Transport is a key to unlocking development potential. With national policy placing increasing emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, demonstrating that a site can be accessed safely and efficiently is crucial to its deliverability. If safe access cannot be achieved, development potential is significantly limited.
In line with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local highway authorities now apply greater scrutiny to both strategic and local development proposals. Stuart Michael Associates (SMA) supports clients in meeting these evolving requirements, by promoting sustainable transport strategies, reducing car dependency, and ensuring transport impacts are robustly assessed and effectively mitigated.
At SMA, our transport planning team brings extensive experience across residential, commercial, retail, leisure, and renewable developments throughout the UK. We deliver intelligent, forward-thinking transport solutions that support sustainable growth and meet the evolving needs of modern communities.
Using industry software and modelling tools, we assess, optimise, and communicate transport outcomes clearly. We work closely with Clients, local highway authorities, and stakeholders to encourage early engagement and ensure that development proposals are technically robust, policy-compliant, and deliverable.
Our services space from early-stage feasibility to detailed assessments and delivery support for both public and private sector clients. This includes:
Our portfolio covers small-scale residential schemes to major urban extensions, infrastructure projects, and town centre regeneration. We also provide expert representation at Planning Inquiries, Appeals, and Examinations in Public for developers, objectors, and local authorities.
SMA is committed to delivering transport solutions that align with local and national policy priorities, supporting sustainable growth, addressing climate change, and shaping resilient, people-focused places.
SMA delivers a comprehensive range of transport planning services for private developers, architects, planners, and public sector clients across all development sectors. Whether you require an initial access appraisal or more detailed assessment as part of a Planning Application submission, our team provides innovative, reliable solutions. We offer a full suite of Transport and Infrastructure Planning services, including:
For more information about how SMA can assist you, please contact a member of our team.
Improving Journey Time Reliability
SMA has an established record for carrying out detailed multi-modal modelling of a wide range of transport networks, from individual roads and junctions through to complex networks. Results of SMA’s modelling have been used to optimise capacity, improve journey times, and provide highway and junction improvements across the UK.
We continue to develop our transport modelling capabilities and are able to offer our clients comprehensive modelling services, which includes the following transport modelling software tools:
Travel Plans are a vital component of delivering sustainable development, supporting national and local policy objectives around climate change, air quality, and active travel. Aligned with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and Local Transport Plans (LTPs), they are now a common requirement for developments that may have even a moderate impact upon the local highway network. Planning Authorities increasingly expect robust Travel Plans, not just as a condition of consent, but as a proactive tool for creating healthier, better-connected communities.
Travel Plans encourage a shift away from private car use by promoting sustainable travel choices such as walking, cycling, public transport, car clubs, and remote working. They deliver tangible benefits to residents, businesses, and the wider community, such as reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, better parking management, safer streets, and enhanced accessibility for all.
At SMA, we have a proven track record in preparing, delivering, and managing Travel Plans across residential, employment education, healthcare and leisure developments. We currently coordinate Travel Plans for approximately 10,000 homes across 40+ sites in 16 counties, supporting both private and public sector Clients.
Our expertise covers the full lifecycle of Travel Plan implementation, including:
For more information on how SMA can support your development with an effective, compliant Travel Plan, please contact our Travel Planning team at travelplans@stuartmichael.co.uk.
Promoting active travel is a core part of the UK Government’s vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible transport system. Supported by key strategies such as Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), planning authorities increasingly expect new developments to prioritise walking and cycling from the outset.
At SMA, we understand the role that active travel plays in improving public health, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing local connectivity. We embed walking and cycling considerations into our transport and engineering solutions, ensuring developments include practical, policy-compliant infrastructure that is future-proof, inclusive and accessible.
Our multi-disciplinary team brings extensive experience in the planning, design and delivery of high-quality walking and cycling networks. We provide technically robust solutions, tailored to both the local context and wider strategic objectives.
Our services include:
Whether you are developing a small residential site or major strategic masterplan, SMA can help create integrated walking and cycling solutions that support planning success and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities.
Public transport is essential to delivering sustainable development, supporting economic growth, and meeting the UK’s Net-Zero ambitions. National policy; including the Government’s Bus Back Better strategy, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), places strong emphasis on improving the quality, reliability, and accessibility of bus and rail services, while integrating transport and land use planning more effectively.
At SMA, we recognise that creating viable, attractive alternatives to private car use is key to managing travel demand and supporting sustainable growth. We work with clients to identify and deliver opportunities that enhance public transport accessibility and encourage modal shift. This includes Park & Ride facilities, transport hubs, mobility hubs, and enhancements to existing local bus services. These measures not only ease pressure on local highway networks, but also contribute to wider policy objectives relating to air quality, carbon reduction and inclusive mobility.
We are currently advising multiple clients on bus service diversions and enhancements, public transport interchange facilities, and Park & Ride proposals. Our services include:
With a strong understanding of national guidance and local transport policy, SMA provides tailored, forward-thinking solutions that place public transport at the heart of development; creating vibrant, low-carbon, and well-connected communities.
