Feasibility Study

 

Feasibility Study

There are various assessments which will need to be undertaken in advance of a formal planning application and the feasibility study is the first of these. The results of such a study will enable landowners and developers to establish the viability of their aspirations.

In highway terms the feasibility stage will focus on the access to the site from the nearest principal route. In the case of a development which is known will require the transportation of an abnormal load this assessment will extend to the nearest prescribed abnormal load route within the appropriate Local Highway Authority area.

Feasibility studies can be both desk top and site based depending upon the type of development and the highway network under consideration.

A typical desk top study will utilise available aerial imagery and other mapping databases which will allow us to complete a basic assessment of the highway network surrounding a particular development site and to identify any junctions or sections of highway which may give rise to concerns when considering the type and number of vehicles associated with the construction and operation of the development.

A typical site based feasibility study will involve a visit to the site to assess the most appropriate route to the site and to establish any mitigation measures which will be required and whether they will be permanent (e.g. improvements to site access) or temporary e.g. on-street parking restrictions during the times that certain deliveries will be made or removal of street lighting columns/traffic signal poles to allow the manoeuvre of large vehicles and their cargo. The engineer undertaking the site visit will take extensive measurements of the roads leading to the site in question including carriageway and footway widths and will note any other features such as bus shelters and other street furniture.

Detailed notes would be taken which would specify any lengths of road with poor horizontal and vertical alignment as steep gradients and tight bends would restrict access for larger vehicles. This is not always apparent from a desk top study.

Any junctions considered likely to be unable to accommodate the traffic associated with the development will be identified and any necessary further assessment will be detailed for client consideration. This may involve Swept Path Analysis track runs to be undertaken for such junctions and or sections of the highway where the manoeuvring of a large vehicle is in question.

It is essential that all sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, emergency service depots and dense residential areas are identified so that the chosen route either avoids them or appropriate mitigation measures are implemented such as delivery times being restricted to avoid the AM and PM school run or in the case of large deliveries them being made during school holiday periods or overnight.

Advice would also be provided on the dimensions of the access required for both the implementation phase of the development and the future maintenance of the equipment.

It may be that a temporary access is necessary which is capable of accommodating the largest vehicles envisaged during the construction of the site and commissioning of the equipment and that the access can be downgraded to accommodate smaller vehicles which would visit the site as part of the routine inspection and maintenance regime.

Sanderson Associates are able to undertake all aspects of the feasibility study and to produce a detailed report advising of the areas which would require more extensive consideration and possibly the implementation of mitigation measures.


What Our Clients Say:

Swept Path Analysis and Visibility Drawing incorporated into a Technical Note, Proposed Residential Dwelling, Colchester.

Planning permission approved finally, I am certain it was your input when you asked for the refusal to be put into writing so it can go to appeal… well done & thank you again. Nicholas Perks, Wyvern Building

Highway Statement, Proposed Residential Development, Stockport

Just want to pass on my thanks and appreciation. Your knowledge and speed at looking at the issues were incurred was superb. Hopefully we’ll have the pleasure of working together in the future. Craig Ashton, Managing Director, CPA Bespoke Joinery Ltd.

Transport Assessment, Proposed Residential Development (170 dwellings), Essex

This report is of the highest quality and detail and draws the conclusions we had hoped to see. Thanks to you and the team for this, we will certainly be using Sanderson Associates on future projects. Tom Helliwell, Managing Director, Class Q Ltd

Speed Survey, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Thank you so much for your fast and efficient service, the speed survey was conducted efficiently and the report given has really helped our planning application process with highways moving forward. Communication from yourselves was also fantastic and swift. Would most definitely recommend you to everyone. Much appreciated! Ismail Chopdat (Private Individual)

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Require Assistance with Renewable Energy Transport Planning?

Sanderson Associates have enjoyed over 37 years in business, our experienced engineers have extensive experience producing a wide variety of Feasibility Studies and Access Appraisals for developments associated with the renewable energy market for sites located throughout the whole of the UK, Isle of Man and Ireland.

We would be pleased to provide you with our competitive fee proposal to assist you with our Renewable Energy Transport Planning Services, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.

Feasibility Study, Transportation of Abnormal Load
Desk Top Study, Site Based Study
Appropriate Route, Mitigation Measures
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