Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects Following the ZTV analysis, field work is used to determine the actual extent of visibility of the site, including the selection of representative viewpoints from public areas. This stage is also used to identify the potential ‘viewing audience’ e.g. residential, visitors, recreation users, and other groups of viewers who can see the site. During fieldwork, photographs are taken to represent views from available viewing audiences. The viewing audience comprises the individuals or groups of people occupying or using the properties, roads, footpaths and public open spaces that lie within the visual envelope or ‘zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV)’ of the site and proposal. Where possible, computer modelling can assist to determine the theoretical extent of visibility together with field work to confirm this. Where appropriate, key representative viewpoints should be agreed with the relevant local authority. The Sensitivity of the viewing audience The sensitivity of the viewing audience is assessed in terms of assessing the likely response of the viewing audience to change and understanding the value attached to views. Likely response of the viewing audience to change Appraising the likely response of the viewing audience to change is determined by assessing the occupation or activity of people experiencing the view at particular locations and the extent to which their interest or activity may be focussed on views of the surrounding landscape. This relies on a landscape architect’s judgement in respect of visual amenity and the reaction of people who may be affected by a proposal. This should also recognise that people more susceptible to change generally include: residents at home, people engaged in outdoor recreation whose attention or interest is likely to be focussed on the landscape and on particular views; visitors to heritage assets or other important visitor attractions; and communities where views contribute to the wider landscape setting. Value attached to views The value or importance attached to particular views may be determined with respect to its popularity or numbers of people affected or reference to planning instruments such as viewshafts or view corridors. Important viewpoints are also likely to appear in guide books or tourist maps and may include facilities provided for its enjoyment. There may also be references to this in literature or art, which also acknowledge a level of recognition and importance. Magnitude of Visual Change The assessment of visual effects also considers the potential magnitude of change which will result from views of a proposed development. This takes account of the size or scale of the effect, the geographical extent of views and the duration of visual change, which may distinguish between temporary (often associated with construction) and permanent effects where relevant. Preparation of any simulations of visual change to assist this process should be guided by best practice as identified by the NZILA80. Visual Simulations As part of the assessment process, visual simulations have been prepared in accordance with NZILA Best Practice Guide: Visual Simulations BPG 10.281. This has entailed taking digital photographs from each of the identified viewpoints and recording their GPS locations. The GPS coordinates for each viewpoint were o added to 3D model of the proposed development and using the same focal length parameters as that of the camera, an image of the 3D wire frame of the proposed landform was then generated for each viewpoint. This was then registered over the actual photograph, using known reference points to bring the two together. The surface of the proposed landform was then rendered to approximate the likely appearance of the Site. When determining the overall level of visual effect, the nature of the viewing audience is considered together with the magnitude of change resulting from the proposed development. Table 4 has been prepared to help guide this process: 80 Best Practice Guide: Visual Simulations BPG 10.2, NZILA 81 Best Practice Guide: Visual Simulations BPG 10.2, NZILA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3