The Movement of Freight

9.70 The growth in the number and size of goods vehicles has led to deteriorating environmental conditions and damage to the road network over recent years. The use of 44 tonne vehicles on British roads could further increase problems associated with intrusion through noise, vibration and the physical scale of vehicles. The movement of freight is essential for the well being of the local economy and in support of the just-in-time economy, but it is important that such movements do not detrimentally affect the environment or lead to a degradation of the District’s heritage. Alternative modes of transporting freight do exist, notably the railways and canals, and manufacturers and hauliers can contribute to sustainable development and improving environmental conditions and reducing congestion by transferring bulk and long distance loads to these modes. Within the urban areas there may also be possibilities for the transfer of goods from larger vehicles to smaller ones, which may be more appropriately proportioned for the town centres. It is recognised that the transfer of freight to other modes will be slow unless there is significant legislation to encourage their use.

9.71 Whilst road and rail are likely to be the dominant modes in the movement of freight in Calderdale, the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal do provide some scope for the bulk movement of goods, waste or minerals. Whilst it may be that the waterways will always be marginal, in order to protect the environment and to relieve highway conditions, their potential to move freight must be safeguarded and utilised where appropriate.

9.72 In conjunction with its partners, in preparing the WYLTP, special emphasis has been placed upon the development of a Strategy for the Sustainable Distribution of Freight. In order to support this Strategy the following Policies will apply:-

Policy T 23

Lorry Routeing, Parking and Signing

Lorry routeing, parking and signing in order to reduce the environmental intrusion of goods vehicles into sensitive areas, reduce congestion, assist in traffic management and promote the sustainable distribution of freight will be considered and any schemes found to be appropriate implemented.

Policy T 24

Use of Waterways and Railways for Freight Movement

The use of rail or waterways as alternatives to road freight transportation, particularly for the bulk movement of minerals, waste or other freight, will be permitted where the overall environmental and sustainable development advantages outweigh local problems, subject to the following criteria:-
  1. the development creates no unacceptable environmental, amenity, traffic, safety, or other problems; and
  2. the development complies with the requirements of other relevant UDP policies.

9.73 Another aspect of concern is that caused by lorry parking, especially overnight, at inappropriate locations. The 'Operators Licence' system operated by the Traffic Commissioners, for which the Council acts as a consultee, provides scope for the control of parking and the use of operating routines. Where these facilities require planning permission the Council will be mindful of the need to ensure that they are located in an appropriate area such as within a Primary Employment Area, other industrial area, within a complex of non-residential buildings or where environmental problems can be minimise. Therefore:-

Policy T 25

Goods Vehicle Operating Centres

Goods vehicle operating centres and parking facilities will only be supported where:-
  1. the location is appropriate to such a use;
  2. there is an operational need for the facility;
  3. the development creates no unacceptable environmental, amenity, safety or other problems; and
  4. the development complies with the requirements of other relevant UDP policies.

Back to Top