Guidance on Transport Assessment

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that 'all developments that generate significant amounts of movement should be required to provide a Travel Plan, and the application should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment so that the likely impacts of the proposal can be assessed.' It will then be used to determine whether the impact of the development on transport is acceptable.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) also states that development should only be prevented or refused on highway grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts of the development on the road network are severe.

Following the withdrawal in October 2014 of The Department for Transport Document (March 2007) ‘Guidance on Transport Assessment’ guidance on the preparation of supporting documentation in highway assessment terms can be found in the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) suite of documents and in particular in “Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements in decision taking”. These guidance documents provide advice on when Transport Assessments and Transport Statements are required and what they should contain and they reiterate the importance of entering into early discussions with the Local Planning Authority and other relevant authorities (Local Transport Authority, Local Highways Authority and National Highways in the case of developments near to or adjacent to the Strategic Road Network) to agree the scale, scope and level of detail required in the assessment prior to its completion and submission as part of a planning application.

Transport Assessments are required for all development proposals that are likely to have a significant impact on the transport network. For developments that are likely to have only a relatively small impact on the transport network, it may be appropriate to provide a Transport Statement instead of a full Transport Assessment and in some circumstances when the transport impact is likely to be negligible then it may not be necessary to provide any formal assessment.

Local Planning Authorities tend to have their own guidelines on what thresholds they consider to be significant and what the level and scope of a Transport Assessment or Statement should include, so it is imperative that early consultations between the developer and the Local Planning Authority are entered into.

Both forms of Transport Assessments should consider the impact of the development on all transport modes, set out proposals to minimise the impact of the development on the transport network and promote measures to encourage sustainable transport. The impact of the remaining development traffic that cannot be reduced further through sustainable transport measures is assessed on the local road network. These assessments take place at the proposed opening year for the development and at a future design year that has been agreed with the Local Authority, which is usually 5-10 years from the date of planning submission, with these future traffic forecasts calculated using TEMPro software and adjusted using site specific data if available.

Local Authorities are generally required to ensure that developments which generate significant movement are located where the need to travel will be minimised and the use of sustainable transport modes can be maximised. A key tool to facilitate this will be a Travel Plan.


What Our Clients Say:

Swept Path Analysis and Visibility Drawing incorporated into a Technical Note, Proposed Residential Dwelling, Colchester.

Planning permission approved finally, I am certain it was your input when you asked for the refusal to be put into writing so it can go to appeal… well done & thank you again. Nicholas Perks, Wyvern Building

Highway Statement, Proposed Residential Development, Stockport

Just want to pass on my thanks and appreciation. Your knowledge and speed at looking at the issues were incurred was superb. Hopefully we’ll have the pleasure of working together in the future. Craig Ashton, Managing Director, CPA Bespoke Joinery Ltd.

Transport Assessment, Proposed Residential Development (170 dwellings), Essex

This report is of the highest quality and detail and draws the conclusions we had hoped to see. Thanks to you and the team for this, we will certainly be using Sanderson Associates on future projects. Tom Helliwell, Managing Director, Class Q Ltd

Speed Survey, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Thank you so much for your fast and efficient service, the speed survey was conducted efficiently and the report given has really helped our planning application process with highways moving forward. Communication from yourselves was also fantastic and swift. Would most definitely recommend you to everyone. Much appreciated! Ismail Chopdat (Private Individual)

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Require Assistance with a Transport Assessment?

Sanderson Associates have extensive experience in providing Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Travel Plans for a wide variety of major and minor developments throughout the whole of the UK, Isle of Man and Ireland.

We would be pleased to provide you with a competitive fee proposal for the provision of our Transport Assessment Services, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.

Guidance on Transport Assessment, National Planning Policy Framework, NPPF, Transport Assessment, Transport Statement, Travel Plan
Planning Application, Local Planning Authority
Local Transport Authority, Local Highways Authority, TEMPro
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