Sustainable seaside homes
The redevelopment of a brownfield site in Southend-on-Sea, will deliver 228 contemporary apartments and two supporting retail units. Motion provided transport and travel planning advice and helped to demonstrate that the new site use would lead to a reduction in vehicle movements on the local road network.
The one- and two-bedroom homes will be built on land currently operating as a temporary car park, a short walk from Southend Victoria railway station, the town centre and seafront. The site’s former office units have since been demolished.
A total of 183 car parking spaces were proposed, in accordance with standards set out by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. David Poole of Weston Homes Plc says, “Achieving the right balance of car parking for the scheme was important, given the site’s central location. Motion’s detailed forecasts helped to justify the parking allocation.”
In-depth analysis
Trip assessments of the proposed development, the previous office and existing car park facility were undertaken. Motion Regional Director, John Russell explains, “Our analysis compared the volume of potential trips resulting from the development and revealed that the new residential scheme would likely lead to a decrease in vehicle movements, compared to the existing commercial uses.”
Proposals made provision for safe and suitable access for private cars, service vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Refuse would be collected kerbside, utilising two new loading bays. John adds, “Successful collaboration with the architects resulted in an efficient design for the loading bays, to cater for all typical service and delivery vehicles.”
David Poole concludes, “Motion’s understanding of the site-specific issues enabled us to develop a robust submission. We have always found the team provides clear and concise guidance, delivered in a timely manner and professional format.”
New home-owners will benefit from a range of amenities and services located in walking distance of the development. The site is well connected to sustainable transport networks, reducing residents’ reliance on motor vehicles.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of Insight.
Image credit: © PRP Architects
