The Department of Transport (DfT) Science Advisory Council (SAC) has published 'Land use and transport planning: DfT Science Advisory Council paper'. 

The paper follows a convening of the council on 2 October 2023, which included contributions from external experts. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the scientific and technical evidence that supports land use and transport planning policies and the extent to which this is reflected in current implementation.

The paper summarises the expert views shared in discussion, such as the need for better visibility of case studies on what ‘good’ or ‘different’ looks like, in terms of the development of new settlements on sustainability principles and the potential of designs based on triple access planning in supporting sustainable mobility, access to residents’ needs within a short walk or cycle ride, and supporting digital connectivity for all.

The discussion resulted in several recommendations which are set out in the paper.  

 Lynda Addison, CIHT Technical Champion and external contributor to the SAC meeting, commented:

The report is an excellent summary and exposition of the issues being faced by local authorities and developers in seeking to achieve truly sustainable development and the wider benefits of improved sustainable transport provision. I wholly endorse the recommendations and hope they are acted upon.

Whether it is the current government or the next it is critical that the recommendations are taken on board and implemented as part of any new planning requirements including the forthcoming National Development Management Policies and the National Planning Policy Framework: and the sooner the better.