Rail freight growth and the land use planning system

After several decades of decline the British rail freight industry has begun to increase the volumes of freight carried. This presents a challenge for the planning system as after being primarily concerned with issues arising from the decline, such as the disposal of derelict land, the industry is now looking to the planning system to help it deliver growth. This involves such land development matters as securing rail freight terminal developments in association with freight generating land uses and extending the railway network itself. This article reviews research which looked at how the planning system is responding in terms of policy development and development control practice and concludes with recommendations as to how the role of planning can be developed.