The London View Management Framework (LVMF) has protected London’s most important views for more than two decades.
We're proud that VU.CITY has played a role in the formation and communication of these policies both in 2012 and 2026. Our models and platform is used by the urban designers, GLA and London boroughs to shape, test and deliver LVMF guidance to architects, planners and developers.
With the new draft LVMF is now out for public consultation, we hosted a webinar hosted by Christopher Wandel of VU.CITY, and the two urban designers responsible for drafting the plan - Alan Smithies (Principal Strategic Planner, London Plan team, GLA) and John Hare (Millerhare).
In the webinar, our speakers walk through what the draft changes, the reasons for change and how the new guidance is meant to be used in practice. You can watch the full recording below or read the key takeaways.
The consultation closes on 4 December. Responses can be submitted through the online survey on the london.gov.uk website.
Key takeaways
- A new 28th view: The draft keeps the existing 27 strategic views and adds View 28 from Trafalgar Square, looking down Whitehall. It would replace the protected vista from Parliament Hill (2B.1), which is now heavily obscured by trees. View 28 only takes effect once the draft London Plan is adopted
- Views are grouped differently: Views are now static, kinetic or panoramic. Each viewing location has a representative view and a mapped guidance area
- Kinetic views are assessed along the whole path: The 2012 guidance led people to test the end points, which were often the least important. The draft asks for assessment along the entire path, particularly where the impact is greatest
- Fields of view now vary by lens: Static views are generally narrower than before. Panoramic views keep a 120-degree field of view
- Background consultation areas have been refined: They have been shortened and raised in several views. A stepped plane has been introduced for views where the line of sight falls
- Stronger protection for World Heritage Sites: Changes include a repositioned Tower of London vista, a new vista from old London Bridge, and a new protected silhouette for Westminster Abbey
- Digital models play a bigger role: The draft puts more importance on using 3D models and visibility analysis (ZTVs) to check early on whether a scheme is visible, including the effect of consented schemes
VU.CITY models the LVMF views and protected vistas, so teams can check visibility early and focus detailed assessment where it matters. Book a demo to see how it works.