MOUNTAIN ROAD, CAERPHILLY

TRAVEL PLAN

May 2017

McCarthy & Stone Ltd

RETIREMENT LIVING DEVELOPMENT MOUNTAIN ROAD CAERPHILLY

TRAVEL PLAN

CONTROLLED DOCUMENT

PB-Associates Document No: 100.0002/TP/2

Status: Original Copy No:

Name Signature Date

Prepared by: Shannon Betteridge April 2017

Checked: William Fayers April 2017

PBA Approved: Mark Smith April 2017

Revision Record

Rev. Date By Summary of Changes Chkd Aprvd 2 08/05/17 WF Client Comment MS MS

McCarthy & Stone Paul Basham Associates Ltd First Floor, Blackbrook Gate Lancaster Court 1 Blackbrook Park Avenue 8 Barnes Wallis Road Taunton Fareham Somerset Hampshire TA1 2PG PO15 5TU

RETIREMENT LIVING DEVELOPMENT MOUNTAIN ROAD CAERPHILLY

TRAVEL PLAN

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2. TRAVEL PLAN POLICY ...... 5 3. LOCAL ACCESSIBILITY ...... 7 4. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ...... 15 5. INDICATIVE BASELINE AND TARGET TRAVEL PATTERNS ...... 18 6. TRAVEL PLAN STRATEGY ...... 20 7. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ...... 25 8. CONCLUSIONS ...... 28

Figures Figure 1 – Site Location Figure 2 – Site Context Figure 3 – Local Cycle Routes (www.sustrans.org) Figure 4 – Retirement Living Modal Splits

Tables Table 1 – Proximity to Local Amenities Table 2 – CIHT Guidance for 'Providing for Journeys on Foot' Table 3 – Local Bus Services Table 4 – Existing 'Soft' Measures Table 5 – Proposed Accommodation Schedule Table 6 – Caerphilly County Borough Council Parking Standards Table 7 – Key Travel Resources Table 8 – McCarthy & Stone Travel Information (2011 & 2016) Table 9 – TPC’s on-going Tasks Table 10 – Action Plan Table 11 – Travel Targets

Appendices Appendix A – Site Layout Appendix B – Example Resident Survey

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 1 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Travel Plan (TP) has been prepared by Paul Basham Associates (PBA) on behalf of McCarthy & Stone Ltd to support a planning application for a development comprising 43 ‘Retirement Living’ apartments at Mountain Road, Caerphilly. The site location is demonstrated in Figure 1, with the site layout included as Appendix A.

Figure 1: Site Location

1.2 PBA have also prepared a Transport Statement to be read alongside this report which further details the development proposals including access, parking and swept path analysis of the site, as requested at the pre-application stage.

Purpose of the Travel Plan 1.3 A Travel Plan is a strategy for managing travel demand to a development site by addressing the travel needs of its future users, reducing the impact of car travel by promoting and facilitating the use of sustainable modes of transport, encouraging a reduced need to travel and increasing sustainable travel practices where appropriate. This Travel Plan supports access to a full range of local facilities and activities for future site users, whilst encouraging good design principles and working with the local community.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 2 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

1.4 A TP is an evolving process initiated by a front-loading exercise through site visits, the completion of a Travel Plan, and meetings and conversations between its authors (Paul Basham Associates), the client (McCarthy & Stone Ltd) and the Local Authority (Caerphilly County Borough Council). The TP will develop over time from feedback received from monitoring exercises, local developments in sustainable transport and other external factors.

Travel Plan Principles 1.5 A Travel Plan must be Transparent, Realistic, Achievable, Committed, Enforceable and Sustainable (TRACES). This Travel Plan therefore aims to document sustainable travel measures and practises within the vicinity of the development site, encapsulating these within a wider strategy of measures, along with an implementation and monitoring strategy.

Travel Plan Aim 1.6 The aim of the Travel Plan is ‘to support a sustainable development by reducing the impact of the development’s travel demands, through raising awareness of and promoting more sustainable travel practices’.

Travel Plan Objectives 1.7 This Travel Plan’s objectives are to:  Reduce the need to travel;  Promote local pedestrian and cycle routes both on and off-site;  Promote public transport and promotion of local taxi services;  Ensure safe and easy access for all site users

1.8 Meeting these objectives will help achieve a development that has good sustainable travel practices and a decreased reliance on the private car, thus reducing the impact of car travel. Continual evolution of the Travel Plan is necessary to ensure the Travel Plan meets its targets and objectives. Promoting the Travel Plan process will better residents’ understanding of the Travel Plan Co-ordinator (TPC) work, which in turn should increase resident engagement with the Travel Plan.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 3 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Travel Plan Structure and Approach 1.9 The remainder of this Travel Plan is presented through the following structure:  Chapter 2 – Travel Plan Policy  Chapter 3 – Local Accessibility  Chapter 4 – Development Proposals  Chapter 5– Indicative Baseline and Target Travel Patterns  Chapter 6 – Travel Plan Strategy  Chapter 7 – Implementation and Monitoring  Chapter 8 –Conclusions

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 4 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

2. TRAVEL PLAN POLICY

Policy 2.1 The aim and objectives of the TP adhere to policies at a national, regional and local level and relate to;  Wales Transport Strategy;  South East Wales Valleys Local Transport Plan;  Caerphilly County Borough Council Local Development Plan

National Policy 2.2 The Wales Transport Strategy (WTS) acts as the central guidance for Wales. It is identified as a key transport policy document for creating an integrated transport system for Wales as a whole. The WTS identified five over-arching aims as listed below:  Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts  Integrate local transport  Improve access between key settlements and sites  Enhance international connectivity  Increase safety and security

2.3 The following paragraphs from the WTS are also relevant to this Travel Plan:

The goal of One Wales: Connecting the nation is to promote sustainable transport networks that safeguard the environment while strengthening our county’s economic and social life. Our transport strategy identified a series of high-level outcomes and sets out the steps to their delivery.

Achieve a more effective and efficient transport system: Improved effectiveness and efficiency will mean a reliable transport system – one that helps provide the best service, equal access and best value for money for people and businesses.

Achieve greater use of the more sustainable and healthy forms of travel: Promoting greater use of the more sustainable and healthy modes of travel, which include making them a more attractive option, will help reduce environmental impacts, improve health and wellbeing, and enhance opportunities for all.

Minimising demands on the transport system: New developments should, wherever possible, be located at sites already well served by walking, cycling and public transport links, or where such services are provided up front as part of the development.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 5 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Regional and Local Policy and Initiatives South East Wales Valleys Local Transport Plan (LTP) (2015) 2.4 The five South East Wales Valleys local authorities (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen) have combined to prepare the Local Transport Plan. The LTP outlines some of the transport concerns and challenges that the valleys face with increasing pressure to develop vacant land.

2.5 This LTP has a number of core activities and interventions identified to ensure the delivery of the LTP is successful, as listed below:  Develop innovative walking, cycling and Smarter Choices programmes  Continuing investment in the regional rail system  Improve the quality of bus services across the region  Develop better public transport integration  Make better use of the regional road system

Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan (LDP) (2010) 2.6 The LDP provides a ‘statutory framework’ for development and use of land within the Borough, with a focus on ensuring the land is efficiently utilised whilst also stimulating the local economy and safeguarding for the benefit of present and future generations. The aims of the LDP in relation to transport are:  To ensure that new development minimises emissions of greenhouse gases as far as is practically possible in order to mitigate the effects of climate change;  To provide a modern, integrated and sustainable transport system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and protects the environment; where public transport, walking and cycling provide real travel alternatives;  To contribute to improving public health, by promoting land use development that contribute to healthy lifestyles and wellbeing

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 6 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

3. LOCAL ACCESSIBILITY

3.1 To help meet the Travel Plan’s aims and objectives, it is crucial that consideration is given to the site in relation to the local context in which it evolves.

Site and Surroundings 3.2 The proposed site use is currently vacant brownfield land, following the closure and demolition of Caerphilly Police Station in 2011. The site, located to the immediate south of Caerphilly Town Centre and approximately 11km north of Cardiff, is bordered by a retirement development to the north, residential development to east and south, and to the west, the site is bordered by the B4263 Mountain Road and St Martin’s Church. The existing site and its surroundings are identified in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Site Context

3.3 The site is situated approximately 200m to the south of Caerphilly Town Centre, which is representative of a typical town centre environment, with numerous facilities including pharmacies, food outlets, post offices, banks and both national and independent retail stores available.

3.4 The location of the site in relation to the town centre and other local amenities such as Caerphilly Railway Station (200m, 3 minute walk) and Caerphilly Castle (950m, 13 minute walk), presents a good opportunity to encourage the use of sustainable transport and create a sustainable development. The facilities available within the vicinity of the site are summarised within Table 1.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 7 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Amenity Distance Walking Time (minutes)

Church 180m 2 Bus Station 200m 3 Railway Station 200m 3 Dentist 300m 4 Pharmacy 350m 4 Bank 400m 5 Convenience Store 450m 5 Library 600m 7 Caerphilly Castle 950m 13 Table 1: Proximity to Local Amenities

3.5 The CIHT provides guidance for ‘Providing for Journeys on Foot (2000, Table 3.2)’ which identifies ‘desirable’, ‘acceptable’ and ‘preferred maximum’ distances for certain locations. As demonstrated in Table 2 and referring to Table 1, the distance to Caerphilly Town Centre is within the ‘desirable’ guidance. Other facilities including bus stops, railway station and Caerphilly Castle are also within the ‘acceptable’ walking distance.

Town Centre (m) Commuting/School/ Sight-Seeing (m) Elsewhere (m)

Desirable 200 500 400 Acceptable 400 1000 800 Preferred Maximum 800 2000 1200 Table 2: CIHT Guidance for ‘Providing for Journeys on Foot’

3.6 In terms of health provision, the nearest dental practice (Clive Street Dental) is located 300m north of the site via Mountain Road. The nearest doctor’s surgery (Lansbury Surgery) is located c.1.7km (20 minute walk) north east of the site. University Hospital of Wales (located approximately 8km south of the site) provides a 24hour emergency department as well as a range of specialist facilities. The nearest pharmacy to the site is located 350m north of the site.

Pedestrian Network 3.7 Mountain Road benefits from a continuous footway along both sides of the carriageway, c.2m in width. A signalised crossing is located c.75m to the north of the development site, providing safe and direct access to the town centre, therefore facilitating the movement of pedestrians within Caerphilly, as demonstrated in Photograph 1.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 8 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Photograph 1: Signalised Pedestrian Crossing on Mountain Road

3.8 An additional crossing point is located approximately 200m north of the development site at the junction with Clive Street and Bartlett Street. This crossing provides a safe and direct crossing facility upon the approach to the bus and railway station. This crossing point is demonstrated in Photograph 2.

Photograph 2: Signalised Pedestrian Crossing at Clive Road/Mountain Road junction

3.9 The local road network within the town centre creates an attractive area for pedestrians, with numerous crossing points supported by tactile paving and dropped kerbs. The pedestrian network around the town centre is demonstrated in Photograph 3.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 9 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Photograph 3: Pedestrian Network in Caerphilly Town Centre

Cycle Network 3.10 Although cycling does not typically hold a significant presence as a mode of travel for ‘Retirement Living’ developments given the average age of the occupants. There are a number of National Cycle Networks (NCN) within 5 minutes cycle time of the site.

3.11 NCN 4, which provides a cross country route between Wales and England, comprises a mixture of on- road and traffic free routes. For local destinations, the route connects to Pontypridd in the west (40 minute cycle) and to Newport in the east (90 minute cycle).

3.12 NCN 475, which runs north west of the site, connects Caerphilly to Senghydd. This cycle comprises a mainly traffic free route and takes approximately 35 minutes. The cycle routes within the vicinity of Caerphilly are summarised in Figure 3.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 10 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Figure 3: Local Cycle Routes (www.sustrans.org.uk)

3.13 The nearest cycle shop is ‘Halfords’, located c.9 minutes cycle (10 minute bus journey via service H) from the site in Gallagher Retail Park.

Bus Services 3.14 Caerphilly Bus Station is situated approximately 200m north of the site (4 minute walk) via Mountain Road (as indicated in Figure 3). The bus station comprises covered seating areas and up-to-date timetables. Services from the bus station are comprehensive to both the local area and further afield. A summary of the services available at Caerphilly bus station are summarised within Table 3.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 11 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Frequency Service Route Sunday and Bank Monday- Friday Saturday Holidays 26 Every 30 Minutes Every 30 Minutes Hourly Cardiff – Caerphilly – Ystrad Mynach – Blackwood – Hour (Hour) Hourly (Hourly) No Service (Every 26A (26B) Markham *alternate half hours *alternate half hours Hour) Newport, Caerphilly, Ystrad 50 Every 15 Minutes Every 15 Minutes Hourly Mynach, Bargoed Blaencwm – Porth – 120 Pontypridd – Parc Nantgarw – Every 20 Minutes Every 20 Minutes No Service Caerphilly Graig-y-Rhacca School – Every 12 Minutes to Every 12 Minutes to Trethomas – Bedwas School – the school, Every the school, Every A* Hourly Caerphilly – UHW Health Hour to the Hospital Hour to the Hospital Hospital - Cardiff and Cardiff and Cardiff Every 12 Minutes to Every 12 Minutes to Senghenydd - Abertridwr - Senghenydd, Every Senghenydd, Every B Trecenydd – Caerphilly - UHW Hourly Hour to Hospital and Hour to Hospital and Heath Hospital - Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff Caerphilly – Mill Road C (D) Every 15 Minutes Every 15 Minutes Every 2 Hours (Pwllypant) - Penyrheol Caerphilly – Mill Road – E Hourly Hourly No Service Abertridwr – Senghenydd Caerphilly – Lansbury Park – F Every 30 Minutes Every 30 Minutes No Service Mornington Meadows

G Caerphilly – Churchill Park Hourly Hourly No Service Caerphilly – Tesco – Bedwas – H* Trethomas – Graig-y-Rhacca Hourly Hourly No Service School Caerphilly – Trecenydd – K Hourly Hourly No Service Hendredenny – Caledfryn

Caerphilly – Heol Trecastell – L Nantddu – Glenfields – Hourly Hourly No Service Bryncenydd Table 3: Local Bus Services

3.15 The 26 service provides a frequent service to Cardiff and Markham. The service operates 7 days a week and therefore provides a suitable alternative to the private car. A journey to Cardiff takes approximately 40 minutes.

3.16 Bus service 50 also operates 7 days a week and provides a frequent service to Newport and Bargoed. A journey to Newport takes approximately 45 minutes, whilst a journey to Bargoed takes approximately 38 minutes.

3.17 A journey to the local Tesco supermarket takes approximately 10 minutes via bus service H, providing a good opportunity to encourage residents to travel sustainably when undertaking food shopping.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 12 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Rail Services 3.18 Caerphilly Railway Station is situated c.200m north of the site via Mountain Road, adjacent to the bus station. The station is equipped with 10 cycle storage spaces, a manned ticket office, customer help points, accessible ticket machines, shops and CCTV. The cycling facilities available at the railway station are demonstrated in Photograph 4.

Photograph 4: Cycle Facilities at Caerphilly Railway Station

3.19 Caerphilly Railway Station provides direct access to destinations including Penarth, Bargoed and Rhymney. Trains to Penarth and Bargoed typically operate at 4 trains per hour, with journeys to Penarth and Bargoed taking approximately 25 and 35 minutes respectively. Other destinations along these routes include Ystrad Mynach, Aber and Cardiff Central.

3.20 Trains to Rhymney typically operate once an hour and take approximately 45 minutes. Destinations along this route include those along the Penarth and Bargoed routes as well as Tir-Phil, Pontlottyn and Rhymney.

Existing ‘Soft’ Measures 3.21 Existing ‘soft’ measures are in place within Caerphilly, helping to encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport. Some of these measures have been highlighted in Table 4.

Measure Detail

Caerphilly Cycling Club provide a friendly and engaging club for all members. The club has Caerphilly Cycling three established rides per week in the summer months and encourages riders of all abilities Club and experience to take part. http://www.caerphillycc.co.uk/

Founded in 1993, the club provides attractive walks around the valleys, along the coast and Caerphilly Ramblers in the mountains of the Caerphilly Basin. http://caerphillyramblers.btck.co.uk/ Table 4: Existing ‘Soft’ Measures

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 13 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

3.22 As well as the measures outlined in Table 4, the site is situated within the Caerphilly Basin, which is home to numerous walks. Opportunities to walk through the Welsh countryside should be promoted and encouraged within every development.

Summary of Site Accessibility 3.23 The site is situated c.200m south of Caerphilly Town centre which provides a range of facilities and amenities including banks, post office, supermarket and health care provision.

3.24 Overall, the site, located 200m from both the bus and railway station, is considered highly accessible in transport terms, providing a wide variety of frequent public transport links within close proximity to the site, as well as high quality pedestrian links to local amenities and existing measures to encourage sustainable travel.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 14 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

4. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

4.1 The development proposals comprise the redevelopment of the former Police Station to 43 ‘Retirement Living’ apartments. A summary of the accommodation schedule is demonstrated within Table 5, and included on the site layout, attached as Appendix A.

Type of Apartment Number of Apartments

1 Bedroom 26

1.5 Bedrooms 5

2 Bedrooms 12

Total 43 Table 5: Proposed Accommodation Schedule

Access Arrangement 4.2 The site is currently accessed via a continuation of Bronrhiw Fach. Bronrhiw Fach is flanked by 2m footways either side which connect the site to the wider pedestrian network. This is further detailed within the Transport Statement. The existing site and access arrangement via Bronrhiw Fach are demonstrated in Photographs 5 and 6.

Photograph 5: Existing Site Use Photograph 6: Existing Access Arrangement

Car Parking Provision 4.3 The car park is for all users of the McCarthy & Stone development including residents, staff and visitors. The parking provision is designed to accommodate daily peak demand for all users, as detailed further within the application’s Transport Statement. It also considers the location of the site as being within 200m of the town centre.

4.4 Parking has been provided in accordance with CCBC residential parking standards which are summarised within Table 6.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 15 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Type of Dwelling Spaces Required Visitor Parking

Self-Contained 1 space per 4 units Elderly Persons 1 space for warden 1 space per 4 units Dwellings 1 space per 2 ancillary staff (Wardened) Table 6: Caerphilly County Borough Council Parking Standards

4.5 A total of 31 car parking spaces are to be provided on site within a parking court and therefore provides sufficient parking for the site.

4.6 McCarthy & Stone operate an established parking allocation and annual charge permit scheme. This approach is intended to discourage residents from owning a car unless frequent use is intended. McCarthy & Stone developments (including this site) are normally very well located and so the need to own a vehicle is limited. Residents of such developments are likely to give up their vehicles within a year due to the highly accessible location of the site, with the need to travel by car significantly reduced. Once all parking spaces have been reserved, other potential residents will need to make the decision to give up their car should they wish to move into the development.

Cycle Parking Provision 4.7 McCarthy and Stone independent research indicates that residents are not expected to use cycling as a main mode of transport, with a cycle ownership rate of 0.0289 (approximately 1 cycle per 35 apartments) within retirement apartments. The nature of the development would only require 1 member of staff to be on-site at any one time. However, efforts should be made where possible to encourage staff and visitors to cycle, and therefore cycles would be stored within the communal mobility scooter area, which would provide sufficient space.

4.8 Both car and cycle parking is further detailed within the Transport Statement, submitted alongside this Travel Plan.

Key Travel Resources 4.9 Sustainable travel opportunities are supported locally by more than the physical infrastructure in place. A summary of available resources to support local sustainable travel opportunities is included within Table 7.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 16 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Resource Description Website Link National organisation for supporting Living Streets www.livingstreets.org.uk pedestrians Cycle Street Online cycling journey planner www.cyclestreets.co.uk

Sustrans The national sustainable transport charity www.sustrans.org.uk

Traveline Online travel journey planner www.traveline.info Table 7: Key Travel Resources

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 17 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

5. INDICATIVE BASELINE AND TARGET TRAVEL PATTERNS

5.1 Targets for travel mode share shift over time is have been considered for the residents and staff of the development, mindful of the site’s accessible location.

5.2 McCarthy & Stone have undertaken exhaustive travel surveys of their schemes over a number of years in an effort to better understand the needs of their residents and in turn inform their future schemes. Research undertaken by Dr Allan Burns in July 2011 and December 2016 has been used to inform this Travel Plans’ information and consequent targets. The following table (Table 8) provides a summary of the factors affecting residents at ‘Retirement Living’ schemes, and helps enable a strategy of appropriate and focused measures to be tailored for this Travel Plan.

Detail Retirement Living

Average Age of Entry  78  The majority of residents move less than 20 miles from their previous place of Distance Moved residence, whilst 1/3rd previously lived 20+ miles away and moved closer to be with friends/family Top 3 reasons for  Previous dwelling unsuitable  To be nearer family moving into apartment  Health Top 3 reasons for giving  Age  Health Reasons up Car Ownership  No Need for a Car (including use of good public transport) Awareness of Free Bus  100% of residents were aware of free bus travel available to them Travel

Cost of Running a Car?  Majority of residents underestimated costs of running a car Resident Cycle  0.0289 per resident Ownership

Disability  19% of residents classed themselves as having a disability Table 8: McCarthy & Stone Travel Information (2011 & 2016)

5.3 Based on these findings, the Travel Plan will initially implement a strategy which;  Accepts a certain level of travel by car;  Make residents aware of the cost of car ownership;  Encourage some level of walking activity;  Provide up to date information to visitors to support accessible and sustainable travel;  Promote local bus services;  Promote proximity to local facilities and amenities for health and wellbeing benefits as well as environmental;  Makes use if the existing primary (residents) or secondary (family/friends) familiarity of the locale and its facilities, services and travel networks.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 18 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

5.4 Multi-modal trip surveys conducted at similar sized ‘Retirement Living’ developments have been undertaken by Dr Allan Burns in July 2011. The modal split trends amongst residents are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Retirement Living Modal Splits

5.5 The modal splits show that there is already a reasonable balance between different modes of travel, namely bus (24%), walking (25%) and car (46%).

5.6 Travel planning good practice suggests completing a baseline travel survey of the site in question following full occupation of the site, therefore establishing an accurate baseline modal split onto which Travel Plan targets can be identified.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 19 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

6. TRAVEL PLAN STRATEGY

6.1 In order to meet the key objectives of this TP, it is essential that a number of measures are implemented at an early stage and are relevant to the site’s demographic and local conditions, as assessed above. This would help encourage sustainable travel practices to become embedded by site users. Measures must also make use of the full range of opportunities and consider all users. The measures detailed in this Travel Plan are focused mainly on the residents of the retirement living apartments, however where possible, the travel patterns of the staff (house manager) and visitors should also be taken into consideration. The measures detailed in this TP therefore involve the following:

Soft Measures/Marketing and Promotion  Walking and Cycling  Public Transport  Buggy Use  Electric Charging Locations  Local Area Information and Promotion  Visitor transport

Physical Measures:  Permeable site layout design providing safe movements through the site for walking  Integral mobility scooter store facilitating usage (also able to accommodate cycles)  Appropriate levels of car parking (given the close proximity to the town centre)

6.2 The following section details a strategy to be adopted and evolved by the House Manager, and supported by a ‘Travel Plan Co-ordinator’ (TPC). This must be read in conjunction with the Action Plan included within Table 10.

Key Stages: Preliminary 6.3 Completing tasks set out within the pre-occupation section of the Action Plan would help establish the Travel Plan and support future site users’ familiarity with, contribution to, and adoption of the Travel Plan principles and practices. The success of the Travel Plan will ultimately be determined by the level of resident, visitor and staff awareness of and involvement with the Travel Plan aims.

6.4 In order to meet the key objectives of the Travel Plan, it is essential that a number of measures be implemented and completed 3 months prior to first occupation.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 20 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

6.5 Sustainable Travel Guides will be provided as residents move in. These will help inform residents of the travel opportunities in their area and allow them to make an informed decision about how they choose to travel to and from the site. The Guides will include:  An overview of the objectives of the TP and why it is in place  Contact details of the Travel Plan Coordinator and the Housing Manager  Up to date local bus and rail timetables  Pedestrian and cycle route maps from the development to surrounding areas

Key Stages: Three Years Following Full Occupation 6.6 The TP period would become fully active at full occupation; however, the time frame between first occupation and full occupation remains a crucial period for implementation.

6.7 On-going tasks for the TPC will involve maintaining up-to-date accessible information (residents, visitors, and the house manager) to support and promote sustainable travel activity, and monitoring of on-site and local travel infrastructure. The TPC’s on-going tasks are summarised in Table 9.

TPC’s On-going Tasks Promotion of local area’s key facilities and players through information/maps/photographs/details Maintenance of resident notice boards with local public transport network/facilities maps, timetables, information and local area walking/cycling route/duration map for residents and staff Promote use of site and walking facilities Provide residents and visitors with travel/transport guide Table 9: TPC’s on-going tasks

6.8 An annual newsletter will be produced by the TPC to keep residents up to date with local travel information and initiatives such as changes in bus timetables and update residents on the Travel Plan progress and issues.

Modal Measures: Walking and Mobility Scooter 6.9 Walking (and mobility scooter) is a primary travel mode for this location, given the town centre location and the proximity to facilities and services. As detailed within the Action Plan, walking would be promoted to residents, visitors and the house manager through a combination of:  Provision and maintenance of on-site pedestrian areas and buggy/cycle storage  Dedicated space on the notice board to promote local and national campaigns and events, as well as details of local services, facilities, pedestrian and cycle routes and cycle stores  Regular review of local travel infrastructure and bus service

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 21 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Modal Measures: Public Transport 6.10 Good access to the local bus network is key for this travel mode. Maximising resident use of public transport would be further supported through ensuring awareness of these facilities whilst highlighting costs and benefits in comparison to single occupancy vehicle use.

6.11 The residents of the development would be over the age of 60 and therefore eligible for concessionary bus passes. Details of how to apply for these bus passes would be incorporated into the Residents Sustainable Travel Guide, and the TPC would assist residents where necessary in obtaining these bus passes.

6.12 The proximity to the railway station presents a good opportunity to encourage residents, staff and visitors to travel by rail. In addition, a senior railcard is available for those aged over 60 and entitled the user to save 1/3 on rail fares.

6.13 The railway station is suitable for use by all site users with up-to-date timetables, a frequent service and step free and wheelchair access.

6.14 This Travel Plan has not identified specific targets for other travel modes such as taxi. However, should monitoring exercises and communication with residents and staff identify a strong interest in other travel modes, measures should be considered and explored by the TPC.

Modal Measures: Sustainable Private Vehicle Use 6.15 On occasions when single vehicle occupancy vehicle use is unavoidable or where alternative travel options are significantly limited in comparison, opportunities to promote sustainable driving practices would be promoted.

6.16 One such measure would be through the promotion of nearby electric charging points, encouraging residents to utilise more cost-efficient vehicles. Three electric charging points are situated within a 12 minute drive of the development site (2 to the west of the site heading towards Pontypridd and 1 southwest of the site close to the Coryton Roundabout).

Modal Measures: Promote Car Sharing 6.17 Car sharing is a simple and effective way to quickly reduce the number of lone car trips, whilst bringing reductions in transport costs, congestion and pollution. The House Manager/ TPC should promote car sharing between residents.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 22 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

6.18 Similarly, within the Borough, Phoenix Community Transport provide an accessible transport service for the elderly and disabled. By providing a comprehensive and reliable service around the clock, this mode of transport should be encouraged by the TPC and house manager to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips within the local area.

Local Area and Other Site Users 6.19 The Travel Plan should not evolve with the development in isolation to the local area and community. Maximising use and enjoyment of the local area is essential to providing an effective Travel Plan. Successful co-operation with, and promotion of, the local area, its various facilities and key players would lead to a wide range of related benefits including;  Stronger sense of local community  Greater presence of local pedestrian (and cycle) activity  Greater understanding of the locale  Greater understanding of local travel needs, trends and opportunities

6.20 As well as co-ordinating the promotion and practice of sustainable travel with the wider local community through the use of noticeboards, the Travel Plan should be encouraging and extending sustainable travel opportunities to any visitors to the residential development. Residents’ own positive sustainable travel experiences should have a knock-on effect to visitors. This would be supported further by an increasingly accessible and attractive network through the internal site design, site location and transport infrastructure developments, helping encourage visitors to consider travelling by other means than the private vehicle.

6.21 McCarthy & Stone have developed efficient servicing and delivery strategies for their sites. Economic and operations efficiency are both key factors in the running of such sites, so as to ensure essential goods and services are available when needed.

Marketing and Communication 6.22 It is essential that a clear, recognisable and site-specific Travel Plan identity is established which all site users can quickly associate with its purpose, objectives and benefits. This would be achieved through a co-ordinated marketing and communication strategy, with use of relevant existing and new communication platforms, including;  Site Notice Board  Sustainable Travel Guide  An Annual Newsletter

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 23 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

6.23 The development sales staff would be briefed on what a Travel Plan is, its use and advantages to future residents, details of this Travel Plan and where more information can be found (i.e. the Sustainable Travel Guide and contact with the TPC). This would then allow each new resident to receive a brief explanation of the Travel Plan and raise awareness of the Travel Plan as they settle into their new homes/ place of work and become familiar with the local area and its travel opportunities.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 24 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

7. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Management and Monitoring Arrangements 7.1 The TPC would be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Travel Plan, assisted where necessary by other members of staff. It is suggested that formal monitoring of the Travel Plan would occur for the first 3 years following occupation.

7.2 An initial survey will be carried out 3 months after first occupation to provide detailed baseline conditions from which the short-term targets identified within this report will be set. Feedback will also be offered to CCBC officers for consideration.

7.3 The survey would be completed via a questionnaire format. Example questionnaires for residents, which would also pick up visitors to the site, are included as Appendix B. The TPC would devise the exact questionnaire proposed and would also consider setting up a consultation meeting with residents, with the aim of helping them to complete the questionnaire. This would ensure maximum response rates.

7.4 Comparison surveys will be conducted after 12 months, and annually thereafter for a further two years to check the progress of the Travel Plan in meeting targets and the targets will be reviewed to reflect the travel trends and modal splits being achieved.

Action Plan and Targets 7.5 An indicative Action Plan for implementation and monitoring of the Travel Plan has been prepared. As targets and measures are reviewed, this Action Plan will be updated through the development of the Travel Plan. The table does not yet include dates, as these would be dependent on construction schedules and occupation dates. When the TPC is aware of the date of the first travel survey (3 months after first occupation) specific dates can be set more accurately for the subsequent surveys. The indicative Action Plan is outlined within Table 10.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 25 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Action

 TPC to be appointed  Local Authority to be provided with contact details for the appointed individuals.  Completion of ‘hard’ infrastructure inc. pedestrian facilities, car parking and cycle and mobility storage facilities Initial Measures  House Manager / TPC to contact LHA Travel Plan Officer to confirm awareness of (Prior to occupation) responsibility to fulfil Action Plan  TPC to prepare a Residents Sustainable Travel Guide  TPC to prepare site notice board with relevant transport service information e.g. bus timetables and routes  TPC to create baseline resident’s questionnaire and issue with Travel Guide  Confirm and implement parking permit/charge system

Walking  Space on notice board to promote local and national campaigns and events, as well as & details of local services, facilities, pedestrian and cycle routes and cycle stores Cycling  Periodic review of local travel infrastructure and bus services  Provision and maintenance of on-site pedestrian areas and buggy/cycle storage  TPC to provide information on bus and rail timetables and season ticket discounts Public Transport alongside other TP information.  TPC to support residents in applying for concessionary bus and rail passes.

Sustainable  Promotion of nearby Electric Car Charging Locations Private Vehicle  Cost comparison of sustainable transport over private car  TPC to promote use of car-sharing (by use of Taxis, amongst residents or through Car Sharing utilising Phoenix Community Transport)  Survey of travel modes for the site, to identify performance against predictions and to After 12 Months inform any necessary changes. End of Years 2 &  Follow up surveys to assess performance of the TP, and to inform the introduction of 3 new/altered targets as decided by the TP Coordinator/CCBC. Table 10: Action Plan

7.6 Targets have been identified within Table 11 and should be considered relatively flexible, and would be informed to a greater degree by the results of the baseline survey. Ultimately the target of the Travel Plan is to achieve a reduction in single occupancy car trips for the development. A 10% reduction has been identified for this site, and therefore the target modal split for single occupancy vehicle use is 36%. The resultant travel targets are outlined within Table 11.

Mode of Transport Multimodal Split Target End Target

Private Car 46% -10% 36%

Walking & Cycling 25% +3% 28%

Public Transport 28% +4% 32%

Sustainable Private 1% +3% 4% Vehicle/ Car Sharing

Table 11: Travel Targets

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 26 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

7.7 It is initially expected that the Travel Plan will be monitored for a 3-year period. The TPC will identify the areas where modal shift targets have not demonstrated to see if travel methods could be adapted or changed, and identify any additional measures that could be introduced.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 27 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

8. CONCLUSIONS

8.1 This Travel Plan (TP) has been prepared by Paul Basham Associates (PBA) on behalf of McCarthy & Stone Ltd to support a planning application for a development comprising 43 ‘Retirement Living’ apartments at Mountain Road, Caerphilly.

8.2 This Travel Plan is aimed at influencing the travel choices of development users, including residents, staff and visitors through raising awareness of travel opportunities available within the local area.

8.3 The most popular method for sustainable travel from the proposed redevelopment is expected to be through encouraging walking and mobility buggies for shorter journeys (e.g. to the local shops) and bus/ rail travel for longer trips. The methods by which the Travel Plan aims to achieve these targets are set out within the accompanying Action Plan.

8.4 The Travel Plan Coordinator (TPC), once appointed, will be responsible primarily for the retirement element of the site, but where appropriate will incorporate staff and visitor travel choices into any measures provided. The TPC will raise awareness and encourage changes in travel behaviour. Dialogue with CCBC’s Travel Plan Officer, including prior to full occupation and at least annually for the next 3 years, would help maximise opportunities to increase levels of sustainable travel.

8.5 Resident’s surveys will be completed upon full occupation and 3 years after to assess the change in travel modes.

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 28 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Appendix A

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 1 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Apartment Schedule (RL Compact)

One Bed 11/2 Bed Two Bed Total

24 Ground Floor 6 8 2 2 12

First Floor 8 2 4 14 El Second Floor 7 1 4 12 © 2017 Inspire Design Ltd Sub Sta Third Floor 3 0 2 5 Total 26 5 12 43 RB DB Drawn Checked Site 31 Car Parking Spaces By:- By:- 1 to 20 1

21 27 31 BRONRHIW FACH

113.7m 16

MOUNTAIN ROAD Sub-station

KITCHEN TYPE 42 STAIRS

KITCHEN TYPE 42 LOBBY KITCHEN TYPE 42 KITCHEN OFFICE TYPE 42

LIVING BRONRHIW FACH, CAERPHILLY 11 BEDROOM PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT PLAN (GROUND LEVEL) 10 BEDROOM 1 BEDROOM 2 RLC 202 12 BEDROOM 1 2 BEDROOM 2 Project Dwg Title

RLC 202 Area: 68.06m² RLC 102 1 BEDROOM 2

Area: 71.15m² LIVING BEDROOM 1 Area: 45.78m² BEDROOM RLC 208 6 LIVING WALK-IN WARDROBE RLC 102 Area: 58.91m² WALK - IN Area: 48.22m² WARDROBE LIVING FFL +117.750 LIVING WALK - IN WARDROBE LOUNGE

HALLWAY WALK-IN HALLWAY WARDROBE REFUSE MSS HALLWAY HALLWAY BATHROOM A TYPE 7 CPBD BATHROOM STORE TYPE 6C CPBD STORE BATHROOM TYPE 6C STORE STORE CPBD AOV KITCHEN Revision CPBD TYPE 43 STORE HALLWAY BATHROOM WALK-IN TYPE 6C WARDROBE BATHROOM CPBD TYPE 7 STORE WC Kitchen 09.03.17

AOV

STORE CPBD Date BATHROOM STORE BATHROOM 8 PERSON CPBD TYPE 7 TYPE 7 LIFT CPBD HALLWAY HALLWAY HALLWAY SERVICE RISER 026

LIVING STORE CPBD KITCHEN

BATHROOM Drawing No. CPBD BATHROOM TYPE 7 BATHROOM TYPE 43 STORE TYPE 7 WARDROBE BATHROOM TYPE 7 CPBD TYPE 7 LIVING HALLWAY ELEC STORE CPD 9 STORE HALLWAY LIVING WALK-IN CUPD WALK-IN WARDROBE GUEST SUITE WARDROBE 7 BATHROOM HALLWAY RLC 104 TYPE 6C Area: 47.73m² 8 WALK-IN RLC 102 WARDROBE

HALLWAY WALK-IN LIVING Area: 48.88m² WALK-IN WARDROBE BEDROOM RLC 102 LIVING WARDROBE

SPRINKLER Area: 45.78m² BEDROOM LIVING KITCHEN BEDROOM WARDROBE TYPE 41 BOOSTER 4 LIVING

PLANT 6 5 AC RLC 102 BEDROOM 3 Discipline RLC 102 BEDROOM RLC 209 BEDROOM Area: 45.78m² BEDROOM 2 Area: 45.78m² 173361 BEDROOM 1 Area: 62.41m² RLC 101 Area: 44.11m²

3 KITCHEN KITCHEN TYPE TYPE 42 42 STAIRS Job No

KITCHEN KITCHEN TYPE 42 TYPE 42 KITCHEN TYPE 42 03 Stage No. 2 @A3 1:500 Project No. 2428 @A1 1:250 Region SW

Scale 6 2 9 7

2 2 0 2

9 2 0

HILLSIDE - : T

. W

L

8 1 5 1 F C

f f i d r a C

, n w o t s n a g r

BRONRHIW FACH o M

, t r

KEY u o C

t n a N

y T

0 Venture House, 2 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Development boundary RG12 1WA. T:-02031 378079 1

Hawthorns n

Footprint of former police g The station now demolished. i s re e

Manse The d

Dolwen SCALE 1:250 @ A1 / 1:500 @ A3 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5

Torridon LENGTH IN METRES insp Ordnance Survey (c) Crown Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432

Appendix B

Mountain Road, Caerphilly Page | 2 Paul Basham Associates Ltd Travel Plan Report No 100.0002/TP/2

Thank you for taking the time to complete our annual travel survey. This will help us understand your travel needs. Please complete all sections! Don’t forget to fill out your details at the end! You can send your completed survey too:

 Post: Paul Basham Associates, Lancaster Court, 8 Barnes Wallis Rd, Fareham, PO15 5TU  Or you can fill this out via Survey Monkey on…..

 Email: [email protected]

Site Name Residents

Welcome to your new home at Resident Name! By completing this survey we are able to issue you your FREE travel gift mentioned in your Welcome Pack and newsletters. Please answer ALL questions, and fill out your details on the back page. Without this information we will be unable to process your travel gift. This survey will help us (your travel plan coordinators) understand a little more about your journeys and your local travel.

Section A: Your journeys A3. Your most frequent journey is for (please only tick one):

A1. For the past 5 WEEKDAYS please indicate (with a tick) your  Work/education household's main mode of travel (where longest distance/journey time  Leisure/Retail was covered) for your most frequent journey (e.g. commute to work).  Health

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 A4. Please paint a picture of your most frequent journey, from A to B Public Bus Private Bus Start Postcode (A)______Cycle Time I leave start postcode (A)______Car Alone End Postcode (A)______Car Share (passenger/ driver) Time I leave end postcode(B)______Motorcycle/scooter Taxi Train Section B: Travel choices Underground Walk B1. How many cars do your household own? Other, Please specify:______ 0 ______ 1  2 A2. Please indicate how frequently an alternative form of travel is  3+ used for the household's most frequent journey to that indicated in Question 1.

B2. If you travel by car for your most frequent journey, why do you travel

- by car?

(Please tick all that are relevant)

1.  Car essential to perform job

2 2 times every 1 3 days/week 7 days week per

months 2.  Reliability/quicker than alternatives

- - -

Never Very Rarely/ Sometimes 1 2 1 Fortnight/ 1 week / 1 4 3.  Health reason Public Bus 4.  Lack of alternative/Cost Private Bus 5.  Comfort/Personal Safety Cycle 6.  Things to do on my way home Car Alone 7.  Other please specify Car Share (passenger/ driver) ______Motorcycle/scooter Taxi ______Train Underground B3. Which of the above is the most important reason? Walk (Please enter the number associated to the reason e.g. 7)

Other, Please specify:______

Section C: D5. I would like to claim:

C1: Which of the following would encourage you to walk, cycle or travel  X bus pass by public transport (or more if you do travel by these already) (Please  £X cycle shop voucher specify up to 3)  £X rail voucher  I don’t want one

Please go to question E1.

Section E: About you

Walking Cycling Public Transport Discounts More information E1. Do you receive our newsletters? Improved Frequency/Reliability Increased safety measures  Yes by post (please go to question E2) Cycle storage/training  Yes by email (please got to question E2) Better facilities  No (please fill out the details below) Improved Routes Nothing Other (please specify below) E2. Do you find the newsletters useful? Other, Please specify:______ Yes  No Section D: FREE Travel gift Please go to question E3.

D1. Have you claimed your FREE travel gift? (X bus pass, £X Cycle

shop voucher or £X rail voucher?) E3. What else would you like to see in your newsletters? (please

specify)  Yes (Please go to question D2)

 No (Please go to question D4)

D2. Which travel gift did you choose? ______

 X bus pass E4. Please comment on your local transport/travel experiences  £X cycle shop voucher (good and bad)  £X rail voucher

______Please go to question D3. ______D3. Please tell us how this Travel Gift has helped/would help your local travel practices. (Only answer this questioned if you answered ______‘YES’ to question D1) Please fill in your details below:

Name:______Gender: Male/Female/Prefer not to say (please circle correct one)

House/Flat number: ______Please go to question E1 Street Name:______D4. What are your reasons for not claiming the travel gift? Postcode:______

 Did not know about it Email Address:______ Time Date you moved in:______ Not interested/Won’t make a difference to me (DD/MM/YYYY)  Seems complicated  Other (please specify)______Please go to question D5. Thank you