Highway layouts and design

The Design Layouts section of the LHDG is intended to help developers to design safe and accessible layouts for all highway users.

 

Image
roundabout design image

It covers:

  • The council’s requirements in relation to road layouts that are proposed for adoption, to ensure they provide for the safe and free movement of users of all highway, including public rights of way;
  • The council’s expectations regarding layouts that recognise highway’s expanding role in delivering broader objectives through the provision of green infrastructure, active travel and sustainable drainage systems;
  • The obligations relating to parking and the provision of electric vehicle charging facilities.

Highway layouts should:

  • meet travel the needs of all users including the prioritisation of active travel modes of transport and the promotion of public transport;
  • be designed with consideration for road safety and personal safety of all users; and
  • help create high quality, durable developments in which to live, work and play.

The council’s approach, coupled with the flexibility that the LHDG guidance allows, reflects many of the key themes of the National Design Guide, Manual for Streets (MfS) and Local Transport Note 1/20 "Cycle Infrastructure Design". The council recognises that roads as part of residential development layouts have a wider role to play in creating a sense of place and community as opposed to simply moving people from A to B.

Where this cannot be achieved by layouts that are explicitly covered in this section, the council will assess proposals that meet LHDG policies and principles on a case-by case basis. 

Where LHDG guidance is not presented as absolute policy, for example where the word should or normally are used, the developer/owner applicant may be requested to submit a request in writing (email acceptable) to the relevant officer for approval. 

On receipt of the written request, consideration will be given to the query in full and within a reasonable timeframe.  After consideration the applicant will be provided with a decision. At the heart of the decision will be the LHA’s duty to be mindful of highway safety and public interest.

All pages within this section:
Need further information?
Contact
Development Approvals