If you need one, you need one, but when is that?
For many planners, architects and developers, the involvement of a transport consultant won’t be a new concept. But if it’s your first time working on a larger site, or it poses unique challenges, you might be unsure if it’s time to call in some help.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
– The planning authority has deemed your application invalid without a Transport Statement or Assessment.
– Highways have reviewed your application (perhaps at the pre-application advice stage) and require more or specific information.
– The site is tricky or controversial from a transport perspective, and you think that a consultant could help present your scheme more favourably or solve a difficult access problem.
Support from a transport consultant typically includes one or more of the following:
– Access Appraisal/Advice: Guidance on selecting or locating access points and ensuring they meet local/national requirements. This advice can be informal during the design process or a formal standalone document, perhaps to inform your Client’s land purchase. Early engagement is advisable to avoid costly redesigns.
– Transport Statement (TS) or Transport Assessment (TA): These are required for planning applications based on the scale and impact of the proposed development. A TS is generally needed for smaller developments, such as residential project 10-49 dwellings or commercial developments with a gross floor area of 500-1,000 square metres, assessing the modest impact on the local transport network. It includes details on access, parking, and anticipated traffic generation. In contrast, a TA is for larger developments with significant transport implications, providing a comprehensive analysis of potential effects on the transport network, including traffic flow, public transport, and mitigation measures. Note that thresholds can vary across the UK, and sometimes even a single dwelling conversion might require a TS.
– Travel Plan: A long-term management strategy for promoting sustainable transport options and reducing reliance on private car use. It typically accompanies a TA for larger developments or can be required independently for developments with significant transport impacts. Often, a Travel Plan is required by planning condition if not provided with the application.
Transport consultants are generally a friendly bunch of professionals, and will usually be happy to discuss a challenging site before any formal engagement is entered into.
Fastnet Transport Planning prides itself on being very approachable. We are readily available for an informal discussion to assist developers/planners/architects with their proposals, over the phone or a coffee. We do not charge for initial consultations, and we can often add value to a scheme from the very early stages of engagement. Feel free to call.
Jon Parry – Director
Fastnet Transport Planning
07529 204 168
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