In England, the Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies (GOMMMS) [59] sets out detailed advice on the appraisal techniques for each of the Government's objectives for transport. The equivalent in Scotland produced by the Scottish Executive Roads Directorate is known as STAGS (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance System). GOMMMS and STAGS build upon the methodology in the Guidance on a New Approach to Appraisal (GNATA) [60]. In October 2001, the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions issued supplementary guidance on Accumulating Environmental Impacts [61]. This document comes into effect immediately and provides clearer guidance on the procedure to be adopted to derive an overall assessment score when an option affects a number of key environmental resources.

Establishing landscape criteria for other forms of development
Different forms of development are now using a character-based approach to inform their proposals, not only housing and transport but also the wind energy and telecommunications sectors. For example, areas subject to proposals from any of these sectors can benefit from information from a Landscape Character Assessment, especially incorporating information on:

the proximity of important sites and features;

intrinsic landscape patterns and perceived characteristics;

the potential visual influence of the developments;

the likely influence of the proposed development on the locality's character and
sense of place.

The issue of wind energy development is discussed further in relation to landscape character in Topic Paper 8. (note this is no longer being produced but their is a link to other guidance)