This old chestnut of 'for the purpose of landing' crops up time and again from one particular group...
Anyway, here's what the UK IAIP states:
4.12 Aerodromes Without Published Instrument Approach Procedures
4.12.1 For an aircraft landing at an aerodrome without an instrument approach procedure either:
(a) a descent should be made in VMC until in visual contact with the ground, then fly to the destination; or
(b) an IAP at a nearby aerodrome should be flown and proceed as in (a); or
(c) if neither (a) nor (b) is possible, first obtain an accurate fix and then descend not lower than 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 5 NM (8 km) of the aircraft. If visual contact (as at (a) above) has not been established at this height, the aircraft should divert to a suitable alternate with a published instrument approach procedure.
No doubt some barrack room lawyer will now jump up and say that the UK IAIP isn't actually a legal instrument, so this is only 'guidance'
