Over the past years, we have worked on several projects for the provision of Verified Views across the United Kingdom. Verified Views (or AVR, Accurate Visual Representations) are architectural photomontages obtained by following a very rigorous process, which involves a professional photographer and a surveyor.
Local authorities have embraced the standard methodology around the provision of certified views, for both planning and heritage preservation purposes, and welcome the submission of Verified Views, particularly for large new-built residential and commercial developments close to protected areas or residential extensions in densely populated neighborhoods.
On this basis, we are sharing some of the key points to bear in mind when it comes to considering Verified Views:
1 - First of all, it's important to understand from the start which Verified Views are likely to make a significant impact on the planning submission. This requires knowledge of the local sensitivities and precedents in relation to the approval of the proposals. By engaging with us from a very early stage, we could advise on what angles and views could be considered viable by the consenting Authority, what degree of accuracy would be acceptable, and agree with the designers and developers on the minimum viable solution that optimises timing, resources, and costs for the entire project.
2- Secondly, getting the timing right is crucial for a successful application. Our experience has shown that some developers prepare Verified Views only when it comes to appealing against a previous rejection by the local authority. At this point, several constraints make the planning application even more challenging in a context potentially already biased. There would be also far less possibility to negotiate viewpoints with the Planning Authority itself. Also, time pressure dictated by the hearing schedule restricts the photographer from choosing the most favourable conditions to shoot.
3 - Thirdly, never underestimate the complexities Verified Views add to project management. The architectural visualiser will need to engage a professional photographer with the right equipment as well as a chartered surveyor. Qualified professionals are seldom available at short notice. They will need to be granted access to the site, which often is subject to Health & Safety restrictions. Also, the architectural visualiser needs to coordinate with the designers, as the consenting authority only considers certified views reflecting the finalised design.
Although the Verified Views methodology is relatively straightforward per se, the successful delivery for planning application purposes is not. It is a bespoke process, that requires juggling different constraints.
You can see some of the Verified Views we have produced here.
