Service and emergency vehicle access

We advise on service and emergency vehicle access to ensure developments can operate safely, efficiently and in a way that supports long-term viability.

Our advice is informed by swept path analysis using the relevant design vehicles, ensuring service, refuse and emergency vehicles can safely access, manoeuvre within and exit a site. We give particular consideration to access to waste collection points, loading areas and plant, helping to ensure servicing arrangements are practical for operators and compliant with local authority requirements, building regulations (notably Approved Document B for fire-service access in England / Document B equivalent in Wales) and waste-collection guidance.

Where large vehicles are required to reverse, we assess the suitability of layouts carefully.

We advise on measures to manage risk, including layout design, visibility, tracking and operational controls. We also consider potential conflicts with pedestrians, cyclists and other users, helping to ensure that servicing activity is integrated safely within the wider movement network.

By balancing operational requirements with good urban design, we support access solutions that are functional without compromising the quality of the built environment. This helps ensure developments can be serviced efficiently, remain attractive to operators and function successfully over the long term.

FEATURED PROJECT

Redevelopment of RSPCA Headquarters

Apex provided transport planning and highways advice to support the redevelopment of the former RSPCA headquarters at Wilberforce House, Southwater, West Sussex.

Apex was appointed to provide transport consultancy support for the planning application, with a particular focus on assessing the impact of the proposals on the surrounding highway network and accommodating HGV movements both within the site and on the local road network.

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Site feasibility & early advice

Planning application deliverables

Transport data analysis

Design and engineering

Post-application

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Projects

Apex provided transport planning and highways advice to support an outline planning application for the Cardiff Peninsula development, a major mixed-use waterfront regeneration scheme.

The proposals comprise approximately 1,000 residential apartments, 300 co-living units, 11 townhouses, a 220-bed hotel, around 30,000 sqm of employment space, alongside retail, food and drink, community and leisure uses. The proposed masterplan will create a new and vibrant waterfront development for the community to live, work, relax and visit.

Apex prepared a Transport Assessment and Framework Travel Plan to support the application, with a particular focus on sustainable connectivity, active travel and reducing reliance on the private car.

Cardiff Peninsula

Apex provided expert highways and transport consultancy support for a proposed residential development of 125 homes at Farleigh Fields West, Backwell. The project progressed to a Public Inquiry, where Apex acted as expert witness for highways and transport matters.

Farleigh Fields West, Backwell

Apex provided transport planning and highways advice to support a full planning application for a co-living residential development at Knox Court, Cardiff.

Services — Design