Site access design.
Safe, buildable site accesses designed to the right standard, with visibility, swept paths and walking routes sorted before the layout is fixed.
Also known as: site access, site access design, safe access, safe and suitable access, new access, highways engineer for planning
What’s included.
National policy expects safe and suitable access for everyone. For most schemes, the access is the first thing the highway officer looks at. We design it early, check it against the council’s standards and Manual for Streets or DMRB, and show it works for every user.
- Access options and the preferred layout
- Visibility splays, based on speed surveys where it helps
- Swept paths for refuse, fire and delivery vehicles
- Footway links and crossing points
- Junction type and capacity check
- Road Safety Audit coordination
- Drawings ready for planning
- Input to the Section 278 design
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Early
A quick access check at concept stage costs far less than redrawing after a highways response.
The right standard
Manual for Streets on most local roads, DMRB where the speed and road type call for it, and local guidance throughout.
For everyone
Access designed for people walking, wheeling and cycling as well as for vehicles.
Questions we get asked
What makes an access safe and suitable?
Adequate visibility for the actual speeds, a layout the expected vehicles can use, and safe routes for people on foot and bike. We check each one against the council’s standards.
Can a speed survey reduce the visibility I need?
Often. If recorded speeds are below the limit, the required splay can usually be shorter.
Do I need a Road Safety Audit?
Many councils ask for a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit for new or altered accesses. We arrange it with an independent audit team.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with site access design?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.