Design Code - Movement section

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3. Movement

3.1 Introduction
The Movement section of the Design Code sets out how streets and transport should be planned and designed within new developments across Cheshire West and Chester. It promotes walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport ahead of private vehicle use. New development should create healthy, inclusive and accessible places that can be used by people of all ages and abilities, while innovative approaches that further improve accessibility, sustainability and the overall quality of places could be supported where they help achieve these aims.

3.2 Street Network

  • New developments must create well-connected streets and routes that link neighbouring communities and make it easy for people to move around and between them.
  • Development must provide direct routes to schools, centres, employment areas, open spaces and public transport.
  • Layouts must avoid disconnected cul-de-sacs and should maximise opportunities for future connections with neighbouring land.
  • Designers must consult with the emergency services to agree an access strategy.
  • Developments of 150 dwellings or more must provide an emergency access route.
  • Developers should improve connectivity beyond the site boundary wherever opportunities exist.
  • Major developments should strengthen existing public transport networks and improve sustainable access to local destinations.

3.3 Street Hierarchy

  • Developments must provide a clear street hierarchy, with each street designed according to its intended role and function.
  • Streets must be simple to move around while also creating attractive, welcoming places that contribute to an area’s character.
  • Development should create a street network that is easy to understand, navigate and use.

3.4 Street Design Considerations

  • Developments must provide accessible footways, crossings and routes that can be used comfortably by everyone.
  • Walking, wheeling and cycling must be prioritised through direct, continuous and safe connections.
  • Streets must be designed to support lower vehicle speeds and safer movement for all users.
  • Cycle infrastructure must be appropriate to traffic speeds and volumes and provide a safe environment for cyclists.
  • Developers should provide seating, rest points and other features that support independent mobility.

3.5 Junctions and Crossings

  • Junctions and crossings must provide safe and convenient movement for pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists.
  • Crossings must be placed where people are most likely to use them and should link clearly with nearby routes. Junction design must support the priorities established by the street hierarchy and surrounding context.
  • Developments should minimise delays and detours for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

3.6 Street Materials

  • Street materials must be durable, high quality and appropriate to their location and function.
  • Materials must help create attractive streets and spaces that are easy to maintain.
  • Developments should use materials consistently to reinforce legibility and local character.

3.7 Street Lighting

  • Street lighting must support safety, accessibility and security for all users.
  • Lighting must be designed to complement the character and function of the street.
  • Development should be designed to limit unnecessary light at night and reduce impacts on local people, wildlife and habitats.

3.8 Vehicle Parking

  • Vehicle parking must comply with Council parking standards and support the overall design objectives of the development.
  • Parking must not dominate streets, public spaces or the appearance of development.
  • Cycle parking must be provided for all developments and be secure, convenient and weather protected.
  • Parking areas should be integrated with landscaping, streets and buildings.
  • Developments should provide facilities that support electric vehicles, accessibility and sustainable travel choices.
  • Shared parking arrangements and communal cycle facilities could be used where they help create attractive and well-designed places.

3.9 Integrating Public Transport

  • New developments must support public transport use from the earliest stages of planning and design.
  • Development must provide safe, direct and convenient access to bus stops, rail stations and other transport services.
  • Public transport facilities must be integrated into the overall movement network rather than treated as standalone features.
  • Major developments should improve existing public transport services and connections where appropriate.
  • Larger sites should contribute towards service enhancements where required to support sustainable travel.

More information on the Movement section can be found here

3. Movement

3.1 Introduction
The Movement section of the Design Code sets out how streets and transport should be planned and designed within new developments across Cheshire West and Chester. It promotes walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport ahead of private vehicle use. New development should create healthy, inclusive and accessible places that can be used by people of all ages and abilities, while innovative approaches that further improve accessibility, sustainability and the overall quality of places could be supported where they help achieve these aims.

3.2 Street Network

  • New developments must create well-connected streets and routes that link neighbouring communities and make it easy for people to move around and between them.
  • Development must provide direct routes to schools, centres, employment areas, open spaces and public transport.
  • Layouts must avoid disconnected cul-de-sacs and should maximise opportunities for future connections with neighbouring land.
  • Designers must consult with the emergency services to agree an access strategy.
  • Developments of 150 dwellings or more must provide an emergency access route.
  • Developers should improve connectivity beyond the site boundary wherever opportunities exist.
  • Major developments should strengthen existing public transport networks and improve sustainable access to local destinations.

3.3 Street Hierarchy

  • Developments must provide a clear street hierarchy, with each street designed according to its intended role and function.
  • Streets must be simple to move around while also creating attractive, welcoming places that contribute to an area’s character.
  • Development should create a street network that is easy to understand, navigate and use.

3.4 Street Design Considerations

  • Developments must provide accessible footways, crossings and routes that can be used comfortably by everyone.
  • Walking, wheeling and cycling must be prioritised through direct, continuous and safe connections.
  • Streets must be designed to support lower vehicle speeds and safer movement for all users.
  • Cycle infrastructure must be appropriate to traffic speeds and volumes and provide a safe environment for cyclists.
  • Developers should provide seating, rest points and other features that support independent mobility.

3.5 Junctions and Crossings

  • Junctions and crossings must provide safe and convenient movement for pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists.
  • Crossings must be placed where people are most likely to use them and should link clearly with nearby routes. Junction design must support the priorities established by the street hierarchy and surrounding context.
  • Developments should minimise delays and detours for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

3.6 Street Materials

  • Street materials must be durable, high quality and appropriate to their location and function.
  • Materials must help create attractive streets and spaces that are easy to maintain.
  • Developments should use materials consistently to reinforce legibility and local character.

3.7 Street Lighting

  • Street lighting must support safety, accessibility and security for all users.
  • Lighting must be designed to complement the character and function of the street.
  • Development should be designed to limit unnecessary light at night and reduce impacts on local people, wildlife and habitats.

3.8 Vehicle Parking

  • Vehicle parking must comply with Council parking standards and support the overall design objectives of the development.
  • Parking must not dominate streets, public spaces or the appearance of development.
  • Cycle parking must be provided for all developments and be secure, convenient and weather protected.
  • Parking areas should be integrated with landscaping, streets and buildings.
  • Developments should provide facilities that support electric vehicles, accessibility and sustainable travel choices.
  • Shared parking arrangements and communal cycle facilities could be used where they help create attractive and well-designed places.

3.9 Integrating Public Transport

  • New developments must support public transport use from the earliest stages of planning and design.
  • Development must provide safe, direct and convenient access to bus stops, rail stations and other transport services.
  • Public transport facilities must be integrated into the overall movement network rather than treated as standalone features.
  • Major developments should improve existing public transport services and connections where appropriate.
  • Larger sites should contribute towards service enhancements where required to support sustainable travel.

More information on the Movement section can be found here