01 Introduction
01 Introduction
This document sets out Transport Scotland's new landscape policy: Fitting Landscapes. The following sections detail the policy and provide guidance on its implementation:
Sections 01 and 02 set out the policy and the key aims and objectives that Transport Scotland will employ to promote and develop high-quality sustainable landscapes associated with the development and management of transport infrastructure.
Sections 03, 04 and 05 provide supporting guidance on implementation, design, engagement and the development of Project-specific objectives.
Section 06 emphasises the importance of monitoring the understanding and use of of the policy and the effectiveness of its implementation whilst reinforcing the need for good feedback.
Section 01 explains the background to the policy.
Section 02 gives the vision, the four key policy aims and typical project-specific objectives.
Section 03 explains how the policy is to be used and gives guidance on implementation.
Section 04 provides detailed examples of objectives and supporting mechanisms.
Section 05 summarises the intended long-term benefits of the policy.
Section 06 advises the mechanisms for monitoring effective application of the policy and recording feedback.
Natural Equilibrium
Equilibrium, n. from Latin aequilibrium, from aequi- 'equal'+ libra 'balance'
A condition in which all acting influences are cancelled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
Transport Scotland manages a large public estate associated with transport infrastructure. The 'transport estate' traverses and is influenced by a diverse mix of urban, rural, lowland and highland landscapes. These transport corridors have been created and are managed to address strategic transport objectives; communication and tourism needs; environmental mitigation and safety.
Scotland has long promoted a sustainable and integrated approach to the design and management of transport corridor landscapes. The previous trunk road landscape policy provided a set of principles to guide new and innovative approaches to the landscape design and management of roads.
The new policy Fitting Landscapes builds on the previous policy whilst also:
- Reflecting changing national policy frameworks, legislation and wider Scottish Government and Transport Scotland objectives;
- Incorporating further innovation and opportunities that maximise quality of design and the development of more sustainable outcomes;
- Creating a fresh vision for all transport landscapes;
- Encouraging continuous improvement through a process of assessment and feedback.
This document updates Transport Scotland's landscape policy, complementing current Scottish Government design and place-making policies
7 Estate fencing and bridge, A96 Fochabers bypass
The policy is concise and strategic in its approach. It defines a clearer, bolder vision for transport landscapes, reflecting Scotland's future needs, and focuses on the areas of activity with the potential to make the greatest contribution to sustainability outcomes.
Design, implementation and management of transport landscapes is approached in a more holistic manner. A greater contribution is required towards design quality and place-making, whilst giving equal consideration to the enhancement of natural heritage, climate change adaptation and sustainable economic development.
To encourage this approach the policy promotes:
- Clear definition of aims;
- Objective and design-led decision making;
- Empowerment of professional teams;
- Recognition of the value of high quality design.
By following this approach, a framework for action can be developed that applies across all professionals involved in the planning, design, implementation, management and maintenance of transport corridors. The policy supports engagement with statutory and non-statutory agencies and wider stakeholders and is underpinned by best practice and the commitment to a more sustainable management of the transport estate.
Quality of design is at the heart of successful transport planning, particularly when founded on the application of design, implementation and management decisions that work with natural systems and give recognition to the value of learning from nature.
Good design needs to be flexible and adaptive in the delivery of project-specific objectives. It should support innovation, the positive exploitation of opportunities and the exploration of potential alternative solutions; all within the context of developing a more sustainable approach to transport landscapes.
Fitting Landscapes is a high level document which sets an agenda for policymakers, planners, designers, contractors, operational managers and maintenance teams; helping address the challenges of delivering and managing a transport network that offers a demonstrable contribution to national policy targets, supports the natural heritage resource and ensures a 'best fit' with the local landscape character.
Through the implementation of early and regular consultation between design teams, statutory consultees and other relevant stakeholders, the policy should inform and support decisions associated with transport planning, land acquisition and mitigation strategies as well as detailed design, contract development, implementation and long-term management.
The document is not a 'how to guide' - but rather sets out the overarching principles to be adopted.
Promoting the concept of 'change' becomes possible when we 'change the ways we do things' with a wish to engage across all the disciplines and stakeholder interests that contribute to the design, delivery and management of our transport infrastructure and estate.
The policy is intended to empower those involved in the transport estate and allow them to respond appropriately to the challenges of delivering a transport network that can offer a greater contribution to national policy targets and guide landscape practice in a more sustainable direction.
8 Best practice workshop session
9 A830 Loch nan Uamh
10 A9 trunk road and and cycleway, Dunkeld
Policy Aims
Fitting Landscapes has four key aims:
1. Ensure high quality of design and place;
2. Enhance and protect natural heritage;
3. Use resources wisely;
4. Build in adaptability to change.
Each of the aims addresses aspects of the policy vision and accompanying objectives.
It is a prerequisite of all Transport Scotland projects that the servicing of these aims is given full consideration at the outset of all transport projects, whether associated with constructing new infrastructure or for specifying maintenance and management.