When assessing planning applications, the issues of visibility, parking provision, and highway safety are often central to achieving developments that are safe, functional, and sustainable. Proposals with clear issues as to highway safety often result in refusal so it is an area which should not be overlooked and should be considered from an early stage when developing proposals for a site.
The planning system is not only concerned with land use and design, but also with ensuring that new developments integrate effectively with existing transport networks and do not compromise the safety or convenience of road users. The assessment is applicable to, for example, utilisation of existing accesses where there will be an intensification or change of us – utilisation of an existing access is not indication that it will be acceptable in the context of current highway standards.
Visibility – Ensuring Safe Access and Movement
Appropriate visibility splays are a fundamental aspect of any development that connects to the public highway. They ensure that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians have adequate sight lines to see and be seen when entering or leaving a site. Without sufficient visibility, the likelihood of collisions or near misses increases significantly.
In line with the principles of documents such as Manual for Streets visibility splays must be designed to suit the speed and character of the adjoining road. Often this requires speed surveys to be undertaken to determine actual road speeds to determine design appropriately. Local highway authorities typically require detailed visibility drawings to accompany planning applications, demonstrating compliance with safety standards. This not only supports the technical approval process but also provides confidence that the development can operate safely once built.
Parking Provision – Balancing Demand and Sustainability
Parking provision remains a key consideration within planning, affecting both site functionality and the surrounding community. Inadequate parking can lead to overspill onto nearby roads, obstructing traffic and affecting residents, while excessive parking can discourage the use of sustainable transport modes and detract from the character of the development. This does, however, evidently vary from urban to rural environments.
National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (the Framework) guidance encourages local planning authorities to set parking standards that reflect local circumstances, accessibility, and the availability of public transport. Developments that incorporate well-planned parking, whether on-street, within courtyards, or in underground facilities, help create safer and more attractive environments. Increasingly, planners are also considering electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking as essential components of modern, sustainable design – which can be key in some locations within a planning balance.
Highway Safety – A Core Planning Objective
Highway safety is a primary concern in all planning decisions. The Framework, which is a material consideration, clearly states that “development should only be prevented or refused on highways grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would be severe.” This is generally reinforced through each Council’s Local Plan which is the starting point for determination of applications. This underlines the importance of early engagement with highway authorities and transport consultants to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Effective design, such as safe access points, adequate turning areas, pedestrian crossings, and passing places, can contribute to safer environments for all users. Highway safety assessments, including transport statements or full transport assessments, provide evidence-based assurance that proposed developments are compatible with the surrounding infrastructure.
Conclusion
Ensuring appropriate visibility splays, sufficient parking provision, and a high standard of highway safety are essential to good planning practice and safe developments. These elements not only protect public safety but also enhance accessibility, sustainability, and the long-term success of development.
Thoughtful design and adherence to guidance from both the Framework and Local Plan can help create developments that function safely and efficiently within their specific location.
Want to read more? Head back to our guest article from May 2023, written by Stephen Flacke at Egg Transport planning here – Guest Article – Considering access to your development – Eldnar