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; and
- 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 talk about different ideas. 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 to approve. 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;
and
- 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 to 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 noise levels that are allowed 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. |