We provide inputs and advice to confirm the suitability of site access principles, to establish whether proposed access arrangements are likely to be acceptable before detailed design or assessment work is undertaken. Our advice focuses on access location, form, safety, design standards and policy alignment, helping clients understand whether access proposals are realistic in principle.
Confirming access principles early provides confidence to progress design, informs planning strategy and supports constructive engagement with the local highway authority.
What is site access principle?
Site access principle confirmation is an early-stage review that considers whether a proposed access arrangement is acceptable in principle, rather than in detailed engineering terms. It assesses the suitability of access locations, junction form and basic geometry in the context of highway safety, visibility and authority expectations.
This work is often used to support feasibility studies, pre-application discussions and land decisions, providing clarity before time and cost are committed to detailed design.
Our site access principle confirmation is tailored to the site and typically includes:
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Review of site frontage and highway context
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Identification of feasible access locations
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Assessment of access form and junction type in principle
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Initial visibility and speed environment considerations
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Review of access by pedestrians and cyclists
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Consideration of highway safety and operational context
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Alignment with local highway authority standards and national design standards
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Clear written advice on acceptability in principle
The value of site access principle confirmation lies in providing clarity on whether an access proposal is fundamentally acceptable before it becomes fixed in design. By testing access principles early, we help clients avoid progressing layouts that are unlikely to gain support and focus effort on solutions that align with safety requirements and authority expectations. This reduces the risk of late-stage objection, redesign or delay, and allows access discussions to be grounded in realistic options rather than assumption. Early confirmation also provides a strong foundation for subsequent design, assessment and engagement work.
When site access principle confirmation is needed
Site access principle confirmation is commonly undertaken:
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At feasibility or pre-purchase stage
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During strategic land or site promotion
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Prior to pre-application discussions
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When testing alternative access locations
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For constrained or sensitive highway frontages
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Before committing to detailed access design
It is particularly valuable where access is constrained or is likely to be a key planning issue.
Our approach
We take a clear, proportionate approach to confirming access principles:
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Review the site and surrounding highway environment
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Identify realistic access options
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Consider safety, visibility and operational context
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Assess alignment with authority standards and policy
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Provide clear advice on acceptability and next steps
Our focus is on realism and judgement, ensuring advice genuinely supports informed decision making.
Who we support
We provide site access principle confirmation for:
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Residential developments
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Strategic land and site promotion
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Commercial and employment uses
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Retail and leisure schemes
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Energy and infrastructure projects
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Rural and edge-of-settlement sites
Our experience across England, Scotland and Wales gives us strong insight into differing highway authority approaches and expectations.
Need early advice that site access is acceptable in principle?
Get in touch and we will provide clear, proportionate access advice to support your next steps.
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