Travel Plan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

We are updating the existing Travel Plans SPD and consulted on a draft revised document in June and July 2023.

You can read the report of consultation in the consultation documents list below.

A Travel Plan is a long-term management strategy put in place at the planning application stage to help facilitate travel by sustainable means and reduce car dependency. They are required for all developments which generate significant amounts of movement, or where the location is traffic-sensitive, including residential, businesses, schools, retail and leisure facilities.

 The current SPD dates back to November 2010 and is therefore in need of a comprehensive update, particularly in light of the council’s 2019 declaration of a Climate Emergency and ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The updated SPD proposes a number of changes including those set out below to enable the council and developers to better manage Travel Plans and Travel Plan Statements and ensure a consistent approach across North Somerset, in line with other local authorities.

• The revision of thresholds at which a Travel Plan Statement or Travel Plan is required for each type of development site.
• The introduction of two options for delivering Travel Plans – a council-led or developer-led approach.
• The revision of minimum requirements for Travel Plan measures and monitoring.
• The use of ‘Modeshift STARS’, an online platform where a Travel Plan can be stored, developed, managed and monitored over time.

Read more

The Travel Plans SPD supports Development Management Policy DM26 Travel Plans and sets out the council’s requirements for the implementation and monitoring of Travel Plans at new developments.

Benefits of the Travel Plan can include:

  • lower travel costs
  • improved health and wellbeing
  • more travel choices including opportunities for active travel
  • improved community links with reduced social isolation 
  • reduced health inequalities
  • reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality
  • reduced demand for parking
  • helping meet local, national and international climate change commitments

A more detailed report on the proposed updates to the SPD was presented to the council’s Executive Committee on 8th September 2021. You can read the Executive Report here.

Have your say!

We invite you to share your views on the proposed changes by completing our short questionnaire.

The consultation will close on Monday 1st August 2022 at midday.

Timeline

  • Opened
    20 Jun 2022 at 11:00
  • Closed
    1 Aug 2022 at 12:00
  • Response Published
    30 Sep 2022

Details

Organisational Information
Job role or team to contact for questions Transport Policy
Job title Transport Policy Officer
Contact Email transport.policy@n-somerset.gov.uk
Contact Telephone 01934 888888

Project Information
Aim of this consultation We wish to seek all views on how affected parties (this will mainly be users of the SPD (transport consultants and developers) but may also include occupiers and the wider community) would be affected by the policies and guidance contained within the draft document. Statements of support for the document are also welcome.
Close Date 01 Aug 2022 12:00
Consultation Topic
  • Business - jobs, new business or factories
  • Education and early years: including organisation of pre-school and schools, SEND, children’s centres
  • Environment: including rubbish and recycling, climate-related issues, parks and open spaces, footpaths
  • Travel and transport: including public transport, active travel, traffic calming and major projects**
Context for this consultation The effects of unsustainable travel can be clearly seen on the environment, our health and our quality of life. Towns are becoming more congested with increased concerns about levels of car traffic.
The transport sector, at 42%, is the largest single source of carbon emissions in North Somerset. This is considerably higher than the regional (South West) average of 32% and the national average of 33% from transport (2018 figures, Gov.uk). To meet carbon reduction targets, which we know has widespread support, it is essential that we create new developments where residents are not solely reliant on cars. A well implemented Travel Plan plays an important role in this.