Overview
JNP Group contributed transport planning expertise to a hybrid planning application proposing the development of 186 residential dwellings and 1.15ha of community land. The project required that transport infrastructure and access design met the needs of the development and local standards while minimising vehicular impacts on the surrounding highway network. This was achieved through scheme design that ensured excellent non-vehicular trip accessibility and Travel Planning.
Project Solutions
To address the project’s challenges and requirements, JNP Group engaged in productive pre-application discussions with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to establish the scope of the Transport Assessment. Traffic surveys and junction modelling were carried out to evaluate the capacity of four key junctions in the surrounding highway network. This informed the preparation of a comprehensive Transport Assessment, which analysed vehicle trip impacts and proposed mitigation strategies. Detailed access design, including visibility splays and off-site improvements such as footway widening, ensured safe and convenient connectivity for all users. Internal site layout reviews and design advice further supported compliance with user and vehicular requirements, incorporating fire tender hose distance analysis and refuse vehicle path analysis. Additionally, a Travel Plan was developed to encourage sustainable travel behaviours among future residents of the development.
Summary
JNP Group’s contributions ensured the successful integration of transport infrastructure into the proposed development, addressing both vehicular and non-motorised needs. Our team’s comprehensive approach to planning and design led to the approval of both the residential application and a related Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) application at Haresfoot Farm.
Gallery
Project Value: £0.5m
Client: Taylor Wimpey North Thames
Services Provided
- Transport Assessment and Travel Plan preparation.
- Access design and off-site highway mitigation design work.
- Liaison with the Local Highway Authority during pre-application discussions.
- Junction modelling and traffic survey commissioning.
- Participation in public consultation events.
- Support for the associated SANG application, including access and car park design and a Transport Statement.
Challenges
- Inconsistent footway accessibility between the development site and local amenities.
- Initial community opposition on highway grounds and the impact on the local area.
- Constrained road widths and curvature near the SANG site, impacting visibility splays.
Solutions
- Designed localised footway widening to ensure a consistent 2m width for safe pedestrian access.
- Engaged with the local community at a public consultation event to address concerns and share proposals.
- Conducted an ATC survey along the SANG access road to ensure accurate visibility splays and safe design solutions.
