Urban design and planning
We make our streets safer, greener and more welcoming for all users.
Interested in working with us? Get in touch with our team.
Director of Urbanism at Sustrans
Our team of expert designers is passionate about championing ambitious ideas that put people at the heart of the designs.
Our design and engineering team works across multiple scales, specialities, and spaces. We make it easier to walk, wheel and cycle by creating healthy, sociable, accessible and inspiring places with and for communities.
Take a look at our latest design portfolio, showcasing projects across London, from high level masterplans to detailed designs and construction, from imaginative pocket parks and school streets, to citywide strategies and dedicated active travel infrastructure.
Get in touch to find out more about what we do and how we can work together.
Making better streets for people with Healthy Streets Design Check
The Healthy Streets Design Check is helping local authorities, urban designers, transport planners and highways teams create healthier streets for everyone.
An introductory guide to low-traffic neighbourhood design
We've created an introductory design guide to outline the approach, tools and techniques needed to design a low traffic neighbourhood.
Calling for spatial planning reform
We’re working as part of the Better Planning Coalition to seek revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework. We’re calling for changes to spatial planning policy in England because the planning system has a vital role to play in creating places which enable everyone to live healthier, happier lives.
Re-allocating road space to make walking and cycling safer during Covid-19 and beyond
At Sustrans we want to support local authorities to adapt streets, roads and places during the Coronavirus crisis and as we emerge from it.
So we've put together a list of measures that local authorities can implement and information on how we can help.
What is urban design and planning?
Urban design is the design and planning of cities, towns, streets and spaces.
And at Sustrans, we think these places should be places that prioritise the people who live and spend time there.
How does Sustrans do urban design?
we create places that connect us to each other and what we need, where everyone can thrive without having to use a car.
Sociable places where friends and facilities are a short walk away, and it’s easy and pleasant to travel beyond our neighbourhood.
We don’t work alone to create liveable towns and cities.
We bring together the people who live and spend time there, including those with seldom-heard voices, to make the change they want to see.
Examples of our urban design and planning work
Creating Healthy Streets and Liveable Neighbourhoods
Lewisham Council commissioned us to deliver a community-led design project on Rolt Street to demonstrate community support for the scheme to TfL. We were then commissioned by the council to work on their bid and secured them £2.9 million from the Mayor of London’s Liveable Neighbourhood fund for work in North Deptford.
Dunblane Stirling Street redesign
We worked with Stirling Council and the local community and businesses to reimagine the approach to the towns' railway station, to create a space that feels more welcoming, is people friendly and inclusive.
Future of Mobility - Urban Strategy - our response
Sustrans response