Transport Planning

DTP Supports Landmark Durham Cricket Hotel Development Approval

Dynamic Transport Planning (DTP) is delighted to celebrate the recent planning approval for the landmark new hotel development at Durham Cricket’s Banks Homes Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street.

The approved scheme will deliver a new four-star hotel overlooking the cricket ground, creating an exciting new destination for visitors to County Durham while supporting the long-term future and sustainability of Durham Cricket. The development will provide more than 150 bedrooms, including unique pitch-facing rooms, alongside restaurant, bar, meeting and hospitality facilities. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits through increased visitor spending, job creation and investment in the local area.

DTP was pleased to support the planning application by preparing the Transport Assessment, Travel Plan and Car Parking Management Plan, helping to demonstrate that the development can operate effectively whilst promoting sustainable travel choices and managing event-day parking demand. The work formed a key part of the evidence base submitted to Durham County Council in support of the application.

The approval represents a major milestone for Durham Cricket’s wider vision to enhance the Banks Homes Riverside as a premier sporting, business and leisure destination. The hotel has been designed to complement the existing international cricket venue while helping to address a recognised need for additional high-quality visitor accommodation within County Durham. 

Gavin Snowball, Director at Dynamic Transport Planning, said:

“We are proud to have worked alongside Durham Cricket and the wider project team in securing planning permission for this transformational development. The hotel will be a significant asset for both the Club and the wider County Durham economy, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s tourism offer.

“From a transport perspective, our focus was on delivering robust and practical solutions that support the operation of the development while encouraging sustainable travel and ensuring effective on-site operations and event-day parking management. We look forward to seeing the project progress to the next stage.”

Ian Dawson, Finance Director at Durham Cricket, said:

“Securing planning approval for the hotel is a hugely important moment for Durham Cricket and a significant step towards delivering our long-term vision for the Banks Homes Riverside. The development will create a sustainable new revenue stream for the Club, helping to secure our future and support continued investment in cricket across the region.

“We would like to thank Dynamic Transport Planning for their professionalism and expertise throughout the planning process. Their transport planning work helped provide a clear and robust case for the development, and we greatly valued their contribution to achieving this successful outcome.”

The project has been widely recognised as a major opportunity for the area, helping to strengthen Durham’s visitor economy whilst further enhancing the reputation of the Banks Homes Riverside as one of the country’s leading cricket venues. Following planning approval, Durham Cricket will now progress the next stages for the scheme.

Dynamic Transport Planning provided transport planning services for the project, including the preparation of the Transport Assessment, Travel Plan and Car Parking Management Plan submitted in support of the planning application.

Appeal Success for Dynamic Transport Planning on the A14

Dynamic Transport Planning have successfully supported a planning appeal for the development of a new Roadside Service Area off the A14 between Elmswell and Woolpit, Suffolk.  The development has now been granted planning approval following the decision by the Planning Inspectorate to uphold the appeal by EG Group Ltd against the decision of Mid-Suffolk Council.

The refusal of permission by the planning authority was based on a single reason, related to highways matters, and DTP provided expert witness evidence in support of the appeal.  A part-award of costs was also awarded to the appellant in relation to the appeal.

DTP had been appointed to assist with the proposals for the site, picking up from an earlier refusal for a similar development, and whilst the application had received a recommendation for approval by planning officers, and also had the support of the Local Highway Authority and National Highways, the scheme had been refused by the planning committee.

In support of the planning appeal DTP were able to successfully respond third-party comments provide on behalf of the planning authority, while also retaining the support of the LHA and National Highways, with the appeal including the agreement of a unilateral undertaking to provide non-car access improvements. 

Gavin Snowball, Director at DTP, said “I am very pleased to see a positive outcome for this development.  This is a site that is well located at an existing trunk road junction to provide amenity and associated safety benefits for passing motorists on this section of the strategic highway network.”

Alex Kenwright, Development Director at EG Group Ltd said “we are delighted to finally receive planning consent for this site after a number of years and now look forward to delivering the scheme.  I would like to thank Gavin and the team at DTP for their invaluable expertise & support in achieving a positive outcome for this site.  DTP were key to unlocking this tricky site.”

The planning team for the appeal included Montagu Evans as planning agent and ADS Design as scheme architects.

Embrace the Journey: Unlocking the Magic of Active Travel

After a quick analysis of the various projects we work on here at DTP and following on from the senior team’s recent conference outings, it is clear that Active Travel has become increasingly present in the transport sector, with government agencies, local councils and developers being responsible for its implementation at different scales and in a range of contexts. 

But WHAT exactly is Active Travel? WHY is it important? HOW, WHEN and WHERE should Active Travel be implemented? And finally, WHO does Active Travel impact? 

Never fear, DTP are here to answer the big questions, and tell you about all things Active Travel.  

Firstly, WHAT is Active Travel? 

The Active Travel, as you may have guessed is a pretty straightforward concept and does exactly what is says on the tin. Travelling, getting from A to B, wherever that maybe, in an active way, powered by the movement of your body. There are several modes of active travel, including walking, running, cycling (including e-bikes to give you an extra push), and wheeling, whether you use a wheelchair, skateboard, scooter or roller blade, as long as it’s powered by you, it’s Active Travel. 

WHY is Active Travel and its infrastructure important?

In a nutshell, increasing levels of Active Travel will benefit people, places and the wider environment, where less vehicles and more moving will result in healthier people living, working and socialising in healthier spaces, and what could be more important than your health?  

However, infrastructure is key. People may be willing to ditch the car in favour of walking or cycling but if there is no safe space to do so many will continue to drive the 5-minutes into town rather than walk along the grass verge for 15-minutes. Which is why, we at DTP promote the idea that the Active Travel network needs to be considered at all stages of the planning process, to ensure all new developments provide effective Active Travel routes that connect directly to existing infrastructure. 

HOW do we maximise Active Travel? 

Here at DTP we use our experience across a wide range of development schemes from garden villages, holiday units and residential developments to roadside facilities and drive-thru restaurants to advise our clients on Active Travel infrastructure that is suitable for the nature and scale of the proposed development. Working with developers and the wider planning team to encourage Active Travel to be considered throughout the entire planning process and beyond creating better developments for the future. 

Obviously, Active Travel isn’t suitable for all journeys as some areas are simply too far away or the time it would take to walk, wheel or cycle isn’t feasible, however, the Active Travel network can still be used to reach other services. Effective Active Travel infrastructure should be integrated into the public transport network, for example, walking to your nearest bus stop, getting the bus into town and walking to the local shops through a pedestrianised area. 

WHEN and WHERE can we implement Active Travel?

Active Travel can be implemented at any new or existing development, however, the type of infrastructure offered will vary, depending on the nature and scale of a development. Where cycle stands and changing facilities may be offered to encourage staff to cycle to a drive-thru restaurant or pedestrianised streets and off-road cycle routes designed throughout housing developments, allowing a safer traffic free environment for Active Travel to take place. 

It is not only Active Travel infrastructure that can be offered at such developments, education, training and promotional materials to encourage the users of a development to change their behaviour and attitudes in favour of Active Travel is equally as important. Such promotional material can be given to staff in the form of a welcome Travel Pack as they begin their new role and/or displayed to other users of the site on posters throughout the development site. (Think your development could benefit from a site specific Travel Pack and Travel Plan? Contact us, and DTP will guide you through the process).

WHO does Active Travel benefit? 

Active Travel has the potential to benefit everyone, from those out there travelling actively, to employers, those making unavoidable car journeys and maybe even more importantly, the environment. Getting out and moving on your daily commute or on the way to the shops improves both physical and mental health, getting some fresh air and an additional dose of exercise. 

Speaking of fresh air, less cars and vans on the road will reduce the emissions in an area, improving the air quality so we can all breathe easier. Additionally, less congestion will reduce noise pollution, especially in more urbanised areas, creating a calmer environment for all.

For an employer/developer we understand that prioritising Active Travel may well be an after thought as there as so many other things that go into a business/new development, however, healthier, happier employees working and living in ‘greener’, cleaner areas can also benefit a business, that is where we come in, to advise you on how to get the most out of your development plans. 

*Follow the DTP social media channels to learn more through our Active Travel series* 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dynamictransportplanning

TikTok: Dynamictransportplanning

Twitter: DynamicTP

*If you are looking to get planning approval for your development and wish to provide an effective active travel infrastructure, DTP would be happy to help and can provide planning application support to cover your highways needs, as well as Travel Plans and Travel Packs to encourage your users to choose sustainably when it comes to travel* 

Transport in Vancouver

Having recently returned from holiday (or should I say vacation!)  in Vancouver, Canada, a number of transport-related concepts from across the pond piqued my interest, not just the fact that they drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road!

The first thing that becomes overtly evident is that Canada is a very green country – and that’s not just the trees! For example, car idling is illegal, improving air quality. Pedestrians and cyclists have more right of way than back in the UK, and the majority of buses are electric, promoting sustainable transport choices. 

The city also benefits from EVO, a car share service akin to the electric scooter hires popping up left, right and centre in UK cities. With EVO, members can hop into any EVO car across the city (either hybrid or fully electric) and drive them for around $0.45 per minute, minus tax. Insurance, petrol (…gas!) and even parking are included for free. In fact, EVO-only parking spaces are spread across the city and with bike/ski racks included on every car, they are a very enticing option for sustainable travel. 

Designated cycle lanes (above) are located on virtually every road, with advance cycle stop lines at each set of traffic lights, of which there are many. The road structure (designed in very linear blocks) lends itself to signalised intersections, rather than roundabouts such as in the UK – which themselves tend not be very cycle friendly. I did, however, see one small roundabout, at which I observed many local motorists without a clue who to give way to! Red ‘stop’ signs are also used instead of road markings to indicate where to give way at a junction (below). 

A car parked on the side of a road Description automatically generated with medium confidence

The use of more traffic lights than you could ever dream of does also mean that a couple of other concepts can be introduced to improve the flow of traffic. On busy roads, left turns are prohibited during busy hours to ensure that traffic does not build up waiting for gaps in the oncoming traffic. All vehicles can also turn right on red lights – given that no pedestrians are crossing, or vehicles are approaching from the left – reducing queue lengths (or ‘line-ups’, apparently). On-street parking is also available or prohibited, depending on the time of the day and on how busy the road is, either freeing up the highway for traffic, or space for parked vehicles. 

Are there any interesting transport concepts you’ve come across on your travels that seem alien to the UK? Let us know @DynamicTP on Twitter!

Dynamic Transport Planning supports AFC Fylde Football Stadium expansion

Dynamic Transport Planning are delighted to be supporting the plans for a new stand and indoor training dome at AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm Sports Village. 

The development would see a new North Stand addition to the stadium with a capacity of 1,850 and a club museum and fan zone incorporated into the building. Lancashire’s largest indoor 3G pitch will also be made available for use by the community as well as a being an asset for club training.

DTP have supported the application and planning team with a comprehensive Transport Assessment detailing the proposed plans and an outline submission for a housing development. In addition, DTP have worked closely with AFC Fylde to create a Travel Plan Framework and a Car Park Management Strategy to support the application and ongoing operations of the Mill Farm site. 

As part of the development, plans have been submitted for a new traffic light-controlled spine road connecting Fleetwood Road to Coronation Way that will be integral to the operation of the site and provide additional benefits to the surrounding areas.

Gavin Snowball, Director of DTP, commented “it has been great to continue working alongside AFC Fylde and their commercial partners to continue to develop the site and bring further employment to the area. Hopefully they can translate this significant investment into a successful season ahead with the Football League within reach.”

Why Build Roadside?

Roadside developments are one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK. It may feel like we are just following the Americans but the reality is the sector has swept the globe and continues to innovate for the future. Roadside developments and drive-thru developments may feel like an emerging trend but can you name a county without one? Even places of outstanding beauty have innovated to bring the local farm shop to be a roadside service area and tourist attraction.

So why should you consider creating a roadside development?

Stood The Test of Covid

Roadside developments may have seemed like the worst hit when the cars disappeared off the roads for all but essential travel in March 2020 but they were also one fo the quickest sectors to recover. As soon as drive-thru restaurants had their covid procedures in place and their supply lines were back up and running towns, cities and retail parks were plagued with extensive queues.

This may have given drive-thru’s some bad press at the time but it actually shows how much these facilities have become part of the every day lives of families across the country. What was once considered a luxury to us ten years ago such as a burger meal or a specialist coffee now seems to be an essential part of our routines… and a pandemic wasn’t going to keep us from them.

People Want an Easy Life

We don’t present this in a bad way. There are days when time runs away from us and we just can’t fit in a meal out, or we’ve forgotten to do the shopping or maybe the home shopping delivery substituted your chicken with toilet duck? Drive-Thru lanes attract everyone from those on their way home from work, taxi service to outdoor sports and even the late night attendee happy to order from their car in the comfort of their pyjamas. At the end of the day people want easy access and all the better if you can give them the option of popping in or staying in their car.

The demand for convenience food

According to Statista.com the average spend on eating out per person in the UK has risen from £10 per week to £15 per week. This trend looks set to continue post Covid. Developers and Entrepreneurs are constantly looking to innovate in ways to get their products to consumers meaning that customers aren’t just faced with the same choices.

The small local coffee shop established their brand and is now working on fitting out a container with a drive-thru lane whilst a local curry house is exploring the option of serving thali meals on a drive-thru basis. The sector is changing to meet our changing taste and demands and welcoming more global brands to the UK.

Gaps in provision

For anyone who has ever been driving along and thought ‘I could do with a coffee’ but couldn’t find an outlet then a roadside development may be the solution. Spotting gaps in provision is a great way to locate suitable land for development as applications may be looked on more favourably if alternative local provision isn’t available.

Not just drive-thru

Roadside developments aren’t just drive-thru units. They can be farm shops, tea rooms and tourist spots that have tapped in to the roadside sector. You don’t have to create a drive-thru to provide a great customer experience, but it is always worth exploring if it would help to increase your offering and entice more visitors.

Changing Trends

One of the biggest changing trends we have seen is the reduction in use of large car parking areas in places like supermarkets, retail parks and shopping centres. Innovators in the roadside industry have been quick to explore if this land can be repurposed to provide drive-thru restaurants and coffee shops. After all the development will definitely be situated next to it’s target audience – the car user. Where will the next entrants to the sector identify excess land due to change of levels of use?

Climate Change?

Elephant in the room or an opportunity? With a sector reliant on the motor vehicle it may seem odd to some to see it still as a growing sector but with change comes opportunity and innovation. With a target for electric cars to be the main vehicles on the road, charging stations need to be provided. The big petrol stations and roadside facilities are already including provision for EV charging but their main focus isn’t on providing the facility to charge… it’s how the driver with spend their average of 20 minutes waiting to get back on the road. The sector will need to provide more enticing offerings for drivers to choose their facility to stop at. There will still be a mix of people travelling for business and for pleasure so how will they accommodate both of these audiences at their facilities?

As you can see there is plenty to consider when choosing the roadside sector and it can feel a little overwhelming with so many innovations on the horizon. Dynamic Transport Planning use their in-depth knowledge and huge bank of expertise in roadside facilities, petrol filling stations and drive-thru units to help guide you through the process and create the best site for you and your customer. Find out more about our Roadside Expertise or Contact Us.

Dynamic Transport Planning Celebrate Third Birthday with New Office in Durham

Dynamic Transport Planning are delighted to announce the opening of our new office at the Lambs Cottage building on Renny’s Lane in the Dragonville area of Durham City. The opening of our office is a double celebration for DTP as it coincides with our third Birthday next week!

The recent growth of the team means that whilst remote operation will remain in place generally, a Covid-19 compliant workspace is available to allow the team to collaborate in person when necessary.  In the backdrop of the pandemic, DTP have recently expanded the team to six with the appointments of Micah Snow as Transport Planner and Caitlin Hall as Operations Assistant.  

The team have been working with the new owners of ASDA on the roll out of a number of Drive Thru café/restaurant facilities within store car parks, including some sites in the North East, with the scheme for the store in Blyth recently granted planning approval by Northumberland County Council.  

Two regional business park schemes, at Ashington and Newton Aycliffe (Ashwood and Forrest Park Business Parks respectively), have begun moving forward with the support of the DTP team on transport matters.  DTP have also recently assisted a proposed development of a nine-storey student accommodation development on Newcastle Quayside that was granted planning approval by Newcastle City Council. 

Director Gavin Snowball, said “It’s fantastic to establish our first dedicated office space for Dynamic Transport Planning which will provide the base for the team to allow better collaborative working, supporting the online systems we have used to date and throughout the Covid-19 outbreak thus far.  The office facility will also support the further growth of the DTP team as we look to further establish ourselves in the North East following our relocation to the region last year. Being from the area it is a privilege to be involved in helping to deliver new development schemes that bring investment and employment to the region.”

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