Comment

Representation ID: 312

Received: 05/01/2010

Respondent: Highways Agency

In general, the Highways Agency is supportive of sustainable transport initiatives in preference to costly highways improvements. Contributions towards highways improvements should only be considered following a full investigation of more sustainable alternatives. It is recommended that this preference is clarified in paragraph 2.20 in the Supplementary Planning Document as this will provide clear indication to developers that sustainable initiatives represent the preferred approach to mitigating
transport impacts. It is also recommended that for large developments, planning conditions should be attached detailing infrastructure which must be in place prior to occupation of the development in order to ensure impacts are successfully mitigated.

It is not clear how funding will be directed towards local sustainable transport improvements (public transport, cycling and walking), specifically those in Policy CP3 of the Core Strategy (Adopted December 2007). It is recommended that Policy CP3 of the Core Strategy should be cross-referenced in the DPD Document. This will help to ensure that sufficient funding is available to ensure the timely implementation of the sustainable transport improvements outlined in the Core Strategy.