Department For Transport
Video
This video will help developers and promoters to submit high-quality planning applications for HGV parking facilities.
Following the steps set out in the video will help you better understand and navigate the planning process.
This is part of a programme of work to improve HGV parking and driver welfare facilities, as part of the governments 33 actions to reduce the driver shortage.
Applying for planning permission to develop new lorry parks and driver welfare facilities
Transcript of video
This section contains a copy of the words from the video. This is also available as a PDF file at the bottom of this page.
Introduction
Our nations HGV drivers keep industry going and goods on the move. Its really important that they have somewhere to rest and recover before carrying on their journeys.
The Department for Transport is encouraging HGV parking and driver facility operators to develop new and improved sites for drivers.
In this video well provide you with guidance on how to make a successful planning application, from the pre-planning stage all the way to submission. We will also look at who can help you and what issues may come up along the way.
You can use the timestamps along the bottom of this video to skip ahead or go back to relevant sections.
Safe driving takes skill and concentration, and the law requires drivers to take regular breaks.
HGV drivers deserve a safe place to park:
- on level ground
- in well-marked bays
- with good lighting
- and with appropriate security measures in place
They also deserve high quality facilities including:
- a warm welcome
- clean toilet and washing facilities
- something good to eat
- reliable wifi
Truck stops, service areas and lorry parks can all provide parking and hospitality for HGV drivers.
We want you to feel confident when going through the planning process and applying for planning permission to develop these essential facilities.
Who will be involved?
Throughout the planning process you will need to engage with different people and bodies, lets take a quick look at who they will be.
First is the local planning authority. Local planning authorities are responsible for processing and ultimately determining your application based on policies in their development plan and the evidence you provide. In 2-tier council areas (where you have a County Council and a District Council) the relevant local planning authority is part of the District Council. However, you can always check who your local planning authority is via the GOV.UK website
Next, a case officer will be assigned to handle and assess your application. They are your main point of contact within the local planning authority.
Also, planning consultants have specialist knowledge and will be able to help you iron out the finer details of your planning application.
There are also local people, this might include local councillors who sit on the planning committee. Its important to engage with local people to get a feel of what is important at ground level.
Next, we have statutory consultees. These are organisations or bodies which local planning authorities are legally required to consult with before making a decision on a planning application. This can include bodies like National Highways and the Environment Agency.
Finally, we have the local highways authority. They are the body responsible for the maintenance of public roads and the safety and free flow of traffic. They are consulted on any planning applications that impact the local highways network. In 2-tier council areas they sit at the county level.
What makes a good planning application?
So, now lets consider the ingredients that make up a successful planning application.
Before you begin, you should consider whether you or your organisation have the skills, experience and expertise needed to fully engage with the planning process.
You shouldnt underestimate the value that can be added to the planning process by working with the right people with the right skills who can manage the process for you.
Because of this, you might want to consider using a planning consultancy or other specialist professionals to help with your application.
Early engagement with these consultancies is key to making sure the planning process runs smoothly.
The Royal Town Planning Institute has a directory of planning consultants which you may find helpful in selecting a consultant that meets your needs.
Make sure you only engage with a consultant who you are confident has the right knowledge and a proven track record of delivering successful applications.
What matters most is having the relevant experience and access to specialist advice.
Planning issues
Secondly, it is important to say that successfully engaging with the planning process doesnt just start when you submit your planning application and pay the fees.
You should be thinking about planning issues and their potential solutions at the earliest possible stages of your development and this can even be at the point you select a site to develop.
When thinking about possible sites to develop, it is essential that you consider any, and all, site constraints that may have an impact on a future application, this can include:
- any site contamination
- current or previous uses of the site
- local planning controls and any relevant development plan policies for example, is the site in the green belt?
- you should also consider the sites planning history
- any historic or environmental protections for example are there any listed buildings or protected trees?
- you will also need to consider current access arrangements to the site is it directly accessible, or does it require access over third party land?
Carrying out these checks can also highlight if you need any additional expertise to support your application.
Its important to check the development plan for the area and familiarise yourself with relevant planning policies that may be material to your application. This is essential, as planning law requires decisions on planning applications must be taken in accordance with the development plan unless there are material considerations that indicate otherwise. Developments that run contrary to the development plan carry a higher risk of refusal.
Pre-application planning
Where possible, engage with the local planning authority early. This can greatly assist in helping you assess site constraints or other issues that might affect it.
Even if you cannot directly engage with planning officers, local planning authority websites have a wealth of information that can help you to identify the right sites for development that have the best chances of securing planning permission.
The success of many development proposals relies on thorough and positive collaboration with your local planning authority.
Early engagement is essential and the path to planning permission starts with good pre-application advice.
It is never too early to touch base with the local planning authority and keeping in regular contact is advised as youre unlikely to get all the information you need in one letter, email or meeting.
There are a number of ways you can engage with the local planning authority.
This can range from informal contact via correspondence, or in-person meetings as you begin to develop your application through to more formal channels like applying for pre-application advice when your application is at a more mature stage.
Some local planning authorities charge for their pre-application advice, so always check what pre-application services they offer and factor any costs and time into your development programme. The feedback you receive from them will be critical in helping you through the planning process.
It may also prompt a process of engagement with communities and other bodies to resolve local issues as part of the design process.
You may also want to consider talking with other statutory bodies like National Highways or the Environment Agency there might be other site constraints affecting the site that these bodies need to examine.
Application documents
As you prepare to submit your application, it is essential that you gather together all of the information you need to support it. You (or your consultant) will need to check with the local planning authority for a full list of information required. This will certainly include:
- completed application forms
- payment of the correct fee
- plans and drawings
- ownership certificate and agricultural land declaration
- a design and access statement
And there may be specific requirements in relation to applications that are subject to:
- environmental impact assessments
- tree or ecological surveys
- transport assessments
- and flood ri