The Highways Development Control Section (Highways DC)
The Highways Development Control Section within the Transport Policy Group of the Environment Department of Hampshire County Council consider the highway implications of major and county planning applications across the county. This website is designed to assist members of the public in understanding our role in the planning process and providing information in regard to the progress of planning applications.
· What are major applications?
· What are County applications?
· Movement Access Streets and Spaces (MASS)
· Hampshire Parking Standards and Strategy 2002
What we do
Highways DC consider the likely impact of major development on the transport network and determines the necessary mitigation measures to local transport infrastructure. Financial contributions are negotiated and secured towards mitigating the impact of the development on the local transport network.
What are major applications?
The district planning authority consult the Highways DC section for highway advice on planning applications above the following thresholds:
1. 100 residential dwellings
2. 2000 sqm non food retail
3. 1400 sqm food retail
4. 4500 sqm industrial/warehousing
These applications are considered to be major applications. In addition to these thresholds any applications which involve works on the highway are also referred to Highways DC for approval. The planning authority may also ask DC to advise on more minor applications.
What are County applications?
County applications include Education, Social Services, Minerals and Waste applications. These are considered 'County Matters'.
Financial Contributions
Highways DC will seek to ensure the developer provides adequate funding, either as a lump sum or in instalments, to provide alternative modes of transport other than the car to serve the development in accordance with national and local policies. Funding may also be secured towards measures identified in the Local Transport Plan to improve the existing transport network.
What are Works?
Any works on the highway which are needed to facilitate access to a development site are carried out by the developer to standards set by HCC and supervised by HCC Engineers. The developer must enter into a legal agreement with HCC to gain permission to work on the highway. These works can include traffic calming, roundabouts, right turn lanes, signalised junctions and crossings.
What are legal Agreements?
Generally we use Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980.
A Section 106 Agreement is a planning obligation used to secure financial contributions and/or works.
A Section 278 Agreement allows the developer to carry out works on the highway.
Movement Access Streets and Spaces (MASS)
This is the County Council highway design guide for new residential development. The document costs £50 plus £3 p&p. The document can be obtained by filling in the on-line application form and comes with a CD Rom. An invoice will be issued for payment.
Hampshire Parking Standards and Strategy 2002
This is the County parking standards document. It can be obtained free of charge by filling in the form below or electronically at http://www.hants.gov.uk/carparking/index.html.
If you have any enquiries please feel free to contact us online.