Brownfield land optimised with transport advice

A resolution to grant planning permission has been agreed for 160 new homes in Frimley Green, Surrey.  The Berkeley Homes Limited development will make a significant contribution to Surrey Heath Borough Council’s Five Year Housing Land Supply.  The scheme also gives new life to 3.4 hectares of brownfield land, making efficient use of an underutilised site. 

The successful application enables Berkeley Homes to build upon a portfolio of developments in the Surrey Heath area, offering a mix of flats and houses ranging from one- to four-bedroom accommodation, including affordable homes.  The scheme will also deliver well-designed open spaces, with private and public amenities including a dedicated Local Area of Play.

Transport planning support was provided by Motion for the application.  Heidi Perrin, Development Manager at Berkeley Homes explains, “This is a busy site accessed off a two-way single carriageway ‘B’ road, adjacent to a public country park and industrial premises.  Concerns were initially raised about the impact on the wider highway network, the proposed parking allocation per household, and the risk of overspill parking.” 

Heidi continues, “Motion presented comprehensive and easy-to-understand evidence to Council Officers and local resident groups to alleviate any doubts.  It was reassuring to have their wealth of independent experience on the consultancy team.” 

Motion’s Managing Director, Phil Bell, says, “The development was demonstrated to be accessible by a range of transport modes, which have the potential to reduce reliance on the private car.  The site also benefits from local amenities and, as such, is an exemplar of the walkable neighbourhood concept.”

Image credit: © Clague Architects

This article first appeared in the Winter 2021/22 edition of Insight.