Planning Applications for Minor and Major developments
Local authorities are obliged to consult 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. Network Management Division also encourages 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). Commonly applications of this scale will 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.
Where a new access may be considered the developer will be expected to provide in addition to the TA and TP a Development Appraisal which is intended to address the policy objection to new trunk road access and a STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance) submission which is intended to address a wide range of transport option solutions.
In terms of managing future demand for the network it is important that we establish a long term view. In this regard there is in place a process for discussing with local authorities their long term development aspirations within the Development Plan process. We also encourage local authorities to undertake the appropriate transport/traffic modelling exercises.
When it is considered that forthcoming development proposals may produce problems for already congested parts of the trunk road network we carry out local area studies to establish how these potential problems can be resolved. Currently we are undertaking local area studies at Sheriffhall on the Edinburgh City Bypass and the Swallow roundabout on the A90 at Dundee.
