Whitehorse Service Station Redevelopment, Baldock
Redevelopment of an Existing Petrol Filling Station
Client: J P & S Services Ltd
Location: Whitehorse Service Station, Clothall Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire
Services Provided:
Transport Statement
Highway Strategy
Swept Path Analysis
Vehicle Tracking
Access Design Review
Planning Support
Project Overview
DW Transportation was appointed to provide transport planning and highway advice in support of the redevelopment of the Whitehorse Service Station in Baldock.
The proposals included the comprehensive redevelopment and modernisation of the existing petrol filling station, incorporating a larger retail building, revised forecourt layout, electric vehicle charging facilities, car wash, cycle parking and wider public realm improvements.
Located on the A507 Clothall Road, the constrained nature of the site meant that careful consideration needed to be given to vehicle circulation, servicing arrangements and highway safety.
The Challenge
As the planning application progressed, Hertfordshire County Council Highways raised a number of concerns regarding the operation of the proposed development.
These included the efficiency of the forecourt layout, vehicle manoeuvring, pedestrian safety, visibility at the site access, servicing arrangements and compliance with current highway design guidance. The Highway Authority also sought further evidence to demonstrate that larger vehicles, including fuel tankers, could safely access and manoeuvre within the site.
Addressing these concerns required close collaboration between the project team and the Highway Authority throughout the planning process.
Our Approach
DW Transportation acted as lead transport consultant throughout the application, working closely with the design team to develop practical solutions that responded directly to the Highway Authority's concerns.
A comprehensive Transport Statement was prepared to assess the transport implications of the redevelopment, including highway safety, traffic generation, parking provision, servicing arrangements and opportunities for sustainable travel.
Detailed swept path analysis and vehicle tracking assessments were undertaken using a range of design vehicles, including passenger cars, delivery vans and fuel tankers. These assessments demonstrated that the revised forecourt layout could safely accommodate both customer traffic and servicing vehicles without compromising operational efficiency.
Working alongside the wider consultant team, we also helped refine the site access and forecourt layout. Improvements included enhanced visibility, revised access geometry, wider footways, upgraded crossing facilities and improved pedestrian routes through the site.
As the planning application evolved, we prepared a series of technical responses addressing the Highway Authority's comments, providing additional evidence where required and working proactively to resolve outstanding issues.
The Outcome
Following submission of the revised transport information, updated vehicle tracking assessments and amended access proposals, Hertfordshire County Council Highways withdrew its holding objection and confirmed that it had no objection to the development.
The Authority accepted that the revised design significantly improved vehicle circulation, pedestrian safety and visibility, while demonstrating that servicing and manoeuvring could be accommodated safely within the constraints of the site.
The planning application was subsequently recommended for approval.
Project Highlights
Highway objection successfully resolved.
Revised access strategy accepted by the Highway Authority.
Safe operation demonstrated through detailed swept path analysis.
Pedestrian safety improved across the forecourt.
Existing petrol filling station successfully modernised to accommodate EV charging and enhanced customer facilities.
Technical support provided throughout the planning process.
How DW Transportation Added Value
Projects involving existing petrol filling stations and roadside developments often present unique transport planning challenges. Limited space, operational constraints and Highway Authority concerns require practical solutions supported by robust technical evidence.
At Whitehorse Service Station, DW Transportation worked collaboratively with the wider design team to resolve complex highway issues, enabling the redevelopment proposals to progress successfully through the planning process.