Development potential unlocked by green travel measures
Sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling and using public transport must be considered at the earliest possible stage when designing a site access for new homes. Plans for a 105-unit development in Titchfield, Hampshire, have been awarded resolution to grant, following support from Motion’s transport and travel planners. A new access onto the A27 from the site was approved by the highway authority, following successful negotiation by Reside Developments’ team of expert consultants.
The scheme near Fareham aims to create a sustainable community, providing an environmentally sensitive, well-connected and inclusive development that is adaptable for future needs. Planning Director at Reside, Andrew Munton, explains, “One of the key challenges was ensuring easy access to local amenities and the railway station for future occupants of the site. During the planning process, account had to be taken of current proposals to dual the A27 Southampton Road carriageways. The Motion team adapted quickly to the changing requirements of the project, proving an effective negotiator with the county council.”
Negotiation mastery
Hampshire County Council stipulated the site access be enhanced by sustainable travel modes. Pedestrian and cycle routes will be provided alongside the new vehicular access. A 3.5-metre shared pedestrian and cycle path will link the new homes to nearby Segensworth roundabout. A footway will run adjacent to the A27 to the Hambrooks garden centre, ensuring dedicated pedestrian routes north and south of the site, which will join the existing network. The proposals also included a signalised pedestrian crossing on the A27, to provide a direct link to amenities west of the site. Regular bus services will be available at nearby Segensworth Road, Primate Road and Park Gate. Swanwick railway station is located a short walk from Titchfield.
Motion concluded that the proposed development would not have a material impact on the local highway network. The company responded to queries raised by the highway authority, with revisions to travel planning proposals and provision of detailed technical notes. Associate Director David McMurtary adds, “Traffic signals will be reoptimised at nearby Segensworth and St Margarets roundabout junctions, as studies revealed they were operating near capacity during weekday peak hours.”
Access to the site will be left in-left out, with a deceleration taper. In addition, the central reservation along the A27 will be extended from the immediate north of the site to the Hambrooks garden centre, to prevent vehicles from ‘U-turning’ out of the development.
This article first appeared in the Winter 2019 issue of Insight.
Image credit: ECE Architecture
