Local planning authorities will now have to consult with Active Travel England (ATE) on all large planning applications.
Starting today, ATE is officially a statutory consultee on all planning applications for developments equal to or exceeding 150 housing units, 7,500 m2 of floorspace or an area of five hectares.
The move is aimed at ensuring active travel is included at the planning stage to help improve public health, save money and reduce emissions.
Active travel commissioner Chris Boardman said: ‘Active travel is essential to improving public health, reducing emissions and tackling the cost of living crisis. That’s why we’re working to ensure millions more people have the opportunity to walk, wheel or cycle from their doorstep to where they need to be.
‘Designing activity back into our neighbourhoods and creating places where children have transport independence is achievable – it just needs smart planning.
‘As a statutory consultee ATE will work with planning authorities and developers to help them ensure new estates give people what they need to get fresh air and exercise, save money on petrol and help fight climate change.’
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