Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Sustainability & Environment

Design

LD 117
Landscape design
(formerly LA 117 revision 1 which superseded HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA
58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01, HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04, HA
115/05)

Revision 0

Summary
This document provides requirements for landscape design.

Application by Overseeing Organisations

Any specific requirements for Overseeing Organisations alternative or supplementary to those given in this document
are given in National Application Annexes to this document.

Feedback and Enquiries

Users of this document are encouraged to raise any enquiries and/or provide feedback on the content and usage
of this document to the dedicated Highways England team. The email address for all enquiries and feedback is:
[email protected]

This is a controlled document.

LD 117 Revision 0 Contents

Contents
Release notes 2

Foreword 3
Publishing information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Contractual and legal considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Introduction 4
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Assumptions made in the preparation of this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Terms and definitions 5

1. Scope 7
Aspects covered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Use of GG 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. Principles and purpose 8

Approach to design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3. Design objectives 10
Design strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Design development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4. Masterplans 12

5. Normative references 15

6. Informative references 16

Appendix A. Approach to landscape design - new roads 17

A1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A2 Options development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A3 Alignment and landform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A4 Planting, vegetation and soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A5 Integration within rural landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A6 The road corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A7 Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Appendix B. Approach to landscape design - improving existing roads 19

B1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
B2 Options development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
B3 Improvement techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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LD 117 Revision 0 Release notes

Release notes
Version Date Details of amendments
0 Mar 2020 LD 117 replaces LA 117 revision 1 which superseded HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA
56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01, HA 87/01, HA
88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04 and HA 115/05. This full document has
been re-written to make it compliant with the new Highways England drafting
rules. LD 117 was first published as LA 117 in October 2019 and re-published
as revision 1 in February 2020 to update clause 2.7 to include the text 'in
accordance with Appendix A or Appendix B'. The document has changed
codes from 'A' to 'D' due to a coding error. The letter 'D' denotes design
requirements rather than 'A' for appraisal requirements.

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LD 117 Revision 0 Foreword

Foreword
Publishing information
This document is published by Highways England.
This document supersedes the following documents, which are withdrawn:
1) Volume 5, Section 2, HA 13/81, The Planting of Trees and Shrubs;
2) Volume 10, Section 0:
a) Part 2, HA 87/01 Environmental Functions;
b) Part 3, HA 88/01 Landscape Elements;
c) Part 4, HA 89/01 Environmental Elements; and
d) Part 7, HA 92/01 Scheme Development, Implementation and Management;
3) Volume 10: Section 1:
a) Part 1, HA 55/92 The Good Roads Guide - New Roads Landform and Alignment;
b) Part 2, HA 56/92 The Good Roads Guide - New Roads Planting, Vegetation and Soils;
c) Part 3, HA 57/92 The Good Roads Guide - New Roads Integration with Rural Landscapes;
d) Part 4, HA 58/92 The Good Roads Guide - The Road Corridor - (incorporating Amendment No. 1
Retaining Walls (Chapter 3) February 1997); and
e) Part 5, HA 60/92 The Good Roads Guide - New Roads Heritage;
4) Volume 10, Section 2:
a) Part 1, HA 85/01 Road Improvement within Limited Land Take;
b) Part 2, HA 63/92 The Good Roads Guide - Improving Existing Roads Improvement Techniques;
5) Volume 10, Section 3:
a) Part 2, HA 108/04 The Landscape Management Handbook; and
b) Part 3, HA 115/05 The Establishment of An Herbaceous Plant Layer in Roadside Wood.
This document makes provision for requirements outlined under EU Directive 2011/92/EU as amended
by 2014/52/EU (hereafter referred to as the 2014/52/EU [Ref 1.N]).

Contractual and legal considerations

This document forms part of the works specification. It does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for applying all appropriate documents applicable to
their contract.

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LD 117 Revision 0 Introduction

Introduction
Background
Integration and minimising the impact of disturbance of new roads within the rural or urban landscapes
and improving the landscape character of existing roads is the basis for good environmental landscape
design.
Development of this document has been influenced by:
1) the UK Government's commitment in ratification of the European Landscape Convention ELC 2000
[Ref 5.N] (hereafter referred to as the Convention), to recognising landscape matters in law, and
promoting landscape planning, protection, and management policies;
2) the Convention's ELC 2000 [Ref 5.N] widely adopted definition of landscape which recognises:
a) landscape as a resource inclusive of townscape;
b) the relationship between people and place; and
c) all landscapes are important irrespective of their location (i.e. seascapes, rural, urban, and
peri-urban areas) or condition (i.e. natural, outstanding or ordinary).
This document aligns with Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by 2014/52/EU EIA Directive 2014/52/EU
[Ref 1.N].
The environmental codes for masterplans are included within this document.

Assumptions made in the preparation of this document

The assumptions made in GG 101 [Ref 3.N] apply to this document.

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LD 117 Revision 0 Terms and definitions

Terms and definitions

Terms
Term Definition
Distinct, recognisable and consistent patterns of elements and activity
that make one landscape different from another.
Character area
NOTE: A combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and
economic activity that follow natural, rather than administrative,
boundaries.
Elevates design quality and value in the work through greater creativity,
challenges, and influences; inspiring people and communities, and
building pride of place while acknowledging the importance of both cost
Design excellence and whole-life cost.

NOTE: Design excellence is subjective, unique and can be

unquantifiable until it is known it has been achieved.
Quality design in roads is the art and science of locating and integrating
public roads into the local as well as the total landscape environment
Design quality that is both enhancing and appealing to the senses for people to use
and enjoy while acknowledging the importance of both cost and
whole-life cost.
Establish and implements specific actions, measures or requirements to
Design strategy manage and influence the project's design life-cycle and deliver value
for money.
Features relevant to achieving non-landscape environmental objectives
Environmental element
in respect of auditory amenity, biodiversity, and water quality.
Identifies and states the purpose of different features and their physical
nature to design and manage a road network, i.e. why they are there
and the intention for achieving them.
Environmental function
NOTE: Used to attach environmental objectives to engineering, and
other built elements, to influence their design and / or operational
maintenance.
Good road design is inclusive, resilient and sustainable that aims to put
people at its heart; appreciated for its usefulness, and elegance in its
design reflecting the beauty of the natural, built and historic environment
Good road design
through which it passes, enhancing it where reasonably possible.

NOTE: Source of reference GG 103 [Ref 2.N]

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LD 117 Revision 0 Terms and definitions

Terms (continued)
Term Definition
Landscape design An integral part of road design involving collaboration in the composition
and integration, within cost, of a wide range of elements as a part
including:
1) landform including geology and soils;
2) built structures;
3) roads, paths, steps, ramps, railings, and so on (including
accessibility considerations);
4) vegetation and planting;
5) ecology - habitats and species;
6) drainage, such as sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS);
7) water features, art and other installations (such as educational
installations);
8) furniture including roadside furniture and signage; and
9) lighting.

Broad classification types of component parts of the landscape with

specific requirements or management needs to achieve their
longer-term objectives.
Landscape elements
NOTE: Can be subdivided according to their detailed design or
management needs relating to their function.
Objectives developed in relation to key landscape aims - such as
adaptability to change, enhancement, high quality design, and
Landscape objectives sustainable use of resources - to inform the planning, design,
implementation and management of a project i.e. transport
infrastructure project.
Proposal to implement specific actions, measures or requirements to
protect and enhance the landscape with its many challenges arising
from competing priorities by setting out measures to influence and
Landscape strategy integrate enhancement and improvement opportunities into the project's
design life-cycle and delivery of value for money.

NOTE: Also referred to as 'design vision'.

A plan illustrating an overall development concept - vision - of all
aspects for the whole site or area establishing functional,
Masterplan
interrelationship proposals between all parts of the site / area which
then guides the detailed design.
A strategy to prepare for and lessen the effects of an impact to reduce
Mitigation strategy
adverse, and potentially long-term, effects.
A non-statutory local landscape designation used by Local Planning
Special landscapes Authorities to define areas of high landscape importance.
(special landscape areas)
NOTE: Also referred to as 'local landscape areas'.

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LD 117 Revision 0 1. Scope

1. Scope
Aspects covered
1.1 The requirements in this document shall be applied to the construction, improvement, operation and
maintenance of all UK motorway and all-purpose trunk road projects to include:
1) new roads; or
2) improvements to existing roads.

1.2 Construction, improvement, operation and maintenance of roads shall be in line with the design's
landscape strategy and/or defined set of landscape objectives incorporating excellence and quality in
good design, value for money, and whole-life cost throughout the design life-cycle as identified within
GG 103 [Ref 2.N] Introduction and general requirements for sustainable development and design.
NOTE Good design of roads is a matter of aesthetic quality and respecting the special character of each
individual location.
1.3 This document shall be used to identify the appropriate codes for masterplans to illustrate
environmental mitigation and enhancement measures.

Implementation
1.4 This document shall be implemented forthwith on all schemes involving design on the Overseeing
Organisations' motorway and all-purpose trunk roads according to the implementation requirements of
GG 101 [Ref 3.N].
1.4.1 The requirements set out in this document should be applied in the preparation of all schemes for the
construction and improvement of UK motorways and all-purpose trunk road projects.

Use of GG 101
1.5 The requirements contained in GG 101 [Ref 3.N] shall be followed in respect of activities covered by
this document.

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LD 117 Revision 0 2. Principles and purpose

2. Principles and purpose

Approach to design
2.1 Projects shall apply the principles of good road design established within GG 103 [Ref 2.N] which
complements the general principles of design excellence that:
1) is beyond just compliance;
2) has the necessary rigour in consideration of landscape; and
3) incorporates landscape design and whole-life cost.
NOTE General principles of design excellence encourages better team collaboration involving more innovative
and creative solutions of aesthetically high quality focusing on communities or people's needs and
sustainability.
2.2 Enhancing and improving the landscape quality shall form part of all good road design and be
measured by how well the design serves those who use the roads, who live alongside the roads, and
enhances the landscape environment through which it passes acknowledging the importance of cost
and whole-life cost.
NOTE Landscape quality is fundamental to the design process throughout the design life-cycle and plays an
important role in the overall cost and whole-life cost of a project.
2.3 Good road design shall create opportunities to conserve and enhance the landscape character and is
measured by the project's response(s) to:
1) reflecting and respecting people's needs;
2) providing or incorporating a sense of place – place making;
3) being robust, buildable, functional, and operational;
4) manage / minimise the impact of landscape disturbances and destruction from temporary works;
5) climate change and its challenges;
6) enhancing environmental impact;
7) being flexible, sustainable (including and minimising waste) - whole-life cost; and
8) enhancing its environment by providing net environmental gain.
2.4 A project's design strategy shall establish a landscape strategy (design vision) and/or a set of defined
landscape objectives for the project early on in the development of motorway and all purpose trunk
road projects as an essential part of the design process.
2.5 A project's landscape strategy and/or defined set of landscape objectives shall inform the project's
design, its whole-life cost and the development of the project's environmental / landscape master plan.
2.5.1 A project's landscape strategy (design vision) and/or a set of defined landscape objectives should
encourage excellence and greater design quality that is sensitive to and integrates the road into the
local context acknowledging cost and whole-life cost.
2.6 A project's landscape strategy and/or a set of defined landscape objectives shall reflect and respect the
landscape and its character, including cultural and social sensitivities.
2.7 A project's design shall address the Overseeing Organisation's specific project requirements,
demonstrate collaborative working in the design development, incorporate the defined set of landscape
objectives, encourage landscape quality, and acknowledge the importance of cost and whole-life cost
in accordance with Appendix A or Appendix B.
NOTE 1 Whether a project is a new road or improvements to an existing road would influence the development
of design requirements and aesthetic quality.
NOTE 2 Appendix A provides information on the approach to landscape design for new roads.
NOTE 3 Appendix B provides information on the approach to landscape design for existing roads.

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LD 117 Revision 0 2. Principles and purpose

2.8 Good road design shall be at the right scale to manage and minimise the impact of temporary works
and to respect and integrate with:
1) the landscape's natural beauty, its importance and sensitivity;
2) the landscape's views and visual amenity;
3) the built and historic landscape through which a road passes; and
4) existing features while providing driver interest and sense of place.
2.9 Good road design shall provide consistency and continuity in its approach through cost effective,
site-specific designs that reflect and respect the landscape's character.
2.10 Good road design shall create opportunities to conserve and enhance special landscapes and
character areas.
2.10.1 Excellence in landscape design should demonstrate greater creativity in challenging and influencing
enhancement of landscape quality that is also:

1) adaptable (long lasting);

2) collaborative;
3) inclusive (respect places, people's needs, and views);
4) innovative (respond to opportunities for change);
5) simple; and
6) sustainable (provide net environmental gain) and minimise waste.

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LD 117 Revision 0 3. Design objectives

3. Design objectives
Design strategy
3.1 Good road design shall align with GG 103 [Ref 2.N] and encourage better landscape quality within the
context of value for money by demonstrating its approach to:
1) protection and enhancement of the local environment;
2) sensitivity to the local context - its numerous, and sometimes complex combinations of landscape
elements of fields, heathland, hedges, lanes, settlements and woodland;
3) interest by creating a sequence of attractive views, extending views along the road or maintaining
existing views;
4) integration of footpaths, bridleways, and side roads into the landscape to minimise severance;
5) integration of roadside barriers, fences and walls with their surroundings;
6) structure designs to be slender and unobtrusive, respecting the local landscape character;
7) assessment of tranquility and its importance to the local context and/or wildness;
8) sensitivity to and respectful of 'dark skies' areas, minimising adverse environmental impacts and
intrusion caused by lighting;
9) reflection and integration of the surrounding pattern and species grouping in any new planting;
10) reflection and integration of enhancement opportunities to biodiversity;
11) safeguarding individual trees/woodland as well as ecological interests; and
12) protection and enhancement of the surrounding historic environment.
NOTE For the design of highways structures reference is made to CD 351 [Ref 2.I] The design and
appearance of highway structures.
3.2 Good road design shall blend a road into the surrounding landscape aligning it with the existing, natural
landform to minimise earthwork requirements while acknowledging the importance of cost and
whole-life cost.
3.2.1 Aligning a road with its surrounding landform should provide a balance between concealing the road,
and highlighting important design features (i.e. landmark structures or bold geological / design
features), while allowing for selective views in and attractive views out.
3.2.2 Interrelationship of landscape design with road-corridor elements form an important part of the
landscape quality in road design that should create opportunities for providing or improving on a sense
of place and interest for the road user and others beyond road users.
3.2.3 Coordination of road-corridor elements in road design and their alignment with the surrounding
landscape characteristics and character area(s) should better integrate a road into its setting,
minimising its impact on the countryside.

Design development
3.3 Landscape characteristics and character areas(s) including local character area(s) together with the
composition of natural vegetation types shall influence the project's landscape design and masterplan.
3.3.1 The project's landscape strategy for planting should work with the composition of natural vegetation
types, considering use of natural groupings.
3.4 Planting design shall allow for access to highway structures and features (i.e. bridges, barriers,
gantries, signs, CCTV cameras) and not conflict with their operational functions.
3.4.1 Planting design should take account of longer term maintenance, management, nature of the road
corridor that this is intended for, including operational as well as safety requirements with shrubs used
in edge planting not to be planted within 4.5m from the edge of the carriageway, medium size trees
(tree girth less than 450mm) no closer than 7m (i.e. Malus sp, Prunus sp) and larger, climax trees (tree
girth greater than 600mm) not within 9m (i.e. Quercus sp, Fagus sp,) unless otherwise agreed by the
Overseeing Organisation.

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LD 117 Revision 0 3. Design objectives

3.4.2 Planting outside the highway boundary, where agreed and permitted by adjacent landowners, may be
implemented to allow for better integration with the surrounding landscape.
3.5 Existing natural slopes shall be reflected in design profiles to meet the landscape objectives of the
project.
3.5.1 Retaining the least amount of highway land by the return of land to its former use should not conflict
with the need to provide enhancement through reprofiling to create gentler slopes, planting or seeding.
3.6 Good road design shall account for road alignment opportunities that enhance integration with the
surrounding landscape to avoid or minimise the following:

1) intrusion into undisturbed, high-quality landscapes;

2) intrusion into views from nearby property and public places;
3) intrusive embankments crossing valleys and low-lying land;
4) cuttings that create notches on the skyline or scars on hillsides and sidelong ground;
5) unsympathetic junctions within the landscapes;
6) landtake required for large earthworks affecting heritage and nature conservation sites;
7) changes to drainage regimes; and
8) unsympathetic and intrusive inclusion of side road crossings in a road scheme.
3.7 Integration of horizontal and vertical alignment with the natural landform shall be factored into the
design to achieve optimum screening for settlements whilst helping to minimise earthworks and
achieving a cut and fill balance.
3.7.1 Use of existing landform to minimise noise and visual intrusion should be designed in accordance with
the requirements found in LD 119 [Ref 4.N] to form part of the design development.
3.7.2 Developing new landforms to screen the road from settlements should include mounds and false
cuttings as part of a mitigation strategy and be in accordance with the requirements in LD 119 [Ref 4.N].
3.8 Where impacts of a proposed road cannot be avoided through alignment or design choices, a
mitigation strategy shall be developed early in the design stage to reduce any potential significance of
the effects of the proposed design.

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LD 117 Revision 0 4. Masterplans

4. Masterplans
4.1 Environmental functions and environmental/landscape elements within the environmental masterplans
shall be submitted to the Overseeing Organisation in the relevant geographical information system
(GIS) format unless otherwise agreed with the Overseeing Organisation.
4.2 Environmental and/or landscape masterplans shall use the codes within Tables 4.2a, 4.2b and 4.2c to
illustrate environmental mitigation and enhancement measures.

Table 4.2a Environmental function codes

Code Dataset
EFA Visual screening
EFB Landscape integration
EFC Enhancing the built environment
EFD Nature conservation and biodiversity
EFE Visual amenity
EFF Heritage
EFG Auditory amenity
EFH Water quality

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LD 117 Revision 0 4. Masterplans

Table 4.2b Landscape element codes

Code Dataset
LE1.1 Amenity grass areas
LE1.2 Grassland with bulbs
LE1.3 Species rich (or conservation) grassland
LE1.4 Rock and scree
LE1.5 Heath and moorland
LE1.6 Open grassland

LE2.1 Woodland
LE2.2 Woodland edge
LE2.3 High forest
LE2.4 Linear belts of shrubs and trees
LE2.5 Shrubs with intermittent trees
LE2.6 Shrubs
LE2.7 Scattered trees
LE2.8 Scrub

LE3.1 Amenity tree and shrub planting

LE3.2 Ornamental shrubs
LE3.3 Groundcover
LE3.4 Climbers and trailers

LE4.1 Ornamental species hedges

LE4.2 Native species hedges (trimmed)
LE4.3 Native species hedgerows
LE4.4 Native hedgerows with trees

LE5.1 Individual trees

LE6.1 Water bodies and associated plants

LE6.2 Banks and ditches
LE6.3 Reed beds
LE6.4 Marsh and wet grassland
LE7 Hard landscape features

P3.1 Cultural heritage feature

P3.2 Conservation area

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LD 117 Revision 0 4. Masterplans

Table 4.2c Environmental element codes

Code Dataset
E1.1 Noise-reducing surface
E1.2 Noise barrier-built elements
E1.3 Noise-reducing earthworks
E2.1 Water pollution control measures
E2.2 Surface-water outfalls
E2.3 Soakaways
E3.1 Protected species
E3.2 Ecological protection measures
E4.1 Injurious weeds
E4.2 Legislated pests

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LD 117 Revision 0 5. Normative references

5. Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normative references for this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

Ref 1.N 2014/52/EU, 'Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of
16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of
certain public and private projects on the environment'
Ref 2.N Highways England. GG 103, 'Introduction and general requirements for sustainable
development and design'
Ref 3.N Highways England. GG 101, 'Introduction to the Design Manual for Roads and
Bridges'
Ref 4.N Highways England. LD 119, 'Roadside environmental mitigation and enhancement'
Ref 5.N Council of Europe, 2000. ELC 2000, 'The European Landscape Convention (2000)'

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LD 117 Revision 0 6. Informative references

6. Informative references
The following documents are informative references for this document and provide supporting
information.

Ref 1.I Highways England. LD 117, 'Landscape design'

Ref 2.I Highways England. CD 351, 'The design and appearance of highway structures'

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LD 117 Revision 0 Appendix A. Approach to landscape design - new roads

Appendix A. Approach to landscape design - new roads

A1 Scope
This appendix provides guidance on the approach to landscape design for new roads incorporating
three key aspects - connecting people, connecting places and connecting processes. It also provides
guidance on the approach to design relating to such aspects as landform and alignment, planting, the
road corridor and rural landscapes that can affect aesthetic quality. Supplementary guidance may be
available for specific landscape areas or aspects of landscape treatment but will require prior
agreement of the Overseeing Organisation for use.

A2 Options development
Many factors influence road design with the landscape and its setting playing an important part in how
the road is perceived and sits within the context of the local landscape character. This requires a clear
assessment and understanding of aesthetic qualities, the landscape, its character and the surrounding
environment/setting together with an appreciation of conflicting project requirements – functional and
technical considerations. This in turn influences a landscape strategy and/or defined set of project
specific landscape objectives which plays an important role in design development.
New road design involves development of alternatives/options which would require an assessment of
the effects each would have on the broader landscape, its character and setting as the design evolves.
Assessing and understanding these effects is fundamental to the design life-cycle in influencing the
final design solution but does involve time. For this reason, early involvement by a suitably qualified
Landscape Architect, as part of the project's design team, is important at the project's inception, in
providing relevant information sufficiently early to minimise these effects.
Achieving a good design requires commitment from all parties (client, design team, contractor,
Statutory Environmental Bodies, local community) during the design life-cycle along with a clear
understanding of aesthetic principles (i.e. line, shape, sense of place, texture, etc.), sensitivity of the
environment (susceptibility and value), as well as the functional and technical considerations. An
appreciation of conflicting project requirements requires collaborative working in achieving a consensus
to an aesthetic and sensitive solution; designing in a way that aligns with the broader aspirations of the
local communities and stakeholders.
A landscape strategy and/or defined set of project specific landscape objectives forms the basis for an
environmental/landscape masterplan identifying the functions and elements required to deliver the
project's proposed environmental/landscape design. To ensure design quality throughout the design
life-cycle, as part of the design process, the masterplan informs the development of detailed design
which in turn informs the construction and operational aspect to the overall design.
A whole of the design is made up of parts that include:
1) alignment and landform;
2) planting, vegetation and soils;
3) integration with rural landscapes;
4) the road corridor; and
5) heritage.

A3 Alignment and landform

Alignment plays an important part in respecting and minimising the effects of road design on landform
and the landscape. It is important the design chooses a route least damaging to the landscape. An
alignment that uses existing landform and reflects natural slopes can minimise a road's impact on
landform and on sensitive landscapes while providing an aesthetic setting within a local context.

A4 Planting, vegetation and soils

The landscape design objectives should be reflected in the development of a project's planting/seeding
needs and their future management requirements. Reflecting the surrounding area's pattern and

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LD 117 Revision 0 Appendix A. Approach to landscape design - new roads

species composition not only plays an important part in the quality of a landscape design but also in the
biodiversity of the surrounding area. It is also important for the landscape design to reflect the soil
conditions present or required for successful establishment of particular habitat requirements such as
low soil fertility for species rich grassland.
Defining areas for landscape enhancement, vegetation retention and where necessary mitigation
planting is crucial to developing the environmental/landscape masterplan and maintaining aesthetic
quality. This may include planting outside the road boundary.
Creating, enhancing, and maintaining views as well as effective screening that reflects the local
character and not an intrusion into the landscape is achieved through good design and sensitive road
alignment. Use of natural characteristics in planting and landforms while building on distinctive place
quality is key to integration of the road while maintaining views, or integration of the road into the
countryside.
Signalling the change from rural landscapes to urban environments using a distinctive road-corridor
landscape focuses the road user's attention and plays an important part to providing a sense of place
and a distinctive character or style to a road corridor and the urban fringe. Bold or formal planting can
provide structure to the urban fringe, while well-sited planting can highlight landmarks or other
noteworthy features.
Key to good landscape design is not only the appropriate composition and pattern(s) of planting
respecting existing site conditions together with retention of existing vegetation but also its
understanding, respect and contribution to ecosystems and biodiversity net gain and no net loss.
Successful planting establishment does require the appropriate level of management during and after
the establishment period.

A5 Integration within rural landscapes

Reflecting the landscape character of the area the road passes through and providing consistency and
continuity through site-specific designs is the essence of integration. Use of local materials and styles
is to be encouraged as part of any design solution where this is deemed feasible. Retention of existing
features and respect for the local context is important to integration as is alignment and scale (i.e. risks
of fragmentation of holdings and landscape pattern from landtake due to inappropriate alignment).
Therefore, a thorough understanding of the area, its landscape character and the various elements that
make up its composition is required.
Integration within the rural landscape may offer or reflect opportunities for the enhancement to or
creation of site-specific grass/wild flower areas as visual and wildlife corridors. Such opportunities
should be encouraged in developing the landscape design.

A6 The road corridor

Redundant roads, overbridges, side road crossings, junctions, signs, footpaths, bridleways, side roads,
lighting, fences and retaining structures that form part of a road design need to respect and reflect the
local landscape character and its setting. Integration into the landscape is important with nature
recovery and landscape enhancement possible through careful design, the right landform and planting
as well as through choice of materials and avoidance of unsympathetic standard details. This is
possible through collaboration within the design team and external statutory consultees and affected
parties.

A7 Heritage
It is important for the design to respect the cultural and historic character of the landscape or historic
settlements or urban environment. Maintaining and enhancing historic views and vistas should be a
priority and may be possible by appropriate alignment, earthworks, planting and vegetation
management. This requires collaboration with an archaeologist or relevant heritage professional to
identify potential conflicts and opportunities in developing the design.

18
LD 117 Revision 0 Appendix B. Approach to landscape design - improving e...

Appendix B. Approach to landscape design - improving existing roads

B1 Scope
This appendix provides guidance on the approach to landscape design for improving roads within
existing highway land or within limited land take. Many of these projects are limited or small in nature
which may result in a number of constraints, but can also provide opportunities for enhancement to the
aesthetic quality of the existing road. The guidance provided relates to such aspects as landform,
alignment, planting, and the road corridor that can improve aesthetic quality.

B2 Options development
As with new roads many factors can influence the design for improving existing roads with the
landscape and its setting playing an important part in how the improvement is perceived and sits within
the context of the local landscape character. While it may prove more difficult to promote improvements
to aesthetic qualities of existing roads, opportunities to enhance the views and setting should still be
sought, providing interest for the users and well as the receptors. An understanding of the landscape,
its character and the surrounding environment/setting together with an appreciation of conflicting
project requirements – functional and technical considerations - is required. This in turn influences a
landscape strategy and/or project specific landscape objectives that plays an important role in design
development and towards improving the aesthetic qualities.
The same process of developing alternatives/options is used but may be limited in scope due to the
project's location and existing layout. As with designing for new roads, assessment of the effects each
would have on the broader landscape, its character and setting as the design evolves is required.
Understanding these effects is fundamental to the design life-cycle in influencing the final design
solution but does involve time. Early involvement by a suitably qualified Landscape Architect, as part of
the project's design team, is important at the initial stages of the project's design, in providing relevant
information sufficiently early to minimise these effects.
Commitment from all parties (client, design team, contractor, Statutory Environmental Bodies, local
community) is required during the design life-cycle as is an understanding of aesthetic principles,
context and sensitivity of the environment, along with the operational and technical considerations.
Conflicting project and operational requirements makes collaborative working even more important
here as does the broader aspirations of the local communities and stakeholders to achieving a
consensus to an aesthetic and sensitive solution.
Smaller projects may not warrant an environmental/landscape master plan but a landscape strategy
and/or set of project specific landscape objectives may suffice to inform and deliver on the intended
project design and landscape works to reduce the impact of the road on people and the environment.

B3 Improvement techniques
An integrated approach should:
1) minimise conflict by respecting and integrating the road into the local context;
2) minimise significant effects to the natural and built environment;
3) provide enhancement opportunities for biodiversity, landscape and townscape; and
4) provide interest for both the road user as well as others beyond road users.
Design solutions may, therefore, need to consider new techniques. These can include appropriate
planting designs, use of materials, contrasting forms, colour, texture and introducing variety and
opening up views to create visual interest and reduce the impact caused by limited land take. A
balance between the proportion of hard and soft landscape elements is important but this is often
determined by location and local context. Road Improvement within Limited Land Take, LD 117 [Ref
1.I] offers examples of good and bad aspects to dealing with improvements within land take, and offers
examples for opening up views or developing a sequence of views along an existing road or by
providing better landscape structure with new planting.

19
 © Crown copyright 2020.
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence:
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/,
write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email [email protected].
 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Sustainability & Environment

Design

LD 117
England National Application Annex to LD 117
Landscape design
(formerly HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01,
HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04, HA 115/05)

Revision 0

Summary
There are no specific requirements for Highways England supplementary or alternative to those
given in LD 117.

Feedback and Enquiries

Users of this document are encouraged to raise any enquiries and/or provide feedback on the content and usage
of this document to the dedicated Highways England team. The email address for all enquiries and feedback is:
[email protected]

This is a controlled document.

LD 117 Revision 0 Contents

Contents
Release notes 2

1
LD 117 Revision 0 Release notes

Release notes
Version Date Details of amendments
0 Mar 2020 Highways England National Application Annex to LD 117. LD 117 was first
published as LA 117 in October 2019. The document has changed codes from
'A' to 'D' due to a coding error. The letter 'D' denotes design requirements
rather than 'A' for appraisal requirements.

2
 © Crown copyright 2020.
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence:
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/,
write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email [email protected].
 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Sustainability & Environment

Design

LD 117
Northern Ireland National Application Annex to
LD 117 Landscape design
(formerly HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01,
HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04 and HA 115/05)

Revision 0

Summary
There are no specific requirements for Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland
supplementary or alternative to those given in LD 117.

Feedback and Enquiries

Users of this document are encouraged to raise any enquiries and/or provide feedback on the content and usage of
this document to the dedicated team in the Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland. The email address for all
enquiries and feedback is: [email protected]

This is a controlled document.

LD 117 Revision 0 Contents

Contents
Release notes 2

1
LD 117 Revision 0 Release notes

Release notes
Version Date Details of amendments
0 Mar 2020 Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland National Application Annex to
LD 117. LD 117 was first published as LA 117 in October 2019. The
document has changed codes from 'A' to 'D' due to a coding error. The letter
'D' denotes design requirements rather than 'A' for appraisal requirements.

2
 © Crown copyright 2020.
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence:
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/,
write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email [email protected].
 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Sustainability & Environment

Design

LD 117
Scotland National Application Annex to LD
117 Landscape design
(formerly HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01,
HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04 and HA 115/05)

Revision 0

Summary
This National Application Annex contains the Transport Scotland specific requirements related to
landscape design.

Feedback and Enquiries

Users of this document are encouraged to raise any enquiries and/or provide feedback on the content and usage
of this document to the dedicated Transport Scotland team. The email address for all enquiries and feedback is:
[email protected]

This is a controlled document.

LD 117 Revision 0 Contents

Contents
Release notes 2

Foreword 3
Publishing information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Contractual and legal considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Introduction 4
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Assumptions made in the preparation of this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

S/1. Applicability of this document 5

S/2. Normative references 6

1
LD 117 Revision 0 Release notes

Release notes
Version Date Details of amendments
0 Mar 2020 Transport Scotland National Application Annex to LD 117. LD 117 was first
published as LA 117 in October 2019. The document has changed codes from
'A' to 'D' due to a coding error. The letter 'D' denotes design requirements
rather than 'A' for appraisal requirements.

2
LD 117 Revision 0 Foreword

Foreword
Publishing information
This document is published by Highways England on behalf of Transport Scotland.
This document supersedes HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92,
HA 85/01, HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04 and HA 115/05 which are withdrawn.

Contractual and legal considerations

This document forms part of the works specification. It does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for applying all appropriate documents applicable to
their contract.

3
LD 117 Revision 0 Introduction

Introduction
Background
This National Application Annex contains the Transport Scotland specific requirements related to
landscape design.

Assumptions made in the preparation of this document

The assumptions made in GG 101 [Ref 1.N] apply to this document.

4
LD 117 Revision 0 S/1. Applicability of this document

S/1. Applicability of this document

S/1.1 Transport Scotland shall be contacted for the application of LD 117.
NOTE The email address is: [email protected].

5
LD 117 Revision 0 S/2. Normative references

S/2. Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normative references for this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

Ref 1.N Highways England. GG 101, 'Introduction to the Design Manual for Roads and
Bridges'

6
 © Crown copyright 2020.
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence:
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/,
write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email [email protected].
 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Sustainability & Environment

Design

LD 117
Wales National Application Annex to LD 117
Landscape design
(formerly HA 13/81, HA 55/92, HA 56/92, HA 57/92, HA 58/92, HA 60/92, HA 63/92, HA 85/01,
HA 87/01, HA 88/01, HA 89/01, HA 92/01, HA 108/04 and HA 115/05)

Revision 0

Summary
There are no specific requirements for Welsh Government supplementary or alternative to those
given in LD 117.

Feedback and Enquiries

Users of this document are encouraged to raise any enquiries and/or provide feedback on the content and usage
of this document to the dedicated Welsh Government team. The email address for all enquiries and feedback is:
[email protected]

This is a controlled document.

LD 117 Revision 0 Contents

Contents
Release notes 2

1
LD 117 Revision 0 Release notes

Release notes
Version Date Details of amendments
0 Mar 2020 Welsh Government National Application Annex to LD 117. LD 117 was first
published as LA 117 in October 2019. The document has changed codes from
'A' to 'D' due to a coding error. The letter 'D' denotes design requirements
rather than 'A' for appraisal requirements.

2
 © Crown copyright 2020.
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence:
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/,
write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email [email protected].