45. Transport Assessment
What is it?
Policy TRAN 3 of the Plan Strategy states that a transport assessment will be required to evaluate the transport implications of the development proposal, where it is likely to have significant travel generating uses.
A Transport Assessment is a comprehensive and systematic process that sets out various transport issues relating to a proposed development. It identifies what measures will be taken to deal with the anticipated transport impacts of the scheme in relation to all forms of travel. Where that mitigation relates to matters that can be addressed by management arrangements, the mitigation may inform the preparation of Travel Plans. Its purpose is to provide enough information for the Council and Department for Infrastructure (Roads) to understand how the proposal is likely to function in transport terms.
When is it required?
A Transport Assessment should be provided with applications for proposed development that would likely have significant transport implications.
Applicants should complete a Transport Assessment Form (TAF) to help establish if a detailed Transport Assessment is needed (also see section 46).
The following provides a guide as to when a Transport Assessment may be required.
- Food retail - 1,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Non-food retail - 1,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Cinemas and conference facilities - 1,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Leisure facilities - 1,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Business - 2,500 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Industry - 5,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Distribution and warehousing - 10,000 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Hospitals - 2,500 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Higher and further education 2,500 sqm Gross Floor Area
- Stadia - 1,500 seats
- Housing – 100 units
What should be included?
The requirement for and scope of a Transport Assessment should be discussed with the Council’s Planning Service and DfI Roads as part of a Pre-Application Discussion.
Detailed guidance is provided by the Department’s Transport Assessment: Guidelines for Development Proposals in Northern Ireland (November 2006) (link opens in new window) (currently under review).
Further guidance is provided by the Transportation Supplementary Planning Guidance.
