In the modern world, we are faced with the challenge of balancing our need for housing and structural development with the necessity of protecting our natural environment. This means considerations must be made before new building projects can be carried out, where a balance must be found between human innovation and conservation efforts.
One aspect of this is how new building projects can cause visual obstructions, hindering the view of areas of natural beauty and in turn infringing on environmental protections. As such, most architectural ventures will need to undergo a Visual Impact Assessment, or VIA, to ensure that the appearance of the area is not unduly damaged.
Read on to find out more about the various criteria that this assessment covers.
Projects That Necessitate A Visual Impact Assessment
One of the main categories of build that require a VIA is when a new structure is erected beyond existing settlement boundaries. This demands an expansion into the wider environment, which could influence established views in the area. In addition to this, projects which remain within current boundaries but that plan to exceed the height of surrounding buildings will also need to undergo a VIA.
Key Visual Impact Assessment Criteria
The following points are typically considered when it comes to carrying out a VIA on a new build project:
Sensitivity Of Affected View
This refers to whether or not the potentially obstructed area is under legal protections, or if it is a site of historical or environmental interest. As such stricter rules on view impairment are likely to apply.
Project Duration & Scale
Not all structures are likely to be disruptive or even permanent, so these factors will all be taken into consideration as part of the assessment process. It will be noted whether the project is residential or commercial in addition to other details of the proposed plans.
Visibility
Additionally, not all large scale projects will be visible from all perspectives, for instance some may be designed with underground features to preserve local views. As such visibility of the structure needs to be noted from popular viewing points.
View Quality
It is also important to note how view quality is impacted by the new structure, where the project could impact visuals to varying degrees and in a number of different ways.
Lizard Landscape Design: Guiding You Through The Landscape Planning Process
At Lizard Landscape Design, we can work with your team to ensure that your project complies with vital landscape planning requirements. We can advise on how to approach Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments as well as Environmental Impact Surveys, where we’re here to support environmentally sound land usage. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.