NEW DoE GUIDELINES
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Department of the Environment is in the process of issuing new guidelines to planning authorities which will attempt to control developments which generate additional traffic volume.
These are aimed mainly at developments such as out-of-town shopping centres and large office buildings which are likely to encourage additional car commuting, but haulage depots will come under the same consideration where they could increase traffic volumes by 5% or more.
Highway authorities will be consulted where a proposed development involves any alteration to existing access to a road or if it is likely to result in a "material increase in the volume or character of traffic entering or leaving a classified or proposed road".
On trunk roads, your plans could be called in if you plan any access—or alterations to existing access—on to a road section with a speed limit of more than 40mph and you could also be in difficulty if your site is within 67 metres (or any other specified distance) of the middle of on existing or proposed trunk road. There also is a possibility of British Rail having a soy in your plans if vehicles using your site are also likely to increase traffic over a level crossing.
There are also restrictions on where access roads can be built, for sound road safety reasons. They must be visible within the wet weather stopping distance of traffic using a particular stretch of road, so access on bends or near sharp bends and double white lines is likely to be refused. Individual circumstances should be taken into account, but the general rule is that visibility cannot be reduced to a level likely to cause danger.
The DoE says it is anxious not to delay planning applications any longer than necessary and it expects prompt action by highway authorities, but it also says applicants should pay particular heed to highway issues when forming development plans.
To avoid lengthy negotiations on an application or to have to attach traffic conditions to planning permission, it says you should contact the appropriate highway authority as early as possible..
"It would also be helpful to discuss proposals to carry out work in a highway with statutory undertakers whose apparatus, like pipes and cables, may be affected and to send copies of applications direct to the highway authority and any other statutory consultees."