Cross Tay Link Road

The proposed CTLR Project is located in a landscape whose character is strongly influenced by the Scone Palace GDL and the distinctive features of the River Tay and prominent wooded ridges. The landscape is predominantly rural and includes a distinct mix of policy trees and woodland, open and flowing spaces (typically managed for agriculture) and historic focal features. The landscape is enjoyed by visual receptors, such as residents, travellers and visitors, experiencing a range of views such as distant panoramas, semi-enclosed views over rolling farmland, and focused views of landmarks.

Assessment of the predicted landscape and visual effects of the proposed CTLR Project has been undertaken using standard methods for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). 

The main findings of the LVIA are that the proposed CTLR Project would result in significant adverse landscape effects in 11 Local Landscape Character Areas (LLCAs) within the study area in the first year after opening and in 9 LLCAs 15 years after opening. In addition, it would result in significant adverse visual effects on 49 visual receptors in the first year and on 35 visual receptors 15 years after opening.

These significant landscape and visual effects primarily reflect the high value of the baseline conditions within the study area, as most of the proposed CTLR Project would be in or visible from the Scone Palace GDL and/or the Sidlaw Hills Special Landscape Area (SLA).

The large cutting through the Bertha Park wooded knoll introduces the River Tay Crossing Bridge, which crosses over the Highland Mainline Railway and the River Tay. Consequently, adding a prominent main road, junctions and associated vehicles into open spaces within a rural landscape. The LVIA found non-significant landscape and visual effects would typically occur in places more distant from the proposed CTLR Project, where it would be partially or fully screened, and/or it would relate to the baseline characteristics.

In addition to primary mitigation measures embedded within the design of the proposed CTLR Project, there is some potential for the adoption of secondary mitigation measures (such as protection of riparian trees along the river, sensitive design and detailing of lighting and extending planting where beneficial) to reduce further the predicted significant adverse landscape and visual effects, subject to future agreements. 

To view the full Landscape and Visual Impact assessment please click: