B1.2.2 Minimising visual dominance

Where an applicant disagrees with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) on whether a proposal constitutes a negative visual intrusion, this must be resolved through a landscape or townscape statement. This statement must be prepared using the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) and be undertaken by a suitably qualified chartered landscape professional.

Exception: This requirement applies to minor residential and minor employment applications only if the proposed site is within, or has an impact on, a Conservation Area, Listed Building, or Historic Park and Garden.

Buildings on elevated sites should be positioned to avoid breaking skyline views or creating dominant visual intrusions.

Exception: Where a prominent position would create a positive visual feature, such as a new civic building or landmark.

Where buildings extend above the skyline or ridgelines, the layout and design should seek to minimise visual intrusion and enhance integration with the surrounding landscape. The following strategies should be employed:

• introduce landscape features, such as tree planting or green bunds, along or adjacent to the building line to soften visual impact and help blend the development into wider views. To accommodate this, the proposed building may be set back further into the site

• where appropriate to local character, ensure a well-articulated building line with varied spacing and rhythm. This should include careful integration of infrastructure (such as servicing, parking, and yards) to prevent any single element from becoming visually dominant

• break up larger, monolithic forms into smaller, well-proportioned building elements that are better suited to the scale and character of surrounding views

• avoid the use of pepper potting materiality around the site, this includes avoiding the use of stark contrasting materials that can be seen within the wider skyline to ensure that the scheme is sensitively integrated within the surrounding context

Exception: These requirements may not apply where:

• a prominent or elevated siting creates a positive contribution to local character, such as a landmark or civic building

• screening measures would conflict with the intended openness or distinctive landscape features of the site

• alternative design responses can demonstrate an equal or greater benefit to visual integration and local distinctiveness