With National Planning Policy Framework putting greater emphasis on sustainability, it is now critical that proposals include a range of sustainable travel options.
Supported by GIS software, we produce isochrone drawings showing accessibility via nationally recognised walk and cycle distances or local bus and rail services. These plans can prove a powerful tool when assessing the way in which enhanced sustainable accessibility can improve the sustainability of a site.
As strong advocates of public transport, we are currently working with a number of bus companies, including Arriva and Stagecoach, on evolving their services to increase the accessibility of a number of sites across the country. This included the introduction of a demand-responsive bus service, which is currently being trialed in the southeast of the country.
As part of the sustainability assessment process, we also, where appropriate, apply the process advocated by Active Travel England (ATE) in the assessment of the accessibility of development proposals. The completion of the ATE proforma allows local planning authorities to gather evidence and assess the active travel merits for a development proposal