Site-specific sustainable travel measures facilitate new homes in Felbridge
Years of Local Plan representations and extensive discussions have resulted in planning approval for the construction of 200 homes for Barratt David Wilson Homes. The site comprises two connected parcels of land southwest of Felbridge on the Surrey-Sussex border. Consent involved gaining the agreement of both Surrey County Council and West Sussex County Council.
Seán Havis from Barratt Homes explains, “From Local Plan promotion to site allocation and eventual approval, Motion has played an integral role in helping us deliver the vision. The team successfully demonstrated that our proposals would not worsen the traffic impact at the critical A22-Copthorne Road junction and on the wider highway network.”
Traffic impact reduction
Key to the reduction of traffic impact was formulation of a range of site-specific measures to encourage walking, cycling and public transport journeys from the development. An extensive scheme of pedestrian route improvements included Copenhagen-style crossings along Crawley Down Road and the A264 Copthorne Road.
Enhancements to a bridleway running through the site from north to south and routes to the South Downs Way will further improve connectivity. Real-time information display panels will also encourage public transport use and improve the experience for travellers to East Grinstead and other nearby destinations.
Sustainable travel measures
Motion Director, Andrew Whittingham, concludes, “A carefully selected range of sustainable travel measures and precise modelling of the A22-Copthorne Road junction underlined our vision-led approach to shaping the development proposals. The combined package helped to secure local agreement for the scheme and avoid the need for an appeal with the consequent cost and delay.”
Working with charity Make Space for Girls, the developer has incorporated a dedicated area into the design to prioritise access to safe, open spaces for girls. The development will also deliver a new playground and a network of green corridors with enhanced biodiversity.
Sustainability impact:
- EV charging, cycle storage and improved service information for bus users
- Green corridor network
- Upgraded pedestrian crossings
Image credit: This image was prepared by Boyer. Not to be copied or reproduced without the written consent of Barratt Redrow and Boyer.
An abridged version of this article first appeared in Issue 28 of Insight
