
Transport Planning Consultants
At mode transport planning, we make complex transport issues simple. From vision led strategies, traffic management and accessibility to environmental impact, our consultants work with integrity from the very start. We bring passion and initiative to every project, ensuring strategies are not only compliant and efficient but also commercially driven and growth focused. The result? Smooth approvals, confident delivery, and developments that move forward with ease.
Tailored Transport Planning Solutions
Every development is unique, and so is our approach. At mode transport planning, we provide tailored input from concept and feasibility through to detailed design and post-planning. Guided by our values of integrity, growth, passion, initiative, and fun, we create transport strategies that unlock opportunities, minimise risks, and add lasting value to your project.
Our transport assessments are aligned with the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), embracing a vision-led approach to development. This means we define the future place first: creating well-designed, sustainable and commercially successful development, and then shape transport strategies to support that vision, rather than simply forecasting traffic and mitigating impact.
Site / Access Feasibility Study
Early review of site location, surrounding transport networks, and access opportunities to identify constraints, viable access solutions, and strategic options that maximise deliverability and planning success.
Local Plan Representation
Expert support in promoting sites through the Local Plan process, including written representations and appearances at Examination in Public, to safeguard access potential and influence future development allocations.
Masterplanning
Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to design integrated, sustainable transport strategies within the masterplan, ensuring connectivity, placemaking, and alignment with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local guidance.
Highways Advocacy Document
Preparation of concise, evidence-led advocacy documents that set out a clear case for access arrangements, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable travel opportunities during pre-application discussions with stakeholders and authorities.
Pre-Application Scoping
Proactive engagement with local highway authorities and planning officers to agree the scope of Transport Assessments, Travel Plans, and supporting technical work to de-risk the planning process and avoiding costly delays. Early engagement with local authorities to agree transport assessment requirements, scope of works, and key considerations before submitting a planning application. Identification of opportunities for walking, cycling, and public transport connectivity at the earliest stage, ensuring developments align with net zero objectives, emerging policy, and best practice in sustainable mobility.
Highway / Access Design and Improvements
Design of safe, efficient, and policy-compliant access points and highway layouts that meet the needs of all users, while supporting planning approval and long-term operational success.
Car Park Design
Optimisation of car park layouts to balance capacity, accessibility, safety, and efficiency, ensuring compliance with planning standards and user expectations.
Swept Path Analysis
Vehicle tracking analysis to demonstrate safe and efficient movement of all required vehicle types, informing access strategies and detailed design.
Transport Assessment
Comprehensive analysis of transport impacts, prepared in accordance with NPPF and local guidance, providing robust evidence to support planning applications and decision-making.
Travel Plan
Development of practical, deliverable strategies to promote sustainable travel, reduce car dependency, and demonstrate commitment to net zero objectives.
Highway Supporting Documents
Preparation of clear, evidence-based transport and highways documents to accompany planning applications, ensuring compliance with policy and addressing consultee requirements.
Sustainability Review
Evaluation of transport proposals against sustainability policies and best practice, with recommendations to enhance walking, cycling, and public transport connectivity.
Traffic Surveys and Junction Modelling
Collection and analysis of traffic data, supported by junction capacity modelling, to inform access strategies, design solutions, and mitigation measures.
EIA Input
Provision of specialist highways and transport inputs into Environmental Impact Assessments, addressing potential impacts and mitigation in line with regulatory requirements.
Public Consultation
Clear and accessible presentation of transport proposals to local communities and stakeholders, with engagement strategies to gather feedback and build support.
Highway Improvement / Mitigation
Preparation of robust cost estimates for highway works and mitigation measures, supporting budget planning and Section 106 / Section 278 negotiations.
Stopping Up / PRoW Diversions
Preparation of technical and legal submissions to amend or close public highways and rights of way, where required to facilitate development.
S106/ Contribution Negotiations
Representation in negotiations with local authorities to secure proportionate and evidence-based contributions, ensuring fair outcomes for clients.
Air Quality and Noise Calculations
Assessment of transport-related emissions and noise impacts, with practical mitigation measures to support compliance with environmental policy.
Planning Appeals and Highways Rebuttals
Preparation of highways rebuttals and provision of expert witness evidence to support planning appeals and defend against highways-related objections.
Traffic Regulation Order
Preparation of applications and supporting documentation to implement or amend traffic restrictions, parking controls, and movement orders.
Road Safety Audit / Designers Response
Independent safety audits of highway designs, supported by clear Designer’s Responses and mitigation strategies to address identified issues.
Dilapidations Survey
Pre-construction condition surveys of surrounding highways and access routes to establish a clear baseline for reinstatement responsibilities.
Planning Condition Discharge
Preparation and submission of technical transport evidence to satisfy highways and transport-related planning conditions efficiently and effectively.
Detailed S38 / S104 / S278 Infrastructure Design
Engineering design of adoptable highways, drainage, and access works, ensuring compliance with all relevant national and local technical standards.
Stage 2/3/4 Road Safety Audits
Independent safety audits during detailed design, construction, and post-opening stages, providing recommendations to ensure compliance and protect all road users.
Contractor Procurement
Assistance in identifying and appointing qualified contractors to deliver highways and transport infrastructure to the required quality and programme.
Highway Licenses & Legal Agreements
Management of legal agreements and licences (including Section 278 and related consents) required to undertake works on or affecting the public highway.
Utility Diversions
Coordination of statutory undertakers to manage utility service diversions, minimising risk of delay and disruption to project delivery.
Site Supervision
On-site inspection and supervision of highways and transport works to ensure delivery in accordance with design specifications, safety requirements, and programme.
Travel Plan Co-ordination
Ongoing management of approved Travel Plans, including monitoring, reporting, and liaison with local authorities to demonstrate compliance and promote sustainable travel.
Transport Planning Success Stories
Our track record speaks for itself. Explore our case studies to see how mode transport planning has supported developers, local authorities, and infrastructure providers. From site assessments to sustainable travel solutions, we deliver outcomes that give projects momentum and help bring developments forward with confidence.

Nationwide Reach, Expert Local Knowledge
With offices in Birmingham, Manchester, and London, we combine national reach with local knowledge to deliver tailored transport planning solutions. No matter the size or complexity, we ensure your project runs smoothly across the country.

Sectors We’ve Worked In
With expertise in transport planning, highway design, drainage engineering and flood risk management, our teams deliver tailored solutions across a wide range of industries. Each project is approached individually, ensuring effective and value-driven outcomes that are unique to any given property development.
Residential
We support most residential projects, from small developments through to some of the largest masterplans in the UK, we work with land promoters, developers, national house builders and housing associations to meet transport, infrastructure, and flood risk challenges.
Logistics
We work with many of the most prominent logistics providers, designing transport and access solutions for warehouses, distribution centres, last mile delivery hubs ensuring operational efficiency for businesses in the logistics sector.
Healthcare
We assist healthcare facilities, including hospitals and medical centres, with transport planning and infrastructure requirement, ensuring accessibility for all users, suitable parking assessment and strategies and operational efficiency for NHS trusts, healthcare providers as well as local authorities.
Education
We help schools, colleges, and universities develop safe, sustainable access solutions and infrastructure, supporting educational institutions in meeting the transport needs of students, staff, and visitors as well as assessing sites for potential surface water flooding issues.
Retail
We collaborate with retail developers and operators to address transport and engineering requirements for retail parks, shopping centres, and mixed-use developments, ensuring smooth operations that are focused on their customer ease of use and satisfaction.
Leisure
We support leisure facilities, from gyms to major attractions, in planning transport and infrastructure requirements as well as assessment of peak visitor numbers, helping leisure providers create accessible and relaxing environments.
Commercial
We partner with commercial developers to provide transport and highway infrastructure solutions for new office spaces and mixed-use developments, ensuring accessibility and growth for businesses in the commercial sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our transport planning consultants are here to answer any questions you might have about your project, from early feasibility to post-planning support.
What is transport planning and why does it matter for my development?
Transport planning ensures your development has safe, efficient, and sustainable access. It’s a key factor in securing planning permission under the NPPF, which requires developments to promote sustainable travel, manage traffic impacts, and support well-connected communities. At mode transport planning, we make sure transport is an asset, not a barrier, for your scheme.
When should I involve transport planners in my project?
The earlier, the better. Bringing us in at feasibility stage allows us to identify risks and opportunities upfront, saving you time, money, and potential delays. Early insight also means we can shape your planning application with a transport strategy that’s robust, compliant, and attractive to decision-makers.
What’s included in a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement?
Both provide evidence to support planning applications, but the scale depends on the development. A Transport Assessment is a detailed review of the impact on local highways, sustainable travel, and safety. A Transport Statement is a lighter-touch version for smaller sites. We’ll advise on which is needed and prepare a clear, policy-compliant report that gives your project the best chance of success.
How does the NPPF affect transport planning?
Chapter 9 of the NPPF sets out that developments should promote sustainable transport, mitigate severe traffic impacts, and ensure safe access for all users. In short, if your development can demonstrate these points, it’s much more likely to gain approval. Our role is to translate NPPF requirements into practical solutions tailored to your site.
What counts as “severe” traffic impact under planning policy?
The NPPF states that developments should only be refused on highways grounds if the impact is “severe.” This can be a grey area, but our expertise lies in presenting robust evidence and solutions that show impacts can be managed. This gives planning authorities confidence and reduces the risk of refusal.


Speak to An Expert
Looking for support with your next project? Get in touch with our experienced consultants for a free, no-obligation conversation.