Cambourne West
Landscape & Visual Assessment
Appendix 7.1
Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria
Guidance
7.1
The LVIA has been prepared in accordance with ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual
Impact Assessment’ (GLVIA), Third Edition, 2013, Landscape Institute and the Institute of
Environmental Management and Assessment. These guidelines set out the many variables
to be considered in LVIA and the assessment has been tailored to the specific
requirements of the proposals in accordance with th e guidelines.
Proposed Approach
7.2
The principle objectives of the assessment are:

To describe and evaluate the existing landscape character and components likely
to be affected by the development (baseline description);

To identify visual receptors with views of the development (baseline description);

To identify and describe the potential effects of the development on landscape
character and components, and on visual receptors ;

To describe the mitigation measures required to avoid, reduce or offset effects;

To assess the significance of the effects, taking into account the measures
proposed to mitigate any of the effects identified.
Baseline Studies
7.3
The baseline studies have identified the landscape character and components of the Site
and surrounding landscape, and receptors with potential views of the development within
an agreed study area.
7.4
Baseline information on the landscape has been gathered through a combination of desk
studies, consultation and field surveys.
7.5
The following documents have formed part of the desk study:

SCDC - July 2013 – Local Plan Proposed Submission

SCDC – March 2010 - District Design Guide (SPD)

SCDC – March 2010 – Landscape in New Developments (SPD)
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Natural England National Landscape Character Area 88 – Bedfordshire and
Cambridgeshire Claylands

Cambridgeshire County Council – 1991 – Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines Western Claylands Landscape Character Area

Huntingdonshire Landscape and Townscape Assessment (June 2007) South East
Claylands Landscape Character Area.
7.6
Tree surveys undertaken by Hayden’s Arboricultural Consultants and carried out in
accordance with BS5837:2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction’
has been used to, to establish the quality and value of the existing trees on the Site.
7.7
Field work was carried out in April and December 2013 to gain a first -hand understanding
of the landscape, its character and condition, and to conf irm the landscape elements that
give a distinct sense of place. Field study to establish the visual baseline was undertaken
during the winter months when leaves are not on the trees to establish the worst case
scenario.
Study Area
7.8
The proposed study area shown on Figure 7.2 is based on the landscape character areas
likely to be affected and the extent of the area from which the development may
potentially be visible. The broad scale study area extending to a 6km radius around the
Site is adopted in order to establish the landscape character and full extent of potential
visibility of the site, taking in to account views from roads and major public viewpoints.
The broad scale study area encompasses areas which are outside South Cambrid geshire
District and are within Huntingdonshire. A more detailed study area of a 1km offset from
the Site boundary is used for a more detailed visual assessment which includes views from
PRoW’s and buildings. The study area and approach to the assessment h as been agreed
with SCDC.
7.9
Key viewpoints have been agreed with SCDC.
The viewpoints are representative of
potentially sensitive receptors situated within the study area at varying distances and
directions. Views from public viewpoints, such as users of P ublic Rights of Way (PRoW) and
roads in the vicinity, as well as private viewpoints such as residents of properties have
been considered. These representative viewpoints are used to assess the potential visual
effects of the development on the different ra nge of views towards the Site and different
receptor groups.
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Photography Methodology
7.10
Photographs taken from publicly accessible locations have been used to demonstrate the
character and components of the Site and to demonstrate existing views from the ag reed
viewpoints. Photographs have been taken with either a 35mm SLR type camera with a
50mm fixed lens or a SLR type digital camera with a standard 35mm lens to produce
photographs equivalent to an ordinary camera. This follows guidance set out within the
Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11 (2011) - Photography and photomontage in
landscape and visual impact assessment.
7.11
It has not been possible to take photographs from the A428 dual carriageway and as such
representative photographs from the route are Google images and therefore do not follow
Landscape Institute guidance.
Assessment of Effects
7.12
In line with published guidance, the assessment is based on consideration of the sensitivity
of landscape character, landscape features, and views/viewers to the type of development
being proposed, (i.e. – residential development) and on the magnitude of change likely to
occur. The sensitivity and magnitude are then considered together, and conclusions drawn
on the likely effects on the landscape or on people’ s visual amenity and the significance of
these effects for each receptor.
7.13
Both landscape and visual impacts have been assessed as follows:

During construction

upon initial completion of works;

at year 15 from completion, allowing for the establishment of any landscape
mitigation measures, if proposed.
7.14
Assessment of landscape and visual effects is based upon the Parameter Plans, Figures 4.1
to 4.9.
7.15
Table 1 illustrates the considerations which have informed the judgement relating to the
establishment
of the
significance of landscape effects.
Table 2 illustrates the
considerations which have informed the judgement relating to the establishment of the
significance of visual effects.
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Table 1: Considerations Contributing to Establishing the Significance of Landscape Effects
Designations attached to landscape character types or
areas which may be affected and their national, regional,
local importance
Landscape quality (condition)
Scenic quality
Value attached to
landscape receptor
Sensitivity of
landscape receptor
Rarity or representativeness
Conservation heritage interests
Recreational value
Notable perceptual qualities
Associations with art or literature
Susceptibility of
landscape receptor to
change
The ability of the landscape receptor to accommodate the
proposed development without undue consequences for
the maintenance of the baseline and/or landscape
planning policy or strategy
Overall Judgement in respect of sensitivity :
This will be explained in text as High, Medium, Low or Negligible depending on the combination of
circumstances
Extent of existing landscape elements that contribute to
character that will be lost
Size and scale of changes
Degree to which the proposal fits in with or changes
existing character
The contribution made to the landscape by the scheme by
virtue of good design, and its relationship to existing
character
Magnitude of
landscape effects
Geographical extent
Duration of effects
Extent of geographical area over which effects are felt eg:
at site level; within the immediate setting of the site; at
the scale of a landscape type or character area; effects
spread over a wider area.
Short term: (0-5 years), medium term: (5-10 years), long
term: (10-25 years);
Consideration of reversibility and changes which will occur
over time.
Overall judgement in respect of magnitude of landscape effects: This will be explained in text as Major,
Moderate, Minor or Negligible depending on the combination of circumstances
Judgement of significance of effects: Combines sensitivity and magnitude in a considered way and will be
described as Major, Moderate, Minor or Negligible , and as either Beneficial, Adverse or Neutral depending on
the circumstances
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Table 2: Considerations Contributing to Establishing the Significance of Visual Effects
Relationship to heritage assets or planning
designations
Value attached to views
Indicators of value in publications, maps,
art etc
Sensitivity of viewer
Occupation or activity of viewer
Susceptibility of viewer to
change
Extent to which their attention or interest is
focussed on the view
Overall Judgement in respect of sensitivity:
This will be explained in text as High, Medium, Low or Neutral depending on the combination of circumstances
Loss or addition of features and changes in
composition, including consideration of
proportion of view affected, and whether it
will be full, partial or glimpsed.
Size and scale of changes
Degree of contrast or integration with the
landscape setting, including the design of
the scheme and its visual qualities
Permanence of the view and its changes
over time
Magnitude of visual effects
Angle of view compared to activity of main
receptor
Geographical extent
Distance of viewer from the development
Extent of area over which changes are
visible (including lengths of footpaths etc)
Duration of effects
Short, medium, long term and reversibility
Overall judgement in respect of magnitude of visual effects
This will be explained in text as Major, Moderate, Minor or Negligible depending on the combination of
circumstances
Judgement of significance of effects:
Combines sensitivity and magnitude in a considered way and will be described as Major, Moderate, Minor,
Negligible or Neutral, and as either Beneficial or adverse depending on the circumstances
7.16
The assessment of the significance of effects will take into account all the variables set out
in tables 1 and 2 including:

The sensitivity of the landscape or visual receptor – i.e. their value and susceptibility
to change;
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the magnitude of change experienced by the landscape or visual receptor – i.e. the
degree of alteration of the baseline;

the scale at which any effects will be felt – i.e. site level, at the immediate setting of
the site, at the scale of landscape character area etc;
7.17

the visual qualities of the development itself and;

the changes which will occur over time with the development in place.
The scheme effects on the landscape and visual receptors will be described as being of
major, moderate, minor, or negligible significance, and the scale at which any effects may
be considered to be significant will be identified. Effects may be either beneficial
(positive), adverse (negative) or neutral.
7.18
Depending on the visual qualities of the proposals and the setting of the development
major changes in the landscape or view may not always be judged as significant. Minor or
negligible effects will not be significant at any scale.
7.19
For general guidance the following Table 3 indicates the general relationship between
sensitivity and magnitude but the table is not applied in a slavish manner, rather it informs
the professional judgement which is then used to arrive at conclusions according to the
individual circumstances.
Table 3: Guide to the general relationship between sensitivity and magnitude
Magnitude
Major
Moderate
Minor
Negligible
Sensitivity
High
Medium
Low
Major beneficial or
Major or Moderate
Moderate or Minor
adverse effect , or Neutral
beneficial or adverse
beneficial or adverse
effect
effect, or Neutral effect
effect, or Neutral effect
Major or Moderate
Moderate beneficial or
Minor beneficial or
beneficial or adverse
adverse effect, or Neutral
adverse effect, or Neutral
effect , or Neutral effect
effect
effect
Moderate or Minor
Minor beneficial or
Minor beneficial or
beneficial or adverse
adverse effect, or Neutral
adverse effect or
effect, or Neutral effect
effect
negligible effect
Negligible effect
Negligible effect
Negligible effect
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Mitigation
7.20
Landscape mitigation is most effective if considered as an integral part of the site layout
and design in order to avoid, reduce or offset any adverse effects on the landscape or
wider environment. The Parameter Plans include primary mitigation measures which are
embedded into the project design and have been developed through an iterative design
process. The assessment includes a short description of the scheme and its embedded
primary mitigation.
7.21
Secondary mitigation measures are those designed to address any residual adverse effects
remaining after primary measures and standard construction practices have been
incorporated.
7.22
Where landscape features cannot be avoided and will be lost, compensation in the form of
replacement or creation of other appropriate substitute features are proposed as deemed
appropriate.
7.23
Throughout the design process opportunities have been sought to provide additional
landscape features and areas appropriate to the new development and its wider context.
Assumptions and Limitations
7.24
The classification and description of the baseline landscape character takes in to account
published national and local landscape character assessment . The recommendations set
out in ‘Landscape Character Assessment for England and Scotland (Countryside Agency and
Scottish Natural Heritage – 2002) are taken in to consideration, although the assessment
of effects is based on the more recently published GLVIA.
7.25
The assessment has considered effects during construction assuming that standard
construction practices for avoiding and reducing environmental effects set out within a
Construction Effects Management Plan (CEMP) would be in place, having being secured by
planning condition. The measures included within the CEMP are described within the
Mitigation section of this chapter.
7.26
Assessment of landscape and visual effects at initial completion of development is based
on the Parameter Plans, Figures 4.1 to 4.9. It is assumed that the Parameter Plans
submitted with this application will form part of the outline planning approval. The final
detailed Masterplan will be developed in full accordance with the scheme Parameter Plans
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and will broadly reflect the Illustrati ve Masterplan as presented within the Design and
Access Statement. The Parameter Plans include primary mitigation measures which are
embedded into the project design and have been developed through an iterative design
process. The primary mitigation measures are described within the Mitigation section of
this chapter. The assessment at initial completion of the development takes in to account
that the woodland planting shown on the Parameters Plans would not be fully established
and would not have reached heights to provide effective visual screening.
7.27
This section does not assess the effects of additional mitigation measures (secondary
mitigation) above and beyond those in the design of the development. However the
residual effects of the Proposed Developm ent at Year 15, taking into account the maturing
landscape proposals, are described. For the purposes of this assessment the height of
woodland planting 15 years post completion is assumed to be approximately 10m.
7.28
The assessment considers daytime effects because the site is located adjacent to existing
settlement and the principal viewpoints are PRoW’s used in daylight hours. A separate
lighting chapter covers the night time effects.
7.29
A computer generated Zone of Theoretical Visibility has not been undertaken. The visibility
of the site has been determined by a study of the existing topographical baseline and field
work, with site observations taking in to account the existing terrain, vegetation and
intervening development. The prediction of visibility of the develop ment is based on the
maximum 3 storey housing shown on the parameter plan judged against the heights of
existing buildings in the landscape.
7.30
Computer generated wireframe images to demonstrate the building heights, massing and
extent of the development parcels have been prepared. The images do not include any
architectural detailing but do include the screening effects of proposed woodland. Six
different viewpoints have been agreed with SCDC and from each viewpoint 2 timeframes,
year 1 and year 15, have been illustrated.
Cumulative Effects
7.31
The landscape and visual effects of the development have been assessed cumulatively wi th
the following projects:

Upper Cambourne

Loves farm, St Neots

Land off Church Lane and Ermine Street South, Papworth Everard
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
Wintringham Park Cambridge Road, St Neots

Bourn Airfield
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