Public consultation on Peak District transport design guide

Peak District residents and visitors are being asked for their views on proposed new transport infrastructure guidelines.

A draft guide has been drawn up to help transport developers to take into account the character and appearance of the Peak District National Park when designing their schemes.

The Transport Design Guide covers large scale transport schemes, road safety and management schemes and the design of transport within housing or other developments.

It is hoped that the guide will influence the design of transport schemes – from road signs to buildings such as bridges – ensuring they are sympathetic to their surroundings.

The guide is now open for public consultation, which runs until Friday 12th January, 2018.

Peak District National Park transport policy planner Tim Nicholson said: “We’d like people to take a little time to look at this document and help us to make it as good as it can be, to do the job it needs to do. We will consider all comments.

“The National Park is, by definition, special and all development which takes place within it needs to reflect its qualities and distinctiveness.

“Transport infrastructure plays a key role and forms an immediate impression on residents and visitors as they travel in the National Park.

“The National Park falls within seven Highway Authority areas and within the areas of six transport authorities who are responsible for co-ordinating transport policy and investment.

“This can result in inconsistencies in approach to the design of transport infrastructure across the National Park and outcomes that can have a negative impact on its purposes and special qualities.

“We hope the guide will encourage collaboration and help to achieve a more consistent approach to transport provision. We also hope that developers will recognise that seeking early guidance on appropriate designs may bring cost benefits.”

The Peak District National Park Transport Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document Consultation Draft can be accessed via http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/transportdesignguideconsultation

Paper copies of the document can be viewed at local libraries and at the Peak District National Park Authority reception, Aldern House, Bakewell.