Transport Solutions for Development - Royal Haskoning in the UK

transport solutions for development
Denis W ilson

about us
We think our reputation as the UK’s leading sustainable
transport planning and traffic engineering consultancy is
well deserved. We put it down to the technical expertise
and attention to detail that our teams of specialists have
brought to every single one of the 20,000 projects we’ve been
involved with. And now, working with our parent company
Royal Haskoning, Denis Wilson offers an even wider range of
services to both public and private sector clients alike.

quality of life
Our experience spans 30 years and in that time we’ve been involved with projects of
all sizes, from small residential and commercial developments to some of the most
prestigious schemes in the country.
We’re recognised as a consultancy that consistently develops innovative and
sustainable transport solutions that work not only for our clients, but also for the
community and the environment.
Our pro-active approach ensures that any financial, scheduling and logistical constraints
are managed efficiently and cost-effectively.
Whatever the size of the scheme, or however complex the problem, our clients know
that they can rely on our in-depth, in-house knowledge of transport policy, planning,
engineering and transport legislation to deliver intelligent strategies that are on time
and on budget.

our vision
What sets Denis Wilson apart is the fact that we get to fully understand our clients’
needs and expectations right from the start.
But that’s not all. We also have a comprehensive understanding of the wide range
of external factors that can influence the progress of any development project along
the way.

It’s precisely this awareness that gives us the ability to make sure that our infrastructure
and transport improvement schemes work successfully for the development while
enhancing and improving the environment around it.
In short, our vision for Denis Wilson is a company that can exceed your expectations
by applying our expert knowledge to deliver innovative, sustainable and socially
responsible transport solutions for public and private sector clients alike.

services
Our range of expertise covers all phases of the transport planning process from
project conception to implementation and operation.
Here are just a few of the services we offer:
> feasibility studies
> site appraisal
> infrastructure design
> drainage studies
> safety auditing
> traffic noise assessment
> flood risk assessments
> air quality assessment
> planning supervision
Our partnership with our parent company Royal Haskoning also adds a wealth of
international experience and technical knowledge to our portfolio of services, making
Denis Wilson the local experts with the global backing.

travel plans
Traffic flow and vehicle use have become increasingly important considerations in the
planning of new commercial, industrial and residential developments. At Denis Wilson,
we have extensive experience in the preparation of effective and efficient Travel Plans
for a wide range of land uses that have been specifically tailored to the needs of our
clients and the local planning authority. Typically, a Travel Plan will set out a range
of measures and initiatives that encourage sustainable travel to development sites by
reducing car trips and promoting alternative modes of transport. Although we have
tended to focus on workplace developments in the past, we have also seen a rise in
requests for residential development Travel Plans that address school and commuter
traffic flow.
Travel Plans can be a requirement for any major development and are governed by thresholds set
by the local authority. These can vary depending on the scale of the development and the potential
for reducing car use, but can be applied to office development over 2,500 sq m GFA or residential
developments with more than 80 dwellings. The Travel Plan can form part of a planning condition
or obligation to ensure that applicants abide by the findings.
We work closely with all parties throughout the entire Travel Plan process, from inception to
adoption, and we also offer a monitoring and review service post-implementation.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

travel plans
We will produce an initial site appraisal to determine the scope for sustainable travel and this will
be followed up by a questionnaire to determine which modes of transport are currently being used
both to and from the site. This will help us to determine which are the most appropriate initiatives
that can be implemented to encourage walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing.
A successful Travel Plan can also promote a variety of secondary benefits, such as improvements
in health, stress reduction, increased productivity, better timekeeping, lower noise pollution,
improved air quality, less parking congestion and easier access for staff, deliveries and visitors. In
addition, a Travel Plan can be seen as an alternative to undertaking costly S278 works by keeping
infrastructure costs to a minimum.
We can produce Travel Plans at various stages of the planning process for both new and existing
developments, and we prepare them in accordance with national and local authority guidance.
Where possible, we will seek approval prior to formal submission so that our client’s financial and
timescale objectives are met.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

transport assessments
Often an essential part of a planning application, a Transport Assessment (TA) is a
comprehensive and systematic appraisal that sets out the transport issues relating to
a specific development. The TA is likely to be required by the local planning authority
to show that a new development is sustainable in transport terms and complies with
national and local guidance on transport policy. With almost 30 years experience in the
development field, Denis Wilson can bring its specialist knowledge and expertise to
the preparation of TAs for major retail, residential, industrial, office, hotel and leisure,
mixed use and regeneration schemes.
We are used to working on a wide range of TAs from the simple to the complex, depending on
the scale of the development, the sensitivity in planning terms and the intricacies of the relevant
highways and transportation issues. Our TAs can be used as part of the transport section of an
Environmental Statement, which is usually required for major developments, and are produced
with sufficient evidence to withstand the scrutiny of a potential public inquiry. For smaller schemes,
we can produce a Transport Statement – a shorter, simplified version of the TA – which will be
equally robust.
The TA can also identify mitigation measures where they are deemed necessary to aid the project’s
progress through the planning process. Our technical experts are experienced in developing
acceptable mitigation measures in partnership with the local authority’s Highways officers. Our
outstanding traffic engineering and design skills, along with our detailed knowledge of the planning
process and the influences that can be brought to bear on it, give us the ability to produce a
cost-effective Travel Assessment that will play a key part in securing planning consent for your
development.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

flood risk assessments
News reports of flooding caused by adverse weather conditions are becoming an
increasingly common sight on TV screens in the UK. And far from being confined to rural
areas, flooding is now a familiar sight in some town centres.
With new developments now required to submit a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) at the planning
stage for approval by the Environment Agency, Denis Wilson offers an FRA service tailored to meet
the comprehensive government guidelines as outlined in PPS25.
We will work closely with you right from the early stages of the planning process to make sure your
application satisfies these stringent guidelines by investigating all possibilities of flood risk to your
proposed development.
We have produced an easy-to-follow interpretation of the current PPS25 guidelines which
addresses potential problems such as identifying flood zones and assessing the vulnerability of
your development.
We can also provide you with drainage strategies as well as advise on and design SUDS and
attenuation systems, all of which can form part of your planning application as mitigation measures
aimed at reducing the risk of flooding
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

oad safety and road safety audits
Making roads as safe as possible is an essential part of any highways construction
project, whether it’s a new road or a road improvement scheme. As a result, all trunk
road schemes and most new works are required to have an independent Road Safety
Audit. Denis Wilson’s Road Safety Auditors have prepared and submitted over 400
Safety Audits to more than 50 Highways Authorities making us one of the UK’s leading
experts in road safety and the design of remedial measures.
Our Safety Audits are conducted in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges
HD19/03 and aim to make each scheme safe for all types of road user, including vulnerable users
such as pedestrians and cyclists, by reducing as far as possible the risk of accidents following the
opening of the highway.
The Audit goes through four key phases:
>> Stage 1 looks in detail at the preliminary design of the scheme, preferably prior to the submission
for planning permission
>> The Stage 2 Audit is carried out on the detailed design, usually before the tender documents
have been submitted
>> Stage 3 is carried out on the completed scheme prior to opening (or completion if on a ‘live’
highway)
>> The final stage involves accident monitoring on the scheme for between 18 months and three
years after opening. This is normally carried out by the Highways Authority, but it’s also a
service that we can offer if required
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

oad safety and road safety audits
Our comprehensive range of services includes:
>> accident record analysis
>> site inspections, written and photographic record of existing conditions
>> preparation of independent Road Safety Audits in accordance with the Highways Agency Design
Manual for Roads and Bridges HD19/03 requirements and the latest Department for Transport
guidelines
>> specialist knowledge of the guidelines for reducing mobility handicaps
>> liaison as required to develop cost-effective solutions to safety problems
>> detailed design and costing of accident remedial engineering schemes
All of our Auditors keep up-to-date with road safety developments and the latest
design standards through training courses and seminars, and our integration with
Royal Haskoning means we can consult with our Dutch colleagues to help us follow and
influence European best practice in road safety designs.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

noise assessments
Traffic noise is a major consideration for any new development – whether it will actually
generate noise itself, or whether it will be exposed to an existing source of noise. This
is especially important for residential developments where noise can have a dramatic
effect on the quality of life. At Denis Wilson, we can undertake noise assessments to
help minimise the impact of noise on or from a development without the need for any
unreasonable or expensive restrictions.
In the case of highway construction or alteration near existing dwellings, we use the methodology
described in the Government document ‘Calculation of Road Traffic Noise’ (CRTN) to predict
the level of noise from vehicles which, if appropriate, can then be used to help determine any
entitlement that homeowners may have under the Noise Insulation Regulations. For the assessment
of new residential developments that are close to transport-related noise sources, we use ‘Planning
and Noise’, the Government’s Planning Policy and Guidance Note 24 (PPG24). This methodology
identifies four noise exposure categories which take into account both daytime and night time
noise levels. The category into which a new residential development falls can be used by the local
planning authority to determine whether to grant planning permission.
In the case of both highway construction and residential development, mitigation measures can
be put into place if noise levels are found to be high. Our experience is that this could involve, for
example, the installation of double glazed windows; the erection of acoustic barriers; designing
new dwellings so non-critical rooms can be positioned away from the noise source, or the use of
screens formed using natural barriers.
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Denis W ilson

highway design
Denis Wilson has been bringing its detailed highway infrastructure and construction
expertise to major transport development projects throughout the UK for almost 30
years. Our highly experienced technical staff offer specialist skills in a number of areas,
becoming involved right at the start of the development process to make sure that only
the most cost-effective access and infrastructure improvement solutions are developed
and delivered.
Our transport planning and design disciplines work closely together to design out any potentially
expensive problems, such as statutory service diversions, early on in the planning stage and
they continue to keep a tight check on the practicalities, costs and impact throughout the entire
construction phase.
Our experience covers:
>> route selection
>> cost plan development
>> long-term programming
>> construction impact assessments
>> highway and drainage scheme design
>> public transport infrastructure implementation
>> regulatory authority approval
>> close liaison with masterplanners and architects
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

highway design
We can develop cost-effective, practical and appropriate schemes that match our client’s
expectations using a wide range of detailed infrastructure design services, including:
>> the preparation of detailed design drawings and specifications
>> the provision of contract documentation
>> project management and supervision
>> estimating and cost control services
>> sustainable and innovative design solutions
>> planning coordinator role under the CDM Regulations 2007
>> negotiating necessary section 278, 38, 106, 104, Legal Agreements
Where we are required to enter into public consultation – for traffic calming measures, for example
– we gather feedback through publicity leaflets, questionnaires and public exhibitions, which allows
us to create solutions that meet the needs of the communities we are working in.
All of our specialists take safety very seriously and we constantly assess the safety of users, the
construction team and the maintenance team at every stage of the project on a local level through
our network of regional offices. During the construction phase, we also provide supervision and
inspection services to make sure that the project is delivered on time, on budget and in compliance
with the client’s legal obligations before handover to the client or adopting authority.
In addition to our traditional highway design expertise, we can also help your own design teams
with a comprehensive range of services from our colleagues in Royal Haskoning, including:
>> design of bridges and retaining structure
>> road safety auditing
>> non-motorised user audits
>> cycle audits
>> noise measurements
>> gas monitoring
>> strategic drainage design
>> flood risk assessments
>> contamination and ground remediation
>> car park layout design
>> parking controls
Our partnership with Royal Haskoning means that we can continue to improve and
develop our services, and work closely with our clients to meet their needs for many
years to come.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

Green travel planning for Good Hope Hospital
NHS Trust, Sutton Coldfield
Denis Wilson is a great believer in acknowledging that any travel plan should accommodate
the necessity of car travel, rather than addressing purely non-car solutions.
This was demonstrated in 2005 when we were asked by Sutton Coldfield’s Good Hope Hospital
NHS Trust to provide a mid-term assessment of its 1999 Green Travel Plan. The brief threw up an
additional challenge when we discovered that our assessment was to accompany the hospital’s
planning application for a 350-space multi-storey car park.
On the face of it, our task might have proved to be a difficult one. On the one hand we had to show
that the hospital’s senior management and staff remained completely committed to the sustainable
principles and operational requirements of their existing travel plan; on the other, we had to make
a robust case for a new facility that could only ever be used by car users.
What we had to do was convince the planning authority that car use is an important part of any
travel plan and that it’s necessary to provide sufficient parking where car travel is essential and
unavoidable.
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Denis W ilson

Green travel planning for Good Hope Hospital
We knew that the hospital had already had numerous complaints about overspill parking from
local residents, so much so that it was generating a lot of interest from the local council. Also, the
hospital was concerned that it was losing key staff and unable to attract new staff because there
was no guarantee of a parking space. To compound this, our forecasts showed that the increase in
demand for services in the future would put even more pressure on a parking resource that was
already struggling to cope.
Our research showed that the hospital was doing all that it reasonably could – parking restrictions
were being enforced, car sharing was encouraged, bus services and a park-and-ride service had
been introduce a cycle user group and covered cycle racks had been established, and the Green
Travel Plan was being constantly marketed both internally and through the media. In short, we
showed that travel by other non-car means had been promoted rigorously.
We also showed that the Government’s own guidelines – Planning Policy Guidance 13 –
acknowledged the importance of accommodating car use and demanded that health facilities in
particular offer adequate parking provision for car users.
Our mid-term assessment was completed and submitted alongside the planning application. The
local council’s Travel Plan officer said that the assessment was “…excellent and well written”,
with the planning officer adding in his report to the Planning Committee: “I believe that on this
occasion the applicants have demonstrated that they have a robust case to justify the provision of
an increase in on-site parking as proposed.”
The application was subsequently approved.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

transport, accessibility and parking…
… consultancy for Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
In 2004, Denis Wilson was asked by Ashfield Land Ltd to consult on transport, accessibility
and parking provision for a new 133 unit residential and commercial development in
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The development was designed by local architects
Turner Woolford Sharp, with planning work undertaken by Turley Associates.
After meeting with the local authority’s Highways Department we produced an initial assessment
that focused on the impact of new residential traffic on existing industrial traffic in the area. We also
highlighted the need for any new connections from the site to the nearby city centre to be both
workable and sustainable.
Because of the site’s proximity to existing bus, train, metro, cycling and pedestrian routes, we were
assured that parking provision for around 50-60 per cent of the units would be acceptable, so our
first assessment gave us 70 spaces in the development’s underground level and another 10 in the
courtyard. Access was fairly straightforward through an existing junction and a new underground
access which was reached from a one-way street right next to the site.
We held lengthy talks with the planning authority to ensure that all servicing, noise and pedestrian
access issues were successfully addressed and our initial transport assessment was submitted
along with the planning application shortly after.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

transport, accessibility and parking…
Unfortunately, the local authority’s urban designers objected to the courtyard parking on two
counts, saying that it wasn’t a proper use of available space and that headlights could cause a
nuisance at night. Our main concern was that removing these spaces would lower the overall
number of spaces, which went against a national political policy that looked towards full parking
provision for all new developments.
This was borne out when the application was returned with a recommendation to increase parking
to, or near to, 100 per cent.
As any reduction in the development’s units would make the scheme unviable, we clearly needed
to look for a second assessment that would satisfy the local authority. Discussions with their
planning officer confirmed that any movement towards full provision was going to be essential.
With that in mind, we decided to move the disabled parking to the courtyard, which freed up four
more spaces underground. We also provided drawings to show that an additional 10 spaces could
be provided in the one-way street next to the development, funded through the s106 contribution.
We also found that a nearby NCP car park could offer secure, 24-hour parking for 25-30 vehicles
on an annual season ticket basis.
Armed with this revised assessment, the applicant could now demonstrate that the development
offered 110 spaces – a dramatic increase to 83 per cent provision.
The application was approved with no conditions set for off-site parking.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

air quality assessments
One of the most important environmental concerns of the 21st Century is the impact
of traffic flow on the quality of the air that we breathe. With the nationwide demand
for new residential and commercial developments increasing, the additional traffic
that they generate could only add to the problem. As a reaction to this, many local
authorities have designated specific parts of their towns as Air Quality Management
Areas due to the potentially high levels of pollution there.
Denis Wilson specialises in conducting Air Quality Impact Assessments for new developments,
especially where there’s likely to be a change in pollutant concentrations.
When we carry out these assessments we use volume 11 of the DfT’s Design Manual for Roads and
Bridges’ (DMRB) Screening Method, which looks at traffic volume, traffic composition and vehicle
speeds to determine the amount of pollution along a given road in a specific location. Any change
in these factors could potentially have an effect on the quality of air in the surrounding area and
within the immediate community.
The Screening Method measures four different types of component, as identified by DMRB 11,
for local assessment:
>> carbon monoxide
>> hydrocarbons
>> oxides of nitrogen
>> particulates
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Denis W ilson

air quality assessments
As different types of vehicle will have different types of engine, they will produce different quantities
of each component. By comparing the results from the Screening Method with the standards
specified by the Government’s Air Quality Strategy, we can see if any pollutants are exceeding their
concentration threshold.
Finally, by calculating pollution levels for some years ahead, we can see whether future vehicle
emission restrictions will have an impact on pollution level reduction that is significant enough to
outweigh the effects of increased traffic from the development.
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Denis W ilson

Our association with Royal Haskoning has given us the
opportunity to offer new services and explore new markets both
here in the UK and internationally. Royal Haskoning is renowned
for their experience in spatial development, infrastructure
and transport, building management, architecture, industrial
installations and water, coastal and maritime engineering.
This integrated approach means that we can bring in expertise
from a variety of disciplines to give our new and existing clients the
best possible advice for all their traffic engineering requirements.
thinking in all dimensions
Bath
3rd Floor
Upper Borough Court
Upper Borough Walls
Bath BA1 1RG
www.royalhaskoning.com
www.deniswilson.co.uk
Royal Haskoning is member of ONRI
(Association of Consulting Engineers in the Netherlands)
Royal Haskoning is founding member of NEDECO
(Netherlands Engineering Consultants), an umbrella
organisation comprising independent Dutch consulting
Engineers working together on international projects
Royal Haskoning is member of FIDIC
(International Federation of Consulting Engineers)
Tel: 01225 442455 Fax: 01225 442452
E-mail: info@bath.royalhaskoning.com
Birmingham
5th Floor
Newater House
11 Newhall Street
Birmingham B3 3NY
Tel: 0121 236 6555 Fax: 0121 236 6644
E-mail: info@birmingham.royalhaskoning.com
Chertsey
Windsor House
37 Windsor Street
Chertsey KT168AT
Tel: 01932 569566 Fax: 01932 569531
E-mail: info@chertsey.royalhaskoning.com
Glasgow
126 West Regent Street
Glasgow G2 2BH
Tel: 0141 222 5965 Fax: 0141 222 5771
E-mail: info@glasgow.royalhaskoning.com
Manchester
8th Floor
Portland Tower
Portland Street
Manchester M1 3LF
Tel: 0161 236 1018 Fax: 0161 236 1041
E-mail: info@manchester.royalhaskoning.com
It’s an approach that allows us to work even more closely with
public sector clients, expanding on the partnerships forged with
local authorities, highways departments and planning agencies
through our work with private sector clients.
As the UK’s leading specialist transport consultancy, we continue
our commitment to excellence in our field and with our people,
our parent company and our partnerships working together, we
will bring true added value to any project we undertake.
Royal Haskoning is a member of:
The Association of Consulting Engineers
BCB British Consultants Bureau
CIRIA Construction Industry Research Information
Association British Section
Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment
British Standards Institute
Peterborough
Rightwell House
Bretton
Peterborough PE3 8DW
Tel: 01733 373 536 Fax: 01733 266 148
E-mail: info@peterborough.royalhaskoning.com
Swansea
Princess House
Princess Way
Swansea SA1 3LW
Tel: 01792 482485 Fax: 01792 482459
E-mail: info@swansea.royalhaskoning.com
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