscape is fully embedded in the process.

Landscape architects are experts in delivering and informing environmental outcomes including climate adaptation, biodiversity recovery, placemaking, and environmental enhancement. Our members already work across disciplines and sectors, bringing people, place and nature together and have the knowledge and credibility to help shape how EOR works in practice.

The LI is working to ensure this expertise is understood and embedded in the EOR process, strengthening how landscape is considered. This includes drawing effectively on the subjective, place-specific expertise that defines quality Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) work.

Once changes are clear and in place, we will need to update existing and write new guidance to integrate new methods and clarify how landscape quality and character can be evidenced in EORs.

During 2026 and 2027 the Knowledge & Practice Committee will coordinate the LI’s work on this, providing strategic and technical input across policy, practice, training and education. This will include working with our committees and members, and keeping members informed as this work progresses.