Warehousing and logistics.
Warehousing schemes are assessed on HGV movements, routes and access. We model the effect, design the access and yards, and agree routes with the highway authority.
Main guide: Transport Assessments
Small and medium logistics units, and last-mile delivery hubs, generate HGVs, vans and staff shift traffic. The evidence needs to show they can be accommodated safely on the routes they will use.
What the council focuses on
The route HGVs will take and whether it passes through villages or residential streets, access design, junction capacity, yard space so lorries do not wait on the road, and staff travel by shift.
The evidence that answers it
- Trip generation by vehicle type and time of day.
- HGV routing and, where needed, a routing agreement.
- Junction modelling for the busiest periods.
- Yard design with swept paths for articulated HGVs.
- A Travel Plan addressing shift patterns.
Last-mile delivery hubs
Delivery hubs send out many vans early in the morning. Their effect on nearby streets, noise at the access and van parking need particular care.
What the application usually needs
- A Transport Assessment covering HGV and staff trips.
- HGV routing to the strategic road network.
- Access design and gatehouse queuing space.
- Junction assessments where needed.
- A Travel Plan and HGV management plan.
A typical case
A typical case is a distribution warehouse on an employment allocation near a motorway junction. The highway authority asks about HGV routes, staff shift changes and the motorway junction. We assess trips from TRICS and the operator’s data, model the junction, design the access with queuing space at the gatehouse, and set out a routing plan that keeps HGVs on suitable roads.
Technical points
Logistics sites operate around the clock, with staff peaks at shift changes rather than standard commuter hours. HGVs need generous turning areas, parking for waiting vehicles and space at the gatehouse so lorries never queue on the road. Last-mile hubs generate high numbers of vans rather than HGVs, which changes the assessment.
If highways raise concerns
Concerns usually relate to HGV routing, junction capacity and night-time activity. A routing agreement, junction improvements where needed and a gatehouse designed to avoid queuing usually resolve them.
For larger schemes, we work through the scope with the highway authority and National Highways from the start, and can prepare appeal evidence if needed.
How we help
We prepare the Transport Assessment, junction modelling and access design, and help agree HGV routing with the highway authority.
The same questions arise in Scotland and Wales, where they are assessed against NPF4 and Scottish guidance or Planning Policy Wales and TAN 18 rather than the NPPF.
To get a quote, send us:
- The site address or a location plan.
- The floor area, likely operator type and shift pattern.
- Any HGV route restrictions on local roads.
- Any pre-application advice or highways comments you already have.
Questions we get asked
Do warehouses need a Transport Assessment?
Larger warehouses usually do. Smaller units may need a Transport Statement.
How are HGV movements estimated?
From TRICS data and the operator’s own figures where available.
Will the council ask for HGV routing?
Often. A routing plan or agreement keeps lorries on suitable roads.
How are last-mile hubs different?
They generate many more vans and fewer HGVs, often outside normal peak hours.
Why does gatehouse queuing matter?
Lorries waiting to enter should never queue on the public road.
Related guidance.
HGVs on a rural lane
Read
Business units and light industrial
Read
The delivery route is part of the site
Read
Related services: Transport Assessments · Junction modelling · Travel Plans.
Guidance and sources
- GOV.UK: National Planning Policy FrameworkEngland. National policy on transport in planning decisions.
- GOV.UK: Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and StatementsEngland. Planning guidance on proportionate transport evidence.
Sources checked 8 November 2026. General information, not advice on a specific site.
Got a site in mind?
Send us the location and what is proposed. We will tell you what the council is likely to ask for, with a fixed fee.