Latest news about our work, and industry insights

Richard Fitter was pleased to be invited last night, at the Institute of Highway Engineers' annual general meeting, to become a Nominated Member of their Council. The IHE's Council sets the policy agenda for the Institute and takes an active role in determining its direction.

More information about the IHE can be found here: https://www.theihe.org/

A group of professional bodies, charities and other organisations involved in the planning and delivery of sustainable development have written a joint letter to government ministers outlining improvements needed to the National Planning Policy Framework.

 The group outlines vital changes that would improve the pace at which development proposals clear the planning process and result in high-quality, genuinely sustainable development. These include:

1.     The need for the NPPF to provide clear criteria for the siting of development – limiting a number of the objections that are made to  development proposals on transport and environmental grounds

2.     Making the accessibility of a development location by a range of sustainable transport options a key factor in determining a developments suitability

3.     Involving transport authorities and operators throughout the planning process, making transport provision part of the solution rather than a hurdle to be overcome.

4.     The site layout for developments should make appropriate provision for buses, cycling and walking – reducing car dependency carries the added benefit of reducing the traffic impact of new development on existing infrastructure

A full version of the letter is available her: http://www.ciht.org.uk/en/media-centre/consultations/previous-consultations.cfm

Richard Fitter joined forces with Steve Butler and Callum Barnes from Sol Environment this weekend to cycle the route of the oldest one day classic cycle race in Belgium. Steve and Callum completed the full 270km route (with 5200m of climbing) and Richard completed the 156km 'medium' route with its 2700m of ascent. The group then watched the pros race the same route on Sunday to see how it should be done. Chapeau!

After 12 years of discussion, negotiation and consultation, the Harrison Trust received a resolution to grant planning permission last night for their Medina Yard project in Cowes (Isle of Wight). The regeneration project will deliver over 500 new homes, a high quality marine employment area, marine training facilities, a home for the Marine Heritage Museum as well as office, retail and food and drink facilities. The scheme will include new public squares, riverside walkway and a new public slipway; it will also secure the future of the Grade II listed Hamerhead Crane. Entran prepared the complex Transport Assessment and Travel Plan and will now work with Isle of Wight Council on the detailed construction management plan and improvements to local bus and cycle infrastructure.

Rob Williams and Richard Fitter were please to be asked to deliver a guest lecture to a group of second year students at the University of Bath last week. Their lecture on the role Transport Planning in the development industry formed part of a wider Engineering module for students in the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

Last night Lambeth Council planning committee approved Mount Anvil's application for Keybridge School. This comprises Phase 2 of their Keybridge House scheme and will deliver a 4FE primary school at basement, ground and first floor level with 125 new dwellings above.