PJA was commissioned by Inland Homes to provide transport planning advice in support of a development of 49 residential dwellings accessed from Tokely Road in Frating.
Essex County Council Highways department raised no objections to the planning application proposals. However, the planning application was refused by committee.
The main issue raised by the committee concerned the sustainability of the site, and whether or not the proposal would conflict with the core planning principle to make fullest use of public transport, walking and cycling as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.
At the Appeal, PJA provided evidence that highlighted the sustainable location of the proposed development and its accessibility by an existing network of public transport services, particularly bus links given its location on the Colchester to Clacton bus corridor. The evidence provided by PJA included GIS assessments, gravity models, isochrones, and journey time comparisons between different modes.
The Planning Inspector concluded that the limited harm caused by the lack of shops and services within the village itself or within a reasonable walking distance would be outweighed by its good public transport accessibility, relative to the rural context of the district, and the pressing need for new housing.
The Appeal was subsequently allowed, and outline planning permission was granted.
PJA has subsequently prepared a Transport Assessment for a revised development scheme on behalf of Sanctuary Group. The revised planning application, for 68 residential dwellings was submitted to the council in February 2018 and is awaiting a decision.
