An outline of how the agencys Land Access and Recreation (LAR) divison is involved in transport, and the LAR transport principals.
Landscape

Breadcrumbs

Priorities and principles for transport

© Copyright Natural England
An outline of how we are involved in transport and our transport principles.

Natural England is involved with transport because:

  • Transport impacts both positively and negatively on our landscapes and we have a responsibility to protect and enhance these assets.
  • Transport has synergies with access and rights of way because off-road links form part of our transport network and offer opportunities for sustainable travel.
  • Transport impacts on recreation because it affects the way people access green spaces and the countryside.                       

We want to see a transport network that contributes to an increasingly attractive and sustainable countryside that is well understood, highly valued and widely enjoyed. We are taking forward transport work in the following areas:

  • Transport policy advice and influencing;
  • Statutory consultee on transport infrastructure in the countryside.
  • Statutory consultee for Strategic Environmental Assessment on transport plans and programmes.                       

Our transport principles
The transport principles we will apply in order to achieve the outcomes we want for the countryside are as follows:

  1. Landscape quality and character should be protected from the negative impacts of the transport network.
  2. Changes to transport infrastructure should respect the character of all landscapes, and conserve and enhance the best.
  3. Transport should contribute to sustainability by underpinning high quality spatial development.
  4. Communities should be included in delivering transport in the countryside.
  5. People should be able to travel around the countryside by public transport and low-impact modes such as walking and cycling.
  6. Transport should facilitate rural recreation without damaging landscape quality and character.
  7. Transport should help people of all ages and abilities to access and enjoy the countryside.                       

Our transport priorities and principles are set out in greater detail in ‘Transport Position Statement’, available via the Related Documents box on the right.  

The Commission for Rural Communities and transport
To find out more about the Commission for Rural Communities’ work on transport and rural disadvantage