Planners/Architects
Whether you are involved in urban design, masterplanning, redevelopment or other architectural practices, you will be familiar with the principles of a good design process and the need to recognise that the final design will be informed by the wider context of the site.
In May 2006, the Government introduced changes to the planning applications process. The circular ‘Guidance on changes to the development control system’, sets out the formal requirements for Design & Access Statements. The requirement to produce a Transport Assessment is a vital aspect of this approach, and informs the recommended assessment-involvement-evaluation-design process.
If you are already familiar with the concept of Design & Access Statements, you will be aware that the recent changes have introduced a national requirement for them. In the same way, the recent publication by the Government of new Guidance on Transport Assessment has significantly shifted the emphasis towards that of promoting sustainable transport alternatives, minimising traffic growth and limiting new road building. If used properly, Transport Assessments will help provide high-quality development that has taken into account these principles.
Whilst the general principles of economic, physical and social context will be familiar through the Design & Access Statement process, it is recommended that applicants should seek specialist transportation advice at the earliest possible stage. This will help to avoid the potential pitfalls of late scheme changes, which may be required to address specific transport requirements. As well as providing advice on best practice, transport consultants are able to address many issues that will enable the planning process to proceed without undue delays.
It is also recommended that pre-application discussions are entered into with the local authority at the earliest opportunity, although it should be noted that under Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003, local authorities were given the power to charge for discretionary activities such as pre-application advice. Those agencies involved in the design process should also be mindful that the local planning authorities automatically send any planning applications that may increase traffic on England's Strategic Road Network to the Highways Agency. It is therefore strongly advised that contact should be established with the Agency prior to the submission of a planning application.
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