Planning applications

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 Control and we will try to help.

Request for pre-application advice [87.8 KB] [docx]

Pre-application advice guide and charging schedule - from April 2023 [282.3 KB] [pdf]

Pre-application advice guide and charging schedule - from 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 [2.4 MB] [xlsm]

Map of East Sussex wards [1.1 MB] [pdf]

Transport Modelling

For some of the major towns in East Sussex we have developed transport models for many areas of East Sussex. These models can be used to assess the transport impact of new development proposals.

Access to transport models [341.0 KB] [pdf]

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]

Contact us

For any further information please contact:

Transport Development Control