Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_LVIA
12
September 2011
GALLOPER WIND FARM SUBSTATION
2.0 Assessment Methodology
2.1. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology
2.1.1. The methodology applied to this assessment follows relevant
standards and guidance principally set out in the established
Countryside Agency (now Natural England) methodology (Landscape
Character Assessment Guidance, 2002), the Institute of
Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the
Landscape Institute’s (LI) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Effect
Assessment, second edition 2002.
2.1.2. These methodologies aim to systematically appraise the existing
landscape in order to identify the significant physical and visual
characteristics and to assess their sensitivity to the type of change
proposed. This information then provides a baseline against which
the key landscape and visual effects can be evaluated and their
magnitude and significance assessed in a systematic and consistent
fashion. Refer to Appendix 1 for a full summary of the assessment
methodology for this report and the significance matrix which is
derived from the above guidance documents.
2.2. Scope of Study
2.2.1. In order to undertake the assessment a number of clear stages were
identified and addressed in accordance with the assessment
methodology, including:
� a desktop review of current statutory and non-statutory
documents;
� a desktop review of existing landscape characterisation material;
� the identification of a ZTV for the proposed development;
� the identification of the range of visual receptor groups within
the study area;