Appendix 2 Assessment Methodology

Appendix 2 Assessment Methodology and Guidance

The landscape and visual assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken based on methodology set out in the Landscape Institute and The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third edition published by Routledge (GLVIA3, 2013).

Scope of Assessment and Assessment Methodology

Guidance is provided by GLVIA3 on the area of landscape that needs to be covered in assessing landscape effects (i.e. the ‘Study Area’).

“Scoping should also identify the area of landscape that needs to be covered in assessing landscape effects. This should be agreed with the competent authority, but it should be recognised that it may change as the work progresses, for example as a result of field work, or changes to the proposal. The study area should include the site itself and the full extent of the wider landscape around which the proposed development may influence in a significant manner. This will usually be based on the extent of Landscape Character Areas likely to be significantly affected either directly or indirectly.”

(GLVIA3 para. 5.2 page 70)

Accordingly, the VIA process has utilised a detailed desk survey analysis to identify the potential areas from which the proposed scheme would be visible. This involved an analysis of Google Earth mapping and ordnance survey map (1:50,000) of the area which indicated the potential visibility of the proposal within the surrounding landscape. This was used to identify potential areas of visibility from roads, properties, public rights of way and open access land (areas open for ‘Ramblage by foot’ – Isle of Man) and also helped to define the area of landscape (referred in this assessment as the Study Area), which may be influenced by the proposed development.

Following this analysis a number of viewpoints were identified. A representative series of photographs were taken during site visits, illustrating views from these viewpoints (taken with the equivalent of a 50 mm lens).

Each photoview has been produced to show the context of representative views of the development and have been used as the basis for both the landscape and visual assessments. Each photoview is accompanied by a table and a location plan. The table describes the location of each vantage point; the components of the existing view; and the components of the view upon completion and following 10 years following completion of works. This has

been assessed using the methodology, guidance documents and significance criteria set out below.

Guidance and Significance Criteria Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (2013) – GLVIA 3 GLVIA 3 states that when undertaking an LVIA, this should consider:

• • Landscape effects (i.e. the effects on the landscape as a resource); and
• • Visual effects (i.e. effects on views and visual amenity).

It also states that ‘LVIA must deal with both and should be clear about the difference between them’. (GLVIA 3 para 2.22 page 21) In this study, only visual effects caused by the proposals were assessed. Visual Effects Visual Sensitivity

Visual sensitivity relates to the susceptibility of visual receptors to change and the value attached to views. For the purposes of this assessment the value of views assessed are classified as being of medium value (i.e. they may be of value locally but not of value at national level). As a consequence, the main determinant of sensitivity of visual receptors is the susceptibility of these receptors to change. Visual sensitivity is set out below.

For visual effects the sensitivity of visual receptors are classified as follows:

• • High Sensitivity - For example users of outdoor recreational facilities or attractions including public rights of way, open access land or heritage assets (whose interest or attention is focused on the landscape); communities where the development would result in changes in landscape setting; or occupiers of residential properties (ground floor views).
• • Medium Sensitivity - For example people travelling through or past the affected landscape by car, train or other means of transport; and upper storey views from residential properties.
• • Low Sensitivity - For example users of sporting and other recreational facilities (whose interest or attention is not focused on the landscape); and people at their places of work.

Magnitude of Visual Effects

The quantification of magnitude for visual effects is classified as being of high, medium or low magnitude according to the following criteria:

• • size or scale of the visual change;
• • the geographical extent of a visual effect from a viewpoint; and
• • its duration and reversibility. Size and Scale Size and scale of the visual change relates to:
• • The scale of change in the view with respect to the loss of addition of features in the view and changes in its composition including the proportion of the view occupied by the proposed development; and
• • The degree of contrast or integration of any new features or changes in the landscape with the existing or remaining landscape elements and characteristics. Geographical Extent (Study Area) Geographical extent will be dependent on:
• • The angle of view in relation to the main activity of the receptor;
• • The distance of the viewpoint from the proposed development; and,
• • The extent of the area over which the changes would be visible. Duration and Reversibility

Duration is judged in terms of short, medium or long term. For the purposes of this assessment the effects during the construction are considered to be short term and effects following construction are considered to be medium to long term. However, the effects of mitigation will become apparent in the medium to long term.

As an example of how the above contributes to magnitude of visual effect, a low magnitude of visual change may arise from a new feature which is not discordant with the surrounding view and is visible over a small area. By contrast, a high magnitude of visual effect may be generated by a contrasting new feature visible over a larger area.

Significance of Visual Effects

The sensitivity of visual receptors to the development and the magnitude of the change resulting from the development, determines the significance (as defined within GLVIA3) or level of the visual effect of the development.

Within this assessment thresholds of levels of visual effect are determined from different combinations of sensitivity and magnitude to which different emphasis may apply. However, the following provides examples of the approach taken in this assessment:

• • Very substantial effect – where effects are of both high sensitivity and high magnitude;
• • Substantial effect –where effects can be a product of high sensitivity or high magnitude;
• • Moderate effect – where effects can result from medium sensitivity and magnitude, or low sensitivity with high magnitude;
• • Slight effect – where effects can be a product of low sensitivity or low magnitude coupled with low or medium sensitivity/magnitude;
• • Negligible effect – where the effect of the development is minimal; and
• • Nil/no effect.

For this assessment effects that are ‘moderate to substantial’ or greater are considered to be significant.