Transport Planning
Expert Transport Planning Consultant
Highways objections are one of the most common reasons planning applications fail. The local highway authority must be satisfied that a site can be accessed safely, that parking provision is adequate, and that the development will not create unacceptable traffic impacts. If these points cannot be demonstrated clearly, applications face delay or refusal regardless of the wider proposal.
I provide transport planning services to architects, developers and planning consultancies who need highways evidence that satisfies local authorities. My approach is to identify potential access and highways issues at the earliest stage, ideally before an application is lodged, and create a strategy to avoid refusals or costly objections.
With a professional background in transport planning and technical skills in AutoCAD and GIS, I provide all highways inputs in-house – from access feasibility and visibility assessments through to transport reports and conditions discharge. This means faster turnaround and no need to coordinate multiple specialists.
What Highways Support Do You Need?
Pick the closest situation below and I’ll point you to the next step. If you’re unsure, send over a plan or site link and I’ll give you an initial steer.
What best describes your situation?
Why Transport Planning Matters
The highway authority is a statutory consultee on planning applications. Their primary concerns are safety and congestion. Poor access design, inadequate visibility, or parking shortfalls can trigger formal objections that are difficult to overcome later in the process. Early input from a consultant helps with:
Viability Assessment
Identify whether a site is viable from a highways perspective before design work is committed.
Access Design
Design safe and compliant access with apprpriate solutions to satisfy highway authority requirements.
Planning Evidence
Provide evidence for planning applications, reducing the risk of objections.
Technical Solutions
Support design decisions with technical justification based on national and local policy.
When Transport Planning Is Required
You will typically need transport planning input when access, parking, or traffic impacts could affect the acceptability of a development. Common situations include:
Early Feasibility Assessment
Early-stage feasibility work to establish whether a site can be accessed.
Constrained or Rural Access
Sites accessed from narrow roads, rural lanes or constrained junctions often require detailed highways input.
Visibility & Vehicle Tracking
Developments where visibility, vehicle tracking, or parking standards need to be demonstrated
Transport Statements
Applications may require a Transport Statement or Assessment to address highways and traffic impacts.
Responding to Objections
Schemes where highways objections are raised, technical justification is needed.
Access-Led Developments
Any development where access arrangements are a key planning constraint
Transport Planning Services
Access Feasibility
Early-stage transport and highways advice to establish whether a site can be accessed in a way the local highway authority will accept. Focus on visibility, junction geometry, vehicle manoeuvring and parking standards for a clear yes or no position before commitment.
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Visibility Splays & Speed Surveys
Assessment of visibility requirements at site accesses, including speed data analysis and preparation of visibility splay drawings. A unique part of my approach is reviewing Ordnance Survey speed data first to avoid the cost and delay of any unnecessary speed surveys.
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Swept Path Analysis
Vehicle tracking to demonstrate that vehicles can safely enter, exit and manoeuvre within a site. Used to test junctions, turning areas and parking layouts. Testing layouts early, I can usually suggest small design adjustments that prevent refusals and avoid redesign costs later.
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Transport Reports
To provide structured evidence to satisfy highway authority concerns. My approach is to get to the core issues of a development and answer them directly, demonstrating that a proposal is reasonable, policy-compliant and will not cause unacceptable impacts.
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Transport Planning Approach
As a transport planning consultant, I understand how national guidance, local standards and site-specific constraints are applied in practice.
My approach is evidence-led and focused on producing outputs that support planning applications and address highway authority concerns.
Tools & Data
Transport planning work is undertaken using AutoCAD for access design and vehicle tracking, supported by GIS for accessibility analysis and constraint mapping. Assessments are informed by national guidance including Manual for Streets (MfS), the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), and TAN 18 in Wales, alongside local highway design guides and parking standards.
Where necessary, I can arrange Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) surveys through trusted providers to establish actual vehicle speeds. Analysis uses industry-standard software including TRICS for trip generation and JUNCTIONS or LINSIG for junction capacity modelling.
Typical Projects
I work across a wide range of development types and scales:
- Residential developments from single dwellings to large housing schemes
- Commercial and mixed-use developments including offices, retail and leisure
- Industrial and storage uses requiring HGV access
- Energy and utilities infrastructure projects
- Rural sites accessed from agricultural tracks or substandard junctions
- Constrained urban infill sites with tight access and parking arrangements
- Schemes requiring junction improvements or highway works
Working With Project Teams
I work directly with architects, planners and developers from early feasibility through to planning determination. During the planning process I respond to highway authority comments, refine drawings and provide technical justification to support applications. I can also coordinate supporting surveys such as speed surveys or topographical surveys, and liaise with other consultants including arboriculturists and ecologists where access arrangements affect trees or biodiversity.
The aim is to be a member of the project team, not an optional extra. I understand project constraints and commercial realities, and focus effort on what actually matters for planning approval.
Discuss Your Planning Project
If you need the input of a transport planning consultant for a development or planning application, I’m happy to advise. Early advice helps identify access constraints, avoid highways objections and supports your planning process.