Movement and Street Hierarchy Input

Structuring the movement network to support safe, legible and connected places

What we do

We provide transport planning support at every stage of development.

We provide movement and street hierarchy input to help structure how people and vehicles move through a site. Our advice supports the creation of clear, legible layouts that balance access, safety, placemaking and policy compliance from the outset.

Early consideration of movement and hierarchy helps ensure development layouts function properly in practice and provide a strong framework for future detailed design.

What is movement and street hierarchy input

Movement and street hierarchy input considers how different streets and routes within a development should function and relate to one another. This includes defining the role of primary, secondary and tertiary streets, as well as how pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and servicing traffic interact within the layout.

This work is typically undertaken at feasibility, masterplanning or pre-application stage and plays a key role in shaping layout, access strategy and placemaking outcomes.

Our movement and street hierarchy input is tailored to the site and typically includes:

Review of site contex, surrounding movement patterns and opportunities for connection by all modes

Identification of primary and secondary access routes

Definition of street hierarchy and function

Consideration of pedestrian, cycle and public transport movement

Integration of servicing and emergency access

Alignment with local and national design guidance and transport policy

Clear written advice and diagrammatic outputs

The value of early movement and street hierarchy input lies in establishing a clear and logical structure before layouts become fixed. By defining how streets are intended to function and how different users move through a site, we help clients avoid layouts that appear compliant on paper but perform poorly in practice. This clarity supports safer streets, better placemaking outcomes and smoother engagement with planning and highway authorities. It also provides a robust framework that future detailed design can build upon without fundamental change or rework.

When movement and street hierarchy input is needed

Movement and street hierarchy input is commonly provided:

At feasibility or masterplanning stage
For residential and mixed-use developments
As part of strategic land promotion
Prior to pre-application discussions
Where placemaking and movement are closely linked
For larger or more complex sites

Early input helps ensure movement supports place rather than constraining it.

Our approach

We take a clear, proportionate approach to movement planning:

Understand the site, context and development objectives
Review surrounding movement and access patterns
Define a clear street hierarchy and movement structure
Consider all modes in an integrated way
Provide clear advice to inform layout and design

Our focus is on producing guidance that is practical, understandable and aligned with how places actually work.

Who we support

We provide movement and street hierarchy input for:

Residential developments
Mixed-use and urban extensions
Strategic land and masterplans
Commercial and employment schemes
Education and healthcare sites

Our experience across England, Scotland and Wales gives us strong insight into authority expectations and best practice.

Need help structuring movement within your site or masterplan?

Get in touch and we will provide clear movement and hierarchy advice to support your proposals.

Contact Us