The NPPF para. 108e states that the patterns of movement, streets, parking and other considerations are integral to the design of schemes, and contribute to making high quality places. The complexity of managing traffic whilst promoting walking and cycling for better health and wellbeing requires an integrated approach across public and private bodies. Communities are interested in how existing and new street design can be enhanced to create better public places.
Shaping Streets Design Review is a design tool to support those designing and implementing streets in delivering excellent places, taking into account advice from CIHT. Shaping Streets Design Review provides an expert Panel to be a critical friend in supporting conversations with delivery partners.
Shaping Streets Design Review will provide advice and signposting on:
- Sustainable travel – integrating walking, cycling and public transport,
- Regeneration of existing streets,
- Improving public space on streets,
- Health and wellbeing – air quality, green spaces etc.,
- Economic resilience – for local businesses,
- Social value – including cultural benefits.
Shaping Streets Design Review can be used on the following:
- Existing Streets– particularly if undergoing transformation, such as the High Street,
- Interchanges– railway, bus and intermodal,
- New Streets– particularly those associated with housing growth.
Shaping Streets Design Review refers to best practice, that includes amongst others, Streets for a Healthy Life by Homes England as a companion document to Building for a Healthy Life shows what can be achieved in creating adopted highways that put people first, and provide benefits for people to socialise and play, deliver better public health, biodiversity, reduced carbon emissions and improved water management.
Further guidance on what constitutes good and bad practice is included in Manual for Streets (MfS) 1 and 2, Gear Change, A Bold Vision for Cycling & Walking and Local Transport Note 1/20 on Cycle Infrastructure Design (LTN1/20) and these are referred to as key considerations in a Shaping Streets Design Review. A revised Manual for Streets 3 is in the course of preparation, due to be published in 2022.
Shaping Streets Review can assist engagement with Active Travel England who as an Executive body to DfT are tasked with supporting a step change in active travel.
