Transport Assessments

Staffordshire County Council as Local Highway Authority has an obligation to assess the transportation impact of all development proposals in order to make sure that they can be satisfactorily included into the transport network.

We have prepared guidance in line with government policy to try to encourage applicants, where necessary, to submit properly scoped Transport Assessments with planning applications. As part of this document, Staffordshire District and Borough Councils have produced 'Validation Criteria' which explain when Transport Assessments will be required and advises applicants that we will need to consider their submitted Transport Assessment first before registering their application.

Prior to submitting a planning application, applicants need to complete the form in the guidance pack to confirm whether or not they require a Transport Assessment.

There are generally two parts to a Transport Assessment:

• Part 1 will involve demonstrating how the development and its associated traffic can be assimilated into the highway network. This will involve where necessary the submission of capacity and safety assessments.
  
  
• Part 2 may involve the submission of a Travel Plan to demonstrate how the site can be made accessible to more sustainable modes of travel to reduce the reliance on the private motor vehicle.

It is recommended that developers produce their Transport Assessments and Travel Plans in line with:

• Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements (www.gov.uk) (Published 2014)

• Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning Process (plymouth.gov.uk) (Published 2009)

To discuss the guidance in connection with your proposals, please contact us.