Post Planning Submission

Following the submission of the planning application the Highway Engineer is often involved in the discussions between the Local Highway Authority’s Development Control Engineer and the Local Planning Authority’s Planning Case Officer. Formal consultation responses are made by these two parties and it is the role of the Highway Engineer to examine any issues that are raised, to either address concerns or provide additional supporting information to validate the arguments that have been put forward in the Transport Assessment and Travel Plan.

Where the Transport Assessment has identified the need for off-site highway improvements or during the negotiation period these become a requirement of the Local Planning or Highway Authority, it is usual for the Highway Engineer to examine these in enough detail to be able to advise their client on the likely cost implications and deliverability of the works. This is important not only to identify budget costs which may impact on the viability of the project, but to also identify if third party land may be needed through a requirement of the Authority’s that could seriously affect the delivery of the project.

The Highway Engineer will often need to examine objections and concerns raised by local residents or other stakeholders such as local Councillors, so that responses can be provided to try and alleviate any concerns raised.

When an application is placed before the Council’s Planning Committee the Highway Engineer may be required to represent the applicant and to give a short presentation on the traffic and transportation elements of the scheme and to be available for any questions arising from the Committee debate.