Choosing the Right Viewpoints for Planning CGIs: A Strategic Approach
When developing CGIs (Computer-Generated Images) for planning applications, selecting the right viewpoints isn't just a technical decision—it's a strategic one that can significantly impact the success of your application.
Understanding the Purpose Behind Each Viewpoint
Before a single photograph is taken, it's essential to understand what design challenges your proposal needs to address. If your new building is taller than the existing structure, planning officials will be particularly concerned about how this height impacts the surrounding area.
The correct viewpoints tell a compelling visual story about how your design responds to the local context. As architectural visualisation experts with over 25 years of experience, we've learned that effective viewpoints should:
Directly address known planning concerns
Showcase how the proposal relates to important local landmarks or reference points
Demonstrate sensitivity to the existing urban fabric
The Critical Role of Verified Views
Standard CGIs may be insufficient for many planning applications, particularly in sensitive or high-profile locations. This is where Verified Views (also known as Accurate Visual Representations or AVRs) become essential.
What Are Verified Views?
Verified Views are photomontages produced using rigorous methodology to ensure they accurately represent a proposed development's scale and visual impact. Unlike standard CGIs, which may prioritise aesthetic appeal, Verified Views prioritise accuracy and technical compliance.
The Landscape Institute's Advice Note 01/11 provides detailed guidance on producing these images, covering everything from camera specifications to printing requirements.
When Are Verified Views Required?
Some local authorities, particularly Westminster and the City of London, explicitly require Verified Views as part of planning submissions. These authorities have developed specific technical guidelines that must be followed precisely.
However, even when not explicitly required, commissioning Verified Views can be a prudent strategic decision, especially when:
The application is likely to be contentious
The site is within or visible from a conservation area
The development impacts protected views or sightlines
The proposal significantly exceeds the existing building heights
There are sensitive heritage assets nearby
The Technical Process
Creating Verified Views involves several specialized steps:
Surveyed photography - Using precisely recorded camera positions with GPS coordinates
Accurate 3D modelling - Creating exact digital models of the proposal
Camera matching - Aligning the 3D model with the photograph using survey points
Rendering - Producing images that accurately represent materials and lighting
Independent verification - Having the process checked by qualified surveyors
This rigorous approach ensures that the resulting images can withstand scrutiny from planning officers and potentially from planning inquiries and legal challenges.
The Investment Value
While Verified Views require greater investment than standard CGIs, they provide significant value by:
Building trust with planning authorities and stakeholders
Reducing the risk of objections based on visual impact concerns
Providing a robust evidence base for planning decisions
Potentially avoiding costly delays or refusals
One planning inspector noted in a recent appeal decision: "The Verified Views provided a reliable basis for assessing the visual impact of the proposal, which significantly assisted my decision-making process."
Context is Everything
When your design exceeds the height of the current building, planners will want to see how this additional height relates to the broader urban context. This is where strategic viewpoint selection becomes crucial.
Reference points that might justify the new height could include:
Neighbouring buildings - The most obvious comparison points
Landmark structures - Church spires, towers, or other notable vertical elements
Urban patterns - Showing how the building forms part of a coherent streetscape
Visual corridors - Demonstrating minimal impact on important sightlines
Our photographers work closely with architects and planning consultants to understand these reference points before capturing baseline imagery. This collaborative approach ensures that the final CGIs address the specific concerns that might arise during the planning process.
Pre-empting Planning Concerns
Local authorities often signal their concerns early in the planning process. These early hints are valuable intelligence that should inform your viewpoint strategy.
For example, if conservation officers have expressed concerns about the impact on a historic streetscape, we would prioritize viewpoints that show how the design references historic proportions or materials. If daylight/sunlight impact is the primary concern, viewpoints should demonstrate how the building's form minimizes overshadowing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right viewpoints for planning CGIs requires a deep understanding of both the technical requirements and the strategic planning considerations when a project is potentially contentious or located in a sensitive area; investing in Verified Views provides an additional layer of assurance that can prove invaluable throughout the planning process.
At H4 Group, our experience producing CGIs and Verified Views for thousands of projects has taught us that success often depends on seemingly small decisions made early in the process. The right viewpoints, produced with the appropriate level of technical rigor, don't just show your building—they tell the story of why it belongs, with a level of accuracy that builds confidence and trust.