Can My Planning Application Be Refused on Highway Grounds?
One of the most common concerns developers have is whether highway issues could prevent planning permission from being granted.
The answer is yes—planning applications can be refused on highway grounds.
However, highway objections do not automatically mean a development is unacceptable. In many cases, concerns can be addressed through good design, additional technical evidence or relatively straightforward amendments to a proposal.
Understanding the issues that Highway Authorities are most concerned about can help reduce planning risk and improve the chances of a successful application.
This guide explains the most common highway reasons for refusal and how many of them can be avoided.
Highway Myth #1
"If the Highway Authority objects, my planning application is automatically refused."
Reality: The Highway Authority is an important planning consultee, but it does not determine the application. The Local Planning Authority makes the final decision after considering all material planning considerations. Many highway objections can be resolved before a decision is made.
Can a planning application be refused on highway grounds?
Yes.
Planning permission may be refused where a development would create unacceptable highway safety issues or have an unacceptable impact on the operation of the local highway network.
Fortunately, these issues are often identified during the planning process, giving developers the opportunity to revise their proposals before a decision is reached.
Early transport planning advice can often make the difference between a smooth planning process and a lengthy negotiation with the Highway Authority.
Five Common Highway Reasons for Refusal
1. Poor visibility at the site access
One of the first things the Highway Authority will assess is whether drivers can see approaching traffic clearly when entering or leaving the site.
If visibility splays cannot be achieved because of walls, vegetation, buildings or the alignment of the road, the Highway Authority may conclude that the access would present an unacceptable safety risk.
In many cases, relatively simple design changes can improve visibility and overcome the objection before planning permission is determined.
2. Unsafe access arrangements
An existing access is not automatically suitable for a new development.
The Highway Authority will consider whether the proposed access is wide enough, appropriately located and capable of safely accommodating the expected traffic.
Additional vehicle movements, particularly from larger developments, may require improvements to the access or, in some cases, an entirely new access arrangement.
3. Inadequate parking or turning space
Insufficient parking can result in vehicles parking on surrounding roads, creating congestion and safety concerns.
Equally important is the ability for vehicles to manoeuvre safely within the site. Highway Authorities generally expect vehicles to enter and leave in a forward gear wherever possible, particularly where developments access classified roads.
Demonstrating adequate parking and vehicle manoeuvring is therefore an important part of many planning applications.
4. Unacceptable traffic impact
Every development generates traffic.
The question is not whether traffic will increase, but whether that increase would have an unacceptable effect on the surrounding highway network.
For larger developments, Highway Authorities may assess:
Junction capacity.
Queue lengths.
Delays.
Road safety.
The cumulative impact of nearby developments.
Where appropriate, Transport Statements and Transport Assessments can demonstrate that the highway network is capable of accommodating the additional traffic.
5. Poor provision for pedestrians and cyclists
Modern planning policy places increasing emphasis on sustainable travel.
Highway Authorities will often consider whether people can safely walk or cycle to and from a development.
This may include reviewing:
Footway connections.
Crossing opportunities.
Cycle parking.
Links to public transport.
Developments that fail to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists may face highway objections, even where vehicle access is acceptable.
What does "severe impact" actually mean?
A common misconception is that any increase in traffic can justify refusing planning permission.
That is not the case.
National planning policy recognises that almost all development generates additional vehicle movements.
The key question is whether the development would have a severe impact on the highway network.
This assessment considers factors such as road safety, congestion, delay and the cumulative effect of other committed developments.
Every proposal is assessed on its own merits.
Can highway problems usually be resolved?
Often, yes.
Many highway concerns can be addressed before planning permission is determined.
Possible solutions include:
Improving visibility splays.
Revising the site access.
Providing additional parking.
Demonstrating vehicle tracking.
Preparing a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment.
Revising the site layout.
Early discussions with a transport planning consultant can often identify practical solutions before formal objections are raised.
Why early transport planning advice matters
Many highway objections are entirely avoidable.
Assessing access arrangements, parking provision and likely traffic impacts during the design stage allows potential problems to be resolved before a planning application is submitted.
This not only reduces planning risk but can also save time and avoid costly redesign work later in the process.
How DW Transportation can help
DW Transportation advises developers, architects and planning consultants on highway matters associated with planning applications throughout South Wales and across the UK.
We identify potential highway issues at an early stage, prepare clear and proportionate transport evidence, and work closely with clients to develop practical solutions that support successful planning applications.
Whether you require a Transport Statement, parking assessment, visibility review or technical note, we can help ensure your proposal is supported by robust transport planning advice.
Key Takeaways
✓ Planning applications can be refused on highway grounds.
✓ The Highway Authority does not make the planning decision, but its advice carries significant weight.
✓ Poor visibility, unsafe access and inadequate parking are among the most common highway concerns.
✓ Most highway issues can be addressed through good design and appropriate technical evidence.
✓ Seeking transport planning advice early can significantly improve the chances of securing planning permission.
Need advice?
If you're concerned that highway issues could affect your planning application, we'd be happy to help.
Early advice can identify potential risks, recommend practical solutions and provide the transport evidence needed to support your development.
Contact DW Transportation today for an informal discussion about your project.
About the Author
Dean Watkins is Director of DW Transportation, an independent transport planning consultancy based in South Wales. With over 25 years' experience in transport planning, Dean advises developers, architects and planning consultants on Transport Statements, Transport Assessments and highway matters associated with planning applications across South Wales and the UK.