Convenience Store Development Requiring Highway Improvements and Section 278 Works

Project Overview

A proposed convenience store within the grounds of the Highlands Inn in Uckfield required comprehensive transport planning support from the earliest feasibility stage through to planning and the delivery of off-site highway works. Due to the site's location within the Ashdown Forest Zone of Influence, the Highway Authority required a full Transport Assessment supported by detailed technical analysis rather than the Transport Statement that would normally be expected for a development of this size.

The Challenge

Although the proposed food store was relatively modest in scale, it occupied a prominent position adjacent to a busy five-arm roundabout and two classified roads. The project required careful consideration of highway capacity, pedestrian access, servicing, parking, sustainable travel and vehicle circulation. The scheme also required off-site highway improvements to integrate the development safely into the existing network, together with the delivery of works under a Section 278 Agreement.

Our Approach

Working closely with the developer and East Sussex County Council from the outset, DW Transportation undertook an agreed scoping exercise before preparing a comprehensive Transport Assessment.

The work included traffic surveys, collision analysis, TRICS trip generation, ARCADY modelling of the adjacent roundabout, swept path analysis, Travel Plan measures and the design of highway mitigation. Regular dialogue with the Highway Authority helped refine the proposed layout, including parking provision, servicing arrangements, pedestrian access and the operation of the two existing site accesses.

The Outcome

The final design incorporated off-site highway improvements including a dedicated right-turn lane and pedestrian infrastructure improvements to support safe access to the development. DW Transportation remained involved beyond the planning stage, assisting with the delivery of the required Section 278 highway works and providing continuity throughout the project lifecycle.

The development has since been completed and the convenience store is now open and trading successfully. The project demonstrates how early transport planning, collaborative working with the Highway Authority and carefully designed highway improvements can help bring a development from initial concept through planning and into successful operation.

Key Services Provided

  • Transport Assessment

  • Transport Scoping Report

  • Highway Authority pre-application discussions

  • Traffic surveys

  • TRICS trip generation

  • ARCADY junction modelling

  • Collision analysis

  • Swept Path Analysis

  • Travel Plan

  • Highway improvement design

  • Section 278 support

  • Highway Authority liaison

Why This Matters

Many transport planning consultancies become involved only at planning application stage. On this project, DW Transportation supported the client from initial feasibility and project scoping through technical assessment, negotiation with the Highway Authority and ultimately the implementation of off-site highway works. This integrated approach reduced project risk, ensured continuity and helped deliver a coordinated solution from concept through to construction.