We recently completed visual amenity evidence for an eight-storey apartment building on Dawson St in Brunswick, for the appeal hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The submitted photomontages aimed to deliver an evidence-backed, visually clear representation of the proposed development’s impact on the surrounding streetscape, addressing both the technical and aesthetic considerations of the community and planning authorities.
Our methodology integrates diligent, scientifically validated practices that we have refined through years of successful VCAT presentations. From initial planning to final production, our team adheres to a structured workflow to produce highly accurate, persuasive photomontages. During planning, witnesses often suggest general camera-point locations, but it’s ultimately our responsibility to select the final angles, ensuring each photo captures the proposal’s full impact in its broader environment. This selection process is essential to help VCAT panel members understand the visual implications of the development from multiple perspectives.
Once camera points are chosen, we conduct an extensive 3D point cloud survey of the proposed site and its surroundings. This survey aids in creating a virtual model, accurately aligning the development within its future setting. Using this model, we generate high-precision photomontages that allow VCAT to compare before and after scenarios, offering a realistic preview of the building’s integration within the existing landscape.
Beyond technical precision, these photomontages serve as a critical communication tool. They showcase the proposed building “before” and “after” completion and provide VCAT panel members with a clear, immersive understanding of the proposed development.
Like many others before it, this project presented our technical capability in dealing with a rapidly changing scope – as we worked through the initial set of camera points, the urban planning witness requested that further photomontages be completed ahead of the circulation date to support the appeal case.
And the best part is that the application received a permit to build after the VCAT hearing review, so our clients are thrilled to be able to proceed with their project to the next phase!
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“I would definitely recommend Stan to others – he was a pleasure to deal with, very responsive and collaborative.”
“The experience of working with Eagle Vision was seamless.”
Hannah Wilson,
Planning & Property Partners
