Including a transportation statement in a planning application is mandatory. A transport statement assesses the possible transportation consequences of a project and makes recommendations for mitigating such impacts. If you want your transport statement to cover all your bases and comply with all relevant planning requirements and legislation, hiring a transport expert is a smart option. Here, we’ll discuss what transport statements are, why they’re useful, and how to craft a good one.
The first thing you need to know is that a transport statement is a technical report that evaluates the transportation aspect of a development proposal. It describes the existing transportation conditions, the anticipated demand and supply of transportation services, and the potential impacts of the proposed development on the transportation network. The transport statement should also provide recommendations on how to minimize adverse transportation impacts and promote sustainable transport modes.
The primary purpose of a transport statement is to demonstrate to the planning authority that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on the transportation network or the environment. The statement is also used to identify any improvements or modifications required to the transportation infrastructure to accommodate the proposed development. Additionally, the transport statement should align with the relevant planning policies, such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the local transport plan.
If you require a comprehensive transport statement, it is best to hire a transport expert. Consultants in the transportation industry have extensive knowledge in both engineering and planning. They know how to investigate transportation issues, provide solutions, and draft technical reports like transport statements.
When creating a transport statement for planning applications, it is essential to consider the following aspects. Firstly, the statement should provide a detailed description of the proposed development, including its location, type, and size. Secondly, it should identify the current transportation conditions in the area, such as traffic flow, public transport services, and pedestrian and cycling facilities. Thirdly, the transport statement should assess the potential transportation impacts of the proposed development, such as increased traffic, parking demand, and noise and air pollution.
Finally, the statement needs to suggest ways to lessen the effects that have been recognized. Efforts to reduce the number of times people have to drive or take public transportation could include expanding and enhancing these modes of transportation, constructing bike lanes and sidewalks, adding parking lots, and encouraging telecommuting and alternative schedules. Fifth, the statement needs to analyze how well the suggested measures work and provide a plan for monitoring and assessment.
Finally, it is crucial to ensure that your transport statement is clear, concise, and easy to understand. The statement should avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that could confuse the reader. This will help the planning authority, stakeholders, and the public to better understand the potential transportation impacts of the proposed development and the measures proposed to mitigate them.