Large planning applications must now consult Active Travel England

Active Travel England will now help deliver walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure on all future large developments, having been officially confirmed as a statutory consultee on all planning applications for developments equal to or exceeding 150 housing units, 7,500 m² of floorspace or an area of 5 hectares.

ATE will now be involved in guiding planning authorities towards making active travel a significant element of future developments.

It is predicted that this will see ATE reviewing around 3,100 applications a year, roughly 60% of new homes. It will be their role to ensure that such developments enjoy active travel connectivity with nearby schools and amenities.

This announcement follows  a pilot project during which ATE worked with 30 local authorities to assess more than 60 developments over the nine months up until November 2022.

Feedback from a survey at the start of the pilot saw 80% of respondents agree ATE should have a role in the planning system.

Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: ‘Active travel is essential to improving public health, reducing emissions and tackling the cost of living crisis. That’s why we’re working to ensure millions more people have the opportunity to walk, wheel or cycle from their doorstep to where they need to be.

‘Designing activity back into our neighbourhoods and creating places where children have transport independence is achievable – it just needs smart planning.

‘As a statutory consultee ATE will work with planning authorities and developers to help them ensure new estates give people what they need to get fresh air and exercise, save money on petrol and help fight climate change.’