iTransport supported Solent Gateway Limited in preparing a hybrid planning application for the development of land at Marchwood Port for port-related uses.
The project formed part of the wider evolution of the port and its surrounding employment land, requiring a transport strategy that could support operational growth while responding to local highway constraints, strategic network considerations and community concerns. Our appointment drew on both our strong local knowledge and our previous experience of port-related work on significant strategic projects such as Tilbury.
A key challenge for the application was demonstrating that the development’s traffic and transport impacts could be robustly assessed in a period affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, when conventional traffic data collection and interpretation required careful handling. Alongside that, the planning case also needed to show how the scheme could improve connectivity for local people, particularly through better walking and cycling links between the port, Marchwood Village and onward routes towards Southampton.
The client’s objective was to secure planning permission for a commercially important port-related scheme while also putting forward a package of transport improvements that was deliverable, policy-aligned and responsive to local needs.
iTransport led on transport planning support for the hybrid application, beginning with pre-application discussions with Hampshire County Council and National Highways.
A major early focus was agreeing the scope of the traffic impact assessment and identifying an appropriate method for traffic data collection, given that the project was progressing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This required careful judgement and close coordination with stakeholders to ensure the evidence base would be accepted as robust and representative despite the unusual circumstances.
We went on to prepare a comprehensive Transport Assessment and Travel Plan in support of the planning application, as well as writing the Transport Chapter for the Environmental Statement. This provided a clear and coordinated transport narrative for the project, covering both operational impacts and the wider strategy for sustainable access.
Community engagement was also an important part of the work. We were heavily involved in discussions with local stakeholders, including Marchwood Parish Council, helping explain the proposals and their transport implications in a clear and constructive way. Alongside this, we identified and designed a package of off-site improvements focused on pedestrian and cycle connectivity, strengthening links between the port, Marchwood Village and the wider strategic cycle route towards Southampton.
This combination of technical work, early stakeholder engagement and community-focused infrastructure planning helped create a more rounded and credible planning case.
The development was granted planning permission by New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee.
By working closely with Hampshire County Council and National Highways throughout the planning application process, iTransport helped resolve transport matters efficiently and secure agreement with both authorities in a timely way. The inclusion of pedestrian and cycle improvements also strengthened the wider planning case by showing how the development could support local connectivity as well as port operations.
Following planning consent, iTransport continued to support the project by helping the client navigate the Section 278 process with Hampshire County Council. The agreed transport improvements have now been completed and are in use by the local population, providing a lasting benefit beyond the development site itself.
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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