Latest news about our work, and industry insights

Just received an excellent appeal decision [APP/X1925/W/16/3156092]. Permission was granted by PINS for a single dwelling that had been refused by North Herts DC. On every subject the Inspector took a thoroughly pragmatic approach. On the transport matters the general tone was "This isn't a new housing estate this is a historic setting so design 'guidance' should be treated as such and  a common sense approach should be taken'. Excellent decision.

British Cycling, the AA and a number of pedestrian groups are lobbying for the introduction of a universal rule to give way when turning at junctions, to make them simpler and safer for people driving, cycling and walking.

Whether driving, cycling or walking, negotiating a junction is the most hazardous manoeuvre you make on the road. Two-thirds of all collisions take place at junctions. This increases to three-quarters of all cycling collisions.

British Cycling say the Highway Code rules on junctions are confusing and create unnecessary risks for people using them. So they are calling for a universal rule that when turning at a junction, you always give way to people going ahead or crossing that junction, including people cycling and walking. They say this would make them simpler, safer and more efficient for everyone.

The new rule would consolidate and clarify existing rules. This type of universal rule has already been shown to be effective at increasing road safety for people walking and cycling in other countries.

More information and details of their petition can be found here:

https://takeaction.britishcycling.org.uk

The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has outlined the road improvement schemes making up the £1.3 billion made available in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week.

This includes:

• £925 million to tackle congestion and provide upgrades on local roads
• £175 million to improve the 50 most dangerous roads in the country
• £220 million to Highways England to combat congestion
• £27 million for the Cambridge to Oxford expressway
• 6 local major schemes to better journeys

In addition, the Transport Secretary:

• awarded £50 million to build the Lincoln Eastern Bypass
• announced development of 6 further local major schemes
• allocated £70 million for 2017 to 2018 to fix potholes

A full breakdown of funding can be found here

North Herts DC voted unanimously this evening to grant planning permission for 70 houses and apartments at Odyssey Health and Racquet Club near Stevenage. Previous applications on this site were refused on grounds that the new access would cause harm to the green belt. Entran designed a new access for the current scheme and provided transport and environmental consultancy services in support of the successful application.

Last night Reading Borough Council granted planning permission for a car-free residential conversion of two former Gas Works buildings on the water front in Reading. The scheme was designed by E3 Design. Entran prepared a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan for this complex site and secured positive recommendations from the planning and highway authorities for town centre flats with no dedicated parking facilities.

Northamptonshire County Council granted planning permisison today for a new Energy Recovery Facility and Materials Recovery Plant at Corby. Entran provided Environmental and Transportation consultancy advice for this complex advanced thermal treatment facility on behalf of Clean Power Properties.