NIDR DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

PROJECT NAME: NORTHERN INNER DISTRIBUTOR ROAD

DOCUMENT TITLE: DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

PRE FIX: NIDR/03/A

DOCUMENT REFERENCE: 072

Version No. Type of Doc Created by Checked by Date 1.0 Final Bob Richard 24 April 2008 McWilliams Needs

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CONTENT 1 INTRODUCTION...... 3 2 AMOUNT ...... 4 3 LAYOUT ...... 5 4 SCALE...... 6 5 LANDSCAPING...... 7 6 APPEARANCE...... 9 7 CONTEXT...... 13 8 CONCLUSION...... 14

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INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 This design and access statement covers the design principles and concepts with regard to the Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR). This statement should be read in conjunction with all other planning documentation as listed in ‘Northern Inner Distributor Road Document and Drawing Register’ NIDR/03/A/071

1.1.2 The NIDR will reduce congestion in the Greenway Road and Priorswood Road areas of and will open up substantial areas of brownfield development land.

1.1.3 The objectives of the NIDR, as part of the Taunton Transport Strategy are specifically to: • Meet the requirements of the Taunton Transport Strategy • Meet the requirements of Project Taunton • Reduce the rate of growth in congestion in Taunton Town Centre • Improve Air Quality on average throughout Taunton • Provide additional road capacity to accommodate planned growth • Provide safe and well-linked pedestrian and cycle facilities

1.1.4 The development is functional. It is a new link in the highway network and its design is constrained by national standards and accepted good practice. There is also a need for the design to take into account future planned development proposals alongside the proposed new road.

1.1.5 It is in line with the relevant National, Regional and Local Policies, and in accordance with the Taunton Deane Borough Council Local Plan (November 2004) and the emerging Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan (TTCAAP). Due consideration has been given to the Urban Design Framework and the supporting Design Code (2004) as well as the emerging Taunton Town Centre Design Code (currently subject to consultation), though it should be noted that the emerging Town Centre Design Code in Section 01 Introduction and Context Fixes states ‘ At the time of drafting this code, the following proposed developments were assumed as fixes:

• All development with existing planning consent (for example the first Phase of development at the Cricket Club and the Midas Homes development at Tangier)

• The alignment and design of strategic proposed infrastructure (Third Way and NIDR) .

1.1.6 The Public Consultation for the emerging TTCAAP has now ended and the examination of the TTCAAP is programmed for the end of April / early May 2008.

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1.1.7 The Manual for Streets (MfS) is deemed not to apply to the strategic element of these proposals, i.e the main through route.

1.1.8 Part of the scheme is the subject of a separate outline planning consent to Abbey Manor Developments Ltd. This consent is for mixed residential and employment use including the provision of the strategic road (NIDR), with Abbey Manor having the responsibility for the design and construction of the length of road within their boundary. This length of road will be the subject of separate planning approval, which will be submitted to Taunton Deane Borough Council by the developers.

1.1.9 The delivery of the developer’s section of the NIDR is a requirement contained within the Section 106 Agreement for this development. Close liaison between the Developer’s Designers and the design team associated with the County Council’s section of the NIDR has been undertaken to ensure that the designs correlate. 2 AMOUNT

2.1.1 The proposal includes approximately 1.6Km of new road, orientated roughly east/west, for the majority of its length but turns to a north/south direction at the eastern end. It forms an integral part of a new mixed use development, creating a new connection to Taunton railway station and future development at Firepool. It connects with Staplegrove Road in the vicinity of Chip Lane at a new roundabout. THE NIDR then runs alongside the existing railway line before passing over Station Rd adjacent to Whitehall. It then continues eastwards through a new junction to provide a connection to Taunton Station before passing through the proposed mixed use development and then turns north/south. A new bridge in the Firepool area, across the River Tone and the and Taunton Canal, is proposed together with an associated footbridge. The existing Kingston Loop Bridge above Station Road is to be refurbished and will carry the NIDR over Station Road. Chip Lane footbridge is also to be replaced.

2.1.2 The area covered by the scheme is approximately 3 hectares comprising existing highway, retail park, operational land, greenfield open space and brownfield development land with planning consent. It should be noted that conditional certificates of sale have been approved by Network Rail for the Network Rail land required for the NIDR.

2.1.3 The road generally comprises a standard 7.3m wide carriageway with a 3m wide off-road segregated footway/cycleway and a verge of varying width between around 1m and 2m. The carriageway is slightly narrowed to fit over Kingston Loop Bridge. The verge is at it’s narrowest between Kingston Loop Bridge and Chip Lane over which length Network Rail operational requirements constrain the amount of land available.

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2.1.4 The 3 major junctions on the scheme consume the smallest area possible while providing the capacity to deal with the predicted traffic flows. In the case of the new junction at Staplegrove Road and Chip Lane advantage has been taken of the geometry of the roundabout to include environmental and road safety improvements to local residents.

2.1.5 Where small areas of land are separated from adjacent areas of similar use e.g. in the vicinity of MFI and Priory Park these will be landscaped to provide mitigation for the adverse effects of the new road. The design of the alignment of the scheme is such that these areas of separation have been kept to a minimum.Layout

3 SITE LAYOUT

3.1.1 The site generally runs east/west and parallels the railway line in the northern part of town. At it’s eastern end the route runs north/south and passes over the River Tone and Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in the vicinity of Priory Fields. It links Priory Avenue with Staplegrove Road and creates a new junction in the vicinity of Taunton railway station, which will also provide access to future developments at Firepool. The layout is as shown on drawing Nos 5049578/HW/GA/001 Rev A, 002 Rev A and 003 Rev A.

3.1.2 The proposal is designed to accommodate vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians.

3.1.3 Cycle routes through the residential estate, providing access to the canal from the NIDR, are included in the Abbey Manor proposals.

3.1.4 Footway/cycleways are provided as part of the development to allow for the safe movement of vulnerable road users and to improve access for them to the town centre and leisure routes alongside the river and canal.

3.1.5 The wing walls of the north abutment of Firepool Bridge will be orientated to provide a direct connection to the adjacent residential buildings in the Abbey Manor development, making the bridge and canalside property an integral part of the overall revitalisation of this area of derelict land.

3.1.6 The NIDR will provide an additional east/west link, which will reduce congestion and traffic accidents in the Greenway Road and Priorswood Road areas. The Transport Assessment, submitted as part of this application – SCC/NIDR/03/074 indicates an overall reduction in levels of congestion within Taunton, a significant increase in average speeds in peak hours and an increase the number of car trips assigned to the network. Overall, therefore, the NIDR scheme would have a beneficial impact on network operating conditions, although it would induce some additional car trips.

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3.1.7 Several comments from the Police landscaping Liaison Officer relate to Chip Lane Footbridge, including a request for the route over the structure to be illuminated. The bridge will be illuminated and this will form part of the ‘integral design’ of the structure. Any vegetation on the approaches will be removed or suitably pruned to improve natural surveillance/visibility.

3.1.8 The officer suggested that if the new footbridge is going to be enclosed, a vandal-proof CCTV system is recommended to monitor persons crossing the footbridge. If not enclosed there still may be a need for external CCTV monitoring. The issue of enclosure is to be discussed with Network Rail, as they have requested that it be enclosed. If the structure remains ‘open’ it will afford visibility, to and from the bridge, no worse than the current situation.

3.1.9 More general observations such as ‘straight-through’ sight lines, avoiding the creation of hiding places and the use of anti-grafitti paint have been acknowledged in the design. 4 SCALE

4.1.1 The carriageway levels will generally be at or around existing ground levels along the length from Staplegrove Road to just east of the proposed railway station junction where the road becomes part of the Abbey Manor development.

4.1.2 The existing 35m Inscribed Circle Diameter (ICD) roundabout at Priory Avenue will be increased in size to 47m ICD as the present roundabout is under capacity for the existing traffic flows and will not have the capacity to manage the flows predicted in the future.

4.1.3 The road rises by approximately 7m from existing levels at the Priory Avenue roundabout to the south abutment of Firepool Bridge. This allows access for heavy goods vehicles into the retail outlets’ delivery yard. The surrounding ground over the remainder of the length of the scheme is reasonably level.

4.1.4 The new Firepool Bridge will rise, in a reasonably gentle curve, such that the soffit level is around 10m above river level and about 4.5m above the canal towpath. Pedestrians and cyclists use the riverside and canalside paths as leisure and commuter routes. The level of structure is dictated by the need to provide clearance for service vehicles at the south abutment and stopping sight distance visibility requirements for vehicles over the new bridge.

4.1.5 Firepool footbridge connects the NIDR, from the western side Firepool Bridge, to the grassland between the river and the canal. It is accessible for pedestrians and cyclists and will be constructed as a ramp at a gradient of 1 in 20 over a length of approximately 130m.

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4.1.6 Stepped access (5 flights of steps with landings) provide an alternative access to the eastern side of Firepool Bridge for pedestrians.

4.1.7 After crossing Station Road on Kingston Loop Bridge the new road runs parallel with, and 12 to 15m north of the face of the residential properties in Whitehall (to the near edge of carriageway). The new road lies atop the existing embankment facing the houses. Whitehall rises from east to west and the height of the new road compared with the terraced properties varies from approximately roof height towards the bottom of the hill to living room window height at the top of the new road. The houses will be shielded from the road by a 0.9 m high fence on top of a 1.4m high wall on the top of the existing embankment.

4.1.8 Chip Lane footbridge is to be replaced by a new structure of similar height to the existing. The new bridge has a shorter span, which finishes once clear of Network Rail land on the southern side. It will be 3m wide and used by pedestrians and cyclists. At the northern end, access to the bridge will be by a ramp to the west and steps to the east. The ramp will be graded at approximately 1 in 20 and orientated east/west with one 180 degree turn. At the southern end access to the bridge will be by steps to the west and a ramp orientated north/south. This ramp will be graded at approximately 1 in 20 with two180 degree turns.

4.1.9 The roundabout at Staplegrove has been designed to create a ‘gateway’ effect on the approach to the town centre. It falls generally away from the properties in Fairwater Terrace allowing sympathetic shaping of the central mound to deflect traffic noise, reduce nuisance from car headlights and introduce a comprehensive landscaping scheme to the area. The height of the landscape mounds and associated stone walls is around 2m affording noise and visual protection to the residents of Fairwater Terrace. 5 LANDSCAPING

5.1.1 The landscaping design philosophy has been to improve the visual appearance of the area and increase wildlife diversity by introducing a new green corridor into the scheme.

5.1.2 The road embankments will be treated with neutral grassland combined with swathes of broad-leafed shrubs, which form visual interest while maintaining a natural, native character throughout the scheme. The combination of grasses and shrubs together with extra heavy standard trees as groups and individual solitaires, forms a complex layering of vegetation typically found within the natural landscapes surrounding the site. They also help to screen long views across the site.

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5.1.3 Opportunities for landscaping associated with the scheme have been maximised, particularly at the western end at the Staplegrove Road/ Chip lane junction. Working with the residents of Fairwater Terrace a comprehensive landscaping scheme has been developed which enhances the local environment. The planting of shrubs and standard trees, including early blossoming species, will create the effect of an avenue of trees along the line of the redundant carriageway and form, in the roundabout, an impressive central focus to the junction.

5.1.4 The construction of masonry faced retaining walls on the carriageway side of the landscaping mounds will link Fairwater Terrace to the existing street character of Staplegrove Road.

5.1.5 Alongside Network rail land, between Chip Lane and Station Road, due to the extremely restricted area of land available for the road, there is no opportunity for landscaping other than the provision of a small grass verge on the northern side of the road.

5.1.6 The existing growth on the embankment facing the residents of Whitehall will be reviewed and unwanted species removed while additional shrubs and trees will give a lift to the visual appearance of the site and encourage wildlife use.

5.1.7 The new junction at the entrance to Taunton railway station will benefit from appropriate treatment, which will consist of additional areas of tree and shrub planting. In the longer term the Taunton Vision proposals include refurbishment of the station car park and access, however at this time these proposals are not developed sufficiently to enable them to be incorporated into these proposals.

5.1.8 The responsibility for the design of any landscaping within the Abbey Manor development rests with the developer and forms part of a separate planning submission.

5.1.9 There are small areas of open space in the proximity of Priory Fields, which become available as a result of the revised road alignment and these will receive sympathetic treatment. The purpose of the landscaping in this area is to extend as far as is possible the ‘width of the Green Corridor and takes the form of tree and broad leaf shrub planting with area of neutral grassland.

5.1.10 In the area of Priory Avenue roundabout increasing the size of the roundabout provides greater opportunity for landscaping within the central island. This will assist in forming a Gateway into the urban area of Taunton from this direction. The planting will take the form of tree and broad leaf shrub planting with areas of neutral grassland.

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5.1.11 A number of trees which are included within Tree Protection Orders (TPO’s) are directly affected by these proposals. These are located on to the north of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, on the south side of the River Tone at the end of Priory Fields, and around the north east corner of the existing Priory Avenue Roundabout. Whilst these trees are subject to TPO’s the recent arboricultural survey undertaken in February of this year classifies the vast majority of these trees as Category C (BS5837:2005). Category C trees are ‘Those of low quality and value: currently in adequate condition to remain until new planting could be established, or young trees with a stem diameter below 150mm’. 6 APPEARANCE

6.1 Design Concept

Highway

6.1.1 The development will comprise blacktop surfaced roads and accesses with roundabouts and a traffic signal controlled junction including signal poles and associated street furniture. The appearance of the scheme has been considered at length with various organisations including Project Taunton and their design consultants. The conclusion reached was that, given the predicted traffic flows along the road it should generally be of traditional blacktop construction. Opportunities will exist for more diverse construction materials in association with the adjacent developments as they come forward.

6.1.2 Beige anti-skid surfacing is likely to be used on the approaches to the traffic signals.

6.1.3 Red surfacing will be used to delineate cycleways and shared pedestrian/cycle areas.

6.1.4 Standard street lighting columns will light the existing and improved roads while the 3 structures will be considered separately to see if it is appropriate to consider alternative column designs.

6.1.5 The judicious use of signing and lining will provide clarity of use for discrete areas of the scheme.

Firepool Structures

6.1.6 The proposal for the main structure at Firepool is a 3 span steel composite structure with concrete abutments and central piers.

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6.1.7 An option consisting of two separate structures was discounted as it would have resulted in a considerable embankment in the central area that would have overshadowed any of the structures. This would have run contrary to the requirements of Taunton Vision that the structure touch the central area between the river and canal as lightly as possible. In addition a significant embankment in the central area would impact on flood storage associated with the River Tone.

6.1.8 Similarly a single 2 span structure would have required fewer supports but deeper beams and arguably not satisfy the Taunton Vision requirement to be as open as possible.

6.1.9 Firepool footbridge, which lies on the western side of the main structure, has also been designed with reference to input from Taunton Vision. It has been recognised as an opportunity to produce an attractive ‘landmark’ structure and the design comprises a raking, cable stay type structure with a single pylon.

6.1.10 At the junction with the main structure the footbridge will incorporate a viewing area with seating looking westwards towards the town.

6.1.11 Where the footbridge lands in the area between the river and the canal there will be a minimum headroom beneath the bridge of 2.4m. Embankment fill will lead the structure below this level to merge into the surrounding grassland.

6.1.12 Retaining walls are necessary at the southern end of Firepool Bridge in order to limit the extent of construction into Priory Park.

Kingston Loop Bridge

6.1.13 The intention of Taunton Vision is to maintain the predominantly industrial feel for the area adjacent to the railway station, particularly the views from Station Road.

6.1.14 The proposal retains the existing masonry abutments and recreates the external visual appearance of the existing bridge.

Chip Lane Footbridge

6.1.15 Taunton Vision expressed no specific comments about the form of the replacement structure for the existing wrought iron truss. This is to be a functional bridge maintaining and enhancing an important, well-used route for pedestrians and cyclists over operational Network rail property, including the to Paddington main line.

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6.2 Aesthetics

Firepool Structures

6.2.1 Firepool Bridge has been designed with reference to input from Taunton Vision so as to be as attractive and open as possible within the constraints of a conventional structure. A sloping soffit has been chosen with the beams at their thinnest at centre span.

6.2.2 The colour of the steel beams has been the subject of consultation with appropriate stakeholders and the consensus if for a neutral, pale colour such as blue, grey or purple, the final decision on colour has yet to be made.

6.2.3 The steel access steps to the east will be supported at each landing stage with a circular steel column and rigid support provided by a reinforced concrete pier adjacent to the main structure.

6.2.4 An inverted ‘Y’ support, raked backwards at an angle of about 15 degrees, has been incorporated into the design of Firepool footbridge. This will stand about 25m above existing ground level to reflect the church spires and to make it visible from the town. It will also act as a structural support for the footbridge.

6.2.5 The road bridge will be lit and the type of column will be the subject of further consultation as the detailed design progresses. It is not envisaged that lighting will be provided on the footbridge as it links down into an unlit area.

Kingston Loop Bridge

6.2.6 The existing bridge is of significant local historic interest, though not listed. The external beams will be reused as a façade to the new structure thus preserving the existing street scene. The final colour of the beams will be the subject of further consultation.

6.2.7 Where additional stone is needed for work on the abutments it will be matched with the existing masonry.

6.2.8 Particular attention will be given, during the detailed design phase, to the lighting of the structure to enhance it’s visual appearance and compliment the existing townscape.

6.2.9 Chip Lane Footbridge

6.2.10 The existing structure, a typical railway footbridge of it’s day, has become a feature of the local landscape. A replacement steel structure would not have any significant impact on the railway appearance.

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6.2.11 Special attention has been paid to the curvature of the truss and the circular shape of the steel members to improve the aesthetic value of the new structure. In addition, the turns on the ramps will be curved and the ramp supports will be inclined.

6.2.12 The colour of the new bridge will have to be agreed with Network rail and is likely to be pale blue, pale grey or pale purple.

6.2.13 The folded access ramps on each side of the new bridge will have a significant impact due to their length. This is offset somewhat by the reduction in length of the span of the new bridge compared to the existing.

6.2.14 The new bridge has been designed with the intention of installing steel perforated plate or polycarbonate enclosures if required by Network rail. These are thought to be the most suitable materials for the purpose as either the polycarbonate would form a strong and durable full enclosure while not restricting the amount of light or the perforated steel would retain the present roofless appearance while minimising wind loading.

6.3 Materials

Firepool Structures

6.3.1 The most suitable form of construction for the Firepool Bridge and Firepool footbridge is considered to be steel composite. The concrete alternative would involve increased costs, construction time and local disruption.

6.3.2 The retaining walls will be constructed of reinforced soil and be faced with concrete panels or modular concrete blocks, with a patterned finish.

Kingston Loop Bridge

6.3.3 The use of discrete steel beams at is not considered suitable at this location because of existing problems with pigeons and detritus above this busy thoroughfare. An enclosed concrete structure is favoured because of long term durability, minimal maintenance requirements and the potential to recycle after crushing.

Chip Lane footbridge

6.3.4 A painted steel truss is the most appropriate solution at this location and existing infrastructure.

6.3.5 The aerial ramps are of steel frame construction with steel supports. Ground ramps are of masonry faced reinforced concrete.

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7 CONTEXT

7.1 SITE ACCESS

7.1.1 The proposal will form an integral part of the highway network and will, therefore, be accessible to all road users. It links Priory Avenue in the east to Staplegrove Road in the west and provides an alternative route for traffic currently using Greenway Road and Priorswood Road. In addition, it opens up access to substantial brownfield development land at Taunton East Goods Yard, and the Firepool Development.

7.1.2 The NIDR emerged from the Taunton Vision which identified it, and the Taunton Third Way, as essential infrastructure improvements needed to deliver the development and revitalisation of Taunton appropriate to it’s status as a County Town and Town of regional significance.

7.1.3 The construction of the NIDR will deliver benefits to some existing streets through reduced traffic flows on for example, Priorswood Road, Greenway Road, Station Road and Staplegrove Road (south). Traffic flows will increase along other streets such as Staplegrove Road north of Chip Lane.

7.1.4 Facilities for pedestrians and cyclist have been provided throughout the scheme including at the traffic signal controlled junction at the railway station entrance. The existing pedestrian and cycle leisure / commuter routes alongside the river and canal have been integrated into the design in the Priory Fields and Firepool areas. Similarly, the existing and proposed Chip Lane pedestrian / cycle access into town from Staplegrove Road has been connected to the NIDR.

7.1.5 Traffic signal controlled pedestrian / cycle crossings of Staplegrove Road have been provided at the new junction with Chip Lane to assist pedestrians and cyclists negotiate passage eastwards along the NIDR, into town along Staplegrove Road or Chip Lane or over the new Chip Lane bridge.

7.1.6 Toucan and Puffin crossings assist those crossing the road at the railway station junction and within the Abbey Manor development.

7.1.7 Chip Lane footbridge creates much improved facilities for cyclists over the existing provision. It also opens up this important link in the pedestrian/cyclist network to those unable to, or who have difficulty in, using steps.

7.1.8 The redundant area of carriageway outside Fairwater Terrace has been used to improve the safety and environment of this community and provide some on street parking (remote from through carriageway).

7.1.9 Similar, though smaller in scale, improvements have been included in Priory Park.

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7.1.10 Alterations to the entrance to the Chip Lane Retail Park have been kept to a minimum and access to Chip Lane will be directly from the new roundabout. The site frontage will be opened up to passing traffic on the NIDR.

7.1.11 Goods deliveries to the MFI, Wickes etc. retail outlets will be via the NIDR and realigned Priory Park passing underneath the NIDR and using the current entrance at the rear of these buildings.

8 CONCLUSION

8.1.1 This design and access statement has set out the consideration given to the physical characteristics of the site. In addition, it has demonstrated the integration of the adjacent commercial interests into the proposals and the care given to mitigating the impact of the scheme on local communities.

8.1.2 The development proposal is a new road and is designed to function as such, balancing any adverse effects of it’s introduction into the townscape with the many environmental, economic and social benefits that accrue.

8.1.3 Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the residents of Fairwater Terrace and the design of the junction and it’s associated landscaping has been developed through this consultation.

8.1.4 The treatment of the existing railway embankment and screening wall and fence opposite the terraced houses in Whitehall has been development through individual consultation with several of the affected residents and a meeting with the Residents Group.

8.1.5 A public exhibition was held at the Brewhouse Theatre on the 5th March 2008.

8.1.6 The structures have been the subject of much thought and have been designed such that the visual impact enhances the local setting.

8.1.7 The access arrangements have been described and the links to the existing networks of roads, footways and cycleways considered.

8.1.8 The role of the scheme in the future enhancement of Taunton town centre and the consideration given to all road users has been demonstrated.

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