Waterloo Bridge (crop) - Longest Day - Light Study

Viewing instructions: This video is best viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the bottom right of the image. You can use the time bar to speed up or slow down the video.

Shot on the longest day in June 2008 - when the sun is at its highest and rising from the north east/setting to the south east - this 30 second timelapse film explores the changes in the tonal range, colour, lighting and emphasis of buildings when looking east from Waterloo Bridge. The film starts at 5.30am and ends late evening, over 17 hours later, the scene changing at approximately 30 mins per second of film.

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3A1_Kenwood

Viewing instructions:
All images should be viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the top right of the image. When the image is opened in full screen mode you will see a scale bar at the bottom of each image. Use the scroll wheel zoom function and a ruler held against the screen to ensure the scale bar correctly measures 10cm when viewed at a normal viewing distance (approximately arms length). The size of objects in the view will then equate approximately to the size they would appear when viewed at the scene. This technique is known as ‘Real Scale’ viewing

LVMF – Kenwood 3
Kenwood House is in North London, bordering Hampstead Heath. There is one viewing location at Kenwood, situated at the viewing gazebo. There is one Assessment Point at the viewing location, point 3A.1. This assessment point forms the start of a Protected Vista.


Viewing Location 3A
Assessment Point 3A.1:
Assessment Point 3A.1 is orientated towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. The position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
The Viewing Corridor at the centre of the Cathedral is 140m wide and encloses the main Cathedral dome and Western Towers, equal to that in the 2007 guidance. Minor changes have been made to the coordinates of the Viewing Corridor at the dome. These changes are not significant.
The Left Lateral Assessment Area has been widened from 70m in 2007 to 110m in 2009 at the dome of St. Paul’s.
An additional Right Lateral Assessment Area has been added to the Protected Vista at a width of 50m at the dome of St. Paul’s.
The Background Assessment Area has been widened from approximately 276m to approximately 394m.
The threshold height levels remain consistent between the 2007 and draft 2009 guidance.

References
1. Draft revised Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework May 2009 – Pages 50-54
2. Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework – July 2007 – Page 87-93


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16B1_South Bank

Viewing instructions:
All images should be viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the top right of the image. When the image is opened in full screen mode you will see a scale bar at the bottom of each image. Use the scroll wheel zoom function and a ruler held against the screen to ensure the scale bar correctly measures 10cm when viewed at a normal viewing distance (approximately arms length). The size of objects in the view will then equate approximately to the size they would appear when viewed at the scene. This technique is known as ‘Real Scale’ viewing

LVMF – The South Bank 16
This river prospect lies between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges. Two viewing locations are described and contain three assessment points. The Assessment Points is identified in the draft as 16A.1, 16B.1 and 16B.2. No Protected Vistas or Protected Silhouettes are described from these points; however there are clear constraints placed on the foreground and background of the view from points 16B.1 and 16B.2.



Viewing Location 16A

Assessment Point 16A.1:
Assessment Point 16A.1 is orientated towards Somerset House. The position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
The guidance for this view is limited, presumably accounting for the existing development occurring behind Somerset House and the non-existent opportunity to develop the foreground.
The guidance states that any new development in the background is encouraged but should be not ‘dominate’ Somerset House and be of ‘high quality’ design.

Viewing Location 16B

Assessment Point 16B.1:
Assessment Point 16B.1 is orientated towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. The position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
The guidance encourages improving the townscape setting in the view.
The following constraints are described as part of the visual management guidance of the background elements beyond St. Paul’s Cathedral from this viewing position;
The qualities of the clear view of St. Paul’s Cathedral should remain and should not be reduced by inappropriate development crowding in too close to the landmark, dominating it or merging with its silhouette, when seen by the viewer moving between Assessment Points.
It is possible to define both foreground and background viewing corridors based on these constraints. Please see the ‘Maps’ page for more information

Assessment Point 16B.2:
Assessment Point 16B.2 is approximately 9m from 16B.1. As such the characteristics and guidance for both points is predominately identical.

References
1. Draft revised Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework May 2009 – Pages 140-147
2. Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework – July 2007 – Page 167-172
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10A1_Tower Bridge

Viewing instructions:
All images should be viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the top right of the image. When the image is opened in full screen mode you will see a scale bar at the bottom of each image. Use the scroll wheel zoom function and a ruler held against the screen to ensure the scale bar correctly measures 10cm when viewed at a normal viewing distance (approximately arms length). The size of objects in the view will then equate approximately to the size they would appear when viewed at the scene. This technique is known as ‘Real Scale’ viewing

LVMF – Tower Bridge 10
Tower Bridge is the eastern most river crossing in Central London. One viewing location on the north bastion on the upstream side of the river, contains one assessment point. The Assessment Point is identified in the draft as 10A.1 with the central orientation is towards The Monument. No Protected Vista or Protected Silhouette is described from this point, however there are clear constraints placed on the foreground and background of the view.

Viewing Location 10A

Assessment Point 10A.1:
Assessment Point 10A.1 is orientated towards The Monument. The position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
Although no geometric definition of the viewing corridor is provided the draft 2009 guidance provides the following constraints:
Foreground and Middle Ground: Landmarks which enable an appreciation of the scale and geography of London should not be obscured by inappropriate development in the foreground. This applies to The Monument, in particular which is closely associated with Tower Bridge in the view, owing to their proximity and visibility. This relationship should be maintained.
Background: Views from this place include the relationship between the Tower of London and the City in the background. It is important that the background of the landmark in these views is managed sensitively. Development should not breach the skyline of the four towers of the White Tower or its castellations.
It is possible to define both foreground and background viewing corridors based on these constraints. Please see the ‘Maps’ page for more information.

References
1. Draft revised Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework May 2009 – Pages 94-97
2. Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework – July 2007 – Page 131-135
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Linear View: The Mall to Buckingham Palace

Viewing Location 7A: Assessment Point 7A:1

Page 79: Paragraph: 163

“Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the Monarch. Its dominance in the view emphasises its status. For this reason, it would be inappropriate for any development in the background to become visible above the palace.”

OBSERVATION. This appears to be a protected vista by another name. It would be helpful for the GLA to show this on a plan or in a 3D oblique view as the requirement has finite and measurable consequences.

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London Panorama: Kenwood

Viewing Location 3A: Assessment Point 2A.1

Page 53:Paragraph: 123

“It is important that St. Stephen’s Tower (Big Ben) of the Palace of Westminster remains visible and dominant in its setting.”

QUESTION: Please will the GLA define what 'visible' means: In its entirety? i.e as it is now/no change at all? Or mostly visible (i.e. ensure the clockface is visible?) Etc...

QUESTION: "Remains ... dominant?" How will the GLA prove that it is dominant? It does not appear to be dominant in its setting; Big Ben constitutes a tiny fraction of the view, is hard to resolve visually, nor does it feature in any significant contemporary view-making of London.

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River Prospect: London Bridge

Viewing Location 11B: Assessment Point 11B.2

Page 104: Paragraph: 205

“From the south side of London Bridge (Assessment Point 11B.2) there is a clear backdrop of sky to the White Tower’s four turrets and castellations. Development should not unacceptably impose on the Tower, or have a negative impact on a person’s ability to recognise and appreciate this Strategically Important Landmark.”

QUESTIONS: What is meant by 'should not unacceptably impose' ? "have a negative impact on a persons ability to recognise and appreciate'? .... It would be helpful if the GLA would clarify this, and ideally demonstrate by example. read more...

River Prospect: Millennium Bridge & Thames side at Tate Modern

Viewing Location 13A: Assessment Point 13A.1

Page 117: Paragraph: 230

“Background development crowding in too close to St Paul’s Cathedral has already compromised the ability to appreciate it and this condition should not be worsened. Development should help restore and enhance the peristyle, drum and dome’s prominence in the view.”

QUESTIONS: Is the intent that there should be no development that is visible above the (whole) profile of St Paul's from this position? : i.e. is a protected silhouette intended here? (if so, please say so), or if not, are there situations where breaking the profile would be acceptable? It would be helpful to define what crowding means: above the profile, or left and right of St. Paul's as well?

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River Prospect: Millennium Bridge & Thames side at Tate Modern

Viewing Location 13B: Assessment Point 13B.1

Page 120 : Paragraph: 237

“Background development crowding in too close to St Paul’s Cathedral has already compromised views of the Cathedral and this condition should not be worsened. Development which visually interacts negatively with the peristyle, drum or dome will be refused.”

QUESTIONS: Is the intent that there should be no development that is visible above the (whole) profile of St Paul's from this position? : i.e. is a protected silhouette intended here? (if so, please say so), or if not, are there situations where breaking the profile would be acceptable? It would be helpful to define what crowding means: above the profile, or left and right of St. Paul's as well? read more...

River Prospect: Blackfriars Bridge

Viewing Location 14B: Assessment Point 14B.1

Page 128 : Paragraph: 252

“Proposed development in the background should not interact with or dominate the dome or peristyle of the Cathedral, or the upper parts of the western towers.”

QUESTIONS: The expression "should not interact with" suggests a protected silhouette / finitely measurable, no qualitative assessment. Please can the GLA confirm.

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River Prospect: Waterloo Bridge

Viewing Location 15B: Assessment Point 15B.2

Page 138: Paragraph: 273

“Consideration should be given to the space St Paul’s Cathedral requires between it and tall buildings to maintain its visual separation.”

QUESTION: The question implied in this statement : i.e. "What is the minimum distance between St Pauls and tall buildings that allows viewers to see the two separately?" can be answered; taking average visual acuity, there is a small, and finite distance between St. Paul's and any other building that ensures that 'visual separation' is maintained from this (and any) viewing position. Is this really what the GLA intends? We imagine not, but as written, intent is unclear.

Page 138: Paragraph: 274

“Development which visually interacts or visually connects with, dominates or unacceptably imposes on the peristyle, drum or dome of St Paul‘s Cathedral in the background of the view, will not be acceptable….”

QUESTIONS: The expression "visually interacts or visually connects with" suggests a protected silhouette / finitely measurable / no qualitative assessment. This seems to conflict with the statement "Development that unacceptably imposes...(on St. Paul's)" suggest subjective assessment. Please can the GLA confirm what is meant. read more...

River Prospect: The South Bank

Viewing Location 16B: Assessment Point 16B.1

Page 146: Paragraph: 290

“The qualities of the clear view of St Paul’s Cathedral should remain and should not be reduced by inappropriate development crowding in too close to the landmark, dominating it or merging with its silhouette, when seen by the viewer moving between Assessment Points.”

QUESTIONS: The statement is unclear in its intent. What are "the qualities of the clear view?". What constitutes "inappropriate development"? What is meant by "crowding"?, "dominating"?... these are visual effects that can be visually described; examples would be helpful. The expression "merging with its silhouette" appears to be similar to the concept of the protected silhouette, but as it is not referred to as such, we imagine something different is intended: would all examples of overlap/ juxtaposition be denied permission, or are there some cases where this would be allowed?

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River Prospect: Jubilee Gardens & Thames side in front of County Hall

Viewing Location 21A: Assessment Point 21A.1

Page 185: Paragraph: 364

“Background development which breaches the skyline of the Palace of Westminster and affects its silhouette should not be supported.”

OBSERVATION: In effect a geometrically defined view. Notably the statement does not make reference to objects in front of the skyline of the POW.

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Townscape View: St. James’s Park Bridge

Viewing Location 26A: Assessment Point 26A.1

Page 222: Paragraph: 428

“In particular, buildings that appear above the central third of the Duck Island trees would damage the viewer’s ability to see these groups of buildings in conjunction with the landscaped foreground and should be refused.”

OBSERVATION / QUESTION: The statement is a mixture of objective and subjective judgement. "One third" is objective, but measuring the 'width' of the trees on Duck Island is somewhat subjective. Winter? Summer? Before or after they are cut (etc?).

QUESTION: How would they damage the viewer's ability to see these groups of buildings?

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