Residential Development Thorpe Park Leeds
Travel Plan February, 2015
Prepared for: Scarborough Developments Ltd Prepared by: Travel Plan Services Ltd The Loft, Dearden Gallery Dearden Street Ossett Wakefield WF5 8NR Residential Development, Thorpe Park – Travel Plan – February 2015
Revision Record Revision File Ref. Date Prepared by Checked by Status - 420_20140910_Thorpe Park 10/09/2014 GS JPH Draft Residential – Travel Plan A 420_20150211_Thorpe Park 11/02/2015 GS JPH Draft Residential – Travel Plan B 420_20150211_Thorpe Park 10/03/2015 GS JPH Final Residential – Travel Plan
Copyright Statement This report is the copyright of Travel Plan Services Ltd. The information, ideas and other intellectual property set out in this report and supporting technical appendices are the property of Travel Plan Services and are for the sole benefit of Scarborough Developments Ltd in respect of development proposals for the residential development at Thorpe Park. Travel Plan Services Ltd. requires that the information, ideas and other intellectual property set out in this report are: Not shared with third parties and particularly with direct or indirect competitors of Travel Plan Services Ltd; Not conveyed to other consultants or personnel without the prior approval of Travel Plan Services Ltd.; and Not copied in part or in whole.
Residential Development, Thorpe Park – Travel Plan – February 2015
Contents Chapter Title Page 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Background ...... 1 Developers Commitment to Travel Planning ...... 2 The Travel Plan Vision ...... 2 Travel Plan Aims and Objectives ...... 2 2. TRAVEL PLAN POLICY CONTEXT ...... 4 What is a Travel Plan? ...... 4 National Policy Context ...... 4 Local Transport Policy ...... 5 3. THORPE PARK: A SUSTAINABLE & ACCESSIBLE DEVELOPMENT ...... 8 Proposed Development Context ...... 8 Site Access & Local Highway Network ...... 9 Parking ...... 10 Active Travel Options ...... 10 Public Transport ...... 12 4. LOCAL FACILITIES ...... 15 Introduction ...... 15 Education ...... 15 Shopping ...... 16 5. TRAVEL PLAN MEASURES ...... 19 Introduction ...... 19 Travel Plan Management ...... 19 Securing the Travel Plan ...... 20 Travel Plan Budget/Mitigation ...... 20 Travel Plan Marketing and Information Provision ...... 20 Walking Specific Measures ...... 22 Cycling Specific Measures...... 23 Public Transport Specific Measures ...... 24 Sustainable Car Use Specific Measures ...... 24 6. TRAVEL PLAN TARGETS AND MONITORING ...... 26 Introduction ...... 26 Travel Plan Targets ...... 26 Survey Format ...... 28 Residential Travel Plan Monitoring ...... 29 Monitoring Report ...... 30 7. SUMMARY ...... 31 Residential Travel Plan ...... 31
Residential Development, Thorpe Park – Travel Plan – February 2015
Appendices
Appendix A Site Context Plan Appendix B Thorpe Park Masterplan Appendix C Bus Service Information Appendix D Thorpe Park Travel Guide Appendix E Action Plan Appendix F School Location/Access Plan
Residential Development, Thorpe Park – Travel Plan – February 2015
1. INTRODUCTION
Background
1.1 Travel Plan Services Ltd (TPS) has been commissioned by Scarborough Developments Ltd (‘the developer’) to prepare a Travel Plan (TP) for the proposed residential development at Thorpe Park, Leeds. The development will consist of a maximum of 300 homes, in a mixture of tenures and styles, on land bounded to the south by the Thorpe Park Business Park and to the north by the York - Leeds railway line.
1.2 Thorpe Park is an established business park which currently has around 550,000 sq ft of occupied floorspace, and an outline approval to significantly expand through the development of a mix of additional uses. The proposed residential development will sit on land which is currently earmarked for the development of B1 office floorspace within the approved masterplan, and as a result the overall mix of non-residential uses within the overall Thorpe Park masterplan will reduce.
1.3 When granting permission for the Thorpe Park masterplan a site wide Framework Travel Plan was secured [ref: 420_20130618_Thorpe Park FTP], which sets out how current travel plan activities at the site will be built upon as the site expands. Whilst paying due regard to that Framework Travel Plan, this Residential Travel Plan is being developed as a standalone strategy due to a recognition that the opportunities to promote sustainable travel within a residential context vary significantly to those within a workplace context. There is also potential that the residential development will be developed separately to the commercial site, if the site is sold to a residential developer. Preparation of a standalone Residential Travel Plan would allow that developer to implement the strategy directly if appropriate. It should be noted that any non-residential uses developed in the area shown as ‘Mixed Use’ on the masterplan will fall under the remit of the Framework Travel Plan (i.e. outside of the scope of this residential travel plan).
1.4 This TP has been developed to reflect the requirements of Leeds City Council's Travel Plans Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the wider sustainable travel agenda. It is not an anti- car policy, rather a strategy for enabling residents to make informed travel choices by promoting the benefits of active travel modes and identifying appropriate measures to encourage their use.
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Developers Commitment to Travel Planning
1.5 Travel plans can deliver a wide range of benefits to the developer, as well as to residents and the wider community. At the sales and marketing stage a proactive TP can assist a residential developer in promoting a site as an accessible and sustainable location to live, with a range of travel options available to prospective residents. This process enables prospective residents to make a fully informed decision when choosing to move to the site, taking into account the site location relative to sustainable travel options, and the knock on effect this may have upon reducing the need to use a car for regular or one off journeys.
1.6 The promotion of sustainable travel options from an early stage provides a cost effective mechanism by which developers can minimise the level of car based trips generated by a development, which in turn reduces the potentially negative impact a development has upon local traffic levels, air quality and road safety.
1.7 The benefits to individuals that can be derived through the use of sustainable travel options range from financial savings through reduced fuel consumption, improved health through increased use of active travel modes (walking and cycling), and greater choice in the travel options available, as well as a reduction in an individual’s carbon footprint.
1.8 Recognising the benefits a TP can bring about then, the developer is committed to the process of developing and delivering this TP; including the strategic implementation of the measures contained within this document, monitoring the progress of the plan, amending it where appropriate, and providing the necessary resources for proper implementation of the plan.
The Travel Plan Vision
1.9 The vision for this travel plan is:
“To make the Thorpe Park residential development a place where residents can make fully informed travel choices when undertaking regular and one off journeys, and in doing so reduce both reliance upon the private car and consequent impact on the local and global environment.”
Travel Plan Aims and Objectives
1.10 To achieve this vision the aims of this document are to:
Maximise the attractiveness of the development to potential residents by highlighting the accessibility of the site by a range of travel options; and
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Minimise the effect that the development has upon the environment and local highway network by promoting the use of these sustainable travel options.
1.11 Reflecting these aims, the objectives of this travel plan document are to:
Identify the range of travel options available to the site;
Identify the mechanisms required to maximise the use of sustainable travel modes amongst residents; and
Identify the mechanism by which the success of this travel plan can be monitored and reported upon.
Report Format
1.12 Following this introductory section, the TP will be structured as follows:
Section 2 - outlines the policy context within which this document has been developed;
Section 3 - describes the development context and provides an overview of the local highway network;
Section 4 - demonstrates the accessibility of surrounding local amenities from the site, illustrating the excellent array of facilities within walking or cycling distance;
Section 5 - identifies a package of measures that will be implemented at the development;
Section 6 - identifies how the impact of the Travel Plan will be measured and how progress will be reported upon; and
Section 7 - provides a summary.
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2. TRAVEL PLAN POLICY CONTEXT
What is a Travel Plan?
2.1 A travel plan is a general term for a package of measures tailored to the needs of an individual site and aimed at promoting greener, cleaner travel choices and reducing reliance on the car. It involves the development of a set of mechanisms, initiatives, and targets that together can enable individuals on a site such as this to reduce the impact their travel has upon the local environment.
2.2 Travel planning at any site is a dynamic process that will grow and develop with time and in accordance with the changing circumstances and the environment in which it works. It is not a one- off event to be undertaken and completed, nor is it a document to be produced and put on a shelf. As a result, this document will be kept under review by the developer or their appointed agent during the period of development at the Thorpe Park site.
National Policy Context
Government White Paper: Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon – Making Sustainable Local Transport Happen (DfT, 2011)
2.3 The government has recognised the need for a radical change in transport policy. In its Integrated Transport White Paper, a wide range of measures to deal with congestion and pollution are set out. The White Paper highlights the need for action at both a country-wide level as well as within a local context.
2.4 On sustainability, the White Paper identifies the wider impacts of road traffic pollution stating:
“Climate change is one of the greatest environmental threats facing the world today”.
2.5 The UK has legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels by the period 2008 – 2012 but Government have set an objective of 20%.
2.6 In addition, the White Paper identifies the costs of transport upon society, in particular, the issues surrounding delay, pollution, health problems, and accidents, which are all caused by local congestion. As a result, it is stated that access to sustainable travel modes and improving accessibility can:
“Make a significant contribution to public health and quality of life”.
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National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (DCLG, 2012)
2.7 The NPPF aims to encourage appropriate development through the planning system, with a presumption in favour of sustainable planning development. It sets out the need for both a Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan for all developments that generate a significant amount of movement. The NPPF is supported, at a national level, in its aims by both the Guidance on Transport Assessment, and Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning Process.
2.8 The NPPF defines a travel plan as:
“A long-term management strategy for an organisation or site that seeks to deliver sustainable transport objectives through action and is articulated in a document that is regularly reviewed”
Guidance on Transport Assessment ‘GTA’ (DfT & DCLG, 2007)
2.9 The GTA states that any residential scheme with more than 80 dwelling units will require a full travel plan and that the travel plan should be used to promote ‘Smarter Choices’ to influence the behaviour of residents, and reducing the need to travel where possible.
Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning Process (DfT & DCLG, 2009)
2.10 This wide ranging document states that a full travel plan should be submitted with the planning application for any new development. A full travel plan should include:
Clear outcomes;
Relevant targets and measures;
Monitoring programmes; and
Travel plan management structures.
Local Transport Policy
Leeds Climate Change Strategy (Leeds City Council, 2009)
2.11 The Leeds Climate Change Strategy highlighted that approximately one third of carbon emissions in Leeds are caused by transport related sources. The Council has signed up to a target to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2020. Effective travel planning activities can contribute towards these
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targets by encouraging raised awareness amongst residents of the travel options available to them and the benefits and disbenefits of the journey choices they make.
West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan 3 (‘LTP3’) (Metro, 2011)
2.12 The current iteration of the LTP for West Yorkshire covers the development period 2011-2026 and the responsibility for implementing the plan falls to Metro.
2.13 It takes account of the White Paper discussed above, as well as the local plans for the region, including the Leeds City Region Transport Strategy. There are three key aims within LTP3:
Economy To improve connectivity to support economic activity and growth in West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region;
Low Carbon To make substantial progress towards a low carbon, sustainable transport system for West Yorkshire, while recognising transport’s contribution to national carbon reductions plans; and
Quality of Life To enhance the quality of life of people living in, working in, and visiting West Yorkshire.
2.14 LTP3 identifies that the private car is the most frequently used form of transport within West Yorkshire. However, road congestion, notably within the peak periods causes many issues, and can also affect reliability of bus services. It also recognises that transport acts as a barrier to employment for many people, with low car ownership levels in some areas of the region. In order to achieve the aims noted above, and to address the issues identified within LTP3, four general areas of work have been identified:
Transport Assets (roads, traffic lights and bus stops for example that make up the network);
Travel Choices (helping customers make the most sustainable choice about when and how they travel);
Connectivity (providing an integrated, safe, reliable transport journey); and
Enhancements (improving the overall system to make it more fit for journeys in the future).
2.15 Over the fifteen years of LTP3 period of implementation, these factors will be the driving force behind any actions that Metro takes, whether it is maintenance of current infrastructure, provision of new travel choices, or investment in capital projects.
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2.16 The policies and objectives within the LTP3 are aimed at securing modal shift from single car occupancy travel to more sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of transport. This can be promoted through the implementation of an effective and well maintained travel plan.
Travel Plan SPD (Leeds City Council, 2012)
2.17 The adopted LCC Travel Plan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out the Council’s requirements for travel plans and identifies when they are required in support of a planning applications.
2.18 The thresholds set out in the document state that any residential development of more than 50 units will require a travel plan, hence the requirement for this report.
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3. THORPE PARK: A SUSTAINABLE & ACCESSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Proposed Development Context
3.1 Thorpe Park is an important business park in Leeds and the North of England. Located six miles east of Leeds City Centre, with its own dedicated access off J46 of the M1. To date around 55,700 sq m (600,000 sq ft) of high quality office accommodation has been built under the detail of a series of previous planning permissions.
3.2 The site is bounded by the Leeds/York railway line to the north, beyond which lies existing industrial land, some housing and open land which is earmarked for development as part of the East Leeds Extension (ELE). Elevated open land, known as Brown Moor lies to the east, together with the M1 Motorway. To the South and South West (beyond the extents of the wider Thorpe Park site) are the A63 Selby Rd/Ring Road and existing Residential/Commercial areas. Directly West is the open land of ‘Green Park’, beyond which is Austhorpe Lane, which effectively marks the edge of the existing Leeds urban area. A site location plan can be found in Appendix A.
3.3 In 2013 outline approval was granted for a revised masterplan which would see the delivery of a mix of uses across the site, including retail (food and non-food), leisure and additional office floorspace.
3.4 The proposed residential development will sit on land which has to date been earmarked for the development of B1 office floorspace within the approved masterplan, and as a result the overall mix of non-residential uses within the overall Thorpe Park masterplan will reduce to include:
900,000 sq ft of B1; 194,000 sq ft of Retail; 221,000 sq ft of Leisure
3.5 The proposed masterplan can be found in Appendix B.
3.6 As illustrated the residential development will be geographically separated from the business park uses, by way of a large area of public open space, for the benefit of all site users. This will be designed to be a space that is attractive, well lit and criss-crossed by pedestrian and cycle routes that encourage connectivity with the wider development, and community facilities.
3.7 Residents at the development will therefore have direct and convenient access to a range of employment opportunities, as well as a range of retail and leisure opportunities. As will be covered below this will facilitate movement by sustainable travel modes by reducing the need to make trips by car.
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Site Access & Local Highway Network
3.8 The Thorpe Park site, in its entirety, currently has two vehicular access points, one directly onto the M1 via an elongated access junction, and one onto the A6120 Selby Road. Century Way currently forms the spine road through the business park linking these two access points.
3.9 The A6120, which flanks the southern perimeter of Thorpe Park, is a dual carriageway providing access towards the M1 and Selby to the east, and Leeds City Centre/Ring Road to the west.
3.10 To the south, Stile Hill Way at its northern end forms part of the signalised ‘cracked egg’ roundabout junction with the A6120 and Century Way. Towards the south the road becomes Butterthorpe Lane and provides access to the Colton Retail Park, located immediately south of the A6120.
3.11 From a strategic perspective, for regional or national trips, vehicles can access the M1 at junction 46 adjacent to Thorpe Park. Access to this network can be gained via Austhorpe Lane and Selby Road to the south of the site. The M1 allows access to the north and northeast via the A1(M), east and west via the M62, and south using the M1.
3.12 The original Thorpe Park Transport Strategy identified a number of highway schemes that were required to enable the delivery of the wider Masterplan proposals. To date, Thorpe Park has invested considerable finance in implementing these, including:
The construction of the elongated junction and dumbbell roundabouts with Junction 46 of the M1; The signalisation of Junction 46; and The construction of the Cracked Egg junction with the A6120 Selby Road.
3.13 The final element of the original Transport Strategy is the implementation of the Manston Lane Link Road (MLLR). This scheme, the alignment of which can be seen on the masterplan in Appendix B, will provide a link through Thorpe Park, over the railway, to Manston Lane, to the north.
3.14 The proposed residential development will take its access from the MLLR to the south of the railway line.
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Parking
3.15 Residential parking will be provided within the development in accordance with the standards set out by LCC; similarly secure cycle parking will be provided for each household. Details of both will be submitted to LCC as part of any reserved matters application.
Active Travel Options
3.16 The proposed development benefits from access by foot and cycle to a wide range of employment opportunities, leisure and shopping facilities; not least owing to its position relative to Thorpe Park Business Park and Colton Retail Park. The development is also located within easy reach of a wide range of public transport services and facilities, linking to Leeds city centre and the wider region beyond.
Journeys on Foot
3.17 The Governments Planning Policy Guidance 13: Transport (PPG13) released in January 2011 states that walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car journeys, particularly those less than two kilometres. The distance of two kilometres is derived from the Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) document entitled ‘Guidelines for Providing for Journeys on Foot’ (2000). The two kilometre distance relates to the maximum preferred journey for commuting.
3.18 Across the existing development at Thorpe Park the pedestrian infrastructure is of a high standard. Footways are a minimum width of 2m, are well lit, and are located to either side of the highway and predominantly separated from the highway by grass verging. As the site expands this ethos of providing a high quality pedestrian environment will be enhanced through the delivery of a network of attractive pedestrian routes that work through the mixed use heart of the site, ensuring that they are overlooked, well used and well maintained.
3.19 The public open space to the south of the residential development will be designed to encourage pedestrian trips between the development and the wider Thorpe Park uses. Similarly, the MLLR will incorporate pedestrian facilities to encourage journeys on foot to the north towards Manston and Crossgates.
3.20 To facilitate journeys to the west, pedestrian links will be provided through Green Park, located to the west of the residential development, onto Austhorpe Lane, improving connectivity with the surrounding areas. When will this link be created?
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3.21 Outside of the site signalised pedestrian crossings are located at numerous points along Selby Road, facilitating safe access by foot across this busy highway towards Colton Retail Park and beyond.
3.22 A range of key local amenities are within walking distance of the development, both within the wider Thorpe Park site and further afield, based upon the IHT’s guidelines. Section 4 provides further details of these facilities / services.
Journeys by Bike
3.23 PPG13 states that cycling is recognised as a sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport. Specifically it states that “cycling has the potential to substitute short car trips, particularly those under 5km and to form part of a longer journey by public transport”.
3.24 Included below in Figure 3.2 is an extract from the Leeds Cycle Map, which illustrates both formal provision and advisory routes in the local area. As the excerpt shows, the wider Thorpe Park site is accessible by a range of routes, including off-street traffic free paths, on-street cycle lanes, and local advisory routes.
Figure 3.2: Local Cycle Routes
Site Location
3.25 Within the existing Thorpe Park built environment, routes are primarily provided on road, with an off road cycle/pedestrian link provided from the south of Century Way to the A63 (to the west of plot 1100). The residential development will be designed with cyclists in mind - with a focus on
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provision that links the site to the wider Thorpe Park development to the south and to the north via the MLLR.
3.26 Based upon the advised cycling distance of 5km, a wide range of local residential areas can be reached by bike from Thorpe Park, including as far as Scholes, Seacroft, Hollin Park and Halton to the north/west, Swillington to the south and Garforth and Kippax to the east.
3.27 A full breakdown of the key local services, facilities and amenities that can be accessed by bike from the proposed development site are included within Chapter 4; details about cycle distances and approximate journey times are also provided.
Public Transport
Bus Services
3.28 It is generally recognised that 400 metres is, typically, the maximum walking distance to a bus stop. Albeit outwith this walk distance, there are a number of bus stops located within the existing Thorpe Park business park itself and on both Selby Road and Stile Hill Way which provide access to a range of bus services. The location of these stops, and the route of existing services which serve them, can be found within Appendix C.
3.29 Table 3.1 below also provides a summary of the main services that currently either enter Thorpe Park or pass along Selby Road, to the south of the site.
Table 3.1: Existing Bus Services
Service Route Daytime Frequency 9 Seacroft – Cross Gates – Colton - Rothwell – Middleton – 1 per hour White Rose – Horsforth 163/166 Leeds – Cross Gates – Colton – Garforth – Kippax – 4 per hour Castleford 402/403/404 Leeds – Cross Gates – Colton – Garforth – Selby 1 per hour 19/19A Tinshill – Leeds – Colton – Garforth 1 per hour (Enters Thorpe Park once per day) 8/8A/8B Thorpe Park/Colton – Cross Gates – Seacroft – Horsforth 1 per hour – Pudsey (Enters Thorpe Park twice per day)
3.30 It is recognised however that if the Thorpe Park masterplan is to be successfully delivered public transport services need to be improved, with new or extended bus services introduced to the site.
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To ensure that this is achieved a separate Thorpe Park Public Transport Strategy has been prepared and subsequently secured by way of a S106 agreement. Delivery of this public transport strategy will see high frequency attractive bus services brought through Thorpe Park, improving accessibility to all proposed land uses. A contribution will be secured through the S106 relating to this application, to ensure that the Public Transport Strategy can be implemented prior to the development of any commercial land uses at the site, if it transpires that the residential takes place first. The wording of the S106 will ensure that a suitable bus service is introduced by no later than the occupation of the 49th residential dwelling at the site.
3.31 High quality waiting facilities will be provided within the heart of the mixed use centre at Thorpe Park, which will be accessible to residents via the ‘Central Park’ public open space. The location of these public transport waiting facilities will ensure that all dwellings will be located within 400m of a bus service. A contribution will also be secured through the S106 relating to this application to deliver temporary bus stops should they be required, to serve the residential development in advance of the commercial heart being developed.
Rail Services
3.32 The nearest rail station to the proposed development site is Cross Gates Station, which is a c.2km walk from the site (approximately 15 minutes). This station is on the Leeds-York and Leeds-Selby lines and is managed by Northern Rail. During the day, there are on average two trains per hour towards Leeds and one train per hour to each of York and Selby. The train to Leeds takes just nine minutes, and it is therefore a realistic travel choice for both commuters travelling to the city centre and those wishing to interchange to regional or national rail services at Leeds Station.
3.33 Leeds Station is a mainline railway station that forms part of the East Coast Mainline, Cross Country, and the Trans-Pennine Express networks. It is also the hub of the Metro and Northern Rail commuter network that serves much of West Yorkshire and the region beyond. There are a large number of services each hour, full timetable information, ticket purchases and live departure information can be found by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk
3.34 Those wishing to travel between Cross Gates Station and Thorpe Park can do so on foot or bike (2.5km) via a relatively flat, well lit network of foot and cycle paths. Alternatively there are a number of existing bus services (9, 402, 403, 163 and 166) which provide a public transport link, which will be added to through the introduction of new bus services to the site (delivered through the Public
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Transport Strategy). Residents at the new development will therefore be able to benefit from easy access to the rail network facilitating travel to local, regional and national destinations.
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4. LOCAL FACILITIES
Introduction
4.1 In order to assess how the development fits within the local context and to understand how residents of the development might access key facilities in the surrounding area, TPS has considered the site location in relation to some of the most likely local trip destinations. The site location plan within Appendix A shows some of these amenities in the spatial context of the proposed residential development.
4.2 It is important to stress at this point that access to local facilities, services and employment opportunities will be significantly enhanced through the wider development of the Thorpe Park masterplan. Delivery of the masterplan will see the development of a range of uses which are likely to include a new Superstore, gym, hotel, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants and much more. Residents will therefore have immediate access to local services by foot or bike.
Education
4.3 A plan showing the location of the nearest schools to Thorpe Park, along with key walking routes, can be found within Appendix F. A summary of each of the nearest educational facilities, along with the distance from the site, has been provided below.
Nursery
4.4 The closest school offering free Nursery provision is Colton Primary School, which is approximately 2.5km to the south of the proposed development site. However, there are closer private and day nurseries in the vicinity of the development, most notably ‘Little Rascals’, which has two sites, one on Station Road and one on Barwick Road within easy reach of the proposed development, via the MLLR and Busy Bees at Colton Mill.
Primary
4.5 The closest local authority maintained school to the development is Austhorpe Community School, which is approximately 1.1km walk from the site to the south, via Austhorpe Road. However, there are also faith schools within easy access of the site, the closest of which is Manston St James RC Primary School approximately 1.5km from the site. Slightly further beyond this is Manston Primary School, a local authority maintained school, approximately 2.2km walk from the site to the northwest.
Secondary
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4.6 The closest comprehensive secondary school to the site is the John Smeaton Community College on Smeaton Approach, to the north of the site, approximately 2km walk from the proposed development site. This site includes a sixth form facility. Alternatively, the East Leeds Academy is less than 3.3km to the northwest of the proposed development, or Temple Moor High School is just over 2.9km to the southwest.
Health
Doctors
4.7 According to the NHS Choices website, there are four GP surgeries within 2km walk of the site; Colton Mill Medical Centre, to the south, The Family Doctors on Austhorpe View and Ashfield Surgery and Manston Surgery, both on Austhorpe Road.
Hospital
4.8 The closest hospital to the site that includes A&E and outpatient facilities is St James Hospital on Burmantofts Street, approximately 6km to the west of the site. Closer to the site, and providing outpatient and clinic care for many medical services is Seacroft Hospital approximately 2.3km to the west on York Road.
Dentist
4.9 According to the NHS Choices website, the closest dental practice currently accepting new NHS patients is Dentistry@130, on Cross Gates Lane, approximately 2.6km from the proposed development site.
Pharmacy
4.10 The nearest pharmacies are the Cooperative Pharmacy and Crossgates Day and Night Pharmacy on Austhorpe Road, which are close to the GP Surgeries, meaning that there is quick and convenient access to these facilities at the point of requirement. There is also a Boots pharmacy at Colton Retail Park, approximately 1.2km to the south of the site.
Shopping
4.11 Locally, there are a good range of shops – including a post office – at the Crossgates Shopping Centre to the west of the development on Austhorpe Road (c. 2km walk from the site). There is a wide variety of shops here, including food retail and financial services ensuring that residents have good access to a wide variety of retail options. In addition, Colton Retail Park, which includes a large Sainsbury's store and petrol station, Boots and Next is within 1.2km walk.
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4.12 Again it should be stressed that the wider development of Thorpe Park will significantly add to the range of local retail opportunities, all of which will be within convenient walking/cycling distance for residents.
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Table 4.1 Accessible Destinations Time Mode Facility Type Name Busy Bees Day Nursery Education Austhorpe Community School The Family Doctors, Austhorpe View Health Boots Pharmacy Walking (c.1.2km) Thorpe Park Supermarket Retail Thorpe Park Community Facilities / Community Green Park Colton Retail Park Colton Mill Colton Primary School / Nursery Little Rascals Day Nurseries Education (as Manston St James Primary School
above plus) Manston Primary School John Smeaton Community College Leeds East Academy Temple Moor High School
Within 15 mins 15 Within Seacroft Bus Station Public Transport Bus Stops on Stile Hill Way Cycling (c.4.5km) Crossgates Train Station Ashfield Surgery Manston Surgery Crossgates Day and Night Pharmacy Health Co-op Pharmacy Dentistry@ 130 Seacroft Hospital Crossgates Shopping Centre Retail / Crossgates Recreation Hall Community Cross Gates Library
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5. TRAVEL PLAN MEASURES
Introduction
5.1 The key to successful travel planning is to identify the most suitable modes of transport that are realistic and practical for residents at a site such as this to adopt, before making these modes as attractive as possible, thereby discouraging less sustainable modes of travel. There is no single solution to any one person’s transport needs. Different people will respond to different measures, whilst some may not react to any. A range of travel plan measures will therefore be implemented, with the aim of maximising the potential scope of impact.
Travel Plan Management
5.2 The developer recognises that an important element of the success of this Travel Plan will be the appointment of a Travel Plan Coordinator (TPC). The TPC will be responsible for the implementation of the TP including the introduction of the measures detailed within this document.
5.3 The TPC appointed by the developer is:
John Hacker, Travel Plan Services, [email protected], 01924 664638.
5.4 The TPC will be in place prior to the initial marketing of any residential plots at the site, and will remain in post until 5 years post completion of the development.
5.5 Travel Plan Services are also appointed to act as TPC for the wider Thorpe Park Business Park. Whilst it is likely that the roles will be separated appointed, this continuity will ensure that wherever possible opportunities can be taken advantage of to combine the work of the TPC at the residential development with work undertaken at the wider business park.
5.6 The TPC will have overall responsibility for the development, implementation and management of the plan for the period of development at the site. Any changes to the post-holder will be notified to LCC TravelWise [email protected] or by phone on 0113 3950276.
5.7 The role of the TPC will include (but not be limited to):
Delivery of the Travel Plan marketing measures;
Sourcing the correct information for each of the relevant measures;
Travel updates via email and other social media;
Responding to travel issues/questions;
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Working closely with any Housing Association provider on the site;
Administering the offer of a free weekly bus ticket;
Working with the Leeds TravelWise team to promote school specific travel plan measures, such as walking buses and scoot to school initiatives;
Sign up to the timetable ordering service at http://online.pslprint.com/metro.php; and
Coordinating the annual Travel Survey.
5.8 The TPC will assist sales staff for the residential elements of the scheme in marketing the site, and providing any information that potential residents require.
Securing the Travel Plan
5.9 This Travel Plan has been secured by planning obligation as part of the section 106 agreement.
Travel Plan Budget/Mitigation
5.10 The developers of the residential scheme will ensure that a suitable budget is made available to the TPC to deliver in full the range of measures set out within this travel plan.
5.11 In addition, should the targets set out within Section 6 not be achieved, a mitigation budget of £1000 will be made available to the TPC to deliver a number of additional measures across the site. The specific nature of these measures would be discussed with Leeds City Council at the appropriate time.
Travel Plan Marketing and Information Provision
5.12 The principle task of the TPC will be to ensure that the available travel options are effectively promoted to all residents at the development. This will primarily be achieved through a range of modern marketing techniques which will ensure the full demographic of residents (and prospective residents) have easy access to relevant and up to date travel information.
Marketing Strategy 1: Travel Information Website
5.13 The way that people access information is changing, with the internet now offering the primary means of accessing travel information and tools for most people. Websites provide an ideal method of providing people with access to up to date information, and direct links to external sources of information and tools, such as journey planning websites, car share schemes, timetables and maps.
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5.14 The TPC will be responsible for delivering a travel information website which includes access to a wide range of site specific travel information. An example of a similar website prepared for a nearby residential development can be seen at www.meadowgatepark-travel.co.uk.
5.15 The travel plan website will contain a wide range of site specific travel information and advice, and where appropriate will provide direct links to external sources of information, including but not limited to:
The provision of (or links to) public transport timetables and maps for download, and in particular www.wymetro.com;
Links to journey planning tools, including www.metrojourneyplanner.info/welcome.do;
Information and advice on car sharing and car clubs (www.wycarshare.com, www.citycarclub.co.uk);
Advice on walking and cycling in the local community (www.leedsinitiative.org/howtogetaround.aspx, www.leeds.gov.uk/cyclemaps, www.walkit.com/cities/leeds, and www.wymetro.com/howtogetto/gocycling); and
General local travel information (www.leedstravel.info/cdmf-webserver/jsp/leeds.jsp).
5.16 The travel plan website will be promoted to prospective residents via the developer’s sales website, and via the travel plan information leaflet (see below) which will be distributed both via the sales office and to new residents at first occupation.
Marketing Strategy 2: Travel information leaflet
5.17 A travel information leaflet will be prepared to complement and promote the availability of the travel plan website. This leaflet will provide a summary of the range of travel options available to residents, and will highlight sources of further useful information. It will based on the guide previously prepared for the Thorpe Park business park, updated to reflect any changes to provision since the previous guide was prepared and being resident, rather than employee, focused - the current guide is provided at Appendix D for information.
5.18 The travel plan leaflet will be distributed via the sales office to all prospective residents to help ensure that all residents are aware of the range of travel options available to them prior to making the decision on whether to purchase a new home at the scheme. Subsequently it will be distributed to all new residents alongside the developer's welcome pack at the point at which they first occupy their home in order to ensure that the travel plan message is reinforced.
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Marketing Strategy 3: Personalised Journey Planning
5.19 The TPC will be available to assist residents with planning trips to and from the development. Residents will be able to request a Personal Journey Plan (PJP) from the TPC which will be provided in electronic (email) form. The offer of a PJP will be promoted via both the travel plan leaflet and website.
Marketing Strategy 4: Ongoing Engagement
5.20 Once residents have moved into their new homes there will be a need to engage with them on the subject of the travel plan, throughout the lifetime of the travel plan programme.
5.21 Whilst the website will provide a good opportunity to do this, due to its ability to be readily updated with the latest information, residents will also be provided with a copy of an annual newsletter. This will include details of any changes to travel options, initiatives and offers.
Marketing Strategy 5: Developer Marketing
5.22 Beyond providing the above information within the show home, and to residents at first occupation, the residential developer will explore ways of promoting the travel plan (and it measures) to prospective residents through the sales process. One such opportunity is to provide details of the travel plan on the developer’s sales page for this site.
Walking Specific Measures
5.23 Walking contributes towards maintaining fitness levels and research indicates that 30 minutes brisk walking per day could halve the risk of heart disease. It is also the most sustainable form of transport as it is ‘zero carbon’, and does not use any capacity on public transport. As a result, the TPC will promote walking wherever possible through the TP as a primary mode of travel for all local journey purposes.
Walking Strategy 1: Promote and encourage walking through the distribution or displaying of promotional material which outlines its benefits through different media types
5.24 Walking will be marketed through the communication channels outlined earlier. In particular this marketing material should include:
Promotion of benefits in terms of health, finances, social interaction etc;
Promotion of national and local walking schemes and initiatives; and
Promotion of local walking routes, especially to the closest education sites.
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Residential Development, Thorpe Park – Travel Plan – February 2015
Walking Strategy 2: Provide appropriate internal and external linkages for pedestrians
5.25 The development will be planned and constructed with pedestrian facilities to the appropriate standards, and will provide links that connect with the existing infrastructure.
Cycling Specific Measures
5.26 In a similar way to walking, cycling has many benefits in terms of health, fitness, mental well-being, and reliability. In periods of traffic congestion and over short distances cycling offers competitive journey times with motorised transport, and also has a low impact upon highway capacity and the environment. With a good network of low vehicle speed roads, cycling should be an attractive mode of travel.
Cycle Strategy 1: Promote and encourage cycling by distributing or displaying promotional material which outlines its benefits through a variety of media
5.27 Cycling and its various benefits will be marketed through the communication channels outlined earlier. In particular the marketing should include:
The benefits of cycling (health, financial, environmental etc);
Promotion of local and national schemes such as bike week; and
Copies of the local cycle map and details of online maps.
Cycling Strategy 2: Provision of secure cycle parking and suitable facilities
5.28 Clearly, cycling may only be feasible for some residents and those that are willing to cycle will require provision of secure storage. The development will therefore provide secure cycle parking facilities in line with local LCC standards, especially for any properties that do not include garages. The precise nature of this cycle parking will be outlined and agreed within the reserved matters application process.
Cycling Strategy 3: Investigate discounts for residents at local cycle shops
5.29 The TPC will consider the benefits of obtaining discounts for residents at local cycle shops for purchasing safety equipment, bikes, and essential parts. Local stores may consider providing information as a minimum, or discounts to residents if they believe that they will garner enough trade from the site.
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Public Transport Specific Measures
5.30 The public transport opportunities afforded by the location of the development site have been outlined earlier within this document.
5.31 New residents at the development may initially be unaware of their public transport options and through the provision of travel information an increase in public transport uptake can be achieved. With this in mind, information on the public transport opportunities will be made available to residents via the range of communication channels identified earlier. Any changes to services will be notified to residents via the website and the residents email network.
5.32 Furthermore, with a range of user friendly initiatives now available to people, such as the Metro website, journey planning is very easy and convenient and will be promoted to all residents.
Public Transport Strategy 1: Public Transport will be marketed as a sustainable and practical mode of transport by distributing or displaying promotional material which outlines its benefits through a variety of media
5.33 Travel by public transport will therefore be marketed through the communication channels identified earlier, and in particular will include the following:
Access to relevant bus timetables and maps in electronic and hard copy;
Details of the various website resources, especially the Metro journey planning tools; and
Details of the different ticket options.
Public Transport Strategy 2: Residents will be offered a free trial one week bus pass
5.34 In order to encourage residents moving to the site to try using the bus for their regular journeys, each household will be offered one weekly bus pass (for the operator that serves the site). The offer will be administered by the Travel Plan Coordinator, and promoted via the various communication measures previously covered. The funding for this measure will be secured via the S106.
Sustainable Car Use Specific Measures
5.35 A number of trips may only be practically possible by car (such as long distance journeys, trips at night, and journeys to locations inaccessible by active travel or public transport). Therefore every effort will be made to promote sustainable car use to residents where appropriate.
Sustainable Car Use Strategy 1: Promote Car Sharing
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5.36 Car sharing is when two or more people share a journey by car and travel together. It allows people to take advantage of the benefits of using the car, whilst at the same time reduces the overall number of vehicle trips made, and subsequently the impact on the environment. On a personal level, car sharing allows individuals to significantly reduce the cost of travelling by car.
5.37 A great deal of car sharing is arranged informally, however there are also organisations that provide the means to get in touch with other people looking to car share, and specifically in West Yorkshire, Liftshare has a recognised area wide West Yorkshire Car Share scheme (https://wy.liftshare.com/default.asp). This local opportunity, along with the various benefits of car sharing, will be marketed to residents via the communication channels identified earlier.
Sustainable Car Use Strategy 2: Car Club
5.38 It is important to recognise that whilst many residents will not have a regular need for a car club vehicle, a small number may need one on an occasional basis, either for regular trips to the supermarket or for social and recreational trips. Car clubs operate by offering car hire by the hour to those who occasionally need access to them and are an effective way of reducing car use by linking the actual trip undertaken to a direct cost. They are cost effective and popular amongst users due to the quality of the vehicles offered and the convenience of access to a car without the considerable upfront costs associated to it.
5.39 A sum of £15,000 will be secured through the S106 for this development, to order to pump prime the introduction of 2 car club vehicles to the site (to cover the introduction of the vehicles and the offer of a free trial). The exact location of the car club bays will be agreed at the reserved matters application stage, whilst the timing of the introduction of the vehicles will be the subject of discussion between the TPC, LCC and the car club operators.
5.40 The TPC will work closely with the car club operator to ensure that the scheme is successfully promoted across not only the residential development, but also the existing and proposed commercial uses.
Reducing the Need to Travel
Delivery Vehicle Strategy 1: Home Delivery Services
5.41 The TPC will work with residents at the site to promote the use of home delivery and shopping services, reducing the need to travel from the site. This will be promoted on the residents travel website.
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6. TRAVEL PLAN TARGETS AND MONITORING
Introduction
6.1 When delivering a travel plan it is important to monitor its progress and success. One easy way of understanding the impact of the TP is to consider the modal split of trips being made from the site. For this reason a monitoring strategy has been set out below which details how the success of the travel plan will be recorded and reported to LCC.
Travel Plan Targets
6.2 Targets are essential to ensure everyone involved in the travel plan process knows what needs to be done and to enable progress to be assessed. Targets should be SMART (see below) and can take the form of ‘aim-type’ targets and ‘action-type’ targets:
Specific;
Measurable;
Achievable;
Realistic;
Time-bound
Action-type Targets
6.3 Action-type targets are non-quantifiable targets and take the form of actions that need to be achieved.
6.4 The action-type targets specific for this travel plan can be found in Appendix E, where an action plan with recommended timescales for delivery of specific measures has been identified.
Aim-type Targets
6.5 Aim-type targets are quantifiable targets against which the effectiveness of the travel plan in achieving its stated aims and objectives can be measured. In order to set aim-type targets it is first necessary to have a ‘base point’ modal split against which progress can be assessed.
6.6 The following table shows the modal split data for residents in Leeds, as revealed by the 2011 census data.
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Table 6.1 – 2011 Census, Journey to work data – Leeds (District) Mode Number Percentage Total People 560,849 100% Work mainly at or from home 14,666 3% Underground, metro, light rail, tram 479 0% Train 11,751 2% Bus, minibus or coach 50,541 9% Taxi 3,174 1% Motorcycle, scooter or moped 1,779 0% Driving a car or van 201,221 36% Passenger in a car or van 21,569 4% Bicycle 6,352 1% On foot 42,064 8% Other method of travel to work 1,629 0% Not in employment 205,624 37%
6.7 The table above shows the overall preference, but this is not the modal split for ‘journeys to work’ as it includes those working from home and people not in employment (i.e. non-commuters). Therefore, TPS has calculated the modal split for all trips made relating to the journey to work. Table 6.2 shows the modal split.
Table 6.2 – 2011 Census, Modal Split – Leeds (District) Mode Number Percentage Total People 340,559 100% Underground, metro, light rail, tram 479 0% Train 11751 3% Bus, minibus or coach 50541 15% Taxi 3174 1% Motorcycle, scooter or moped 1779 1% Driving a car or van 201221 59% Passenger in a car or van 21569 6% Bicycle 6352 2% On foot 42064 12% Other method of travel to work 1629 0%
6.8 As a result of this information, the development will initially seek to achieve a maximum modal split at any time during the period of the travel plan of 50% of journeys to work by single occupancy vehicle. Should this target prove either too ambitious or unambitious, the TPC will revise the target
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for single occupancy vehicle trips to a level agreed with the LCC TravelWise team. The TPC will not however omit or change the targets without prior consultation and agreement with the Leeds TravelWise team.
6.9 LCC have also advised that at present 26% of children across Leeds are taken to school by car. It is considered that given the location of the site in relation to local schools, achieving the same percentage of trips by car to local schools from Thorpe Park would be a success. For that reason, the target is to achieve a maximum of 26% of trips to school by car. As with the journey to work targets detailed above, should it become apparent that this target is either too ambitious or too unambitious following the first travel survey, the targets may be advised through consultation and agreement with Leeds City Council.
6.10 The TPC will look to achieve the travel targets within five years of first occupation. Following the five year period, the TPC will look to maintain, or improve upon these initial targets.
Survey Format
6.11 The surveys will involve a short online questionnaire for residents at the site. Areas of concern may include:
Usual mode of transport for commute;
Destination (i.e. work postcode);
Comments on local travel options;
Comments on travel plan measures;
Ticket options used; and
Parking habits/comments.
6.12 Should it be deemed necessary, the surveys will also be delivered in hard copy, giving residents the opportunity to return their completed forms by post.
6.13 In order to maximise response rates a prize draw incentive (£100 high street shopping voucher) will be offered to those who complete the survey.
6.14 The TPC will look to achieve a minimum response rate for the residents of around 25-30%. If it is believed that this response rate will not be achieved, the TPC will discuss with Leeds City Council the option to undertake physical counts of vehicle movements instead, in order to obtain robust data against which achievement of the target can be assessed. The methodology for undertaking
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these surveys would be the subject of consultation with LCC, prior to them being undertaken. Should it be the case that physical counts of movements are required the mechanism for viewing the results against targets will also need to be agreed with LCC through consultation (i.e. whether the target should be to achieve a maximum number of vehicular trips within the peak travel periods, rather than specific modal splits targets for different journey types).
Residential Travel Plan Monitoring
Monitoring and Review Strategy 1: Annual travel surveys
6.15 An initial baseline resident travel survey will be undertaken at the point when 20% (60) of the units are occupied. This survey will enable the TPC to monitor the travel patterns of an appropriate number of residents, and to seek feedback on travel options and measures at the site. The results will be shared with LCC TravelWise following the baseline survey. Recent experience has demonstrated that on sites of this scale, the build-out period is such that completing surveys sooner will not provide enough data for reasonable conclusions about travel patterns to be reached.
6.16 The results of the first baseline survey will be used to assess whether the proposed targets are realistic. If the targets are thought to be either too ambitious or unambitious, they will be discussed with the Leeds City Council TravelWise team, with aview to proposing more suitable targets moving forward.
6.17 Following the initial baseline travel survey, further subsequent resident travel surveys will be undertaken once every year until a point 5 years after final occupation. These surveys will allow the TPC to monitor both the success of the travel plan to date in achieving previously set modal split targets, and to seek feedback from residents on the travel options available at the site.
6.18 The TPC will feed results of these travel surveys back to travel plan officers at LCC, and will make appropriate and practical changes to the travel plan programme moving forward. Survey results will also be shared with residents within the annual travel plan newsletter.
Monitoring and Review Strategy 2: Backup vehicular surveys
6.19 Should the annual surveys not achieve a response rate of at least 25% the TPC may instead commission multi-modal traffic counts during the AM and PM peak periods. The methodology for undertaking these surveys would be discussed with LCC prior to them being undertaken, as would the need to potentially revise the nature of the targets (as discussed previously).
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Monitoring Report
6.20 The TPC will produce an annual monitoring report which includes all the survey data, any proposed revisions to the travel plan(s) and the annual action plan for the next 12 months. The Action Plan will contain an annual programme of measures designed to help achieve the travel plan targets on travel modal share. It will set out the tasks involved, responsibilities, and dates by which the measures will be achieved over the next 12 months. This monitoring report will be submitted to the Leeds TravelWise team.
6.21 The Council also will also undertake its own monitoring and evaluation of this developments travel plan(s) and work with the Travel Plan Coordinator.
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7. SUMMARY
Residential Travel Plan
7.1 This Travel Plan outlines the local sustainable travel options for the proposed residential development at the Thorpe Park site, and highlights the ways that the developer will seek to promote these options to residents.
7.2 One of the key measures contained within this document is the appointment of a Travel Plan Coordinator, who will ensure that this work is completed in a timely fashion, and will be able to use up to date best practice for implementing the measures.
7.3 Regular monitoring will be established, which will help to inform the TPC of the successes and failings of any extant measures, ensuring that the travel plan for the development is suitable for purpose and relevant to the residents who live there.
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Appendix A Site Context Plan
Appendix B Thorpe Park Masterplan
Appendix C Bus Service Information
Appendix D Thorpe Park Travel Guide
Appendix E Action Plan
Appendix F School Location/Access Plan