Stations usually have smaller vessels assigned to them, with the station acting as the base for operations in the sector. Like DS9, most ships will head to the station first. It is a natural focal point for trade. I would figure any ships coming into the system would have to be cleared with the station first anyway. You don't want undesirables smuggling weapons to a militant faction on the surface. Or bringing in rogue elements of Jem'Hadar or Cardassians. Or pirates after a legendary artifact on the planetary surface (every planet needs ruins containing artifacts). Go ahead and design a ship for them. Let them put a prototype through the paces. Maybe a new escort or light cruiser like the Sabre/Saber or Norway classes, ships with a smaller crew complement (Starfleet can probably build ships faster than it can train officers and crew).
"Retreat?! Hell, we just got here!", annonymous American Marine, WWI
"Gravity is a harsh mistress....", The Tick