From June, custom build developers delivering large sites will now need to add Active Travel England (ATE) to their list of statutory consultees as part of the planning process.
The new government agency is now a formal consultee on any site delivering 150 or more housing units and is expected to consider applications for up to 60 per cent of England’s annual consents.
While this won’t affect the majority of SME housebuilders working in custom and self build, there will be sites that fall under its remit.
Active Travel England is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, with a concern for ensuring active travel design is included in all large developments.
As such, walking, wheeling and cycling connectivity to schools and local amenities will be evaluated in the effort to get resident fitter and reduce emissions.
Active travel commissioner Chris Boardman said: “Designing activity back into our neighbourhoods and creating places where children have transport independence is achievable – it just needs smart planning.
“As a statutory consulted, ATE will work with planning authorities and developers to help them ensure new estates give people what they need to get fresh air and exercise, save money on petrol and help fight climate change.”
The Department for Transport added in a statement: “While ATE will be consulted on developments at and above its thresholds, it will not have any statutory powers to direct the outcome of planning applications. Active Travel England has been working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to ensure its thresholds as a statutory consultee are set at an appropriate level.”
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
