Transport Statements

Helping You Secure Planning Permission with Clear, Practical Transport Advice

Whether you're building a new home, extending commercial premises or promoting a larger development, transport is often one of the key considerations during the planning process.

A well-prepared Transport Statement helps demonstrate that a development can be safely accessed, appropriately serviced and accommodated by the surrounding highway network without creating unacceptable impacts. More importantly, it gives planning officers and Highway Authorities confidence that transport matters have been properly considered from the outset.

At DW Transportation, we prepare clear, proportionate and evidence-based Transport Statements for developments across Wales and England. Every report is tailored to the individual site, the proposed development and the requirements of the Local Highway Authority, providing practical advice that supports planning applications rather than simply describing existing conditions.

What is a Transport Statement?

A Transport Statement is a transport planning document submitted in support of a planning application. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the transport implications of a proposed development are acceptable and that safe access can be achieved for all users.

Unlike a Transport Assessment, which is generally required for larger or more complex developments, a Transport Statement provides a proportionate assessment where the expected transport impacts are relatively modest. The emphasis is on providing enough evidence to satisfy the Local Planning Authority without undertaking unnecessary analysis.

Although every development is different, a typical Transport Statement considers how vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will access the site, whether sufficient parking is available, how deliveries will be accommodated and whether the surrounding highway network can safely accommodate the additional traffic generated by the proposal.

When is a Transport Statement Required?

There is no single rule that determines when a Transport Statement is required. The decision usually depends on the scale of the development, its location and the potential impact on the surrounding transport network.

Transport Statements commonly support planning applications for residential developments, retail schemes, restaurants, care homes, petrol filling stations, commercial premises and changes of use. In many cases, the requirement is identified during pre-application discussions, although Highway Authorities may also request one once a planning application has been submitted.

If you're unsure whether your development requires a Transport Statement or a more detailed Transport Assessment, we're happy to provide straightforward advice before any work is commissioned.

What Does a Transport Statement Cover?

No two developments are the same, which means no two Transport Statements should be identical.

We tailor every report to the specific characteristics of the site and the issues most likely to concern the Local Highway Authority. Depending on the nature of the proposal, this may include an assessment of the surrounding highway network, sustainable accessibility, parking provision, vehicle access arrangements, trip generation, road safety, servicing arrangements and planning policy. Where necessary, we also undertake vehicle tracking, swept path analysis and review traffic survey data.

Our aim is always the same: to provide a report that is proportionate, easy to understand and focused on the issues that matter most to the planning decision.

Transport Statement or Transport Assessment?

This is one of the questions we're asked most often.

A Transport Statement is generally appropriate where the anticipated transport impacts of a development are relatively limited. Larger developments, or those likely to generate significant levels of traffic, often require a more detailed Transport Assessment.

The distinction isn't always straightforward, and requirements can vary between Local Planning Authorities. If you're uncertain which document your project requires, we can advise at an early stage, helping you avoid unnecessary cost or delays.

Our Approach

Preparing a Transport Statement is about far more than producing a report.

Our role is to understand your development, identify potential highway issues before they become planning objections and present a clear, evidence-based case that demonstrates why the proposal is acceptable.

We work closely with developers, architects and planning consultants throughout the planning process, providing practical advice that reflects both national guidance and local planning policy. Where issues are identified, we look for sensible solutions that support the development rather than simply describing the problem.

Because DW Transportation is an independent consultancy, you'll deal directly with an experienced transport planner from your initial enquiry through to completion. That means consistent advice, clear communication and a personal service throughout your project.

Experience Across a Wide Range of Developments

Our Transport Statements have supported planning applications for developments ranging from individual dwellings through to commercial and mixed-use schemes across Wales and England.

We have experience advising on residential developments, convenience stores, petrol filling stations, drive-thru restaurants, care homes, wedding venues and commercial redevelopment projects. Every scheme brings its own challenges, but our objective remains the same: to produce clear, practical transport advice that helps move projects forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transport Statement cost?

The cost depends on the size and complexity of the development. Following an initial discussion, we'll provide a fixed-fee quotation so you know exactly what to expect.

How long does it take?

Most Transport Statements can be completed within one to three weeks, although larger or more complex developments may require additional survey work or liaison with the Local Highway Authority.

Will a Transport Statement guarantee planning permission?

No consultant can guarantee planning permission. However, a well-prepared Transport Statement can address potential highway concerns, provide robust evidence and help planning officers and Highway Authorities make informed decisions.

Do all planning applications require a Transport Statement?

No. Many smaller developments do not require any transport assessment, while larger schemes may require a Transport Assessment instead. The most appropriate approach depends on the nature of the proposal and local planning requirements.

Recent Projects

Our experience includes supporting planning applications for the redevelopment of a former ATS garage into a SPAR convenience store, assessing transport impacts for a rural wedding venue, advising on residential developments and preparing Transport Statements for a wide variety of commercial projects.

You can explore these projects in our Case Studies, where we explain the challenges our clients faced, the solutions we developed and the outcomes achieved.

Need a Transport Statement?

If you're preparing a planning application and need independent transport planning advice, we'd be delighted to discuss your project.

Whether you're at the earliest design stage or responding to comments from the Local Highway Authority, we can provide clear, practical advice to help your development move forward.

Get in touch today for an informal, no-obligation discussion about your project.