The Challenge
Transportation and highways advice has been provided in support of the promotion and planning application for the new mixed use Wolvershill Community.
Comprising 2,800 homes within the emerging North Somerset Local Plan and served by the £100 million HIF funded Banwell Bypass, now under construction.
Given the scale and complexity of the development, an area wide transport assessment was essential, supported by extensive collaboration, partnership working, and consultation with multiple stakeholders.
This coordinated approach ensured that strategic transport, active travel, and network considerations were fully integrated into the evolving masterplan and its supporting planning documentation.
The Solution
NRP is coordinating the work of three specialist transport consultants, liaising closely with North Somerset Council and National Highways to shape and refine the emerging transport strategy. To support this, NRP has developed a detailed VISSIM microsimulation model of the local network and adopted a vision led ‘Decide and Provide’ approach, with visioning and technical development advanced through structured monthly Transport Assessment workshops.
Wolvershill is being planned as an Active Travel led community, aligned with the strategic Active Travel corridor between Worle and Banwell. In support of the planning application, NRP has prepared a comprehensive Transport Assessment, Framework Travel Plan and Environmental Statement Transport Chapter.
To further strengthen sustainable movement planning, NRP has used PODARIS to test and shape viable new bus service options for the community, and has undertaken innovative VISUM based Active Travel modelling to ensure that walking, cycling and sustainable transport connections are fully embedded in the masterplan.
The Results
Our leadership in coordinating and progressing discussions with neighbouring developers has been recognised and valued by the Highway Authority, who regard us as a trusted and reliable partner in advancing the transport strategy.
Throughout the project, we have demonstrated the flexibility and responsiveness required to adapt to evolving timescales, shifting inter dependencies, and external issues arising during the planning process. Despite these challenges, we maintained programme momentum, culminating in the submission of the planning application at the end of 2024.
