Five Common Highways Reasons Planning Applications Are Refused (And How to Avoid Them)
One of the most frustrating outcomes for any developer is receiving a planning refusal after months of work and expense.
Whilst planning decisions consider many issues, transport and highway matters are often a key reason why applications are delayed or refused.
The good news is that many of these issues can be identified and addressed at an early stage.
In this guide, we look at five of the most common highway concerns raised by Local Highway Authorities and explain how they can often be avoided.
1. Unsafe Site Access
One of the first things a Highway Authority will consider is whether vehicles can enter and leave the site safely.
Potential concerns include:
Poor visibility
Steep access gradients
Conflict with pedestrians
Proximity to junctions
Restricted manoeuvring space
If the proposed access cannot operate safely, planning permission may be refused unless suitable improvements can be provided.
How to avoid it
Assess access arrangements early in the design process. Small changes to the site layout can often resolve issues before an application is submitted.
2. Inadequate Visibility
Drivers leaving a development must be able to see approaching traffic.
Where visibility splays are restricted by walls, fences, vegetation or parked vehicles, the Highway Authority may conclude that the access presents an unacceptable safety risk.
How to avoid it
Carry out visibility assessments at an early stage and ensure sufficient land is available to achieve the required visibility splays.
3. Insufficient Parking
Parking provision continues to be one of the most common highway issues raised during the planning process.
Too little parking may result in overspill parking on surrounding roads, whilst excessive parking may conflict with local planning policies promoting sustainable travel.
How to avoid it
Understand the Local Planning Authority's parking standards and demonstrate that parking provision is appropriate for the proposed development.
4. Poor Internal Layout
Even where access is acceptable, the internal layout must allow vehicles to manoeuvre safely.
Common issues include:
Vehicles reversing onto the public highway
Refuse vehicles unable to turn
Delivery vehicles blocking parking spaces
Emergency vehicle access
Conflict between vehicles and pedestrians
How to avoid it
Vehicle tracking software can demonstrate that the site operates safely before construction begins.
5. Failure to Demonstrate the Transport Impact
Sometimes developments are refused simply because insufficient transport information has been provided.
Without adequate evidence, the Highway Authority may be unable to conclude that the proposal is acceptable.
How to avoid it
Obtain transport planning advice early and prepare proportionate supporting information, whether this is a Transport Statement, Transport Assessment or another technical report.
Early Advice Saves Time
Many highway issues can be resolved during the design stage, long before a planning application is submitted.
Small adjustments to access arrangements, parking layouts or highway design are often significantly easier and less expensive to make before drawings are finalised.
Seeking advice early can help reduce delays, avoid unnecessary redesign work and improve the likelihood of obtaining planning permission.
How DW Transportation Can Help
DW Transportation advises developers, architects and planning consultants on highway and transport matters throughout South Wales and across the UK.
We regularly assist clients in identifying potential highway issues before planning applications are submitted, helping to reduce delays and support successful planning outcomes.
Our services include:
Transport Statements
Transport Assessments
Highway access design
Visibility assessments
Swept Path Analysis
Parking assessments
Section 278 advice
Highway Authority liaison
Need Advice?
If you're preparing a planning application and would like to identify potential highway issues before submission, we'd be pleased to discuss your project.
Early transport planning advice can often save time, reduce costs and improve the chances of securing planning permission.
Contact DW Transportation today for an informal discussion.
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, highway design and planning applications across South Wales and the UK.