Transport planning in Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council offers a highways pre application service, but Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool have separate highway responsibilities. Establish the correct route before seeking advice or commissioning evidence.
Use highway advice to settle the right questions early
Lancashire’s published pre application guidance asks for access proposals and achievable visibility information, and explains that discussions can identify supporting documents and potential highway contributions. A useful request therefore needs a workable concept and clear questions, rather than a location plan alone.
For a constrained redevelopment, use the early review to test parking, servicing and the pedestrian frontage together. If these compete for the same space, address the conflict before the layout becomes the basis of a planning application.
Keep a record of the assumptions and matters left open after pre application discussions. Advice helps scope the work but does not fix the outcome of a future planning application or remove the need for separate highway approvals.
What to establish before you commission
- Choose Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen or Blackpool requirements as appropriate.
- Send an access concept and the decisions needed when requesting highway advice.
- Allow for contributions, technical approvals and off site works in the project appraisal.
Guidance reviewed 18 October 2026. Sources: Lancashire highways pre application guidance · Lancashire planning obligations. Requirements can change; confirm the current documents for the site and application.
For an early budget, our Transport Statement cost guide explains the main fee drivers and the information needed for a quote.
Planning and highway responsibilities
Lancashire County Council area and the separate Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool unitary areas.
Local highway authorities within this guide: Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Borough Council.
The council deciding the planning application, the authority responsible for a road and the owner of land needed for an improvement can be different. Establish all three. National Highways involvement depends on effects on the strategic road network; a county address alone does not determine the consultation scope.
Choose the work that answers the planning issue
Send the location plan, proposed use and scale, latest layout and any highway response. We will identify the work needed and quote for an agreed scope. Survey costs, officer discussions, drawings and revisions should be clear at the outset.
Find advice for your location
Lancashire County Council area and the separate Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool unitary areas.
The places below share this area guide. Open a location for its council and transport reference information.
Accrington
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Accrington Rail Station, Church & Oswaldtwistle Rail Station, Huncoat Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Adlington (Chorley)
Planning area at the location reference point: Chorley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council, Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Adlington (Lancs) Rail Station, Blackrod Rail Station, Chorley Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Appley Bridge
Planning area at the location reference point: West Lancashire. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: West Lancashire Borough Council, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Appley Bridge Rail Station, Gathurst Rail Station, Parbold Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Bacup
Planning area at the location reference point: Rossendale. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Rossendale Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Walsden Rail Station, Todmorden Rail Station, Smithy Bridge Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Bamber Bridge
Planning area at the location reference point: South Ribble. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council, Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Bamber Bridge Rail Station, Lostock Hall Rail Station, Leyland Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Barnoldswick
Planning area at the location reference point: Pendle. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Colne Rail Station, Gargrave Rail Station, Nelson Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Barrowford
Planning area at the location reference point: Pendle. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Nelson Rail Station, Colne Rail Station, Brierfield Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Bolton-le-Sands
Planning area at the location reference point: Lancaster. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Lancaster City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Bare Lane Rail Station, Lancaster Rail Station, Morecambe Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Brierfield
Planning area at the location reference point: Pendle. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Burnley Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Brierfield Rail Station, Nelson Rail Station, Burnley Central Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Burnley
Planning area at the location reference point: Burnley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Burnley Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Burnley Central Rail Station, Burnley Manchester Road Rail Station, Burnley Barracks Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Burscough
Planning area at the location reference point: West Lancashire. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: West Lancashire Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Burscough Junction Rail Station, Burscough Bridge Rail Station, New Lane Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Carnforth
Planning area at the location reference point: Lancaster. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Lancaster City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Carnforth Rail Station, Silverdale Rail Station, Bare Lane Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Church
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Church & Oswaldtwistle Rail Station, Accrington Rail Station, Rishton Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Clayton-le-Moors
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Huncoat Rail Station, Accrington Rail Station, Rishton Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Cleveleys
Planning area at the location reference point: Wyre. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Blackpool Borough Council, Wyre Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Blackpool Borough Council, Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Poulton-le-Fylde Rail Station, Layton (Lancs) Rail Station, Blackpool North Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Clitheroe
Planning area at the location reference point: Ribble Valley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Clitheroe Rail Station, Whalley Rail Station, Langho Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Colne
Planning area at the location reference point: Pendle. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Colne Rail Station, Nelson Rail Station, Brierfield Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Coppull
Planning area at the location reference point: Chorley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Adlington (Lancs) Rail Station, Chorley Rail Station, Euxton Balshaw Lane Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Cottam (Preston)
Planning area at the location reference point: Preston. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Fylde Borough Council, Preston City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Salwick Rail Station, Preston Rail Station, Kirkham & Wesham Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Darwen
Planning area at the location reference point: Blackburn with Darwen. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Darwen Rail Station, Mill Hill (Lancs) Rail Station, Cherry Tree Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Euxton
Planning area at the location reference point: Chorley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council, South Ribble Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Buckshaw Parkway Rail Station, Euxton Balshaw Lane Rail Station, Leyland Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Fulwood
Planning area at the location reference point: Preston. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Preston City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Preston Rail Station, Salwick Rail Station, Lostock Hall Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Great Harwood
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Rishton Rail Station, Langho Rail Station, Whalley Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Haslingden
Planning area at the location reference point: Rossendale. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Rossendale Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Entwistle Rail Station, Accrington Rail Station, Church & Oswaldtwistle Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Heysham
Planning area at the location reference point: Lancaster. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Lancaster City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Morecambe Rail Station, Heysham Port Rail Station, Bare Lane Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Kirkham
Planning area at the location reference point: Fylde. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Fylde Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Kirkham & Wesham Rail Station, Salwick Rail Station, Moss Side Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Lancaster
Planning area at the location reference point: Lancaster. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Lancaster City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Lancaster Rail Station, Bare Lane Rail Station, Morecambe Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Leyland
Planning area at the location reference point: South Ribble. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council, South Ribble Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Leyland Rail Station, Lostock Hall Rail Station, Buckshaw Parkway Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Longridge (Ribble Valley)
Planning area at the location reference point: Ribble Valley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Preston City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Ramsgreave & Wilpshire Rail Station, Preston Rail Station, Langho Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Longton
Planning area at the location reference point: South Ribble. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: South Ribble Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Croston Rail Station, Lostock Hall Rail Station, Leyland Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Lytham St Anne's
Planning area at the location reference point: Fylde. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Fylde Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Ansdell & Fairhaven Rail Station, St Annes-on-the-Sea Rail Station, Lytham Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Morecambe
Planning area at the location reference point: Lancaster. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Lancaster City Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Bare Lane Rail Station, Morecambe Rail Station, Lancaster Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Nelson (Pendle)
Planning area at the location reference point: Pendle. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Pendle Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Nelson Rail Station, Brierfield Rail Station, Colne Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Ormskirk
Planning area at the location reference point: West Lancashire. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: West Lancashire Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Ormskirk Rail Station, Aughton Park Rail Station, Town Green Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Oswaldtwistle
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Church & Oswaldtwistle Rail Station, Accrington Rail Station, Rishton Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Padiham
Planning area at the location reference point: Burnley. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Burnley Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Hapton Rail Station, Rose Grove Rail Station, Burnley Barracks Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Penwortham
Planning area at the location reference point: South Ribble. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: South Ribble Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Preston Rail Station, Lostock Hall Rail Station, Bamber Bridge Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Poulton-le-Fylde
Planning area at the location reference point: Wyre. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Fylde Borough Council, Wyre Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Poulton-le-Fylde Rail Station, Layton (Lancs) Rail Station, Blackpool North Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Rawtenstall
Planning area at the location reference point: Rossendale. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Burnley Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Accrington Rail Station, Huncoat Rail Station, Hapton Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Rishton
Planning area at the location reference point: Hyndburn. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Hyndburn Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Rishton Rail Station, Church & Oswaldtwistle Rail Station, Accrington Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Skelmersdale
Planning area at the location reference point: West Lancashire. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: West Lancashire Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Upholland Rail Station, Rainford Rail Station, Parbold Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Tarleton and Hesketh Bank
Planning area at the location reference point: West Lancashire. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Chorley Borough Council, West Lancashire Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Croston Rail Station, Rufford Rail Station, Bescar Lane Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Thornton (Wyre)
Planning area at the location reference point: Wyre. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Wyre Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Poulton-le-Fylde Rail Station, Layton (Lancs) Rail Station, Blackpool North Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Whitworth
Planning area at the location reference point: Rossendale. The wider built up area can cross council boundaries.
Official council contacts: Rossendale Borough Council, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council.
Highway authority areas recorded for the built up area: Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Lancashire County Council. Confirm the road authority for the exact site.
Rail access point records to investigate: Smithy Bridge Rail Station, Rochdale Rail Station, Littleborough Rail Station. These are dataset records within 15 km of the reference point, not evidence of a usable walking route or a frequent service.
Start with the site
Tell us what you are planning and where. We will set out the transport work needed and the next steps.