Article

Integrating Transport into Local Development Frameworks

Transport plays an integral role in ensuring sustainable growth can be delivered.

By Steer

Transport plays an integral role in ensuring sustainable growth can be delivered. The Local Development Framework (LDF) therefore needs to identify the transport infrastructure that will facilitate planned development, with accessibility making all the difference to whether a site is suitable for development. Pending the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), many Local authorities are revisiting their LDFs to include revised housing and other land use aspirations and reflect shifting local priorities. This provides an opportunity to set an agenda for growth and delivery that is tailored much more closely to local needs.  

Recent nationally sponsored research by Steer Davies Gleave in Yorkshire and the Humber has highlighted a lack of integration between development aspirations of LDFs and the transport improvements set out in Local Transport Plans covering the same areas.

Here, we set out some pointers to help planning authorities develop a LDF that fully integrates transport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional information:

Off

Subscribe to our newsletter, The Edit

We are Steer

Yes, you are in the right place. After 40 years, we have changed our name from Steer Davies Gleave to mark our growing international footprint and our expanding portfolio into sectors beyond transport.

Explore our new website to learn more about Steer: who we are, how we work and what our future holds.

Related insights

  • 18 Sep 2025
    Article

    Ancoats Mobility Hub: Enabling car-lite developments

    By Steer

    Steer supported the UK’s first purpose-built Mobility Hub with commercial modelling to enable sustainable, car-lite regeneration.

    Read more

  • 31 Jul 2025
    Article

    New study shows best ways to unlock value of UK railway station estate

    Richard Harper
    Director

    Steer and RIA outline strategies to unlock station potential, creating sustainable, connected hubs that drive social and economic value.

    Read more

  • 28 Feb 2025
    Article

    Planning transport for the next generation of New Towns: Vertiports or cycle lanes?

    Profile image
    Matthew Clark
    Associate Director
    Jon Williams
    Associate Director

    As the Labour Government eyes its 1.5 million housebuilding target, how can we ensure these communities work for the future?

    Read more

  • 24 Jan 2025
    Article

    What does 2025 have in store for infrastructure investors? Here is Steer’s outlook

    Antonio Beltrán Arranz
    Associate

    Steer’s Antonio Beltran Arranz explores key investment trends for 2025, from rail modernisation to renewable energy growth.

    Read more

  • 09 Dec 2024
    Article

    What did we learn at the Local Transport Summit 2024?

    By Steer

    Another successful Local Transport Summit saw Steer along with industry professionals from across the board congregate in Bedford this week.

    Read more

  • 02 Dec 2024
    Article

    Is integrated transport planning and housing development the key to achieving multiple policy goals?

    Steven Bishop
    Director

    How can sustainable transport and planning shape the future of housing and communities?

    Read more

  • 27 Nov 2024
    Article

    New Towns, the next chapter: How will the Labour agenda shape new towns?

    Martin Hubbard
    Associate

    Exploring modern New Towns: sustainable design, transport innovation, and lessons from post-war planning for thriving communities.

    Read more

  • 25 Sep 2024
    Article

    Supporting well-being with signage: lessons from Steer’s Toronto Natural Environment Trails wayfinding project

    On Oct 3, Principal Consultant David Kopulos presents 'Building through partnerships' at World Trails Conference, Ottawa.

    Read more

  • 24 Sep 2024
    Article

    An alarming fall-off in the growth of new EV sales?

    Profile image
    Matthew Clark
    Associate Director

    Jato Dynamics recently reported that August had reflected Europe’s largest year-on-year drop in new electric vehicle registrations.

    Read more

  • 20 Sep 2024
    Article

    Au revoir: Our key takeaways on mobility from the Paris 2024 Olympics

    Edward Robinson
    Associate
    Simon Hall
    Director & Head of Sports and Major Events

    Life in Paris returns to normal as athletes from across the globe head home carrying medals and memories following the 2024 Olympic Games.

    Read more

  • 19 Sep 2024
    Article

    Confusion creates delay in public sector engagement in EV charging ventures

    Profile image
    Matthew Clark
    Associate Director

    The pace with which local government authorities are attracting private investment to subsidised EV charging projects has fallen way behind.

    Read more

  • 17 Sep 2024
    Article

    Steer to support Luton Council with their fifth Local Transport Plan

    Steven Bishop
    Director

    TP5 offers a chance to rebalance Luton's transport, promoting active travel, public transport, and journey sharing.

    Read more