The objectives of the study are to: • Assess how existing and proposed developments involving the introduction of vertical elements into thelandscape are resulting in cumulative effects on landscape character and visual amenity; • Identify the degree to which cumulative effects of vertical infrastructure developments upon landscape character may be considered a constraint on further such developments; • Provide evidence base to support local policy; • Provide a basis for responses from County and Districts to consultation requests or applications for consent for vertical infrastructure developments. The study will be primarily desk based, using GIS in order to map and assess the zones of theoretical visibility of relevant infrastructure. This will be supported through site work, with the identification of appropriate representative viewpoints. The key outputs of the study will be to illustrate, in tabular and map format, the extent of cumulative impact across the study area, by local landscape character type, based upon an assessment of landscape character type key characteristics and sensitivities, and the application of good practice guidance. The relative sensitivities of each character type to further vertical infrastructure development will be determined. The visual impact experienced by key receptors, including people in settlements and at recreational viewpoints, should also be identified. The study is intended to be used primarily as evidence base. It should have the capacity to be updated at regular intervals via GIS. The study should be designed so as to have practical development control application and will be used to assess the detailed route corridors for the National Grid North West Coastal Connections (NWCC) project, and other proposed vertical structures. The study will be developed in consultation with a steering group convened of local authority officers, from both Cumbria and Lancashire.