Viewpoint Assessments

Integration of Viewpoint Assessments in Landscape Surveys

A development has the ability to affect young people, community spaces and the overall aesthetic appearance of an area. Before a planning application is submitted to the relevant local planning authority, it is important to understand if the planning project could negatively impact the landscape, and to do that, the best course of action would be to get a full picture of the site, the development plans, and the predicted affect on the visual aesthetics.

One part of landscape assessments that contributes massively to the process is known as viewpoint assessments. By including a viewpoint assessment in an applicable wider landscape survey, everyone involved in the development can receive timely access to research evidence of potential visual changes. Such information can then help to support the decisions of developers, local authorities and the legal community.

What is a Viewpoint Assessment?

A viewpoint assessment is an element of landscape surveys that specifically focuses on evaluating how a proposed development will appear from key public locations. It relies on a best practice framework that combines desk-based studies and fieldwork, offering a comprehensive range of perspectives and ensuring that visual changes are measured and illustrated.

Landscape surveys often include viewpoint assessments as an element within the survey process. Common examples are listed below:

Overlap with Other Landscape Surveys

When Would a Developer Need a Viewpoint Assessment?

Under multiple different scenarios, a landscape consultant may decide that a viewpoint assessment needs to be integrated into an ongoing or upcoming assessment.

A viewpoint assessment could be needed when:

• Building in or near Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) or National Parks
• Cumulative impacts with other developments need consideration
• Initial findings suggest substantial public visibility
• Proposing high-rise or large-scale infrastructure projects
• Works affect heritage sites or protected views

Undertaking Viewpoint Assessments

As a leading provider of services to support planning, we follow a tried and tested structure for completing surveys.

Our approach features a combination of remote research and on-site data collection to ensure that all possibilites are covered and every bit of relevant information has been recorded.

From private developers to local councils and casualty insurers to health insurers, the primary objective of our services is to do everything in our power to meet your goals.

A Breakdown of the Process

Steps in completing a viewpoint assessment:

1. Scoping and ZTV Analysis

Understanding the visibility of the development from a theoretical point of view.

2. Selection of Viewpoints

Confirming the total number and category of viewpoints based on landscape character, planning context and receptor sensitivity.

3. Field Survey

Visiting each viewpoint in person and collecting geo-referenced photographs.

4. Visualisations

Simulating the visual outcome of the proposal by creating accurate photomontages and wireframes.

5. Impact Assessment

Analysing the predicted magnitude of change and receptor sensitivity after the development.

6. Reporting

Presenting all research evidence and conclusions in a report to support the project in line with relevant regulations.

Compliance with Guidelines and Regulations

With all of the services Arbtech provides, the necessary best practices, regulations and guidelines are followed. By doing this, we maintain a commitment to compliance and make each of our reports trustworthy in the eyes of local authorities and the legal community.

Input from DEFRA, Natural England, UK legislation and local planning policies can all play a part in how we operate. As for viewpoint assessments specifically, the fundamental resources we follow are the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3).

Utilise Viewpoint Assessments for your Project

If you know that your development plans will affect the visual appearance of the specific location and posssibly even the aesthetic experience of people in the vicinity, it is likely that you will need a form of landscape assessment. With that, viewpoint assessments may be included as one of several key components in the stages of the survey.

For developers who haven’t dealt with landscape surveys before, it’s perfectly understandable that you may be unsure of exactly which service you need. By speaking to our team, however, you can explain the plans of your development project and allow our experienced and friendly administrators to work out the most suitable solution.

We guarantee a high level of service quality in every report we create, helping clients to secure planning consent or achieve another similar goal. For a free consultation and a complimentary quote, call, email or complete a quote form. We will then get back to you shortly and start helping you with moving your project along.