WCHARs are becoming an increasingly common highways requirement alongside a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan as part of the submission of a planning application, particularly for residential developments. There is no guidance on what scale of development triggers the requirement of a WCHAR, with this assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you'd like to speak with one of our team to assist you with a project, then get in touch now.
What is a WCHAR?
WCHAR stands for Walking, Cycling and Horse-Riding Assessment and Review and these are used to assess the walking, cycle and horse-riding infrastructure in the vicinity of any potential development, with a particular focus on the routes to and from key destinations such as services and amenities, education facilities, bus services and rail stations.
A Lead Assessor is appointed whose job it is to undertake a site visit to review the routes identified as being key and most likely to experience demand from future users of the development. Usually, the assessor will walk these routes, collating photographic evidence of the existing conditions of the pedestrian, cycle and horse-riding provision. These will then be utilised to help compile a report on the existing conditions, forming the ‘assessment’ of the routes, before the ‘review’ element is undertaken.
The report should include, but not necessarily be limited to: an assessment of walking, cycling and horse-riding policies and strategies, collision data, key trip generators and local amenities, record of liaison with key stakeholders and survey data where appropriate.
As well as these elements, the report provides the Lead Assessor the chance to identify any deficiencies in the key routes, as well as opportunities for improvement. It is important to note that by flagging these potential shortfalls in the pedestrian, cycle and horse-riding infrastructure the Lead Assessor does not consign the commissioner of the WCHAR to provide the improvements, but provides the basis for discussion regarding the improvement of the local infrastructure in line with the scale, nature and impact of the proposed development.
How can we help?
At Paul Basham Associates we have a wealth of experience in preparing WCHARs to support planning applications for projects across the United Kingdom.
We will conduct site visits in a timely manner to ensure a quick turnaround of the report, which will include a wide evidence base of photographs and data obtained by our expert team, as well as the detailed review of existing provision and the opportunity to improve the key routes associated with the proposals and future users.
Whilst the WCHAR is in itself a standalone report, we will ensure that it compliments - and can be read in conjunction with - the Transport Assessment and all other relevant documents included within the highways submission package.
Contact Paul Basham Associates today to discuss your WCHAR needs and ensure your development project proceeds without unnecessary pedestrian, cycle and horse-riding related hurdles!