Response from Mrs Lindsay Alder, Highways England
1. Mrs Lindsay Alder, Highways England : 14 Jul 2017 12:34:00
A typed or handwritten document was submitted. This has been scanned and can be downloaded below:
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DM1 General Requirements
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Mouchel have reviewed the proposed alterations to the South Lakeland Draft Development Management Policies DPD, as published for consultation in June 2017 on behalf of Highways England
While the amendments are more in line with the expectations for general guidance for all developments, we continue to be of the opinion that Policy DM1: General Requirements lacks detail to sufficiently address the need for more precise local transport guidance that reflects current national guidance.
The additional detail and guidance provided within the reasoned justification is welcomed, and does provide Highways England with some comfort regarding cumulative impact assessment—which is a key consideration for the SRN—yet should also be considered as the basis for providing more detail within policy requirements.
In particular, we must point out the need for the inclusion of a statement stressing the need for engagement with all stakeholders at the earliest opportunity, as following the withdrawal of assessment thresholds it has become even more essential to ensure assessment requirements are adequately scoped beforehand.
While these policies do not necessarily have immediate and explicit implications for the operation and safety of the SRN, Highways England’s key guidance document, The Strategic Road Network: Planning for the future (2015), sets out in paragraph 78 that:
“When we are formally consulted upon local plan documents we will seek to provide a recommendation as to the soundness of proposed policies and proposals in relation to their interaction with the SRN”
Paragraph 79 then sets out those matters which highways England are likely to have particular regard to, which includes:
“The sustainability of policies, specifically in relation to potential impacts on and around the SRN.”
Ensuring the promotion of sustainable transport, and sustainable development in general, throughout the planning process will have long-lasting and tangible benefits for the SRN, reducing the need to travel long distances for everyday purposes via private vehicle.
It is hoped this requirement for extra wording can be provided however please feel free to contact any of the above or the report provided.
[SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT]
