Planning Applications for Minor and Major developments
Local authorities are obliged to consult Transport Scotland, the trunk road authority, when they receive planning applications for any development that lies within 67 metres of the trunk road or where there may be any impact on traffic using the trunk road network. Transport Scotland also encourage pre-application discussions with developers, consultants and local authorities with a view to defining and resolving possible problems at an early stage. This development management process and the mitigation issues cover a wide spectrum.
Minor applications are generally of the nature where they require our assessment on the basis of the technical requirements for access to the site e.g. sight lines, form of junction etc.
When major applications are put forward more factors need to be considered. They are required to be submitted with a Transportation Assessment (TA) and be supported by a Travel Plan (TP). In certain specific circumstances applications of this scale may seek to justify a new access to the strategic trunk road network, but this is contrary to the general network management policy since the primary function of the trunk road is to serve the needs of strategic traffic.
Transport Assessment
The developer will generally be required, particularly with regard to major developments, to undertake a transportation assessment. This should be prepared in accordance with the Scottish Government's publication "Guide to Transport Assessment in Scotland". This assessment should identify the accessibility of the proposed development site by all modes and determine what, if any, mitigation is required. It is likely that any requirements for mitigation will be dealt with by either the use of planning conditions on any consent granted, or legal agreement (possibly a Section 75).
The major applications that Transport Scotland is currently considering are available on our website and can be viewed by local authority/ national park areas.
The standards that are required for trunk roads are contained in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). Where possible it will be expected that applications will meet or surpass these standards.
Where a new access may be considered the developer will be expected to undertake an appropriate level of appraisal to enable Transport Scotland to take a fully informed view on the justification, or otherwise, of such a strategy.
When it is considered that forthcoming development proposals may produce problems on parts of the trunk road network we support and advise local authorities in the undertaking of local area studies to establish the potential impact of these proposals and, if required, how they can be resolved.
