Policy information sourced from the Braintree District Council Local Plan 2013-2033.
LPP 42: Sustainable Transport.
Sustainable modes of transport should be facilitated through new developments to promote accessibility and integration into the wider community and existing networks.
Priority should be given to cycle and pedestrian movements and access to public transport.
Development proposals should provide appropriate provision for all the following transport modes:
- Pedestrians (including disabled persons and those with impaired mobility), through safe, accessible, direct and convenient design and layout of routes within the new development and wider pedestrian network. Safeguarding existing Public Rights of Way and promoting enhancements to the network, where appropriate, to offer multi-user routes for walking, cycling and other recreational opportunities such as horse riding;
- Cyclists, through safe design and layout of routes integrated into the new development and contributing towards the development and enhancement of the cycle network and provision of secure cycle parking and where appropriate, changing and shower facilities;
- Public transport, through measures that will improve and support public transport and provide new public transport routes;
- Community transport, through measures that will promote car pools, car sharing and voluntary community buses, community services and cycle schemes;
- Servicing, refuse and emergency vehicles where viable and practical;
- Facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles will be provided at all new residential properties.
Development will be required to be consistent with and contribute to the implementation of the ‘Essex Transport Strategy’ Local Transport Plan for Essex or its successors.
Developers may be required to produce Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements as considered appropriate by the Local Planning Authority. The Essex County Council Transportation Development Management Policies provide further detail on requirements relating to accessibility and access including Transport Assessment and Statement thresholds for each land use category.
Highway works (S.278) and/or financial contributions (S.106) from development proposals will be sought, where appropriate and viable, towards achieving the above objectives including the construction of new or improvements to the existing PROW network and/or off-site cycleway and footpaths, and additional off-site public car parking, if required.
Development which would adversely affect the character of, or result in loss of existing or proposed rights of way, will not be permitted unless alternative provision or diversions can be arranged which are at least as attractive, safe and convenient for public use. This will apply to rights of way for pedestrian, cyclist or horse rider use.
Improvements to such rights will be sought in association with new development to enable new or improved links to be created within the settlement, between settlements and/or providing access to the countryside or green infrastructure sites.
For more information, including links to the referenced policies, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.