Prepared by the Mirello Rail team · Developer coordination guidance
Explain the development in plain language
Network Rail’s ASPRO function addresses risks from works on or near railway infrastructure. For a developer, the useful starting point is a clear description of the works and how the site relates to the railway.
You do not need to lead with technical acronyms. Explain what you intend to build, the current project stage and the construction activities already being considered.
What we recommend gathering
- A location plan. Show the site address, development boundary and adjacent railway.
- A short scheme description. Summarise the development and the proposed construction activities.
- Available drawings. Identify their revision and whether they are preliminary or issued for a particular purpose.
- Plant proposals. Flag cranes, piling rigs and other equipment that may create a railway interface.
- A realistic programme. Separate target construction dates from dates already committed.
- Project contacts. Identify the developer, project manager, designers and contractors already appointed.
- Previous correspondence. Include an existing reference or discussion rather than starting a disconnected enquiry.
Be clear about what is still unknown
If the contractor or rig has not been selected, say so. Distinguishing confirmed information from assumptions makes it easier to agree an appropriate next action and avoids a preliminary proposal being mistaken for a final one.
Keep a record after the first discussion
Our suggested action register records each requirement, its owner, the information needed, its target date and current status. Connect this to the development programme so unresolved railway matters remain visible to the wider team.
Do not confuse an enquiry with acceptance
Opening a dialogue is an early step. Establish with Network Rail what arrangements, technical submissions and decisions apply to the particular works before treating the interface as resolved.
How Mirello supports the process
We help organise the initial brief, coordinate ASPRO discussions and translate the resulting actions into a plan for your designers and contractors.
Read about ASPRO support and BAPA coordination, or prepare your development brief.
Reference: Network Rail Asset Protection and Optimisation. Reviewed 15 October 2026. Project recommendations on this page are Mirello’s suggested coordination approach. This overview does not replace project-specific engineering assessment, current standards or Network Rail acceptance.