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Travel Plans are an essential tool in delivering sustainable development and are an integral element in the planning process. The Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan identifies travel plans as important because they promote sustainable transport choices and facilitate sustainable growth.

They are also specifically referred to in Part 8 - Transport and infrastructure (DEV29-DEV31) of The Plymouth and South West Devon Supplementary Planning Document.

Travel Plans help promote active travel around our city, can reduce pollution and congestion and helps promote a healthier lifestyle.

Travel Plans are generally required for all new large or expanding developments, and for smaller developments where there is predicted to be a significant transport impact.

What is a Travel Plan?

A Travel Plan is a long-term management strategy for a development or organisation delivering a package of measures designed to increase levels of sustainable travel for all journeys to and from a site.

When do I need a Travel Plan?

The National Planning Policy Framework states that all developments that generate significant amounts of transport movement should be supported by a Transport Statement, Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan.

Developers are advised to seek specific advice from the Transport Planning Team in Strategic Planning and Infrastructure via the Development Enquiry service. This should be done as early in the development process as possible.

Our Development Enquiry Service will provide site-specific advice on a case by case basis on whether a development proposal requires a Travel Plan.

Detailed guidance on the content of Travel Plans, the Council's requirements for how they must be managed and monitored and the relevant fees payable to the Council are contained in the Council's Travel Plan Guide for Developments in Plymouth.

Further guidance on Workplace, Residential and Event Management Plans can be found on the following pages: