Construction Method Statements for Planning Conditions
Helping You Satisfy Planning Conditions and Start Construction with Confidence
Planning permission is often only the first step. Before construction can begin, many developments are required to discharge planning conditions relating to the management of construction traffic and site operations.
A Construction Method Statement demonstrates how a development will be built safely while minimising disruption to the surrounding highway network, neighbouring properties and local communities.
At DW Transportation, we prepare clear, practical Construction Method Statements that satisfy planning conditions and provide Local Planning Authorities with the information they need to approve the commencement of development.
What is a Construction Method Statement?
A Construction Method Statement (CMS) is a document submitted to the Local Planning Authority, usually to discharge a planning condition attached to a planning permission.
Its purpose is to explain how construction activities will be managed safely, particularly where construction traffic has the potential to affect the public highway or neighbouring properties.
A well-prepared Construction Method Statement provides confidence that deliveries, contractor parking, site access and construction activities can be managed safely throughout the construction phase.
Every Construction Method Statement is tailored to the individual development and reflects the specific wording of the planning condition.
When is a Construction Method Statement Required?
Many planning permissions include a condition requiring a Construction Method Statement before development can begin.
These conditions are commonly attached to:
Residential developments
Care homes
Commercial developments
Retail developments
Schools
Mixed-use developments
Sites within built-up areas
Developments located close to sensitive highway networks
The exact requirements vary between Local Planning Authorities, which is why every Construction Method Statement should be prepared specifically for the planning condition it is intended to discharge.
What Does a Construction Method Statement Include?
The scope of a Construction Method Statement depends on the planning condition and the nature of the development.
Typical topics include construction vehicle access, contractor parking, delivery management, loading and unloading arrangements, material storage, wheel washing facilities, traffic management, pedestrian safety, dust suppression, site security and measures to minimise disruption during construction.
Where appropriate, we also explain how emergency access will be maintained and how the site will continue to operate safely throughout the construction period.
Our aim is to produce a practical document that is straightforward for the Local Planning Authority to review and provides confidence that construction activities have been carefully planned.
Our Approach
We understand that clients preparing a Construction Method Statement have usually already secured planning permission and simply want to move their development forward.
Rather than producing generic documents, we prepare Construction Method Statements that reflect the specific characteristics of each site, the wording of the planning condition and the practical realities of construction.
We work closely with developers, architects and planning consultants to ensure the document addresses the issues most likely to concern the Local Planning Authority, helping avoid unnecessary delays before construction can begin.
Supporting the Discharge of Planning Conditions
Preparing a Construction Method Statement is often one of the final planning requirements before development can commence.
By addressing highway safety, construction traffic and site management in a clear and proportionate way, we help clients discharge planning conditions efficiently and move from planning approval to construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Construction Method Statement and a Construction Traffic Management Plan?
Although the terminology varies between Local Planning Authorities, a Construction Method Statement generally focuses on how construction activities will be managed safely on and around the site. Some authorities may instead request a Construction Traffic Management Plan or require both documents. We can advise on the most appropriate approach for your development.
Can you prepare a Construction Method Statement to discharge a planning condition?
Yes. We regularly prepare Construction Method Statements specifically to satisfy planning conditions attached to planning permissions.
How long does it take?
Most Construction Method Statements can be prepared within a few working days once the planning condition and development details have been reviewed.
Can you prepare Construction Method Statements throughout the UK?
Yes. We provide Construction Method Statements for developments across Wales and England.
Related Services
Construction Method Statements often form part of a wider package of transport planning services, including:
Transport Statements
Transport Assessments
Construction Traffic Management Plans
Delivery & Servicing Plans
Swept Path Analysis
Access Design
Planning Condition Discharge
Recent Experience
We have prepared Construction Method Statements for a variety of developments, including healthcare, residential and commercial schemes where planning conditions required detailed proposals for managing construction traffic and maintaining highway safety.
You can read more about our experience in our Case Studies, including a recent project where we prepared a Construction Method Statement to support the discharge of a planning condition for the extension of an operational nursing home.
Need a Construction Method Statement?
If your planning permission includes a condition requiring a Construction Method Statement, we'd be pleased to help.
We'll prepare a clear, practical document tailored to your development, helping satisfy the Local Planning Authority's requirements and keeping your project moving towards construction.
Contact us today for an informal, no-obligation discussion about your project.