C O N T E X T 1 1 5 : J U LY 2 0 1 0 9 Jonathan Berry Landscape and visual impact assessment Landscape and visual impact assessment include a combination of objective and subjective judgements, supported by a range of technical work. ‘Ever charming, ever new, when will the landscape tire the view?’ John Dyer (1699–1757) Many people’s fascination and understanding of both the urban and rural landscape comes through familiarity and observation.Whether it is the private view from a residential dwelling to the distant Cotswold escarpment, the glimpsed vista towards the rocky pinnacle of Edinburgh Castle during the daily commute, or the designated view towards St Paul’s Cathedral enjoyed by thousands of visitors to London’s Alexandra Palace, the connection is that they are all valued in some way by the viewer. It is this value that has to be assessed by the landscape professional to determine the acceptability of a wide range of development proposals and the ability of a landscape to accommodate change. Currently in the UK the approach and methodology to visual impact assessment is set out in the much referenced ‘Blue Book’, entitled Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), produced jointly by the Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. The statutory framework for environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides the basis for the methodology. EIA essentially defines a process in which the identification, prediction and evaluation of key environmental effects of a development are undertaken and by which the information gathered is used to reduce likely negative effects through design revisions and/ or the placement of appropriate mitigation1. In 1985, EIA became a statutory part of the planning process within the European Union through Council Directive 85/337/EEC2. To further aid a Europe-wide approach to landscape and visual assessment, the Council of Europe formulated the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape – the European Landscape Convention (ELC). Signed by the UK government in February 2006, the ELC became binding from March 2007. It applies to all landscapes, towns and villages, as well as open countryside; the coast and inland areas; and ordinary or even degraded landscapes, as well as those that are afforded protection. The principal theme of the convention is that of identifying and assessing landscapes through field research by professionals working in conjunction with local inhabitants. Each landscape forms a blend of components and structures, including types of territories, social perceptions and ever-changing natural, social and economic forces. Once this identification work has been completed and the landscape quality objectives set, the landscape can be protected, managed or developed. It is hoped that, through local public engagement and stakeholder involvement, there will be a wider understanding and appreciation of landscapes, improved knowledge and care, and a sense of inspiration, well-being and connection between people and place 3. Three networks have been set up to support organisations and authorities that work with landscape, to promote the principles and objectives of the European Landscape Convention and encourage the sharing of experience. The European Network of Local and Regional Authorities for the Implementation of the European Landscape Convention (RECEP-ENELC), catering for local and regional authorities, has the primary role. Uniscape has been established to advise universities and Civilscape for non-governmental organisations. It is important to note that the current GLVIA methodology and direction offered by the ELC do not exist in isolation. Other guidance used for highways projects, designated strategic views, wind farm and infrastructure developments have evolved to tackle increasingly complex planning matters. While maintaining a common language, they seek to broaden the understanding and assessment of landscape and visual issues. Despite the plethora of methodologies, guidelines and policy available, it is evident that landscape and visual impact assessment can not rely on quantitative evaluations only. Some qualitative consideration is necessary. The assessment approach often combines References 1 The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002), Guidelines for Landscape andVisual Impact Assessment, second edition, Spon Press 2 Council of the European Communities (1995), Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, 85/337/ EEC 3 Landscape Character Network Information Resource, The European Landscape Convention in English, Countryscape
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