Egg Transport Planning | Services

Transport Assessments are documents that are required to accompany planning applications for developments that would generate a significant volume of trips.

In very simplistic terms, a Transport Assessment should aim to demonstrate that a proposed development accords with national planning policies as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as well as local planning policies that relate to transport. It should also:

• show that the proposals provide safe and suitable access for all users;
• demonstrate that the application site can be accessed by non-car modes such as bike, walking and public transport;
• forecast the level of vehicle trips that the proposed development will generate and what the effect of these additional trips will be on the road network. This is commonly established through detailed junction assessments.

Transport Statements are similar to Transport Assessments but are less detailed and don’t usually include junction assessments. Transport Statements are produced for developments that generate a lower level of trips than those that would require a full TA.

An often-used rule of thumb is that if a development generates more than 50 trips during the peak hours then a TA is required, if less, then a TS may be required. Applying this 50-trip threshold typically equates to around 80 houses for housing developments (userclass C3) and a floor area of around 800sqm for food retail (userclass E).

To ensure that new access junctions are safe to use, it is paramount that they adhere to relevant design standards. New site accesses must be able to provide drivers with adequate visibility splays, they must be able to safety accommodate the largest vehicles that will realistically use the development and should, if relevant, provide suitable facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

In order to avoid any ransom issues, then only land that is under the control of the applicant or within the public highway should be used to provide the new junction and the visibility splays.

These are often produced for developers who may be purchasing or taking an option on a site. The study will highlight any highways and transport issues that may affect the likelihood of gaining planning permission. Feasibility studies usually involve determining whether an access can be achieved but the scope of the study can vary and can be tailored to the specific site and needs of the client.

These studies are usually required where a development is proposed that could change road user behaviour or road safety, such as a change in the physical layout of the highway network or an advertising structure. Most highway authorities require the submission of an RSA as part of the adoption process of a new public highway and it is becoming more common for RSAs to be submitted in order for planning applications to be validated.

There are four stages in the RSA process, which are described as follows:

• Stage 1 – completion of preliminary design, normally prior to the submission for planning permission
• Stage 2 – completion of detailed design, usually before the tender documents have been submitted
• Stage 3 – completion of construction prior to opening
• Stage 4 – post opening collision monitoring (1 year after opening of the highway scheme)

Road Safety Audits must be undertaken in accordance with specific guidelines by a specially trained audit team, who are independent of the design team. Using The Network of trusted auditors, Egg Transport Planning can commission RSAs and act as the design team, in order to respond to any issues raised through the audit process

We can support your appeal, whether it is through written representations, an informal hearing or a public inquiry.