Charfield

The Challenge

NRP develops highway improvements at M5 Junction 14 to help secure planning permission for Bloor Homes and CEG.

In the face of a National Highways requirement for a new £60 million motorway junction and no funding in place two development schemes for a total of 750 dwellings in Charfield, South Gloucestershire were in limbo despite approvals and funding for a new rail station. Network Rail also demanded £1 million to improve a level crossing.

The Solution

NRP provided transport planning advice in support of a planning application for 250 homes in the village of Charfield, South Gloucestershire for Bloor Homes. A Transport Assessment and Residential Travel Plan was prepared for the submission.

VISSIM microsimulation modelling was undertaken for M5 Junction 14 and a suitable mitigation scheme proposed and agreed with the highway authorities South Gloucestershire Council and National Highways. Other technical elements have included design of a village traffic calming scheme and assessment of impact of development on a rail crossing.

The Results

NRP used its VISSIM microsimulation modelling expertise and innovative scheme design to agree a highway improvement scheme at M5 Junction 14 with the authorities to unlock the development and subsequently that in a neighbouring authority Local Plan.

The improvement scheme was costed at less than £1 million and was shown by VISSIM to mitigate the impact of the traffic generated by the developments. The request from Network Rail for £1 million was withdrawn as an alternative solution was agreed. Planning permission for the developments was subsequently achieved in 2025.