Road layouts and design

This section sets out the council’s design guidance for adoptable roads. Guidance on passenger transport and providing for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders can be found in the Active and Sustainable Travel section of the LHDG.

Overview and Definition of a Street 

Definition of a street

Manual for Streets (MfS) introduced the concept of a street and the distinct characteristics and design approach that applied for this type of road. MfS defines a street as “highway that has important public realm functions beyond the movement of traffic” and states that “streets should have a sense of place, which is mainly realised through local distinctiveness and sensitivity in design”. Streets usually provide direct access to the buildings and the spaces that line them.  

Under the council’s definition, a street:

  • has a speed limit of 40 mph or less and with 85th percentile speed of traffic generally below 40 mph;
  • is mainly built up on both sides with residential or a mix of residential and local facilities, shops and so on;
  • has a high place function e.g. direct frontage access, on street parking etc.

Commuted sums will be sought for areas and assets within a layout that are not required for the safe functioning of the highway and/or the use of bespoke materials identified (but not limited to) those listed in the Commuted Sums Schedule and Surfacing Materials Palettes documents.

The local context should be considered and influence the final design. In accordance with National Model Design Code guidance, junctions and crossings must be “safe, convenient and attractive” and encourage active travel. Proposals must also comply with the LHDG section “Junction type, geometry and spacing

The council encourages developers to create road layouts that are intended for adoption and built to the guidance and standards detailed in the LHDG. Where significant constraints mean that a developer cannot conform to these standards, then this should be highlighted with the council at the earliest opportunity. The council reserves the right to refuse adoption of roads that do not meet assessment criteria relating to safety and functionality of highway. 

For employment and commercial developments, the council will expect road layouts serving developments of more than one building and with more than one occupier to meet the council’s adoptable design policy and guidance and be offered for adoption. However, developers are encouraged to contact the council to discuss adoption requirements for specific proposals. (Developments Served by Private Drives)

Advice on how roads can be adopted can be found under the Approvals and Adoption sections of the LHDG.

External Roads and Other Off-site Highway Works 

These are roads that have a strong movement function, such as a distributor or spine roads, which provide a more strategic link into the highway network. Unless they fall outside the definition of a road (street) (see above), developers should design external roads in line with MfS and the council’s Specification and standard drawings or Design Manual for Roads and Bridges as appropriate. Road safety audits will be required in all cases. The council may accept direct frontage access from properties to such roads providing that they are subject to a 40mph speed limit and 85th percentile speeds are 40mph or less.

Site Access to External Roads

Roads that meet the council’s definition of a street should be designed in line with the LHDG, MfS and the council’s specification and standard drawings. 

Mini-roundabouts are not acceptable for providing access to a development unless they form part of a more comprehensive traffic-calming scheme that is either required to reduce the development’s impacts or that has previously been identified. 

A mini- roundabout will not be acceptable where it is proposed simply because the necessary visibility for a priority junction cannot be achieved. The council may be prepared to consider permitting direct frontage access from properties to the external road providing that they are subject to a 40mph speed limit and 85th percentile speeds are 40mph or less.

Selection of junction types will depend on site-specific requirements and conditions including:
•    location;
•    safety considerations;
•    traffic, pedestrian and cycle flows including mobility scooters/wheelchairs; 
•    passenger transport requirements; and
•    Recorded 85th percentile speeds.

When designing layout proposals, the demographics of any neighbouring communities should be considered to ensure that access requirements are fully understood. 

Developers should establish and agree the council’s requirements in the preliminary stages of preparing the development proposals. In all cases Road Safety Audits will be required for external roads. 

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Development Approvals

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