Planning applications and transport
Planning applications
When a new development is planned, we make sure that any impact on the transport network is taken into account. We consider a wide range of sustainability issues including access by all modes to local facilities, shops and schools. We assess the impact of proposals on highway capacity and the possible effects of a development on road safety. We then decide whether improvements to the transport network and/or other measures such as Travel Plans are necessary and justifiable. We undertake negotiations with developers to secure the most effective packages of mitigation and we manage the delivery of any agreed works and measures.
Representations that the County Council submits on planning applications will be made available through the relevant planning application files on the Local Planning Authority websites. See our representations on planning applications page.
Pre-Application Service
The County Council welcomes and encourages discussions with a developer before submission of a planning application to a District or Borough Council or a County Matter application to the County Council.
Please note: we know the files below might not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
If you use a screen reader or other assistive technology, please contact Transport Development Planning and we will try to help.
Request for pre-application advice [87.8 KB] [docx]
Pre-application advice guide and charging schedule - from 1st April 2024 [283.2 KB] [pdf]
Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Transport Reports
In order to accurately assess the likely impact of any planned development there are a number of documents that should be considered and submitted with a planning application:
Guidance on carrying out transport reviews in support of planning applications is provided in our Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Transport Reports document [99.5 KB] [pdf].
A Walking Cycling and Horse-riding Assessment and Review- (formerly Non-Motorised User Audit) in accordance with GG142 may also be required in support of major development proposals to identify on and off site opportunities for improved non car accessibility.
Travel Plans
When new developments are planned, it is vital to consider accessibility to local facilities and services, schools and shops. Travel plans aim to encourage walking and cycling use of public transport and the use of Travel Plans have been reinforced by the National Planning Policy Framework.
Guidance on travel plans for new development [580.5 KB] [pdf]
Parking guidance
Assessing the appropriate level and type of parking provision is a key consideration for the County Council as Highway Authority in assessing the transport impacts of development. The guidance linked below (and associated calculator for residential development) will help to ensure that the right type of all forms of parking for new development is provided and that the right balance is struck between meeting parking demand whilst exploiting the potential for sustainable travel and minimising adverse effects on highway safety.
Guidance on parking at new development [327.1 KB] [docx]
Car parking demand calculator [4.0 MB] [xlsm]
Map of East Sussex wards [3.5 MB] [pdf]
Transport Modelling
A transport model is a detailed digital replica of the complex real-world transport and land use system. It represents the numerous complex travel choices people make, their movement patterns and thus level of demand for travel, as well as the transport system network capacities. Within a model, future scenarios for population growth, land use, transport networks and travel behaviour can be built to assess the impact of these changes. An overview of transport modelling is linked below:
- What is Transport Modelling
A Countywide Transport Model (CWTM) has been developed to test future scenarios, such as the likely transport impact arising from new development proposals or the assessment of proposed changes to the transport network.
Further detail on the CWTM and the protocol for accessing the model is linked below:
- East Sussex Countywide Transport Model - Overview
- East Sussex Countywide Transport Model - Access protocol
Safety Audit Policy for Developments
This Policy sets out the County Council’s procedure for the consideration of developer proposals requiring the support of a Road Safety Audit.
Safety Audit Policy for Developments [247.0 KB] [pdf]
Trip Generation – Trics
To identify the specific impacts of a planned development we recommend that the national TRICS database is utilised when compiling transport data.
Find out more from the Trics website.
Download presentations from User Meetings and Training and Development Forum online at TRICS Publications
Refuse and Recycling Collections
The removal of refuse is an important consideration in the design and construction of a new development. Guidance for property developers in relation to refuse and recycling collections can be found below,
Good Practice Guidance for Refuse and Recycling Collections [822.6 KB] [pdf]
Minor Application Guidance
The document linked below provides Local Planning Authorities with guidance to help determine minor planning applications without the need to formally consult the highway authority (subject to the definitions and exceptions set out in the document).
- Minor Application Guidance [896.7 KB] [docx]
Contact us
For any further information please contact:
Transport Development Planning
- Telephone: 01273 482 254
- Email: Transport Development Planning
