A new highway design guide developed specifically for York, could go out to public consultation if it is approved at a meeting of the council's planning committee next week (January 23).

The guide would provide both visual and structural guidelines to developers designing residential schemes in the city. It would include advice on: Traffic calming Estate roads and footpath layouts Parking Landscaping In addition, the guide aims to promote environments that are pleasant and safe to live in by influencing developers to design schemes that are: Less likely to have crime problems Environmentally pleasing for those who live in them Positive contributors to the overall appearance of the city Have regard for the transport objectives of the Local Transport plan (LTP) Peter Evely, head of highway regulation, City of York Council said: "Most Highway Authorities have a dedicated highway design guide for their area. City of York has been using the old guidelines, supplied by the previous highway authority, North Yorkshire County Council. But the old guide was becoming increasingly out-of-date and couldn't fulfil the requirements of development in a modern city environment. "If agreed, the new guide will be specifically tailored to the needs and aspirations of York." The new draft guide contains a number of features which make it more relevant for development within an urban environment. These include guidelines on parking provision, to prevent vehicles being 'garaged' on public roads, and traffic management to prevent excessive speeding. The proposed guide also follows the objectives of the LTP, promoting developments that reduce the need to travel by car and encouraging integrated transport modes that promote more sustainable forms of transport including walking, cycling and public transport. In line with the Government's planning policy guidelines (PPG 3), the guide also aims to promote good design in housing development to create a more attractive environment in which to live. The draft guide was prepared in consultation with key developers and consulting engineers, and if agreed by the planning committee, would be the subject of public consultation prior to formal adoption by the council. Copies of the draft guide can be viewed at www.idtuk.com/cyc/