Private developers and road improvements

Why would a private developer be asked to pay for road improvements?

When a developer shows us plans for a new development, we consider how this will affect transport in the area.

This means thinking about how it will affect people:

• walking and cycling
• using buses and trains
• driving on the roads.

If there will be more transport using the area, we ask the developer to pay for any improvements that are needed.

What sort of developments do you mean?

It could be a new supermarket, a new housing estate or a business park being built.

Do you decide what improvements need to be made?

Our transport engineers and planners meet with the developer's transport consultant and discuss various improvement options. They will agree a design, how it will be paid for and how it will be looked after. The developer will then provide what has been agreed, as long as they receive planning permission.

Do elected council members see the proposal?

We show them the proposal and ask for their comments. If they are not happy with it, they can object. We then have to send the proposal to a committee for approval. This means more people have to look at it and more changes could be made before we approve it.

What happens next?

The design, together with an independent safety check, is called a proposal. We have to approve the proposal. Sometimes, changes need to be made before we approve it.

Does the work have to meet any standards?

Any work carried out has to meet our standards.

Is the developer allowed to work on the roads and pavements?

There is a legal agreement between us and the developer. This lets the developer's workmen work on roads and pavements.

This agreement also includes:

• what will happen about payments
• health and safety matters while the development is being built
• who will look after the roads when they are finished.

How do you check the work to make sure it is up to your standards?

We check the work at the site to make sure the work meets our standards.

What costs does the developer pay?

The developer pays all the costs. This includes our design checks, any legal fees, and any work we carry out. The general rule is there is no cost to us.

There is a new housing estate being built near me. This is creating noise and safety problems for me and other people. What can I do about this?

If it is a new development, the workmen are probably employed by the developer of the estate. Contact someone at the site and talk to them about the problems you are having. If this doesn't help, contact us.

Does the work on the roads and pavements have to be finished by a certain date?

Yes. This is written into the agreement between us and the developer.

When are the contractors allowed to work?

The contractors are allowed to work between 7am and 7pm on weekdays. The level of noise during this period must not go over certain limits. Work may take place before or after these times, on weekdays, but the permitted noise levels during these working times are lower. Even lower noise levels apply if work is carried out at the weekend.

I don't think that the changes made to the junction of a new development are safe. Who should I talk to about my concerns?

Please talk to us.