Transport development control

When a new development is planned, we make sure that any impact on the road network is taken into account.

We consider access to local facilities such as shops and schools and the possible effects of a development on road safety and congestion. We then decide whether improvements to the transport network are needed.

The planning applications we consider are:

  • County Council applications – proposed waste and minerals sites and alterations to council buildings and schools
  • Local Planning Authority (LPA) applications from East Sussex district and borough councils – including residential, retail and office developments and new access roads that lead to A, B or C classified roads.

Local Planning Authority applications

As the county highway authority, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) consult us on planning applications where there is a road or transport element. We advise LPAs on these applications, who then decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.

The types of LPA applications we should be consulted on are:

  • residential developments (on classified roads) where a new access road or significant increase in traffic is proposed
  • residential developments (on unclassified roads) of more than five units
  • industrial developments of more than 200 square metres
  • food retail developments of more than 30 square metres
  • other retail developments of more than 50 square metres
  • other types of development involving more than 35 daily vehicle trips.

We also hold information about highway land and carry out land charge searches for property or land purchases.

For further information or to arrange a personal search, contact the Highway Land Information Team.

Transport assessments, statements and reports

When new developments are planned, the possible impact of transport must be taken into account.

Guidance on carrying out transport reviews in support of planning applications is provided in our document Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Transport Reports.

Trip Rate Information Computer System (TRICS)

TRICS is a national database of trip information that we recommend to developers compiling transport data.

Find out more from the TRICS website.

Travel plans and new developments

When new developments are planned, it is vital to consider accessibility to local facilities and services, such as schools and shops. Travel plans aim to encourage walking and cycling use of public transport.

Information on how travel plans should be included as part of the planning process and how we monitor and enforce them:

Parking standards

Our parking standards are set out in the supplementary planning guidance Parking standards at development.

Legal agreements

We use three standard types of agreements:

  • Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. These agreements are used to get financial contributions and off site improvement works as part of planning consent.
  • Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980. These agreements are used to allow developers to carry out work on the public highway following planning consent. See application form, below.
  • Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980. These agreements are used to get new residential estate roads adopted following planning consent. See application form, below

Form – Application to enter into an Agreement – Section 38/278 of the Highways Act 1980.

Road design and construction standards

Design guidelines

Our guidelines for residential and industrial roads are contained in:

All new road and highway works must comply with our:

Manual for Streets

For government guidance on planning and design of road layouts, see in 'Manual for Streets (MfS'). This guidance applies to existing and redesigned roads in built up areas.

For roads with higher speed limits and volume of traffic – usually trunk roads and motorways, guidance is available in 'Design Manual for Roads and Bridges'.

Other national guidance includes:

Construction specifications

As part of our technical approval process, all developers must also complete a:

Further information

To find out more, contact the Transport Development Control team.