Highway Expert Witness

Sanderson Associates offer a full range of services with respect to the provision of highway expert witness advice. This can be in relation to simple safety matters involving personal or traffic accidents through to complex highway public inquiries on a major planning application. We have provided expert witnesses for cases in local Magistrates Courts, County Courts, the High Court and the Royal Court of Justice in London.

Our wide base of experience in this field includes planning applications, planning enforcement appeals, public highway closures and Traffic Regulation Orders, public rights of ways issues (closures and diversions) and alleged professional negligence.

We have experts in the fields of Traffic and Transportation, Flood Risk and Highway Design.

Highway Public Inquiry

Where planning permission has been refused an applicant has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for an independent decision on the development. Appeals can be in three forms, a simple exchange of statements known as a written representations appeal, a local hearing which is an Inspector lead discussion between all parties and a Public Inquiry where professional witnesses provide formal evidence in a “court room setting” and are cross examined by counsel acting for the opposing parties. In all cases an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State considers all evidence presented, asks his own questions of witnesses and views the site before making his/her decision to allow or dismiss the appeal.

Appeals can, especially with public inquiries, be a very expensive process and where planning consent has been withheld by an Authority for unjustified or unreasonable grounds it is possible to make an “application for costs” to recover the costs of the work involved in the appeal process.

We regularly provide Written Statements and attend Local Hearings and Public Inquires working either directly for clients or via instructing planning consultants and solicitors as part of a dedicated team. In this area of work we have represented the private sector, Local Planning Authorities and local residents.

Examples of Public Inquiry work we have undertaken recently in this area include: (Click to Expand)

  • Change of use A1 Shop to Hot Food Takeaway Sheffield Road Barnsley
    (Written Representations)
  • Proposed Operating Theatres at Sancta Maria Hospital Swansea
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Residential Development Firth Street Shepley Huddersfield
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Residential Development Marsh Lane Shepley Huddersfield
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed residential Development Summerhill Douglas Isle of Man
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Residential Development and Business Park Development Brixworth Northamptonshire ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Travelling Show persons Accommodation Monk Fryston
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Residential Development Gilling Road Richmond
    ( Local Hearing)
  • Proposed Student Accommodation Manor Drive Headingley Leeds
    (Public Inquiry Enforcement Action)
  • Proposed Residential Development Wood Lane Treeton Rotherham
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Proposed Major Residential Development at Sty Lane Micklethwaite Bradford
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Proposed Business Park at Ronaldsway Gateway Isle of Man
    ( Public Inquiry Area Plan Review)
  • Proposed Mixed use development at Victoria Road Castletown Isle of Man
    (Public Inquiry Area Plan Review)
  • Proposed major Travellers Site Poulton le Flyde Lancaster
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Proposed major Supermarket Development at White City Old Trafford Manchester
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Proposed Data Centre Lindley Huddersfield
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Proposed Supermarket Old Leeds Road Huddersfield
    (Public Inquiry)
  • Erection of aviation hangers at Elvington Airport, Yorkshire
    (Private Sector)
  • Major long term extraction of sand at Euxton Lancashire
    (On behalf of Lancashire County Council)
  • Residential Development at Glusburn North Yorkshire
    (Private Sector)
  • Proposed Supermarket Elstow, Bedford
    (Private Sector)
  • Successful Objection to Proposed Supermarket, Douglas, Isle of Man.
    (Various Private Clients)

In relation to the last example which involved a particularly complicated highway assessment of traffic generations of a large food store and its impact on the local highway network, the Inspector formally cited our witnesses’ evidence as “professional, balanced, honest and not over stated” in his decision notice. Our detailed evidence, based on sound preparation, helped inform his decision to refuse the proposal on highway and transportation grounds.

Require the Services of a Highway Expert Witness?

We would be pleased to provide you with our competitive fee quotation to provide you with our Highway Expert Witness services whether at a Highway Public Inquiry or elsewhere, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to visit our online secure server fee quote request form.

Some of our Recent Testimonials:

London Based Construction Company – Swept Path Analaysis

Wed, May 16, 2012

Sandersons service was quick efficient and competitive. I would recommend them.

Environmental Consultancy – Flood Risk Assessment

Tue, Apr 17, 2012

I thought the service was excellent, we had no prior experience of flood risk assessments but you made this process quick and simple.

Philip Waind, Waind Gohil Architects – Flood Warning and Evacuation Plan

Thu, Mar 01, 2012

Just a note to thank you for responding to this so quickly. If we had such speedy support from all consultants, our job would be much easier!

Mr Terry Edge, Church Grove Residents Association – Highway Advice

Wed, Feb 15, 2012

Sanderson’s report was instrumental in defeating our local authority’s misguided transport plan for our little street. It provided compelling arguments for unsuitable access, as well as key government statistics on traffic flow levels which the Local Authority simply hadn’t considered. … Continue reading →

Cable & Wireless, Flood Risk Assessment, Leeds

Mon, Dec 05, 2011

Being understanding of my requirements, translate into the scope of works and keep me updated at all times, made the whole process simple and easy for me. I feel that my request was in safe hands and I got on … Continue reading →

I J Hayfield MRICS, Director, Hayfield Robinson Commercial Property – Highway Advice

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

Just a sort note to once again thank you for the  proactive advice that Sanderson’s continue to offer to my client. In this day and age I often find that service  levels are going down as professionals are asked to … Continue reading →

Mr Geoff Boffey, Flood Risk Assessment

Fri, Oct 28, 2011

The Flood Survey I commissioned was excellent.

Mr Charlton, Gwenfro, Pencader, Highway Advice

Mon, Oct 03, 2011

Both Mary and I have been impressed with both the  personal and professional way in which our highways issue with Carmarthenshire  County Council has been dealt with by Sanderson Associates and are extremely  grateful to Bob for his skill in … Continue reading →

Mr Butterfield, Almondbury, Huddersfield, Highway Advice

Thu, Sep 15, 2011

I will be using your company again from a very satisfied client.

Highway Objection Report, Longworth

Wed, Sep 07, 2011

Rapid response and quick  grasp of brief.

Mr Howorth, Lancashire County Council, Flood Risk Assessment, Outdoor Centre, Windermere

Wed, Aug 17, 2011

We appreciate the prompt response to our enquiries.

Mr Walls, Community Centre Flood Risk Assessment, Mirfield Area

Fri, Aug 12, 2011

Sanderson Associates were thorough efficient and punctual.

Rob James, Apollo Medical Partners, Flood Consequence Assessments

Mon, Jul 04, 2011

I have found Sanderson Associates to be a very proactive and forward thinking company. Their work with Apollo carrying out Flood Consequence Assessments (FCA) has been invaluable. Their approach is refreshing and uses common sense. They carry out in depth … Continue reading →

Carl Dyer, Partner, Thomas Eggar LLP, Design of Signal Works

Thu, Jun 30, 2011

An afterthought: does your professional association  actually know that one of their members can express engineering concepts in  clear accessible English? I thought that was considered a disciplinary offence!

Mike Wallis Design Services

Thu, Jun 23, 2011

Mike  Wallis Design Services recommend Sanderson Associates because of the quick,  efficient, and obliging service provided. My enquiry was dealt with the same  day, saving me time and ‘hassle’, just what I needed.

E Kenny, Individual, Windsor, Flood Risk Assessment

Thu, Jun 16, 2011

You kept us very well informed throughout the process, and after a delay caused by receiving anomalous data from the environment agency, pulled out all the stops to get the report to us in time for the planning deadline….and planning … Continue reading →

J Marshall, CDP, Transport Assessment

Mon, Jun 13, 2011

Good service, efficient and to the point.

D Sheppard, Design Manager, Green Frog Power, Flood Risk Assessment

Wed, Jun 08, 2011

We commissioned Sanderson Associates to undertake a  Flood Risk Report to support our planning application. The application process  was challenging and the commitment and professionalism they have shown in  dealing with the Local Authority was outstanding. The application has now … Continue reading →

S Burne, Managing Director, AEW Architects, Various Highway Related Work and Swept Path Analysis

Thu, May 19, 2011

Sanderson Associates continue to  provide us with a fast, reliable & professional service. They have helped  us greatly throughout our feasibility projects & consistently deliver work  of exceptional quality.

Individual, Flood Risk Assessment (Somerset)

Sun, May 15, 2011

I  cannot recommend Sanderson Associates enough.  Despite only a single self  build I have encountered nothing but a friendly, professional & efficient  service.  Their attention to detail and willingness to listen to and cater  to our specific needs has been … Continue reading →

Individual, Flood Risk Assessment (Mirfield)

Wed, Mar 16, 2011

A well presented professional report carried out to the letter.

Tom Flanagan, Director, Paul Butler Associates

Thu, Feb 24, 2011

We  commissioned Sanderson Associates to undertake a Flood Risk Assessment in  support of a planning application.  The Flood Risk Assessment was a high quality piece of  work, particularly since it had to be provided in a short timescale… Our client  … Continue reading →

A. M. Hey (Chartered Surveyor) Clovenstones Roughton Road, Kirkby on Bain – Drainage Advice on Single Dwelling

Fri, Feb 11, 2011

Many  thanks.  A clear and helpful report, I’m grateful.

Jack Lunn (Properties) Ltd

Tue, Jan 25, 2011

We have worked  with Sandersons on various projects over the past 9 years and have always found  their work to be of the highest standard. Their staff are friendly and  professional and we will continue to use their services in … Continue reading →

Individual, Newark – Flood Risk Assessment

Mon, Jan 24, 2011

I am writing to thank you for the Flood Survey  done by yourselves. I particularly appreciated the prompt  response to any phone calls and e-mails I sent and the way in which you dealt  with the requirements of the Environment … Continue reading →

Individual, Ilkley

Tue, Dec 14, 2010

You have done a fantastic job! In particular your Engineer dealing with  my scheme gave an excellent presentation at the recent planning committee and  helped enormously in securing planning consent in difficult circumstances.

Carillion Plc

Sat, Dec 11, 2010

I would like to pass on my sincere thank you to you and your  colleagues for all the commitment and support provided to us over the years it  really has and continues to be appreciated. As far as I’m concerned … Continue reading →

Derwent Holdings Ltd

Mon, Nov 22, 2010

Derwent Holdings have engaged the services of Sanderson  Associates for many years with regard to its development and building  programmes throughout the United    Kingdom. We have always found Sanderson  Associates to provide a first class service – they are efficient, … Continue reading →

Netto Foodstores Ltd

Fri, Nov 19, 2010

Sanderson Associates have been Netto Foodstores appointed Highway Engineers providing assistance in over 190 Netto projects during the   last 19 years. Their input has been of paramount importance in establishing the critical aspect of access arrangements to each of our … Continue reading →

Halton Homes Ltd

Mon, Oct 18, 2010

Very competent staff – excellent service. Thank you.
Highway Public Inquiry, Highway Expert Witness, Planning ApplicationsPlanning Enforcement Appeals, Public Highway Closure, Traffic Regulation Orders Public Rights of Way, Alleged Professional Negligence