Transport Planning Associates (TPA)

  The world of transport infrastructure has inevitably often seen discussions and disputes arise on the subject of boundaries and responsibilities. It is key to good asset management to understand the interfaces between one highways authority and other parties, and developing such understanding helps to ensure engineering responsibility is correctly assigned.  By contrast, in situations where interfaces are not well-defined, otherwise avoidable risks can occur, together with extended negotiations, extra costs, and possible ‘gaps’ in maintenance responsibilities.  Of National Highways’ more than 23,000 structural assets, almost 9,000 are bridges. This means that various boundaries exist across a range of different types of structures. There can often be a lack of clarity, for instance, as to who owns retaining walls, with the situation at overbridges and under bridges also sometimes being less than clear.  How has this potentially invaluable guidance come abo...

  It has been more than two years since the UK Government issued a Planning White Paper – in August 2020 – which was supposed to provide a foundation for a reformed, simplified, and sped-up planning process.  Now, however, the UK’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Michael Gove – has been forced into retreat on his planning reform proposals by a rebellion in the ranks of his own governing Conservative Party.  What has happened to the planning reform plans?  Theresa Villiers MP – a former environment and Northern Ireland minister – put forward amendments to the Government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that attracted the support of more than 60 backbenchers.  In response, Mr Gove issued a letter on 5th December addressed to “all MPs”, in which he outlined various changes to his previous proposals, ostensibly to “place local communities at the heart of the planning system.”  Fears have been voiced, however, that ...