We prepare pre-application transport scoping notes to establish the appropriate scope of transport work before a planning application is submitted. Our scoping advice helps agree what level of assessment is required, what evidence is needed and how transport matters should be addressed in principle.
Early scoping reduces risk, avoids unnecessary work and provides clarity for clients, design teams and local highway authorities. Our notes are concise, practical and focused on proportionate assessment.
What is a pre-application scoping note
A pre-application scoping note sets out the proposed approach to transport assessment for a development. It explains the site context, proposed access arrangements, expected scale of impact and the level of analysis required.
Scoping notes are commonly shared with local planning authorities and highway authorities to agree expectations before surveys, modelling or report preparation begins. This helps ensure Transport Assessments or Transport Statements are targeted and efficient.
Our scoping notes are tailored to the site and typically cover:
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Site location and surrounding highway network
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Proposed development description
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Existing and proposed access arrangements
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Initial assessment of transport impact
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Likely requirement for a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement
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Survey requirements and data sources
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Proposed assessment methodology
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Junction modelling requirements, if any
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Parking and servicing considerations
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Construction traffic considerations
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Relevant policy context
The focus is on clarity and proportionality, ensuring the level of detail is appropriate to the scale and nature of the development. We identify where robust analysis is genuinely required and where it is not, so effort is directed towards the matters that will inform decision making and satisfy consultee requirements.
Why pre-application scoping is important
Agreeing transport scope early can:
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Reduce abortive work and redesign
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Avoid over-assessment
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Set clear expectations with authorities
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Improve programme certainty
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Support more efficient planning submissions
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Strengthen relationships with consultees
Pre-application scoping is particularly valuable for constrained sites, sensitive locations or developments where transport impact may be marginal.
Our approach
We take a clear and collaborative approach to scoping:
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Review the proposal and site context
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Identify likely transport considerations and risks
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Define a proportionate assessment strategy
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Prepare a concise scoping note
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Support discussions with planning and highway authorities
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Refine scope following feedback
Our advice is grounded in experience and focused on what decision-makers need to see.
Who we support
We prepare pre-application scoping notes for:
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Residential development
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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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Education and healthcare projects
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Energy and infrastructure developments
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Change of use proposals
Our experience across England, Scotland and Wales allows us to tailor scoping advice to local policy and highway authority expectations.
Need help to agree transport scope before planning?
Get in touch and we will help set a clear, proportionate approach from the outset.
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