Active Travel England (ATE) has a role in the planning system as a statutory consultee for development management, as set out in Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).
ATE also has a role as a specific consultation body for local plans and supplementary plans as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
Spatial plan role
Since 25 March 2026, ATE has been a specific consultation body in local plans and supplementary plans made under the new plan-making system.
This means that where local authorities consider that ATE may have an interest in the preparation of a development plan, it must invite ATE to make representations at the relevant stages of plan making.
ATE works with local planning authorities to ensure that active travel is considered early in the plan-making process, including as part of the evidence base, site allocations, and policies.
Our spatial plan service is likely to evolve over time as planning reforms progress and as ATE is setting up its new role.
Development management
Since 1 June 2023, ATE has been a statutory consultee on certain categories of planning applications that meet defined thresholds, including development that is:
- 150 dwellings or more; or
- more than 7,500 square metres of floorspace; or
- five hectares or more in site area
As a statutory consultee, ATE works with local planning authorities to ensure that active travel is considered early in the design process, helping to shape development that supports walking, cycling and wider transport objectives.
ATE works alongside local planning authorities to ensure new infrastructure and developments are designed with active travel at the forefront. This includes providing provision for high quality cycling and walking networks, green spaces and green routes, and supporting facilities such as cycle parking.
Our work complements Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans by local authorities and the work of local consultees, including the public.
Guidance and documents
Planning for active places
A masterplan providing development guidance to design accessible walking, wheeling and cycling environments.
Sustainable development advice notes
Two advice notes have been produced to reflect the different considerations that apply within and outside of London.
Planning application assessment toolkit for local planning authorities
The toolkit allows local planning authorities to gather evidence and assess the active travel merits for a development proposal.
Development management for local planning authorities
Provides local planning authorities with clear guidance on how ATE will approach planning casework.
Inclusive mobility
A guide to best practice on improving access to public transport and creating a barrier-free pedestrian environment.
