Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects Appendix 1: Natural Character, Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment Method Introduction The Natural Character, Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment process provides a framework for assessing and identifying the nature and level of likely effects that may result from a proposed development. Such effects can occur in relation to changes to physical elements, changes in the existing character or condition of the landscape and the associated experiences of such change. In addition, the landscape assessment method includes an iterative design development processes, which seeks to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects (see Figure 1). This outline of the landscape and visual effects assessment methodology has been undertaken with reference to the Draft Te Tangi A Te Manu: Aotearoa New Zealand Landscape Assessment Guidelines and its signposts to examples of best practice, which include the Quality Planning Landscape Guidance Note78 and the UK guidelines for landscape and visual impact assessment79. When undertaking any landscape assessment, it is important that a structured and consistent approach is used to ensure that findings are clear and objective. Judgement should be based on skills and experience and be supported by explicit evidence and reasoned argument. While natural character, landscape and visual effects assessments are closely related, they form separate procedures. Natural character effects consider the characteristics and qualities and associated degree of modification relating specifically to waterbodies and their margins, including the coastal environment. The assessment of the potential effects on landscape considers effects on landscape character and values. The assessment of visual effects considers how changes to the physical landscape affect the viewing audience. The types of effects can be summarised as follows: 78 http://www.qualityplanning.org.nz/index.php/planning-tools/land/landscape 79 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition (GLVIA3) Project Investigation / Landscape Values/ Inception Final Design (incorporating mitigation measures) Avoid, Remedy or Mitigate Adverse Effects Stakeholder Involvement (as appropriate) Figure 1: Design feedback loop Design ‘Freeze’ for purposes of L & V Effects Assessment Landscape effects: Change in the physical landscape, which may affect its characteristics or values Visual effects: Change to views which may affect the visual amenity experienced by people Natural Character effects: Change in the characteristics or qualities including the level of naturalness.
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