Development must be accessible for all highway users and maximise the uptake of sustainable travel choices.
Implementing policy 1
All developments that generate significant amounts (in accordance with “Preparing Development Proposals” section of the LHDG) of movement are required to provide a travel plan, and the application should be supported by a vision-led transport statement or transport assessment so that the likely impacts of the proposal can be assessed.
The council will advise refusal of planning applications where the lack of sustainable travel choices results in an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or a severe residual cumulative impact on the road or transport network, taking into account all reasonable future scenarios.
Policy 1 Context
An effective and safe transport network enables communities to make active travel choices that are beneficial for health and wellbeing. The uptake of active and sustainable travel can be discouraged where real or perceived threats to the safety or efficiency of those choices result from severe impacts on the road network. In accordance with NPPF, new highway infrastructure must:
- offer active and sustainable travel choices that are genuine, attractive alternatives to the car and protect the environment;
- include a genuine choice of transport modes;
- be designed to give “priority first” to pedestrian and cycle movements, both within the scheme and with neighbouring areas and minimises the scope for conflicts between active travel modes and motor vehicles.
- facilitate access to high-quality, effective passenger transport;
- ensure accessibility for all users through consideration of the demographics of the surrounding location during the design process. Developers must particularly address the needs of people with disabilities in relation to all modes of transport;
- design out crime and feel like safe and attractive places that respond to the context of the location. National guidance relating to facilitating of personal safety through design is available through documents such as Cabe’s “Creating safe places to live through design” and the Landscape Institute’s “Creating Safer Spaces White Paper”.