Site B13a, Riverside Treforest Industrial Estate

PROPOSED RE-DEVELOPMENT SITE B13A, RIVERSIDE TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 1

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

SITE LOCATION 3

PLANNING POLICY 4

LAND USE 5

HISTORY & CHARACTER 6

CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITIES 7

SITE CONTEXT 8

ACCESS 9

PLAN LAYOUT 10

ELEVATIONS 11

ELEVATIONS 12 Powell Dobson Architects Charterhouse Links Business Park MATERIALS 13 St. Mellons Cardiff CF3 0LT LANDSCAPE 14 Tel: +44 (0)2920 799 699

Fax: +44 (0)2920 791 212

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 2

INTRODUCTION

SEGRO have now owned the Treforest Estate for over two years. They have undertaken a comprehensive review of the estate in terms of land uses, age, demand and title. SEGRO is committed to the regeneration of the estate both in terms of its status as a strategic employment area, as well as its commercial prospect as one of the pre eminent investment locations in South Wales.

SEGRO is seeking to regenerate the estate in an integrated manner and have commissioned a multi-disciplinary team of masterplanners, architects, infrastructure engineers, cost consultants and planning advisers to deliver a step change in investment and create a renewed climate of confidence for the estate.

THE ESTATE Treforest boasts in excess of 1.19 million square feet of commercial/ employment floor space. It remains one of the largest and best established employment areas in Wales, and is one of only two estates of such scale which remain in single ownership.

It is highly accessible to the M4 corridor and well placed to serve the catchment populations of Cardiff, Caerphilly and Pontypridd.

Roughly 50% of the estate comprises traditional industrial floor space with a further 40% being made up of modern employment and trade counter facilities. The remainder of the estate is made up from retail and small scale leisure.

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SITE LOCATION Merthyr Tydfil/Brecon Bargoed/Ebbw Vale

Treforest has a high profile to the A470 dual carriageway, which is one of the primary arterial routes out of Cardiff towards Pontypridd A470 and Merthyr Tydfil. Pontypridd Pontypridd Station The estate enjoys two high capacity access points to the A470, which Treforest Industrial provide gateways at both the southern and northern ends of the Treforest Station Estate area. Treforest shares the southern gateway with Parc Nant Garw, a mixed retail commercial and leisure destination. Caerphilly

The estate also enjoys access to the Valley lines railway via a Treforest Estate pedestrian access bridge to a rail halt across the River Taff to the Station west.

Newport/Bristol

Llantrisant A470 M4

Cardiff Swansea / West Wales

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G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 4

PLANNING POLICY

PEOPLE, PLACES, FUTURES – THE WALES SPATIAL PLAN Local Planning Policy The provision of adequate off street car parking within the curtilage is controlled (2004) The Development Plan for the site is comprised of the Mid Glamorgan by Policy p4 and Policy p5 states that development will not be permitted on The Wales Spatial Plan aims to ensure that the Welsh Assembly (Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough) Replacement Structure Plan sites liable to flood, where risk to life or property would result. Government and its partners and agents develop policy in ways and the Rhondda Cynon Taf (Taff Ely) Local Plan. which take account of the different part of Wales. In addition it seeks EMERGING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN to provide a basis and momentum for working together on a shared Mid Glamorgan Replacement Structure Plan (1999) Preparation of a Local Development Plan for the County Borough commenced agenda locally so that the different parts of Wales can establish Policies that are relevant to the consideration of this application in 2006 and the Preferred Strategy was placed on deposit in January 2007. their own distinctive approaches to meet the objectives set in the include Policy E1 which states that the redevelopment of under-used, The Preferred Strategy Option for the Borough seeks to promote sustainable strategic plan. vacant or potentially redundant sites for B1, B2 and B8 uses will be regeneration for the whole Borough and divides the area into the southern permitted subject to transportation considerations. and northern strategy areas. The application site is located in the southern TECHNICAL ADVICE NOTES strategy area. The over arching aim of the southern strategy area is to Technical Advice Notes provide technical guidance which supplements Policy EV12 states that development at risk from flooding will not be promote sustainable growth that the policy set out in Planning Policy Wales and should be reading in permitted, although this policy has now been superseded by more up benefits the Borough as a whole. conjunction with it. to date guidance in TAN 15. Policy SP7 sets out the strategic direction of employment policy for the Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15: Development and Flood Risk Policy T14 requires that all new development, redevelopment or County Borough Council (CBC). It states that 300 hectares of land for (2004) changes of use should include operational and non-operational parking general employment and business park use will be identified in the period This document outlines a precautionary framework for the provisions according to the land use, density and location proposed. 2006 – 2021. The policy goes on to say that proposals which diversify the assessment of development in sites considered to be at risk of local economy and extend the range of high value, well paid employment flooding. It outlines the planning requirements and acceptability Rhondda Cynon Taf (Taff Ely) Local Plan (2003) opportunities locally will be supported. criteria for development in each of the flood zones. It outlines a The site is identified on the adopted Proposals Map as site e4.16. general presumption against new development in flood risk zone The policy states that improvements, redevelopments, extensions, C2. Whilst general industrial and employment related development conversions and infill development within classes B1 and B2, which is classified as less vulnerable development, it should only occur maintain or enhance the environment, will be permitted. within this flood zone subject to a Flood Consequences Assessment and compliance with the justification test. Policy E6 seeks to restrict the introduction of Class B8 uses onto existing employment areas unless they are ancillary to the main Technical Advice Note (TAN) 18: Transport (2007) use. This document encourages an integrated approach to the assessment of transport and land uses issues. It promotes a policy shift away Policy en16 requires provision of landscaping within new developments, from minimum car parking standards to a more comprehensive whilst policy en26 includes general criteria for the design of new assessment of transport considerations, including accessibility by developments. non-car modes, and provision of both on and off street parking provision. This policy requires local planning authorities to set maximum car parking standards, as opposed to minimum standards.

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 5

LAND USE

Treforrest Industrial Estate is located in a key strategic location in terms of transportation networks, amenity services and industrial provision. The site is located within walking distance to Treforrest train station which connects directly to Cardiff to the south and to Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare to the North.

Towards the North and West of the site are the main residential areas of Rhydyfelin and Church Village, linked to the industrial estate via Cardiff Road and Tonteg Road respectively. To the South and East of the site are two smaller residential areas, Treforest and Nantgarw. These can be reached via Main Road and Heol-Y-Bwnsi respectively.

Contained within these residential areas are public services such as post offices, shops, banks, etc. as well as numerous public houses and educational centres. The main secondary school is situated in Rhydyfelin with smaller primary and specialist schools throughout the area.

The Site itself is situated in the Treforest Industrial Estate which is the most dominant land use in the area. Located within the estate are banks, post office, shop, creche, petrol filling stations, 2 public houses and conference / training facilities. It is home to a variety of industries including commercial, leisure and media. To the South East is a cinema/ ten pin bowling complex with a variety of food outlets, and a large cash and carry.

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HISTORY & CHARACTER

Treforrest Industrial Estate, formerly known as ‘Treforrest Trading Estate’ , was first established in 1936 consisting mainly of brick and render art deco factories.

The building composition changed from 1937-1944 during the war years where government authorities required extensions and entire new factories to be constructed quickly and cheaply for their own purposes. As a result those few original buildings which still exist today have been altered or are in poor state of repair.

Treforrest Estate has changed hands regularly and as a result the buildings have been constantly changing and adapting to the demands of the 21st Century.

The industry has also moved on from its origins. The factory units, although still existant, are in decline and a new emphasis on leisure and out of town office space has been created.

The estate currently leases space to 97 customers, including the BBC, GE, Honeywell, WH Smith, Barclays and Lloyds TSB.

In neighbouring Nantgarw there is also a modern leisure complex comprising a large multi screen cinema, a 10 pin bowling alley, and a variety of restaurants.

Treforrest itself is a small mining village nestled at the bottom of the valley on the outskirts of Pontypridd. The local vernacular is rows of miners terraced houses built of brick/stone. Treforest is surrounded by neighbouring villages with the same vernacular as well as the town of Pontypridd.

Now under ownership of SEGRO, the site is undergoing a £1.5m regeneration scheme, which will modernise the estate and bring it forward into the 21st Century. This will allow SEGRO to run the estate in a proactive manner.

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 7

CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITIES

CONSTRAINTS - Site area and boundaries

- Need to provide sufficient parking

- Need to provide sufficient turning for delivery vehicles

- Local environment conditions

- Existing service arrangements

- Surrounding land uses and built form

- Planning Policy

- Local environmental conditions

OPPORTUNITIES - Enhance the character and appearance B13A

Sun path B13B - To raise the profile of the estate for business (Site subject to separate planning application) - Create viable floor space

- Improve public areas

- Environmental improvements to public realm

- Exploit proximity to public transport networks

B13A Site Boundary - Varied architectural styles and roofscape B13B Site Boundary (Site subject to separate planning application) - Increase vitality and viability of Treforrest Industrial Estate Wind Direction Main Vehicular Routes Main Pedestrian Routes

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 8

SITE CONTEXT

PLANNING POLICY WALES (2002) Planning Policy Wales sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Assembly Government. Central to this is the commitment to promoting sustainable development.

Section 7.1.1 sets out the Assembly Government’s commitment to building a modern economy with a broad economic base that provides job opportunities for all.

Section 7.2.2 states that key employment locations should be selected in line with sustainable development principles, with preference for the use of previously developed land, proximity to existing urban developments, good accessibility to the public transport and primary road network and good quality telecommunications.

Section 7.2.7 recognises that certain industrial uses have characteristics that preclude their location in mixed use areas and that areas designated for such uses should not be used for other single purposes uses such as retailing which can be located elsewhere.

Section 7.6.2 states that in determining planning applications for industrial and commercial uses, local planning authorities should have regard to:

- the impact of the development on the environment and local amenity; - how significant environmental loss can be avoided, mitigated or compensated for; - accessibility by a range of different transport modes; - the possible need for, and scale of, transport and other infrastructure changes required to enable development to occur; - proximity to and compatibility (in terms of nature and scale) with residential areas; and - whether intensification of industrial/commercial use is appropriate. Scale 1:1250

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008 9

ACCESS

INTRODUCTION This access statement has been prepared by Powell Dobson Architects in support of the outline planning application for the industrial development at Site B13, Treforest Industrial Estate.

APPROACH The aim is to improve accessibility in relation to the disability discrimination act (DDA). The development will be an inclusive and accessible environment for all of its users and the needs of both disabled and able bodied residents will continue to be taken into account as detailed design progresses.

SOURCES OF ADVICE AND TECHNICAL GUIDANCE As the proposed development is a new scheme, the units will be designed to comply with the current building regulations and the overriding ‘Design and Accessibility’ ethos. The guidance of Building Regulations Approved Document M (2006) will be followed alongside supporting advise based on British Standards BS 8300 ‘ Access for Disabled People’ and other Referenced Guidance.

SITE ACCESS The development is approached via Taffs Fall Road, which is connected to Gwaelod-Y-Garth Road. Gwaelod-Y-Garth Road provides easy access to the A470 which in turn connects to the M4 providing easy access to Cardiff, Newport and Bristol to the South, and Merthyr Tydfil & Brecon to the North. Vehicular access leads to a small private carpark to the front of the building and a large service yard to the rear.

MOBILITY IMPAIRED ACCESS With regards to pedestrian routes around the site, dropped kerbs will be provided where appropriate to facilitate access for the mobility impaired. In addition, any changes in level will be accompanied by ramps at suitable gradients in line with best practice for the mobility impaired.

EMERGENCY AND SERVICES ACCESS The design of the development provides access for emergency and services vehicles via Taffs Fall Road. Emergency and services vehicles can gain access to the building via the font car park as a through route is provided, and along the adjacent private road.

SIGNAGE AND WAY FINDING All appropriate signage and notices will be provided and will be in accordance with the requirements of BS8300, ‘Inclusive Mobility’ and ‘Signage Design Guide’. The building will also be included on the existing industrial park building list & map.

VISABILITY OF ENTRANCES The units have entrances onto the private road off of Taffs Fall Road which is accessable for all and allows good visibility for any visitors. The Building is clearly viable from Taffs Mead Road and Taffs Not to Scale Fall Road.

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PLAN LAYOUT

Scale 1:500

Circulation

Admin

Toilets

Warehouse

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ELEVATIONS LEGEND 1- Roof, HPS 200, Goosewing Grey 6- Entrance Doors- PPC Aluminium with double glazing, Slate grey 2- Vertical Cladding HPS 200, Goosewing Grey 7- External Doors- Aluminium, Slate grey 3- Horizontal Cladding 3a- Ward Micro Rib, Goosewing Grey 8- Level Access Doors, Sargasso blue 3b- Ward Micro Rib, Saragasso blue 9- Rain Water Pipes, Aluminium, Sargasso blue 4- Plinth Brickwork, Blue 10- Eaves/Bargeboards, Steel, Sargasso blue 5- Windows- PPC Aluminium, Slate grey 11- Soffits to loading areas, HPS 200, Goosewing Grey

11 2 3

9 9 9 8 8 7 5

B13B Development North East Elevation

1 1

10 3B

3A 2 11

9 9 9 5 8 7

South West Elevation B13B Development

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South East Elevation

5 5 6 6

North West Elevation

B13B Development

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MATERIALS

1010A 3B

Goosewing Grey: 1, 2, 11

North West Elevational Extract South East Elevational Extract Sargasso Blue: 3B, 8, 9, 10

Goosewing Grey Horizontal Cladding: 3A

2 11

9 8 7

Precedent Images South West Elevational Extract Slate Grey: 6, 7,

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LANDSCAPE

Impermeable concrete paving

Tanked pervious paving

Existing soft landscaping

Permeable block pavior

Building footprint

Galvanised metal Palisade fencing

Not to Scale

G2521 TREFOREST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT SEPT 2008