iTransport supported the delivery of a new medical centre in Polegate, East Sussex, designed to replace and consolidate outdated nearby medical facilities while expanding primary healthcare services for a growing local population. The scheme formed part of a wider programme to modernise community health infrastructure and improve access to GP and associated clinical services. Our client, Wealden District Council, was a key driver in bringing forward enhanced facilities for local residents.
The client’s objective was to secure planning permission for a purpose-built healthcare facility in a sensitive edge-of-centre location. That meant balancing good accessibility for patients and staff with the need to protect residential amenity and manage local concerns around traffic and parking. As with many healthcare schemes, transport was a significant planning issue. Primary care facilities often attract strong local interest, particularly where there is concern about overspill parking, congestion or unsafe access.
The challenge was to show that the new medical centre could operate efficiently, safely and sustainably, while offering better access and a stronger overall patient experience than the existing provision.
iTransport provided full transport planning support through the planning application process, preparing a Transport Statement, Framework Travel Plan and a detailed parking accumulation assessment tailored to the operational profile of a primary healthcare facility.
A key focus was developing a realistic understanding of travel demand. We applied TRICS data specific to medical centres, filtered to reflect comparable sites, and considered peak appointment periods, staff shift patterns and the range of services expected to be delivered from the new facility. This helped ensure the transport evidence reflected how the building was likely to operate in practice.
Parking demand formed a central part of the strategy. We assessed likely dwell times, staff parking needs and accessible bay/drop-off requirements so the level of on-site parking could be demonstrated as appropriate and proportionate. We also worked closely with the project and landscape architects to shape a site layout that functioned well for all users, including those arriving on foot, by cycle or by public transport.
In parallel, we reviewed access and servicing arrangements in detail, including swept path analysis, visibility and pedestrian connectivity. Dedicated pedestrian routes were positioned so that visitors arriving by non-car modes could reach the building directly and safely, without having to pass through the main parking area. Early engagement with the local highway authority also helped establish an agreed methodology and address likely concerns about congestion, access and overspill parking before submission.
The transport strategy supported the successful grant of planning permission for the new Polegate Medical Centre.
By providing clear, evidence-led analysis, iTransport demonstrated that the facility would not give rise to severe highway impacts and that the proposed parking provision was properly aligned with operational need. The work also helped address local concerns around access, congestion and overspill parking, providing reassurance that the development would improve healthcare access without creating unacceptable impacts on surrounding residential streets.
The Travel Plan established a framework for encouraging sustainable travel by both staff and patients, including active travel measures and clear public transport information, supporting the wider ambition for a highly sustainable new healthcare building.
Importantly, the project helped enable the consolidation of services within a modern, fit-for-purpose medical centre, improving accessibility for patients — including those with mobility needs — and enhancing the overall user experience.
We provide the full range of specialist transport planning services needed to take schemes from early concept through to consent and delivery
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