What will the new Manual for Streets mean for development?

28 Apr 21

Importantly, CIHT have also called for MfS to be made Government policy, meaning it will play an increasingly important role in deciding planning applications of the future.

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Manual for Streets (MfS) has been a vital document for Transport Planners in guiding new development since it was first published, so why is it being updated and what should we expect?

MfS 1 was first published over thirteen years ago, with MfS 2 released a couple of years later, and transport planning has evolved a lot in that time. Since the initial publication, there has been significant change, including the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and a much greater focus placed on sustainable travel. As such, we consider it incredibly important that the NPPF is properly reflected in the new document, given the manual’s essential role in planning and development across the UK.

We have also seen the nature of streets and roads, and the demands placed upon them, change significantly over the past thirteen years, and the current document lacks guidance on important new parts of our transport infrastructure and our changing needs. The streets of the future will need to accommodate new demands including modes of transport that the industry is only just beginning to understand, such as automated vehicles, electric vehicles, charging points, electric scooters and greater calls for pedestrian-friendly streets and outdoor dining.

The Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), who have been asked to lead the revision by the Department for Transport, has confirmed that the new document will formally supersede the current two documents and will look to incorporate the above to provide clear guidance for anyone working in the highways and transport sector. Importantly, CIHT have also called for MfS to be made Government policy, meaning it would play an increasingly important role in deciding planning applications of the future.

When planning a new development, getting the technical advice right is critical to delivering better environments. As CIHT state, “a site’s design, appearance, and the way they function have a huge impact on the quality of people’s lives as well as economic and social vitality and environmental sustainability”. MfS needs to set clear principles to ensure this is realised.

The new document is expected to be released in early 2022 and Iceni Transport will be on hand to explain the changes and updates to clients looking to deliver the best possible places to work, rest and play.