Former De La Rue Factory

The scheme comprised up to 240 new dwellings on an industrial site to the west of Dunstable.

One of the challenges was negotiating a realistic car parking provision compared the excessive parking ratio sought by the Council. This involved the preparation of a comprehensive Travel Plan aimed at encouraging the use of the nearby sustainable transport alternatives (including the Luton to Dunstable Guided Busway) along with reducing car ownership and use.

Motion undertook extensive traffic modelling, which was required to consider the various traffic scenarios taking account of the implications of the A5/M1 link road and also the associated de-trunking of the A5.

We engaged with both Central Bedfordshire council and Highway England throughout the process and all parties were ultimately satisfied that any increase in vehicular activity would not have a detrimental impact on the highway network.

The site has subsequently gained full planning permission and is being developed by Barratt Homes.

“We ended up with a more reasonable parking allocation which enabled us to reduce costs and increase the profitability of the scheme. Motion’s technical knowledge and proactive approach were a big asset to us.  We achieved a very sensible outcome.”

Rob Hardie, Portfolio Manager, Land Securities