West of England EV Planning Support

Case Study

The Challenge

Cenex, along with our partners SYSTRA Ltd, undertook a study to inform planning policy for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in new developments for the West of England (WoE) sub-region unitary authorities (Bath & North-East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council).

The Development

This study was a technical note providing evidence to support the development of EV policy within the Local Plans being developed by each authority. The West of England Electric Vehicle Policy Statement will incorporate the results from this study and sit alongside the Joint Local Transport Plan (2019-2036).

The aim of the study was to provide policy recommendations and associated evidence that will:

  • Encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), including EVs.
  • Create a level playing field for development across the West of England.
  • Provide future proofing for the evolution of these technologies on a range of development types.

The Results

In this report, Cenex and Systra provided the necessary considerations and indicative costs for a range of potential EV infrastructure options that might be considered by planning authorities in the WoE. The commentary within this report considered the current landscape regarding EVs and the demand on local authorities to increase provision of EV infrastructure in their jurisdictions. Due to the costs of installing infrastructure at the build stage being lower than the cost of retrofitting existing developments, it is important that installing EV infrastructure in new developments is strongly encouraged.