Access Design
Safe, practical and policy-compliant vehicle access design for planning applications
The design of a vehicle access is often one of the first aspects considered by a Highway Authority when determining a planning application. A poorly designed access can raise concerns about highway safety, vehicle manoeuvrability and visibility, potentially delaying or preventing planning permission.
At DW Transportation, we design new and modified vehicle accesses that are safe, practical and appropriate for the proposed development. Whether serving a single dwelling, a commercial site or a larger residential scheme, we prepare access designs that reflect national guidance, local highway requirements and the operational needs of the development.
Designing Safe and Practical Vehicle Accesses
Every development needs a safe and practical way for vehicles to enter and leave the site.
A well-designed access allows drivers to join and leave the public highway safely while providing appropriate visibility for all road users. It must also accommodate the types of vehicles expected to use the development, from private cars and refuse vehicles to delivery vehicles and larger commercial traffic where appropriate.
Good access design is about more than simply drawing an entrance. It requires careful consideration of highway safety, vehicle manoeuvrability, pedestrians, cyclists and the surrounding highway network to ensure the development can operate safely and efficiently.
When is Access Design Required?
Access design is commonly required where a development proposes:
A new vehicle access.
Alterations to an existing access.
A new residential development.
Commercial or industrial development.
Changes of use resulting in different traffic movements.
Intensification of an existing use.
Highway Authorities will normally expect the proposed access to demonstrate appropriate visibility, geometry and safe operation before planning permission is granted.
Our Approach
Every site presents its own opportunities and constraints.
We begin by reviewing the proposed development, the surrounding highway network and the requirements of the relevant Highway Authority. From there, we develop an access design that reflects the expected vehicle movements while considering visibility, vehicle tracking, pedestrian safety and local design standards.
Where appropriate, we work closely with architects, planning consultants and other members of the design team to ensure the proposed access integrates seamlessly with the wider site layout and supports a successful planning application.
What Does Access Design Consider?
Depending on the development, access design may include consideration of:
Access width.
Junction geometry.
Vehicle turning movements.
Visibility splays.
Pedestrian crossing points.
Footway continuity.
Cycle movements.
Highway safety.
Boundary treatments affecting visibility.
Drainage considerations.
Refuse and delivery vehicle access.
Every access is designed specifically for the individual site and the operational requirements of the proposed development.
Supporting Planning Applications
A well-designed access helps demonstrate that a development can be accessed safely without creating an unacceptable impact on the surrounding highway network.
Access designs are often supported by visibility splay drawings, swept path analysis, Transport Statements or Transport Assessments, providing Highway Authorities with a clear understanding of how vehicles will safely access and leave the site.
By considering access requirements at an early stage, potential highway issues can often be identified and resolved before they become obstacles during the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new vehicle access?
If your development proposes a new entrance onto the public highway or significantly changes an existing access, a new access design is likely to be required.
Can you redesign an existing access?
Yes. We regularly prepare access designs for developments involving alterations to existing accesses, helping improve vehicle movements and accommodate changes in the proposed use of a site.
Will the Highway Authority approve the design?
The Highway Authority is responsible for determining whether a proposed access is acceptable. We prepare designs that reflect national guidance, local standards and the specific characteristics of the site to help support the planning process.
Can access design be combined with other transport planning services?
Yes. Access design is frequently undertaken alongside Visibility Splay Assessments, Swept Path Analysis, Vehicle Tracking, Transport Statements and Transport Assessments.
Related Services
Access Design is often provided alongside:
Visibility Splay Assessments
Swept Path Analysis
Vehicle Tracking
Transport Statements
Transport Assessments
Highway Design
Need an Access Design?
Whether you are proposing a new vehicle access or modifying an existing one, we can prepare a practical, policy-informed design tailored to your development.
Working closely with your project team, we'll develop an access solution that addresses highway safety, operational requirements and the expectations of the Local Highway Authority.
Contact us for an informal discussion and a fixed-fee quotation.
