What Happens If the Highway Authority Objects to My Planning Application?
Receiving an objection from the Local Highway Authority can be worrying.
Many developers assume that a highway objection automatically means their planning application will be refused. Fortunately, that isn't always the case.
In many instances, highway concerns can be addressed through additional information, revised drawings or changes to the proposed development.
This guide explains what a highway objection means, why objections are raised and the steps that can often be taken to resolve them.
What is the Local Highway Authority?
The Local Highway Authority is responsible for managing and maintaining the public highway network.
As part of the planning process, the Local Planning Authority will usually consult the Highway Authority to assess whether a proposed development is acceptable from a transport and highway perspective.
The Highway Authority will review matters such as:
Highway safety
Vehicle access
Parking provision
Traffic generation
Pedestrian and cycle access
Servicing arrangements
Visibility
Impact on the surrounding road network
Following its review, the Highway Authority will normally recommend either approval, approval subject to conditions or objection.
Does a highway objection mean planning permission will be refused?
No.
The Highway Authority is an important statutory consultee, but it does not make the planning decision.
The final decision rests with the Local Planning Authority, which will consider all planning matters before determining the application.
However, highway objections are taken seriously, and it is generally advisable to resolve them wherever possible.
Why do Highway Authorities object?
Every development is different, but highway objections commonly relate to one or more of the following issues.
Highway safety
The Highway Authority may conclude that the proposed access or internal layout could create an unacceptable risk for road users.
Visibility
Insufficient visibility for drivers entering or leaving the site is one of the most common concerns.
Parking
The proposed parking provision may be considered inadequate or poorly designed, potentially leading to overspill parking on surrounding roads.
Traffic impact
The Highway Authority may require further evidence to demonstrate that the surrounding road network can accommodate the additional traffic generated by the development.
Servicing and manoeuvring
Large vehicles such as delivery lorries or refuse vehicles must be able to safely enter, manoeuvre within and leave the site.
Insufficient information
Occasionally, an objection is raised simply because insufficient technical information has been submitted to allow a proper assessment.
Can highway objections be resolved?
Often, yes.
Many objections are addressed through relatively straightforward revisions or by providing additional technical information.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve:
Preparing a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment.
Revising the site layout.
Demonstrating adequate visibility.
Undertaking vehicle tracking.
Providing parking surveys.
Preparing a Travel Plan.
Designing highway improvements.
Providing additional traffic analysis.
The appropriate response will depend on the issues raised by the Highway Authority.
Should I appeal immediately?
Not necessarily.
In many cases, it is more productive to understand exactly why the objection has been raised before deciding on the next course of action.
A review by an experienced transport planning consultant can often identify whether the concerns are capable of being addressed through additional information or revised proposals.
Resolving highway concerns during the application process is often quicker and more cost-effective than pursuing an appeal.
Can I discuss the objection with the Highway Authority?
Yes.
Constructive discussions between the applicant, their transport consultant and the Highway Authority often help clarify the issues and identify a practical solution.
Many Highway Authorities welcome early engagement, particularly where revised drawings or additional technical information are being prepared.
What should I do if I receive a highway objection?
The first step is to carefully review the reasons for the objection.
Understanding whether the concerns relate to highway safety, parking, visibility, traffic generation or another issue will help determine the most appropriate response.
Avoid making assumptions or revising drawings without understanding the technical basis of the comments.
Seeking professional advice at this stage can often save considerable time later in the planning process.
How DW Transportation can help
DW Transportation regularly assists developers, architects and planning consultants in responding to highway consultation responses across South Wales and throughout the UK.
We can review the Highway Authority's comments, identify the key issues and recommend a proportionate response tailored to your development.
Our services include:
Reviewing highway objections
Preparing technical responses
Transport Statements and Transport Assessments
Highway access advice
Visibility assessments
Parking assessments
Swept Path Analysis
Highway Authority liaison
Our aim is to resolve highway concerns wherever possible and help planning applications progress successfully.
Need advice?
If you've received a highway objection and are unsure how to respond, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Early advice can often identify practical solutions and help avoid unnecessary delays to the planning process.
Contact DW Transportation today for an informal discussion about your development.
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 responses to Local Highway Authority consultation comments across South Wales and the UK.