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A. Planning Better Streets

A. Planning Better Streets

Sets the principles for street design at the earliest stages, informing masterplanning, site selection and pre‑application discussions. This section establishes the vision, objectives and policy context to ensure streets support place‑making, movement, safety and long‑term sustainability from the outset.

B. Designing Better Streets

B. Designing Better Streets

Provides detailed design guidance to support full, detailed and Reserved Matters applications. This section translates the overarching principles into layout, alignment, dimensions and place‑based design requirements to create safe, inclusive and well-functioning streets.
C. Delivering Better Streets

C. Delivering Better Streets

Defines the technical specifications, standards and processes required to deliver adoptable, durable and high‑quality streets. This section covers construction, materials, approvals and maintenance to ensure designs are implemented as intended and perform effectively over time.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement with the community

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Contents

Introduction

Community engagement is a crucial part of the design and planning process. It is enshrined within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Local Plans, as well as in Neighbourhood Plans.

Communities can have a range of different views. The aim of engagement is not to convince people but rather to reach a consensus.
The earlier you start the engagement process, the better. Communities are more likely to positively engage when they are involved early on. Presenting final plans and designs to community groups signals that their feedback on key elements of the design won’t be accepted.

There are many different community engagement tools, including walkabouts, information sessions and co-design workshops. The more interactive and inclusive the approach, the more meaningful the engagement will be.

Communications plan for works impacting highway

If your works require a road closure or temporary traffic lights for two weeks or more, or we consider the location to be sensitive to roadworks, you will need to produce a communications plan.

Communications plan 

  • The location of where you will be working.
  • A description of what you will be working on.
  • How long you will be working.
  • You will identify the roads and footpath affected by your work.
  • How you will manage the traffic.
  • What restrictions will be used such as road or footpath closures, traffic diversions, temporary speed limit reduction etc.
  • Your phone number and email address for general enquiries and complaints. 
    Emergency contact details for all companies involved.
  • Advance warning signs for road and footpath closures, and temporary traffic lights for two weeks or more.
  • Variable message signs for locations we consider to be sensitive to roadworks. 

Your communications plan, approved by us, shall be delivered to the members of the local community and may include: 

  • Residents
  • Businesses
  • County and District Councillors
  • Town or Parish Council
  • Schools 
  • Bus operators 
  • Emergency services
  • A press release 

The communications plan will be a live document and if your works programme changes or you receive a high amount of complaints you may need to review your communications plan and redeliver to the local community.