Bishop’s Stortford Town Council The Old Monastery, Windhill Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 2ND

LOCALISM AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Localism and Strategy Committee will be held in the Council Chamber, The Old Monastery, Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford on Monday 5 March 2018, at 7.30 pm, for the purpose of transacting the business set out in the Agenda below and Committee members are hereby summoned to attend.

J Parker Chief Executive Officer 26 February 2018

Members of the Press and Public are invited to attend this meeting

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE Cllr Mrs Baptista, Cllr Jones, Cllr Page, Cllr Stainsby, Cllr Ward-Booth (Chairman), Cllr Woodward (ex-officio)

A G E N D A

1. RECORDING OF MEETING To establish whether it is the intention of any person present to record the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive Members’ apologies for absence

3. DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST To receive Members’ Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests (as defined by the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012) where those interests a. have not already been entered into the register and b. relate to a matter to be considered To NOTE that interests so declared must be formally notified to The Chief Executive Officer of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and the monitoring officer at East Hertfordshire District Council within 28 days.

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive representation from members of the public concerning items included on the Agenda

5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2017 To receive the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2017

6. UP-DATE ON ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – APPENDIX 1 See Appendix 1

7. VISITOR ECONOMY – BRANDING – APPENDIX 2 To NOTE and if desired comment on the material attached

To endorse and adopt the proposed logo and guidelines

8. BISHOP’S STORTFORD WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY – APPENDIX 3 To NOTE the final report on the walking and cycling strategy attached. Further to NOTE that elements of the cycle strategy have been incorporated into a transport strategy for Bishop’s Stortford created by the Shaping Stortford group, under the overall stewardship of East Herts District Council.

To considering endorsing/adopting the document and formulate a recommendation to Council.

9. OUTSTANDING SECTION 106 AGREEMENTS - APPENDIX 4 To NOTE the list of S106 agreements held by HCC for Bishop’s Stortford together with the summary and recommendations provided by the Chief Executive Officer. To adopt/amend recommendations as seen fit.

To NOTE that no revision to the of S106 agreements held by EHDC for Bishop’s Stortford has been received since the previous meeting.

10. NEW HOMES BONUS – SUMMARY TO DATE – APPENDIX 5 To consider the attached briefing in respect of the New Homes Bonus and next steps.

11. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW – APPENDIX 6 To NOTE the terms of reference for the Governance review to be carried out by East Herts District Council at the request of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.

To NOTE the submission from Bishop’s Stortford Town Council which triggered the review and which will be considered as part of the review.

If desired, to make any further comments deemed necessary at the current time

12. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA To note items for future Agenda

MINUTES OF THE LOCALISM AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE HELD ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 7.30PM

*Cllr Mrs Baptista *Cllr Stainsby Cllr Jones *Cllr Ward-Booth (Chairman) *Cllr Page *Cllr Woodward (ex-officio)

In attendance: James Parker, Chief Executive Officer and one member of the public

* denotes attendance ** denotes attendance part time

LS13. RECORDING OF MEETING It was established that no one present intended to record the meeting.

LS14. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Jones (personal reasons)

LS15. DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS Cllr Page declared that he is a member of East Herts Development Management Committee and reserves the right to change his opinion on Development Management related matters based on evidence available at subsequent meetings.

LS16. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None

LS17. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 JULY 2017 It was RESOLVED to accept these as a correct record of the meeting.

LS18. UPDATE ON ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – APPENDIX 1 The open actions were briefly discussed. It was RESOLVED to close item 927.

Regarding item 931 it was agreed to request EHDC to explain their policy of allocating S106 money for affordable housing raised in the Town anywhere in the District, given that there is a proven need in the Town and to clarify when the current policy on the application of S106 money for affordable housing was agreed by EHDC. It was further AGREED to encourage EHDC to consider alternative solutions eg. using the relatively small pots of funds for Affordable Housing generated from minor developments to subsidise additional units on major developments (thereby overcoming the reluctance of housing associations to purchase in areas where there are only one or two units available), or the mooted creating of a housing corporation owned by the District Council.

LS19. TRANSFER OF MARKET RIGHTS – APPENDIX 2 The Chief Executive Officer Request explained that EHDC have now proposed that market rights be transferred to Town Councils (including BSTC) possibly with effect 1st April 2018, effectively resulting in EHDC exiting market

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provision altogether. This would include the right the right to charge a licence fee to other markets within 6.66 miles.

The matter was discussed. Members noted that this was exactly what had been requested by BSTC (and declined by EHDC) in 2013 and welcomed the move. It was agreed to RECOMMEND to Council that

 BSTC confirms that it wishes to acquire the market rights and all responsibilityfor market operation in its area from EHDC including the responsibility for licencing other markets within 6.66 miles and will proactively cooperate to seek a mutually agreed transition  Agreement to the transfer would be subject to satisfactory transition arrangements and to the resolution of any transition detail arising including but not limited to the known issue related to TROs, continued car park concessions for market traders and asset transfer  BSTC confirms that, subject to satisfactory agreement on the above, it would be willing voluntarily to terminate the current contract with EHDC to operate the market, at a mutually agreed date  The CEO be authorised to negotiate the transfer and, subject to the financial position following transfer being broadly break-even, to conclude it if he is satisfied that the conditions above are met

It was further AGREED that the Chief Executive Officer would seek the return of the historic market charter.

LS20. OUTSTANDING SECTION 106 AGREEMENTS The outstanding agreements from HCC were reviewed. It was NOTED that the list includes a considerable number of relatively small sums for sustainable transport the use of which might be better determined locally. It was AGREED that the CEO would review the list from County and identify opportunities to use the money particularly for projects with elements of sustainable transport in which the Town Council is involved.

LS21. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA None

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.55 pm approximately.

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ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS APPENDIX 1

Committee Date Raised Item Assigned To Action required Action taken/response Status

Policy and position on the allocation of money for Affordable housing is set out in the resonse from Jonathon Geall/Adele Taylor attached to meeting of 11/9/2017. AGREED to request EHDC to explain their policy of allocating S106 money for affordable housing raised in the Town anywhere in the District, given that there is a proven need in the Town and to clarify when the current policy on the application of S106 money for affordable housing was agreed by EHDC. It was further AGREED to encourage EHDC to consider alternative solutions eg. using the relatively small pots of funds for Affordable Housing generated from minor developments to subsidise additional units on major developments (thereby overcoming the reluctance of housing associations to purchase in areas where there are only one or two units available), or the mooted creating of a housing corporation owned L&S 21/03/2016 S106 agreements (65) CEO by the District Council. Email sent, response awaited Open L&S 21/03/2016 S106 agreements CEO Seek further clarity on the ‘annual draw down’ of CCTV monies Open Adele Taylor advises that she is still seeking clarity on where /to whom this has been assigned L&S 11/09/2017 Market Rights CEO Seek return of market charter Discussion underway with EHDC about transfer of market rights. Open Review the list from County and identify opportunities to use the money particularly for projects with elements of sustainable transport in which the L&S 11/09/2017 S106 agreements CEO Town Council is involved. Presented to meeting of 5/3/2018 Propose Closure

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Visitor Economy – update • Visitor economy (Item 5 of the Strategic Plan) - Branding and Website Improvements – Following the report on the visitor economy (Nov 2016) and subsequent consultation, a logo/branding guidelines for the town as a visitor location has been produced • to be adopted on all visitor literature going forward, new gateway signs other material – Does not displace Council Crest which will continue to be used on official documents – Complements Waterside Stortford Logo (which is already adopted) – Redesign of website look and feel to make it more visitor friendly now commenced • Recommendation – That the logo and branding guidelines be adopted – That, whilst it remains ©Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, the loco be made available for any individual or organisation to use free of charge subject to the condition that the branding guidelines are followed

© Bishop’s Stortford Town Council Town and Waterside Stortford Logos

© Bishop’s Stortford Town Council BISHOP’S STORTFORD A guide to using our corporate brand Visual guidelines

The corporate identity of Bishop’s Stortford is vital to its success… and first impressions count. Having a strong and consistent identity for Bishop’s Stortford raises awareness of our services and can help raise satisfaction among residents. These guidelines aim to unify our communications so the town appears as a single professional organisation.

Bishop’s Stortford brand seeks to demonstrate:

The friendly nature of the residents The bustling market The historic core of the town

These brand guidelines are designed to help us achieve these valuable goals. Exclusion zone There is a minimum area around the logo of 10 mm that cannot be encroached upon.

No other logo or text must come within the BISHOP'S STORTFORD exclusion zone. historic market town

Corporate logo Standard sizes A3 Documents - 70mm x 47mm A4 Documents - 50mm x 33mm A5 Documents - 40mm x 26mm The corporate logo typeface is Futura BISHOP'S STORTFORD Medium and must not be altered. historic market town

It is recommended that the Bishop’s Generally the standard size for the Bishop’s Stortford logo is width 50mm x height 33mm. This is the standard size for all A4 documents Stortford logo is always used with the such as reports, posters etc. There are also standard sizes for use on strap line ‘historic market town’ in the A3 and A5 outlined above. font Sathu Regular. The Bishop’s Stortford logo must always be legible.

These logos should always be The Bishop’s Stortford logo must not be manipulated in any way. reproduced from high resolution digital • The colour must not be changed artwork in the correct corporate colour • The proportions must not be distorted or black and should not be scanned. • The logo must not be surrounded by words The logo must be used on all relevant material such as forms, vehicles, uniforms and published material involving partnership work. The Bishop’s Stortford logo is to be used as the primary visual tool.

You may use the logo only in the following colour styles:

BISHOP'S STORTFORD BISHOP'S STORTFORD BISHOP'S STORTFORD historic market town historic market town historic market town

Colour Mono White-out on any contrasting background colour

The Bishop’s Stortford logo comprises of three Primary colours:

The colours of the logo should be reproduced consistently and correctly. Below is a breakdown of the CMYK, RGB and Pantone values that must be used.

CMYK RGB PANTONE

C50 M0 Y100 K0 R128 G189 B38 Pantone 376 C

C100 M0 Y81 K66 R0 G65 B34 Pantone 3435 C

C23 M2 Y0 K77 R54 G67 B77 Pantone 432 C Visual guidelines Secondary colours Other colours can also be used to complement the design. (ensure there is a strong contrast between the text and its background)

CMYK RGB PANTONE

C40 M100 Y0 K2 R136 G11 B122 Pantone 248 C

C49 M1 Y0 K0 R103 G195 B243 Pantone 297 C

A2 signage and larger

The width of the logo should be proportionate to the height, and the logo should not appear distorted. The size of the logo must be proportionate to the size of the materials you are producing, to make sure it’s clear and easy to read.

For larger signage please use the logo big enough to be clearly visible from a distance of five metres.

Typefaces Futura Medium (minimum 10pt) abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz BISHOP'S STORTFORD ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ historic market town BISHOP'S STORTFORD Sathu Regular (minimum 6pt) historic market town abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Visual guidelines ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ should bealigned centre. Bishop’s Stortford logo and strapline Calibri Regular 10pt -Allothertext Calibri Bold12pt -Company Name A4 297x210mm Letterhead Email:[email protected] www.web-address.com Address Line 1, City, Postcode Tel: 0800000 BISHOP'S STORTFORD historic markettown Building Name other text Calibri Regular 8pt -All Calibri Bold9pt -Name 85x55mm Business cards With Compliments Calibri Regular 10pt -AllothertextAddress City, Postcode Address Line 1 Building Name Job title Name Calibri Regular 14pt -Withcompliments Bishop’s Stortford logo and strapline Calibri Bold12pt -Company Name BISHOP'S STORTFORD Email:[email protected] www.web-address.com historic markettown Address Line 1, City, Postcode Tel: 0800000 should bejustified right. Email:[email protected] Compliment slip www.web-address.com BISHOP'S STORTFORD historic markettown Tel: 0800000 Building Name

Visual guidelines

Bishop’s Stortford - Walking & cycling strategy V3.2.2

Bishops Stortford – Walking and Cycling Strategy

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary ...... 5 1.1 Report findings ...... 5 1.2 Key proposals ...... 6 1.3 Conclusion ...... 7 2 Introduction ...... 9 2.1 Objectives & outcomes ...... 10 2.2 Methodology ...... 10 2.3 Areas for further study ...... 10 3 Walking & Cycling in Bishop’s Stortford Today ...... 13 3.1 The challenges of a historical setting ...... 13 3.2 Current permeability and severance in Bishop’s Stortford ...... 14 3.3 Current published route maps & guides ...... 19 3.4 Key destinations ...... 21 3.5 Key components of existing infrastructure ...... 21 3.6 Hinterland and National Cycle Network (NCN) ...... 27 3.7 Existing levels of walking and cycling ...... 29 4 The Core Network ...... 34 4.1 Johnsons Crossing bridge ...... 37 4.2 White bridge ...... 40 4.3 Flagship river route ...... 42 4.4 Station Road – London Road to junction with Riverside ...... 47 4.5 Green Ring ...... 50 5 Area Wide Solutions ...... 83 5.1 20mph zones and areas ...... 83 5.2 Filtered permeability...... 84 5.3 Other techniques ...... 84 6 Quick wins ...... 87 7 Summary of Recommendations ...... 89 7.1 Core network ...... 89 7.2 Quick wins ...... 90 8. Hockerill junction ...... 91 Appendix A – Details of Network Rail’s Level Crossing proposals ...... 95 Appendix B – Datashine commute examples ...... 99 Appendix C – Example of path design ...... 103 Appendix D – Herts County Council proposal for Station Road bridge ...... 105 References ...... 107

Bishops Stortford – Walking and Cycling Strategy

Bishops Stortford – Walking and Cycling Strategy

1 Executive Summary

Bishop’s Stortford is experiencing town centre development and significant housing growth. Traffic, congestion and air quality are key issues. To help tackle congestion and pollution, it is widely recognised that there is a need to increase levels of active and sustainable travel in Bishop’s Stortford.

This report was commissioned, by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and County Councillor John Barfoot, to research options for increasing walking and cycling opportunities within the town of Bishop’s Stortford and propose routes which could form a core network. The aim of this network is to improve connectivity throughout the town and enable people to see walking & cycling to key destinations such as schools, employment areas and the town centre as a convenient, pleasant and safe way to travel. Following this report the proposed routes can then be taken forward for more detailed feasibility studies.

The potential positive outcomes of enhancing the walking and cycling environment in Bishop’s Stortford are wide ranging and include an improved urban realm, improved health of citizens, reduced congestion and air pollution. However there are significant steps required in order to enable this to happen.

1.1 Report findings Existing walking and cycling provision Although Bishop’s Stortford is no more than 3 miles across in any direction, there are a number of factors that reduce the desire to walk or cycle in the town:  A constrained historical street layout - where adaptations as the town has grown have given priority to motorised traffic therefore creating a less favourable environment for pedestrians and cyclists.  Limited connectivity and permeability across the town - part of the reason for this is the severance effect created by the river and the railway. Where crossings do exist they are often poorly connected with little or no signage to the surrounding area. There is no traffic free link across both rail and river as part of one route.  Insufficient and unconnected cycle routes - mean that cyclists mostly use the same routes as cars, HGVs & buses. Fear of motor traffic is a significant factor in leading people to avoid cycling.

 One-way streets and gyratory road systems - that extend cycle journeys.  Narrow alleyways and lack of cut-throughs – many alleyways are of inadequate width for reasonable use by cyclists, child buggies, mobility scooters & wheelchairs.  Lack of signage, mapping and promotion of routes – good maps that are readily available, accurate and comprehensive are essential to promoting increased walking & cycling.

 Inadequate cycle parking provision – cycle parking needs to be well located and secure.

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1.2 Key proposals Core Network Proposals  Towpath enhancements – The towpath has the potential to be the flagship route in Bishop’s Stortford but to achieve this adequate width is required to accommodate the likely number of users. A good width is a minimum of 2 metres & preferably 3 metres but it is recognised that this may not be possible in all locations.  Riverside path – The Riverside Path runs North of the Causeway alongside the river and effectively continues the flagship towpath route.  An Outer & Inner Green Ring – The Green Ring provides an inner & outer circular route connecting green spaces in the town.  Spokes from the Green Ring – these connect the Green Ring to the centre and the bus & railway stations.  All routes need to be well supported - by signage, maps, good quality cycle parking & promotion.

Fig 26 shows a map of the proposed core network and highlights key education, leisure, retail, employment and transport destinations. The intent is that the Core Network creates routes that connect residential areas with key destinations.

The report develops the Core Network proposition with detailed information that breaks down the routes into specific sections and projects that can be taken forward individually but which all work together to create a coherent network. High level assessments are given for costs, difficulty, complexity & priority.

Quick Wins These are improvements to walking and cycling provision that can be achieved easily, quickly and at low cost:  Mapping and promotion

 Additional signage

Area wide solutions – cost effective ways to adapt the existing street environment Across the town a series of improvements to the existing street network would significantly improve the environment for walking and cycling:  Introduction of 20mph zones  Filtered permeability  Traffic calming The proposal is for these techniques to be used as part of the delivery of the core network and applied elsewhere as required.

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Next steps Next steps will require partnership working, enthusiasm and sustained commitment to set in motion:  targeting of priorities  feasibility studies  funding and allocation of resource 1.3 Conclusion It is clear that the current solutions to getting around Bishop’s Stortford are leading to congestion and air quality problems. If things are left to grow organically, then it is likely that the current problems will simply get worse. The long term goal is to enhance the environment so that walking & cycling are accepted as viable and desirable ways of getting around within the urban area. This will require a mixture of infrastructure and behaviour change. This report makes practical proposals to achieve that change.

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8 Bishops Stortford - Walking and Cycling Strategy

2 Introduction Bishop’s Stortford is a typical ancient Hertfordshire market town built along the north/south alignment of the Stort valley. The town is severed by the railway line and the River Stort into Western and Eastern halves. It has a population of about 38,000 [2] and growing, due to the ease of travel into London and the pleasant environment, which is creating pressures to develop land within the bypass.

Figure 1 - Map of Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area The road layout of the old town area is representative of the pre mass motoring era and various schemes, including a bypass, have been built over the years in an attempt to handle the growth in motorised traffic. The fact remains that the layout of the town was not designed for motorised traffic, so later adaptations have had mixed results as they always deliver vehicles back to the older roads. This has resulted in congestion and air quality problems, most notably at the Hockerill Junction which has been an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since 2007 [3]. Hertfordshire County Council accepts in its 2050 Transport Vision that it is not possible to simply build the way out of the current traffic situation. In the preface to the 2050 Transport Vision the Portfolio holder states – “we cannot simply build our way out of trouble, and we must consider ways of reducing the ever increasing demand for road space.”. [4]. This means that making better use of existing resources is essential, including shifting to other modes. Within towns the size of Bishop’s Stortford, which is fortunate to be no more than 3 miles across in any direction, the contribution of walking and cycling is key to success. Previous attempts to adapt Bishop Stortford’s infrastructure to the growth of motorised traffic have seen the development of an environment where walking and cycling are treated as being of lower

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priority. The majority of resources, both space and money are typically spent on providing for motorised traffic which simply makes the problems worse through induced demand. This is not a unique situation. In order to achieve the desired mode shift, improvements to the urban realm to provide for walking and cycling are required, whilst also retaining what people currently value about the character of the town centre. Alongside this infrastructure investment a behaviour change programme is also essential, to present walking and cycling as a positive and inviting option and help people adapt their travel choices. It is particularly important to include walking in any strategy designed to achieve mode shift from driving, as it is immediately available to most people, it is easier to travel in family groups, it is very efficient for short journeys of around half a mile and is competitive with cycling up to one mile once the whole door to door journey is taken into account.

2.1 Objectives & outcomes The aim of this study is to research options for increasing walking and cycling opportunities within Bishop’s Stortford and propose routes which could form a core network – including a flagship route and a Green Ring. Following this report these proposed routes can then be taken forward for more detailed feasibility studies.

The potential positive outcomes of enhancing the walking and cycling offer in Bishop’s Stortford are wide ranging and include an improved urban realm, improved health of citizens, reduced congestion and air pollution.

2.2 Methodology Sustrans’ approach for delivering this report involved two main stages:

 Identification and auditing of existing cycling/walking facilities.  Identification of opportunities and route proposals – to link in to existing foot, cycle and bridleways.

Completion of these report stages involved:  Review of previous studies.  Identification of key destinations within the town and examination of their place within a walking and cycling network.  Identification of key landowners, when proposing a new route, or where this has an impact on the condition of an existing route.

In order to complete the report a detailed desktop study of the area, along with site visits on foot and bike were undertaken.

The desktop study used OpenStreetMap, Google Streetview, the online definitive map of rights of way, and published route information to identify key destinations. Two days of site visits were then undertaken to observe current infrastructure usage and identify other local destinations not always obvious from map based research.

2.3 Areas for further study Each of the core network proposals will need to be developed further. The area wide solutions in chapter 5 can be used when assessing new roads & changes to existing roads.

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An important & useful further piece of work is to assess the Bikeability rating of all the roads which are not part of the core network in Bishop’s Stortford. This will enable the core network to be extended along suitable roads. The core network proposals will result in routes which are either level 1 or level 2.

Bikeability [13] is the modern version of cycling proficiency and has three levels which are basically:

Level 1: Traffic free routes Level 2: Quiet roads Level 3: Busier roads, complex junctions and roundabouts

Levels 1 and 2 are those taught in schools.

Analysing roads in this way has been done in St Albans, Tring and Berkhamsted amongst others in Hertfordshire. This is to a degree subjective within the criteria for each level, but still useful. The results tend to be the same wherever it is done, namely islands of level 2 roads connected via level 3 roads and there are often great changes in the ‘level’ along routes. It is not uncommon to see Level 1 to Level 3 transitions which are areas of great danger - the equivalent to turning off a country lane onto a motorway. This reflects the cell like structure of many towns, Bishop’s Stortford included. An approach to solving this is to start with a Bikeability map and then look where connections should be improved.

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12 Bishops Stortford - Walking and Cycling Strategy

3 Walking & Cycling in Bishop’s Stortford Today This section of the report investigates the current provision for walking and cycling in Bishop’s Stortford, examining the condition and effectiveness of existing infrastructure and the present numbers of people choosing to walk and cycle in the town.

3.1 The challenges of a historical setting It is possible to walk and cycle in Bishop’s Stortford at the moment, but the environment has not been tuned to favour those modes. This environment comprises an ancient core with additions up to the 1980s, with a few scattered later additions and the urban extensions. The core of the town with its centuries old street layout has unrestricted access for motorised traffic even after the construction of Link Road and the bypass. The typical result of this strategy is what is seen in Bishop’s Stortford, namely that traffic builds up until the congestion levels that triggered the construction of the bypass are reached again.

This is a significant challenge and one which is faced by many historic towns nationwide. A good example of contrasting approaches is the old A41 through Kings Langley and Apsley to Berkhamsted. When the new A41 Hemel bypass was built at the end of the 1980s, Berkhamsted introduced significant traffic calming measures in its high street, whereas Kings Langley and Apsley did not. Today traffic levels in Kings Langley and Apsley are back to where they were before the bypass, whereas Berkhamsted has retained at least some of the early gains of bypass construction.

Figure 2 - Berkhamsted High St, showing traffic calming, mid afternoon

Figure 3 - Kings Langley High St, mid afternoon The two objectives of enabling unrestricted vehicle access with low congestion and pollution, whilst retaining the attractive environment of a shire market town work against each other. There are places with low congestion, 70 mph roads and easy vehicular access: a good example is Milton Keynes. This is also a very low density town (2,584 people per square km compared to Bishop’s Stortford’s 4,677 per square km) with everything further apart than in an older town such as Bishop’s Stortford. Even Milton Keynes is starting to complain of congestion and its low density makes shifting to walking & cycling difficult, e.g. the train station is nearly a mile from the shopping centre, which is itself half a mile long. Recent work in Milton Keynes as part of the MK2050 programme is also showing that residents prefer to have facilities close together especially in the town centre

In Bishop’s Stortford the challenge of balancing a historic layout with the more recent demands of increasing vehicular traffic, has resulted in an environment that doesn’t encourage either walking or cycling as a choice people regard as viable and pleasant. Roads are narrow, congested and difficult to cross, pedestrian and cycling routes are often not signed, air quality can be poor in key locations

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and the town seems to be divided into disconnected cells with little permeability between them. This is a situation that has clearly taken many years to develop.

3.2 Current permeability and severance in Bishop’s Stortford Currently cyclists have to use most of the same routes as cars when travelling around Bishop’s Stortford and can easily get caught up in the same congestion, due to the narrowness of some of the key roads e.g. Dunmow Road. Those wishing to walk and cycle also face significant challenges in terms of connectivity and permeability across the town. Part of the reason for this is the severance effect created by the river and the railway, which divide the town and funnel traffic through constrained crossing points, along with several noteworthy characteristics of the existing road and footpath network, which are discussed below.

No traffic free link across both railway and river Although walkers and cyclists have the exclusive use of two bridges (Johnsons Crossing footbridge across the railway and the White Bridge across the river near the station) neither of these are connected up to the rest of the network in a clear way and signage of routes to them is non-existent.

These two structures only solve half the problem in each location as you still have to cross the river or railway. There is no direct route that crosses both the railway and the river except for the roads shared with motorised traffic.

The Sustrans Connect2 project built many structures similar to these e.g. Willow Bridge at St Neots, and a key part of each project were the links that connected the expensive infrastructure to the rest of the walking and cycling networks. This maximised the cost/benefit of these schemes and a similar approach could help in Bishop’s Stortford.

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Figure 4 - Key river & rail crossing points for walking & cycling in Bishops Stortford

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Narrow alleyways A key part of permeability when walking or cycling are the alleyways and ginnels that are typically to be found in older towns and provide useful short-cuts. These seem to be rare features in Bishop’s Stortford, which makes them even more valuable. Unfortunately those that do exist are often very narrow e.g. not wide enough for two pedestrians to pass pushing buggies An example of the problems the lack of permeability causes is Dunmow Road and Warwick Road. Warwick Road is an ideal quiet route into the station area and beyond allowing pedestrians and cyclists to avoid the Hockerill junction. However, there are no connections between these two roads for the entire length of Warwick Road, which means that for many people who have to use Dunmow Road to get into town there is no alternative to crossing the Hockerill junction. This pattern is repeated across much of the older parts of town. Where ginnels do exists they are often narrow, poorly signposted with poor lighting.

Figure 5 – Bryan Road ginnel looking East Figure 6 - Twyford Rd to London Rd ginnel looking West - narrow & dark with poor surface

Private roads, cul de sacs and land in private ownership In addition to the lack of alleyways, Bishop’s Stortford has two other features which work against permeability: private roads and ransom strips. It is obvious from travelling around the urban area that there are a great many private roads in Bishop’s Stortford. These reduce permeability as they cannot be signed as a walking and cycling routes without a permissive agreement with the landowner(s).

Cul de sacs have just one way in and out for all transport modes, usually with no additional permeability for walking and cycling.

Figure 7 - Example of a private road in Bishops Land in private ownership can be as little as 1 Stortford metre wide and can make achieving agreement to build access over what appears to be open ground difficult, as agreement with all the landowners is required.

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Level crossings Network Rail has a number of level crossings in the Bishop’s Stortford area. It is currently pursuing a policy of closing as many of these as possible and replacing them with fewer bridges. This does tend to reduce permeability and result in diversions, but the new bridges provided are often better for the user than the old bridleway and footpath level crossings, which are frequently more difficult and less safe.

The main problem is ensuring that the bridges can be used by as wide a range of users as possible e.g. parents with children in buggies, disabled users. Cycling rights do not exist at any of these crossing points, but as long as the bridge has ramps bikes can be wheeled across.

The key crossings included in this strategy within Bishop’s Stortford itself are Johnsons Crossing, Twyford Road and the Folwers/Gilston/Pattens group. The map overleaf shows all Network Rail’s proposals in the Bishop’s Stortford area and further details can be found in Appendix A.

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Figure 8 - Level crossings affected by Network Rail's closure proposals including several in the Bishop’s Stortford area

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3.3 Current published route maps & guides A significant factor in enabling people to use and navigate walking and cycling routes easily and find short-cuts is the quality and accessibility of maps and journey planning information. Published information about existing walking and cycling routes in Bishop’s Stortford is available, but it is currently not very easy to find. The Official Guide and Map available from the Bishop’s Stortford Tourist Information Centre is useful, especially the index of streets provided. The Hertfordshire County Council online definitive map also gives details of rights of way.

At present the best and most accessible source of information on ginnels and other short cuts is via the website OpenStreetMap.org. This is an online map and is therefore not accessible to all and since much of the information is crowd sourced, quality does vary.

An example map from this site, showing routes around Bishop’s Stortford is provided overleaf. To a lesser extent Google Maps & Streetview also provides a similar range of information.

A good quality freely available paper map is a well tried and cost effective method of promoting walking & cycling.

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Figure 9 - An example from the website OpenStreetMap.org, showing walking & cycling routes in Bishop’s Stortford. Currently the most useful tool for identifying short cuts and ginnels in the area. The large pink squares are the approximate alignment of a previous cycle route proposal

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3.4 Key destinations Effective route maps and guides feature key destinations within a town and provide an indication of the journey time and distance between these, on foot and bike. Key destinations for walking and cycling in Bishop’s Stortford include:  The Railway Station  Supermarkets  The Leisure Centre  Business parks  Main shopping area  Local shopping areas  Rhodes Centre  Places of worship  Schools & colleges

3.5 Key components of existing infrastructure Having examined over-arching factors influencing permeability and severance in the town, this report now takes a closer look at key pieces of infrastructure and their contribution to walking and cycling provision.

The Navigation Towpath

The main piece of existing traffic free infrastructure is the navigation towpath which leads from The Causeway via the White Bridge near the station to London Road. The Canal and River Trust (CRT) do allow cycling on towpaths and have a towpath code that encourages

“everyone to be considerate when using the towpaths” [6].

Major users of the towpaths for cycling are boaters, as many boats carry a bike for local transport to and from moorings. Figure 10 - Stort Navigation towpath from the Causeway

The Stort Navigation towpath is not as successful as it could be principally due to poor connectivity and difficulty achieving adequate width in some locations. In places the surface suffers from tree root damage. These shortcomings can all be improved.

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General pedestrian provision Walking is the mode of transport immediately available to the largest group of people. It has few cost or equipment barriers and has very low environmental impact. However, there are examples in Bishop’s Stortford of street infrastructure which prevent walking being an easy choice. Pedestrians like to take the shortest distance between two spots – the desire line. If pedestrian barriers or rough surfaces are required to prevent that, usually on the grounds of safety from traffic, then walking is Figure 11 - The Causeway - Barriers to walking being actively discouraged.

Shared use paths – pedestrians and cyclists It follows that since walking and cycling are the modes where growth in mode share is desired, that pedestrians & cyclists should be given the best routes. Where these routes are shared with cyclists they should be suitably designed. This includes safe crossing points, especially zebra and cycling zebra crossings, where the priority lies with the pedestrians and cyclists. In Bishop’s Stortford there are two types of path in operation:  Segregated - where the pedestrians and cyclists have separate adjacent paths.  Shared - where the same space is shared by all users. Typically, when walking and cycling with others, people like to travel side by side, whichever mode of travel they use. If shared use paths are too narrow there isn’t room to allow this to happen which leads to conflict. Figure 12 - Segregated path looking towards Haymeads

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Many of the shared use and segregated paths in Bishop’s Stortford have good sealed surfaces but are too narrow to allow side by side travel. The barriers at each road crossing are unnecessarily obstructive. Sustrans recommends bollards. A good example of provision is the shared use path that runs from Haymeads Lane to Thorn Grove. Unfortunately it is too narrow and every road crossing has barriers rather than bollards.

Figure 13 - Barriers on the Haymeads to Thorn Grove path

A case study example of high quality segregated provision in Hertfordshire is Stevenage, which has a specification of approx. 3.6m (12 feet) wide cyclepaths adjacent to and lower than, a 2.1m (7 feet) wide footpath – they were built before decimalisation, so originally designed & built in feet and inches .

Figure 14 - Cycleway in-between carriageway & pavement in Stevenage

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Pedestrian and cyclist priority crossings Zebra crossings have the advantage that the priority is with the pedestrians and cyclists, so the favoured mode is not disadvantaged by having to wait for the lights to change.

Bishop’s Stortford seems to rely on Pelican and a few Toucan crossings which place the priority with traffic. This has two unwanted side effects: pedestrians “timeout” and cross on red if required to wait too long and pedestrians can get trapped in pedestrian refuges in the middle of traffic flow where the air quality is often poor. Figure 15 - The Causeway looking West - a typical crossing point at a junction in Bishops Stortford. A pedestrian is required to wait on a central refuge

More sophisticated Pelicans and Toucans can detect when the user has left the waiting area and cancel the crossing request. Toucans can be equipped with advance detect loops which detect approaching cyclists and start the countdown, which is then confirmed by a button press or cancelled if this does not occur. This reduces the wait time, which in turn reduces the chances of a cyclist crossing on red.

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Cycle parking – Railway station The cycle parking facilities at Bishop’s Stortford railway station are very good quality with free cycle parking, secured cycle parking with token access and bike hire all on the West side of the station. There are 236 spaces. They look to be well used. There is a waiting list for the secure cycle parking. There is no provision on the East side except for premium car parking although the use of nearby railings as cycle parking suggests there is a demand.

Figure 16 - Cycle parking at Bishops Stortford railway station

Cycle parking – Town centre There is some cycle parking in the town centre, especially on South. The South Street parking is quite well located being scattered about but it doesn’t look like cycle parking which probably leads to it not being used as much as it might be. It is also not all suitable for securing a step through frame bike, such as a ladies bike, with a D lock needed for the highest levels of security. Those using a bike to get to the shops prefer to park within 20m of their destination. If this is not possible bikes can end up chained to railings, lamp posts or even wheeled into shops.

To understand how utility cyclists think and act it’s best to look at them as PoBs: Pedestrians on Bikes, and provide facilities accordingly.

Figure 17 - Decorative cycle parking on South Figure 18 - Informal cycle parking on South Street Street

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Cycle parking - Leisure centre

Figure 19 - Butterfly stands at Grange Paddocks Figure 20 - Sheffield stands at Grange Paddocks

The cycle parking at the Grange Paddocks leisure centre comprises some butterfly stands and, behind the fence, some Sheffield stands of a more modern and better design.

Cycle parking - other key destinations This category includes schools and workplaces. It is recommended that schools are invited to provide information on current cycle parking provision including quality and quantity and for both staff and pupils. The key factor is for cycle parking to be secure during the working day.

Other destinations not in the town centre such as Doctors, Dentists, places of worship and local shops should be encouraged to provide cycle parking for visitors.

Supermarkets often provide good cycle parking

Supermarket Cycle parking? Aldi Yes Sainsburys Yes Tesco Yes Waitrose Yes

Figure 21 - Cycle parking at Aldi

The Rhodes Arts Centre does not have any cycle parking.

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3.6 Hinterland and National Cycle Network (NCN)

Bishop’s Stortford is surrounded by places within 5 miles that look to Bishop’s Stortford for the provision of major cultural and retail facilities e.g. Sawbridgeworth, Much Hadham, Stansted Mountfitchet. Many people can easily cycle these distances in 30 minutes.

Currently NCR 16 runs on a traffic free alignment to Birchanger. There is also a section of traffic free NCR1 running between Sawbridgeworth and Spellbrook. Neither of these routes connect to Bishop’s Stortford. There is a desire for it to run along the river corridor North/South through Bishop’s Stortford.

The major employment site of Stansted airport and its associated business park is well within cycling distance of the whole of Bishop’s Stortford and is a key local employer. Routes to this location are likely to use the Dunmow Road alignment and then enter Essex.

Essex County Council is looking at extending routes from Essex to the edge of Bishop’s Stortford in the Dunmow Road area where they could continue into Bishop Stortford. The benefit is twofold: better cycling access to the Stansted business park and access to the Flitch Way for tourism and leisure.

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Figure 22 - Map showing Bishop’s Stortford & outlying NCN routes

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3.7 Existing levels of walking and cycling Before looking at the existing levels of walking and cycling in Bishop’s Stortford it is necessary to further classify these modes by the purpose of the trip. Most walking trips are classed as utility, defined as being for the purposes of commuting to work or school or undertaking an errand such as shopping.

Cycling journeys can be broadly categorised into utility, leisure and sport. Working definitions for the purpose of this report are:  Utility: commuting to work or school, shopping and similar.  Leisure: a ride for the pleasure of riding, often in a pleasant environment.  Sport: fitness improvement is a key goal and activities includes club rides, day rides, timetrials, sportives and Audax rides.

Cycling is often strongly associated with sport, but sports cycling is as different to utility cycling as motor racing is to driving to work. This is an important difference as objections to cycle infrastructure often seem to be based around the fear of high speed cycling in inappropriate places. Utility cyclists generally do not travel as fast as sports cyclists and should be regarded as PoBs – pedestrians on bikes. It is possible to have good levels of sports cycling with active clubs alongside low levels of utility cycling. Bishop’s Stortford and Hemel Hempstead are good examples of this in Hertfordshire.

Existing data on record There is limited information about levels of cycling of any type in Bishop’s Stortford at the moment. There are no automatic traffic counters on cycle routes. Free cycle parking at stations is not usually counted by ToCs (Train Operating Companies).

There are figures for the whole of East Hertfordshire from the 2011 Census and Sports England’s Active People Survey (APS) from the DfT: [1]

This shows that not very many people cycle to work (0.6%) or for utility purposes (0.7%) in East Hertfordshire, but a large percentage (25.5 %) do walk for utility purposes at least 5 times per week.

This is slightly lower than Hertfordshire as a whole and slightly above the average for England.

For cycling, St Albans performs best in Hertfordshire at 3.4% for utility purposes, about 5 times more compared to 0.7% for East Hertfordshire. The worst performing authority is Dacorum (mostly Hemel Hempstead) at 0.5%.

Figure 23 overleaf is a screenshot of the census data, allowing for comparison with towns across the whole Hertfordshire region.

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Figure 23 - 2011 census data comparing walking & cycling statistics for towns across Hertfordshire. East Hertfordshire, which covers Bishops Stortford, is underlined in red

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There are now several data websites which provide a greater insight into current walking and cycling levels. The most significant of these include:

DataShine

The Datashine Commute website (commute.datashine.org.uk) presents the 2011 Census data discussed above in a very visual way, showing commute flows between wards. There are examples shown in Appendix B but since this is an interactive site it is best viewed online.

The overall conclusion is that there are a significant number of car commutes occurring within Bishop Stortford itself and a large number within individual wards. Therefore the improved walking & cycling environment will contribute towards encouraging people to change their mode of transport.

Strava

There is some information about sports cycling from Strava. This route recording website (www.strava.com) can produce heatmaps such as that shown overleaf for where people cycle the most for sports cycling.

This information has to be used with care as sports cycling has different objectives and requirements to utility cycling. The Bishop’s Stortford heatmap below shows that it’s the through routes which are most used and it seems as if they are part of longer journeys typical of sports cycling. It does tend to show that the bulk of this type of cycling is on busy roads which reflects the lack of infrastructure generally and the high skill level of such cyclists.

Other utility cycling

As suggested by the 2011 census data there are people cycling for other utility purposes but there don’t seem to be very many. This is backed up by the circumstantial evidence of the numbers of people observed cycling and the numbers of bikes parked in the town centre.

People can also be seen cycling on pavements and public footpaths. Pavement cycling is illegal and often generates a lot of complaints, however it is more usefully seen as an indication that the on carriageway environment is deemed to be hostile, difficult or just unpleasant. This doesn’t detract from the fact that many pedestrians feel vulnerable in an environment with pavement cyclists, especially as pavements can be narrow in the first place or narrowed by footway car parking.

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Figure 24 - Strava.com heatmap of Bishop’s Stortford and surrounding area - the darker the shade of orange, the more well used the route is for sports cycling

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Railway station – access by all transport modes

The railway station is a key destination with nearly 1.6 million passenger journeys originating there in the financial year 2015/16. The major type of utility cycling or at least the most visible is cycling to the station. The cycle parking looks to be well used but no detailed information is available. No data is available on where the cyclists come from or their reasons for cycling. Typical results for this sort of survey reveal that they normally come from over 15 minutes walk away and cycle for health, to avoid car parking charges or because being given a lift to the station is not viable. It is also possible that some people are cycling to the bus station to catch inter-urban buses and using the railway station cycle parking.

Office of Road and Rail statistics [7] show that the station entries are increasing. Given the numbers of passengers per day and 477 car parking spaces provided by the railway station, many people must be dropped off, walking, cycling or possibly using buses to get to the station.

Figure 25 - Bishops Stortford station usage statistics

The well integrated railway and bus stations is a significant advantage to Bishop’s Stortford, but they are not well connected to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists, unlike Luton for example where the new Interchange is very well integrated by a wide pedestrian route.

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4 The Core Network

The core network infrastructure proposals are a number of specific proposals which together tackle severance and permeability especially in relation to the river and the railway. These proposals provide the backbone of routes from which other routes can branch thereby creating a town wide network. They also provide some safe places to cycle so people can try out cycling as a leisure activity first either on their own or with friends and family.

The key proposals are for a North/South riverside route, an East/West route via the town centre, a green ring and some connecting spokes. These all use as many existing roads, cycling infrastructure and rights of way as possible.

For each proposal an estimate of priority, difficulty and cost is given:

Low Cost: under £50K Medium cost: £50K to £250K High cost: £250K+

A number of factors are involved in assessing difficulty into Low, medium or high categories including:  number of parties  whether land take is required  engineering issues  buried services

The map shows these core routes as well as some of the key destinations of the categories identified earlier. Together these mean that many dwellings and key destinations are close to a designated route.

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Figure 26 - Core route proposals

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4.1 Johnsons Crossing bridge The Johnsons Crossing bridge replaced a level crossing. Despite representing a significant diversion of several hundred metres it provides a safe and easy to use crossing point which is safer than the level crossing which preceded it. Whilst the bridge is pedestrian only and cyclists are requested to dismount, the presence of the ramps makes the bridge usable by cyclists. It is very unlikely that Network Rail will add cycling rights to the footbridge. Although the bridge itself is good, the links to it are poor. There is no signage at all and for example, finding the bridge from Stansted Road requires a map. Whilst paths have been improved there is no direct link to the key destination of the Grange Paddocks leisure centre. The Figure 27 - Johnsons Crossing footbridge looking North crossing points to the North and South (Cannons Mill Lane level crossing and a steep stepped footbridge respectively) can also be used but there is no signage to them either. These crossings are also more difficult to use for many users.

Better connections to Johnsons Crossing will provide a direct traffic free link to the leisure centre and a good traffic free link to the northern edge of the town centre avoiding Hockerill. It is also a key element of the Inner Green Ring. The walking & cycling route to the leisure centre will be more direct than the driving option for many people.

Proposals – see Fig. 29

1. Signs - Add signs from Stansted Road to Johnsons Crossing bridge and from the riverside path to the bridge.

2. Permissive cycling rights on Bishop’s Stortford FP60 - Cyclists would need to be given permissive rights on Bishop’s Stortford Footpath 60 to allow them to cycle to the bridge from Cannons Close. Ideally this path should be widened to 3 meters to support this use.

3. North/South link to riverside path - There is an existing project to develop a traffic free route heading South from Johnsons crossing to The Causeway which will help to increase permeability. These links, which would also form part of the green ring, should be at least 3 meters wide and shared use. See Appendix C showing dimensions for a Sustrans designed shared path.

4. East/West link path to riverside path - Create a direct path from Johnsons Crossing bridge heading directly West on the Southern edge of the playing fields and connecting to the existing shared use path that runs alongside the river. The land is in two parcels.

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5. Widen Bryan Road ginnel - The ginnel that leads from Bryan Road to the river side should be widened. This will improve permeability to the Eastern side of Bishop’s Stortford. This path is currently too narrow for child buggies to pass each other. The ginnel land is unregistered and is not on the definitive map so public rights would have to be confirmed.

Figure 28 - Bryan Rd to river side ginnel Name Priority Difficulty Cost & Notes Benefits funding Johnsons High Low Medium Signs Traffic free route Crossing & link to town centre & enhancements S106/CIL paths leisure centre avoiding Hockerill for NE quarter of town. Links NW quarter to NE quarter & the schools on Parsonage Lane

Links to: Riverside path Existing path to Stansted Road

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Figure 29 - Johnsons Crossing area

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4.2 White bridge This bridge is of high quality, it is well connected to the towpath, but is poorly connected to routes on each bank.

There are no signs to it from either side and no direct route to the station. Cyclists were observed using it to access the station via a desire line route through the car parks.

The bridge is also a key element of the Green Ring Spoke 3

Figure 30 - White bridge from towpath looking South

Proposals – see Fig. 31

1. Signs – new signs should be installed to show people how the bridge connects to the station and South Road in the East/West direction and where the towpath route can take them.

2. Pedestrian & cyclists priority crossings – these are required on Southmill Road, South Street and the difficult junction with Havers Lane.

3. Links to station and Anchor Street - The route to the station is inevitably caught up in the redevelopment of the area. Every effort should be made to secure the most direct route possible to the station and to Anchor Street.

4. Confirm rights for link path from South Road - Walking and cycling rights need to be confirmed on the route between White Bridge and South Road.

Name Priority Difficulty Cost & Notes Benefits funding White bridge High Low Medium New signs and Easier to access and enhancements S106/CIL improvements use the bridge. to link paths and crossings required. Station side part of area redevelopment Links to: Railway & bus stations Rhodes arts centre

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Figure 31 - White Bridge area

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4.3 Flagship river route The Flagship river route has two parts: the towpath alongside the River Stort Navigation South of The Causeway and the path alongside the river North of The Causeway. Together these can form a traffic free North/South route through the middle of the town. They have good connectivity to existing infrastructure such as the White bridge and Johnsons Crossing bridge.

Traffic free paths are often the most popular routes especially if they follow attractive alignments such as river sides. As a consequence they attract people to cycling.

One factor that needs to carefully considered is lighting. This would help mark the edge near the river and improve personal security. Modern solutions such as solar studs & LED lights would help retain the greenway aspect of the towpath.

Towpath

The towpath is a reasonable quality North/South traffic free route, although it is rather narrow. The width is around 2m and it has a sealed surface. The main challenge is achieving adequate width and then improving the access points.

The current towpath is about 1.5 metres higher than the navigation itself. This means that boats do not have level access and space must be left for steps. This loses at least 1metre in width.

The map overleaf shows the alignment previously examined as the route for the National Cycle Network.

Figure 32 - Towpath near The Causeway Figure 33 - Towpath further South where looking South the corridor is wider

Proposals

1. Tow Path widening - The current towpath should be widened as far as possible to provide adequate space for users.

2. Tow Path lowering - An alternative would be to lower the towpath to the level of the mooring ledge. This would allow the maximum width and better moorings. This would only be worth doing if traffic volumes were high enough.

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3. Improve access points - The access points are infrequent. The Allies & Morrison urban realm report suggests a bridge from the navigation spur across to the towpath. This is a sensible, though costly, suggestion and would need to be well integrated. The Station Road/towpath link on the South side of the Station Road bridge is rather hidden and not well integrated. It is a key access in the middle of the town and provides access to the South end of the main shopping district. The connection from this access point to the rail and bus stations and to the shopping district is poor and needs improvement.

The technical problems of improving the towpath and links to Adderley Road lessen if the moorings were moved somewhere else which would release space.

Name Priority Difficulty Cost Notes Benefits Towpath High Low Medium. Provision Reduce potential for widening S106/CIL/ of a wider overcrowding. CRT towpath. Surface is also poor in places Lowered Low High High. Lowering Allows a wider towpath S106/CIL/ the alignment at The CRT towpath as Causeway end, a means to providing a more gaining comfortable more experience for width. users. Only to be considered if traffic volumes warrant it Improve High Medium Medium. Allows greater use access S106/CIL/ of this key corridor. points CRT

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Figure 34 - Towpath route. NCN desire line

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Riverside path The Riverside path extends northwards from The Causeway.

Proposals – see Fig. 35

1. Extend the riverside path - The Riverside path could be extended from the Northern end of the towpath up to the bypass which is the County boundary.

2. Improve crossing facilities - The Southern gateway to the riverside path would be at The Causeway. Installation of a cycling zebra would connect the two routes together and also serve to interrupt traffic flow to the Hockerill Junction, thereby reducing pressure on that junction.

The extension of the existing riverside path north of the leisure centre is being examined as part of proposals for the whole riverside. Name Priority Difficulty Cost Complexity Notes Benefits Riverside High Medium High. Low Provides path S106/CIL. excellent North/South permeability Links to: Johnsons Crossing bridge White bridge, Bus & railway stations Rhodes Arts Centre Town centre

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Figure 35 - Map showing approximate alignment of Riverside Path with proposed extension

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4.4 Station Road – London Road to junction with Riverside

Station Road has two bridges which both have narrow pavements and both have the bulk of the space allocated to motorised traffic

Figure 36 - Station Rd river bridge looking West Figure 37 - Station Road railway bridge looking West

The railway bridge is alternate working, controlled by traffic lights and has narrow pavements on each side.

The river bridge also has narrow pavements with pedestrian crossings at each end. There is a ramped access to the towpath on the South side. The majority of the space is given to two lanes of West bound traffic.

Hertfordshire County Council are developing proposals for the river bridge (See Appendix D) which will provide more space for walking and cycling through the construction of an adjacent shared use bridge on the North side with stepped access to the towpath.

Proposals – see Fig. 38 1. Railway bridge - allow motor vehicles to travel east only and close the bridge to west bound traffic. The footway on the south side could then be widened to allow for bi-directional walking and cycling. On the west side of the bridge, the southern ramp would be closed to motor traffic and be solely for pedestrian and cycle access to the station and bus station.

2. River Bridge – combine the two existing lanes to use the existing northernmost lane over the bridge and reallocate the road space of the southernmost lane all the way to the junction with South Street for use by a shared use route for pedestrians & cyclists. Vehicles can continue to exit from the station area into the existing one-way system up riverside and Adderley Road to the Causeway. This coupled with the upgrade of the existing pelican crossing at the junction with South Street to a toucan crossing, allows pedestrians and cycles un-restricted access between the town centre and the bus/rail stations. This proposal needs further development to include traffic flow modelling.

Links to:

Existing ramped access to the towpath

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Name Priority Difficulty Cost Notes Benefits Station High Low Medium. Changing of Improve Road S106/CIL. traffic flows, permeability railway Highways. widening of for walking & bridge footways, cycling. improved pedestrian/cycl ing access to the railway and bus station.Traffic modelling needed. Station High Medium Medium. Remove Improve Road S106/CIL. Southernmost connection river Highways. lane of motor from towpath bridge Town centre traffic over the to bus & regeneration bridge and railway funds. replace with stations and bidirectional town centre. walking and cycling. Traffic modelling would be needed.

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Figure 38 - Map of Station Road area

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4.5 Green Ring The purpose of the green ring is to use the existing and proposed infrastructure to create a circular route linking green spaces. It also links a number of key destinations such as supermarkets, schools and leisure facilities and with the ‘spokes ‘ (connecting routes) the town centre, employment areas and the bus and railway stations. A key objective is to create routes that people will use.

A similar green ring has been built in St Albans largely using existing infrastructure. The ring can be built in sections and will enhance permeability for walking & cycling across the town.

This green ring has three elements: 1. Inner ring 2. Spokes – four connecting routes 3. Outer ring The spokes could be given names. For example, Aylesbury has named its cycling routes after gemstones whilst Bedford gives them each a number.

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Figure 39 - Map of Green Ring and spokes

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The summary table below provides an overview of the routes that make up the green ring. Each of these elements are discussed in more detail over the rest of this chapter.

Name Priority Difficulty Cost & Length Benefits funding Inner Medium Low High. 10,800 A coherent network of ring S106/CIL meters/6 ¾ usable signed routes linking miles green spaces and key Spoke High Low Medium 1,090 destinations within the town. 1 meters/0.68 miles Spoke Medium Low Medium 400 metres/¼ 2 mile Spoke Medium Low Medium 2,540 3 metres/1.6 miles Spoke Medium Low Medium 2,269 4 metres/1 ½ miles Outer Medium Medium High 12,584 ring metres/7.9 miles

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Inner green ring The inner ring is a circular route, starting from the leisure centre. It can be broken down into 9 sections, which are discussed in more detail below.

Inner green ring - Part 1 – see Fig. 40

Description Work required Benefits (1) South on None. Connects Leisure Centre to Town existing path. Existing path. Centre. This route is shared with the Riverside route

(2) East on new New shared use path 3 metres wide. Connects Leisure Centre & NW link to quarter of town to NE quarter of Johnsons town and the schools located Crossing from there. riverside path along Southern edge of the playing fields

(3) Johnsons Add rights for cyclists to Bishop’s Connects Leisure Centre & NW Crossing Stortford FP60. quarter of town to NE quarter of footbridge to town and the schools located Cannons Close there.

(4) Link to Shared use path on the West side with Connects Leisure Centre & NW Parsonage a crossing into Parsonage Lane. quarter of town to NE quarter of Lane - town and the schools located Option 1: there. Short stretch on Stansted Road to Parsonage Lane

(5) Link to The option of using Orchard Road and Connects Leisure Centre & NW Parsonage the public footpath (Bishop’s Stortford quarter of town to NE quarter of Lane - Option FP59) into Heath Row has been town and the schools located 2: examined as this would need a shorter there. Short stretch stretch on Stansted Road. It would Shorter stretch on Stansted Road. on Stansted require permissive cycling rights to be Road to created and the removal of the cycling Parsonage ban. The barriers would be replaced Lane via by bollards. Ideally the footpath would Orchard Road be widened but this would require land acquisition from the neighbouring properties.

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Description Work required Benefits (6) Parsonage Lane - Filtered permeability e.g. bus Connects to a number of Option 1: gate to prevent rat running, schools. or 20mph.

(7) Parsonage Lane - Shared use path on South Connects to a number of Option 2: side. Particular care should be schools. taken at side road crossings

where the path should have priority and raised table crossings should be used.

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Figure 40 – Inner green ring part 1

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Inner green ring - Part 2 – see Fig. 41

Description Work required Benefits (1) Safe crossing points at New crossings such as cycling Easier & safer access to the Dunmow Zebras on roundabout arms. Parsonage Lane for Non Rd/Parsonage Lane Motorised Users. roundabout

(2) Shared use path Widen pavement. Reduce possibility of overcrowding. (3) Raised table crossing Raised tables. Improves safety by giving clear points to improve safety priority to the crossing traffic. at side road crossings

(4) See Inner ring part 1

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Figure 41 - Inner green ring part 2

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Inner green ring - Part 3 – see Fig. 42

Description Work required Benefits Option 1 (Red) Build path on verge. Traffic free route on direct Path on North side Land available narrows rapidly. access route into town. Could reallocate carriageway space to solve this. Option 2 (Blue) Build path on verge. Traffic free route on direct Path on South side Land available narrows rapidly. access route into town. Could reallocate carriageway space to solve this. Option 3 (Green) Signing. Traffic free route on direct Path on Manor Links/Norris Permissive agreements with access route into town with Close/Brooke Gardens landowners required. Norris little construction work Close is a private road & the needed. land between Norris Close & Brooke Gardens is in private ownership.

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Figure 42 - Inner green ring part 3

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Inner green ring - Part 4 – see Fig 43

Description Work required Benefits Common to both options section (Blue) Create a 20mph zone Links to Dunmow Rd to Junction with Linkside Rd. Hospital & schools. Option 1 (Red) Create 20 mph zone. Links across Linkside Rd to Haymeads Lane to The Wraglings to Permissive route river and Hallingbury Rd. Then to Boundary Rd & new agreements on Boundary railway in riverside path on East bank, across a new bridge to Rd (private road) and land Southern part connect to Twyford Rd level crossing diversion on East side of river. of town. path. New bridge. Option 2 (Green) Create 20mph zone. Links across Use existing segregated path to Thorn Grove. Replace barriers on river and Crossing on Hallingbury Rd. Then new shared use segregated path by railway in path on West side of Hallingbury Rd to Bishop’s bollards. Southern part Stortford footpaths FP65 & 41 & existing bridges Shared use path on West of town. over river. side of Hallingbury Rd on Connects to Connect to Twyford Rd level crossing diversion verge. schools. path.

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Figure 43 - Inner green ring part 4

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Inner green ring - Part 5 – see Fig. 45

Description Work required Benefits (1) Head West through Twyford Rd Ind. Permissive route agreement Links to West of Est. required. town

(2) Cross London Rd at light controlled Add pedestrian/bike phase junction. crossing on London Road.

(3) Follow Thorley Hill. Create 20 mph zone on Thorley Hill.

(4) Turn into greenspace. Permissive rights required through greenspace. Path should be widened to between 2.5 & 3m.

Figure 44 - Looking West on path through greenspace

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Figure 45 - Inner green ring part 5

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Inner green ring - Part 6 – see Fig. 47

Description Work required Benefits (1) Follow greenspace through to Villiers-sur- Add permissive cycling Traffic free Marne Avenue. rights. Widen path where route with required. potential to Cross using existing underpass link to many households.

Figure 46 - Underpass under Villiers-sur-Marne Avenue

(2) Follow the greenspace on a widened path with permissive cycling rights to Friedberg Avenue.

(3) Cross on at the controlled crossing. This Upgrade crossing to Toucan. should be upgraded to Toucan with advanced detect.

(4) Follow a new shared use path to Create 20mph zone. Penningtons which should be part of a 20mph area.

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Figure 47 - Inner green ring part 6

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Inner green ring - Part 7 – see Fig. 48

Description Work required Benefits (1) Follow paths though Add permissive rights. Improved North/South greenspace to Gt permeability. Hadham Road.

(2) Use the existing shared Existing infrastructure. Improved North/South use path. permeability.

(3) Cross at the existing Toucan.

(4) Use the existing shared use path on the North side of the road to the bridleway Bishop’s Stortford BW14 through to Peregrine Close.

(5) Cross into Woodpecker Improve surface of bridleway Improved North/South Close & follow the to be usable in all seasons i.e. permeability. bridleway. less muddy.

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Figure 48 - Inner green ring part 7

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Inner green ring - Part 8 – see Fig. 49

Description Work required Benefits (1)Use bridleway 14. The surface would benefit from Improved links to schools. improvement. Ideally this would be sealed surface.

(2) Use footpath 12. The footpaths will require permissive cycling rights (3) Use footpath13 across the adding, a much better surface school playing fields to Dane and the barriers replaced by Park. bollards. This will require the agreement of the land owner.

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Figure 49 - Inner green ring part 8

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Inner green ring - Part 9 – see Fig. 50

Description Work required Benefits (1) Follow Dane Park to Create 20mph.zone Improved links to schools. Cricketfield Lane. The roundabout will need safe cycle crossings. (2) Follow Cricketfield Lane New shared use path on to Barrels Down Road. Northern side. A new shared use path on the Northern side will allow this to be traffic free.

(3) Follow Barrels Down New shared use path on the Road to Lindsey Road. western side of Barrels Down Road to Lindsey Road. (4) Cross Rye Street into Upgrade Zebra crossing to the leisure centre. cycling Zebra.

The section on Lindsey Road has the steepest gradient of the whole green ring. This proved to be unavoidable without significant and/or unsuitable detours. Modern bikes are lightweight and equipped with more than adequate gears to bring gradients such as this within the capability of many people.

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Figure 50- Inner green ring part 9

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4.5.1.1 Spoke 1 – Warwick Rd/Haymeads Ln junction to the W side of the station – see Fig. 51

This route uses the quiet Warwick Road to link the green ring to the railway and bus stations. It will be a key link for people seeking a quiet route from the East of the town to the station.

It would be improved by the Station Road proposals.

The short section on London Road would be improved by a crossing point at the station and then converting the wide pavement to shared use.

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Figure 51 - Spoke 1

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4.5.1.2 Spoke 2 – Dunmow Road/Parsonage Lane roundabout to Woodside – see Fig. 52

The prime purpose of this spoke is to provide a link to an employment area. The pavement on the North side should be converted to shared use. This will require widening to between 2 & 3m to achieve acceptable width.

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Figure 52 - Spoke 2

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4.5.1.3 Spoke 3 – Y spoke from Villiers sur Marne Ave to railway & bus stations – see Fig. 53

Starting at the station the route connects to the White Bridge across the river. It then uses the link to Southmill Road and the crossing to Havers Lane described in the White Bridge proposals. Upgrading Havers Lane to a 20mph area will make it Bikeability level 2 and therefore suitable for use as a cycle route. The alternative would be to widen the pavement and convert it to shared use.

The route then runs along Elizabeth Road, also converted to 20mph, until it gets to the junction with Piggots Way. There is an alternate-flow light controlled bus gate, Thorley Bus Link, between Piggots Way and Villiers Sur Marne Avenue which currently doesn’t allow bikes. There is an adjacent footpath, Bishop’s Stortford FP24, which would be converted to shared use either by making it a bridleway or adding permissive cycling rights.

On reaching Villiers Sur Marne Ave the route forks with the South fork running along the road to meet the green ring at the greenspace. The North fork runs along the road until it meets the green ring at Gt Hadham Road. This roundabout needs work to provide safe crossing points such as cycling Zebras or uncontrolled crossings.

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Figure 53 - Spoke 3

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4.5.1.4 Spoke 4 – Railway station to Dane Park – see Fig. 54

This spoke uses the upgraded Station Road bridge across the river. The route then runs North along South St and Potter Street upgraded to contraflow.

The route then follows High Street and Wind Hill to the junction with Bells Hill.

It then follows the footpath, Bishop’s Stortford FP12, to connect with the green ring on the playing fields. Permissive rights would need to be created for this path which requires the agreement of the landowner.

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Figure 54 - Spoke 4

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4.5.1.5 Outer green ring – see Fig. 55

The outer ring connects a number of key destinations, such as supermarkets, but its prime use is expected to be for leisure. It is however quite common for routes designed as leisure routes to end up being used for utility trips. This is certainly the case with the NCN.

The outer ring has additional complexities as it goes outside the town boundary and in places enters Essex.

It uses a mixture of existing roads and rights of way and involves a number of crossings of roads, rivers and railways. It does cross the development in the North, so much of that section could be developer delivered.

Starting at the junction of London Road and Whittington Way and travelling clockwise: (1) Whittington Way to Obrey Way

(2) Obrey Way to junction with bridleway Thorley BW27. If this route is also used by horses, a dual surface and a 7m wide alignment will be required

(3) At junction with footpath Thorley FP16 turn North

(4) At junction with road, follow Milliners Way heading North

(5) Follow the road north into Drovers Way

(6) Cross the greenspace to Oriole Way

(7) Follow Oriole Way to Primrose Close and follow into greenspace

(8) Cross greenspace to join bridleway Bishop’s Stortford BW76

(9) Follow bridleway to Woburn Avenue

(10) Follow Burghley Avenue

(11) Cut through supermarket car park and run alongside Hadham Road.the Northern side of which should be converted to shared use

(12) Turn due North at junction that leads to bridleway Bishop’s Stortford 8. This is the development area so this route is likely to have to be adjusted and can also be developer delivered

(13) Use the existing underpass under the A120 and follow bridleway to junction with bridleway Bishop’s Stortford 73

(14) Follow the bridleway network parallel to the A120 and turn South East along the road and cross the A120 on the road bridge

(15) Follow the road to join up with Hazeldene Lane

(16) Cross Hazeldene Lane to Michaels Road

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(17) There is a stopped up road heading East. This should be brought back into use as a shared use bridleway. It meets the A120 West of Birchanger

(18) Cross the A120 and follow lanes and footpaths along the West side of Birchanger

(19) Follow Birchanger Lane to Dunmow Road where the route joins the inner ring

There are opportunities to connect with Essex’s NCN proposals in this area to complete the outer ring. A key link is one to Stansted airport and its adjacent business park.

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Figure 55 – Outer green ring

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5 Area Wide Solutions Area wide solutions are cost effective ways to adapt the existing street environment. Most journeys people take are under 5 miles and due to its size all point to point journeys within Bishop’s Stortford have to be under 3 miles, with many under 1 mile. This makes them amenable to mode shift if the environment is suitable.

Cost effective techniques to enhance the existing street environment to encourage mode shift follow. They should be seen as complimentary and any further study and modelling should include most or all of them. They should be viewed as area wide improvements which have the aim of making the whole of the town better and more attractive for walking and cycling. These techniques should also be used in the design of new developments and urban extensions.

There are a great many road routes in Bishop’s Stortford that could be better tuned for walking and cycling, primarily through the introduction of 20mph speed limits and filtered permeability.

5.1 20mph zones and areas 20mph zones are often popular with residents of the roads which become 20mph and serve to calm the roads thereby creating a more viable environment for walking & cycling. Zones have the advantage over individual roads as the speed limit changes less often during a journey.

Hertfordshire County Council has adopted the following basic policy for 20mph [8]:

 Not on A or B roads  For signage only schemes, only where existing speeds in zones or roads are already below 25mph

This policy can lead to frequent changes of speed limit within the urban area which in turn reduces the chances of compliance through driver error alone. It also leads to more cost as more signs are needed as there will be more 20/30 mph transitions.

Working with the policy, all roads that can be should be made 20mph as a way of creating a calmer and better walking and cycling environment, tipping the bias slightly away from motorised vehicles and towards the desired modes. Some examples of streets that would be suitable for making 20mph are Havers Lane, Parsonage Lane and Cricketfield Lane.

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5.2 Filtered permeability This is a technique which basically provides more and the most direct routes for walking and cycling. The key word is direct, to get people to change mode they need the shortest and best routes. It is still possible to access every location by vehicle, but the layout for short journeys is tuned to favour walking and cycling. A key benefit of this approach is to sever rat runs.

A good example of filtered permeability in Bishop’s Stortford is the North East end of Warwick Road.

An example of a rat run that could benefit from this technique is Beldams Lane/Linkside Road/Haymeads Lane. Figure 56 - Filtered permeability in Warwick Road

5.3 Other techniques In addition to 20mph speed restrictions and filtered permeability, the following techniques could significantly enhance the street environment of Bishop’s Stortford as a positive place to be walking and cycling:

Traffic calming Traffic calming can take many forms, but adding pedestrian and cycle crossings both calms traffic and improves permeability for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cycling Zebras Cycling Zebras are a standard pedestrian Zebra crossing parallel to a crossing for cyclists. Pedestrians & cyclists have priority on these type of crossings. They are a new road facility and have been used in Bedford on the Union St roundabout as shown in the picture. They are the only form of priority crossing for cyclists. Toucan and Pegasus light controlled crossings are the only other crossing available for cyclists and in those cases priority lies with the traffic on the carriageway.

Figure 57- Cycling Zebra, Union St, Bedford

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Cycling contraflows These are roads which are two way for bikes and one way for motorised vehicles. They provide a very good method of creating more permeability for bikes and are widely used. As a principle all one way streets in Bishop’s Stortford should be contraflows unless there is a very good reason for this not to be the case. South Street and Potter Street are good examples of roads that could be contraflows.

Figure 58 - Contraflow in Hockliffe St, Leighton Buzzard

Addition of permissive cycling rights to public footpaths All the urban public footpaths on the definitive Council map should be examined with the aim of converting all of them to shared use. This will require the agreement of the relevant landowners, improvements in surfaces and width and the replacement of barriers by bollards. In many cases simply clearing the vegetation will recover enough width. Bridleways should be examined with a view to improving the surface to all season bike use as equine use in the urban area is unlikely.

Re-configuration of junctions Junctions are the location of many cycling accidents and are widely perceived as dangerous. This is especially the case for roundabouts. Remodelling roundabouts to continental designs (single lane entry, tighter radii to reduce speeds) or the provision of bike bypasses, which were first used in the UK in the 1930s, and pedestrian crossing points should be examined.

HGVs and other large vehicles At no point should people be expected to cycle in space shared with HGVs and other large vehicles, especially on through routes. The likelihood is that many people won’t do it, or will cycle on the pavement in those locations. The DfT’s 2014 social attitudes study [5] reported that “In 2014, 64% of respondents agreed that it is too dangerous for them to cycle on the road, the highest level recorded since the question was asked in 2011”. The Link Road and Causeway are routes that are particularly HGV heavy and cyclists should not be expected to use these routes.

Behaviour change Whilst walking is something nearly everyone does to one degree or another and is therefore familiar, some or possibly many people regard cycling as a bigger and more difficult change to make. However those that do start off cycling for leisure or short trips often find they really enjoy it: the convenience, the connection with the world around them rather being inside an isolated metal box, the benefits of using one’s body for movement. Cycling trips are often much more time reliable than

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car trips, as bikes are much less often held up by congestion. It is also often possible to bypass queues by getting off and walking for short stretches.

The fact remains that changing habits, whatever they are, is difficult. Any investment in walking and cycling infrastructure should be accompanied by a behaviour change programme after the infrastructure has been built. Essentially this is marketing the product rather than relying on people to discover it.

The more people walk and cycle the more others are willing to try. This helps create a social norm, where it’s fine to leave the car at home.

A good behaviour change programme would include the following elements:  Bikeability training for children and adults  Loan bike scheme including electric assist and accessories such as child seats  Led leisure rides  Maps

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6 Quick wins These are improvements to walking and cycling provision that can be achieved easily, quickly and comparatively cheaply.

Proposals

1. Additional signage, especially of cut-throughs for pedestrians and the two new bridges, Johnsons and White Bridge. A key decision is whether the signs give times or distances to the destination.

2. Walking & cycling map given to every household.

3. Permanent walking & cycling maps installed in prominent town centre locations.

4. Permanent walking & cycling maps at key destinations.

5. Addition of cycle parking on East side of station.

6. Improved cycle parking at key destinations: town centre, leisure centre, schools and colleges and shopping areas.

7. Clearing verge creep and hedge growth to recover lost width in pavements.

Name Priority Difficulty Cost & Complexity Notes Benefits funding Quick wins High Low - Low. Low Easily Council Existing achieved and land or budgets visible under improvements council that will raise control people’s awareness of route provision, help people to plan

journeys and use routes more easily.

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7 Summary of Recommendations 7.1 Core network The table below provides a reference overview of the core network proposals outlined in this report, which are covered in more detail in the preceding chapters. Low Cost: under £50K Medium cost: £50K to £250K High cost: £250K+

A number of factors are involved in assessing difficulty into Low, medium or high categories including:  number of parties  whether land take is required  engineering issues  buried services

Name Priority Difficulty Cost Benefits Johnsons High Low Medium Crossing Traffic free route enhancements S106/CIL to town centre & leisure centre

White bridge High Low Medium enhancements S106/CIL Easier to access and use the bridge.

Towpath High Low Medium Reduce potential widening for S106/CIL. overcrowding. CRT

Lowered Low High High Allows a wider towpath alignment at The S106/CIL. Causeway end CRT providing a more comfortable experience for users.

Station Road High Low Medium Improve railway bridge permeability for S106/CIL. walking & Highways cycling

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Station Road High Medium Medium Improve river bridge connection from S106/CIL. towpath to bus & Highways. railway stations and town centre Town centre regeneration funds

Riverside path High Low Medium Improved North/South permeability A coherent Green ring Medium/High Low/Medium High/Medium network of Depending on Depending on Depending on usable signed section section section routes linking green spaces and key destinations within the town.

7.2 Quick wins Quick wins are improvements to walking and cycling provision that can be achieved easily, quickly and comparatively cheaply. These will help raise people’s awareness of route provision, plan journeys and use routes more easily.

Name Priority Difficulty Cost Complexity Benefits Good quality High Low Low. Low Provides clear & mapping Existing accessible budgets information about existing routes and new routes as they are developed Walking & High Low Low. Low cycling route Existing Easier signs budgets navigation. Advertises that routes exist

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8. Hockerill junction

The Hockerill junction has been specifically included in this report at the request of Cllr John Barford as it is of such importance to movement within the town.

Anyone who has visited and observed the Hockerill junction in operation can immediately see the problems:  Too much traffic squeezing into a space that hasn’t changed significantly since the start of the mass motoring era.  Vehicles have tended to get bigger thereby taking up more of the already restricted space.  Very poor air quality. The area is an AQMA [3, 12] of long standing. People live and work close to the junction so this is likely to have an adverse effect on health.  Narrow pavements. Often not even a child buggy in width.  Narrow carriageways. A bicycle can’t even filter past stationary traffic.  No pedestrian crossings.  Right turning traffic can easily block up the whole junction.  Long queues on the approach roads, all of which connect to the bypass at the other end.

Figure 60 - Hockerill looking South from Figure 59 - Looking along London Road from Hockerill Stansted Road

Figure 61 - Hockerill looking towards Dunmow Rd

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Possible Solutions

There are no easy solutions and in the short term the most effective action is to provide alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

The local pollution issue could be resolved by a greater shift to electric vehicles, but this won’t solve the congestion issue, the amount of space taken by those vehicles, the difficulty of crossing the road or the pollution caused by brake & tyre dust.

The solutions either have to make more space available or reduce the demand. The former isn’t possible without unacceptable demolition and it’s debatable whether it would work in the long term due to induced demand, whilst the latter requires journeys to be made via different modes or routes.

Currently the modes (walking and cycling) that would reduce congestion and improve air quality are the same modes that are most difficult to use to traverse the Hockerill junction: many of the pavements are very narrow, it is difficult to cross the road, the air quality is low, it is difficult to filter past traffic on a bicycle. The only thing in its favour is that the congestion often leads to low speeds.

Shared space, influenced by the Poynton scheme has been examined by Hertfordshire Highways [10]. The conclusion was that this could only be achieved by demolishing buildings, three of which are listed. The report noted that demolition of listed buildings for a road scheme was likely to be controversial and expensive. It should be noted that the Poynton scheme is on a through route whereas the Hockerill junction shouldn’t be being used in this way since all the roads connect to the bypass at the other end.

A pedestrian phase on the lights has also been examined by Hertfordshire Highways [11] and the conclusion was that this would result in long tailbacks. No consideration was made of possible changes in driver behaviour as a consequence of longer wait times, such as choosing to use the bypass or seeking out other local roads, which could become rat runs - an undesirable outcome.

Observation of the junction shows that it is still used by HGVs when this shouldn’t be necessary for these vehicles to use this route due to the availability of the bypass. This suggests that there is a lack of enforcement.

Any changes to Hockerill have to start with deciding what outcomes are desired.

Suggested desirable outcomes are:  More people walking  More people cycling  Fewer cars and other vehicles  Less pollution

Recommendations for future study 1. No right turn on some or all of the arms and the mitigation measures required to prevent rat running 2. Left turn only for motorised vehicles on all approaches and the mitigation measures required to prevent rat running 3. Pedestrian phase modelling taking into account changes in driver behaviour 4. Enforcement of HGV ban 5. Conversion to a bus gate

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6. Reallocation of road space to create shared use paths by making the junction one way, with cycle contraflow, in one or both directions

The Hockerill junction cannot be considered in isolation and all studies must include impact on the surrounding area as well as soft measures to persuade people to not use the junction as much.

Until a wider scheme can be developed the recommendation is to provide routes for pedestrians and cyclists which avoid Hockerill.

The routes proposed are: 1. Manor Road 2. Spoke 1 route using Warwick Road 3. Link via Johnson Crossing and the new link paths 4. Link through land used as car parks to Crown Terrace

These routes are not ideal as they are often longer but they do at least avoid the AQMA.

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Figure 62 - Hockerill junction, potential avoiding routes

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Appendix A – Details of Network Rail’s Level Crossing proposals The key crossings included in this strategy within Bishop’s Stortford itself are:

Johnsons: Already replaced by a ramped footbridge. The bridge is very good but poorly connected to other networks and there is no signage, so even finding it is difficult. This means that the maximum benefit of this bridge is not being achieved.

Figure 63 - New footbridge at Johnsons Crossing

Twyford Road: Proposed to be replaced with footpath alongside river under the railway bridge. There will be no cycling rights as the current crossing only has footpath rights. Permissive cycling rights could be added to the diversion with the agreement of the landowners, which would be beneficial in supporting connectivity.

Figure 64 - Twyford Rd level crossing looking East - the crossing is proposed to be closed

Fowlers, Gilston and Pattens: All of these crossings are located in the area around the south of the town and once closed it is proposed to utilise an existing underpass to provide crossing ability. This will involve a significant diversion. The quality of the underpass is not clear. It may be a private cattle creep and also used for utility connections so is likely to require upgrades such as drainage, surface and lighting. This will retain much needed East/West permeability in the southern part of Bishop’s Stortford

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Figure 65 - Twyford Rd level crossing proposals, showing the planned re-routing of pedestrians

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Figure 66 - Fowlers, Gilston & Pattens level crossing proposals

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Appendix B – Datashine commute examples The Datashine Commute website (commute.datashine.org.uk) presents the 2011 Census data discussed above in a very visual and interactive way, showing commute flows between wards. The thicker the line the higher the flow. Red is outbound, blue is inbound. In the following examples the flows are into the centre.

Ward areas are given an ID number by Datashine and these are shown in red. The blue ids are approximate quarters of the town and the Town Centre. The Screen shots taken clearly shows the contrast between high levels of commuting by car and commuting on foot or by bike. Only flows of greater than 6 are included.

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From To No. Notes home work here here 003 007 114 004 007 53 005 007 104 007 007 119 Within the same area 008 007 154 Total 544

The data on this map highlights that there are many car commutes within the town boundary

Figure 67 – Car commute flows into Bishop’s Stortford

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From To No. Notes home work here here 003 007 40 004 007 60 005 007 65 007 007 230 Within the same area 008 007 86 Total 487 This shows strong walking flows including between wards that have strong car commute flows

Figure 68 - Walking commute flows

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As expected, cycling commute flows are at a low level

From To No. Notes home work here here 003 007 <6 004 007 <6 005 007 8 007 007 19 Within the same area 008 007 14 Total 41

Figure 69 - Walking commute flows into Bishops Stortford

Figure 69 - Cycling commute flows

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Appendix C – Example of path design

Figure 70 - Example of a shared use path with a width of 3m [9]

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Appendix D – Herts County Council proposal for Station Road bridge

Figure 71 - Hertfordshire County Council proposal for shared use bridge & links

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Within this new bridge proposal there is access provided to the towpath on the South side via an existing access ramp, but the design places the pedestrians and cyclists on the North side. The design also includes steps down to the towpath, but the steps are not Equalities Act compliant and are a barrier to cycling and anyone in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or child buggy. A ramped solution would provide an Equalities Act compliant solution.

Further issues to consider in this design are:

 Will the refuge island will be big enough for the expected flow of people? Could it be enlarged to cover the white hatching area as well?

 How are you expected to access the improvements via cycling?

 The uncontrolled crossings at each end rely on the traffic flow being broken up by the signalised crossings. Is this viable?

It is key that these proposals connect properly to the rest of the walking and cycling network. This would create a much better walking and cycling corridor from the bus and railway stations and result in a much better cost/benefit ratio.

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References [1] “Walking and cycling statistics”, Department for Transport, 12 July 2016, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/series/walking-and-cycling-statistics (Accessed 21/March/2017)

[2] “Town population 2011”, City Populations https://www.citypopulation.de/php/uk-england-eastofengland.php?cityid=E34001711 (Accessed 21/March/2017) [3] “Further Assessment of Air Quality at the Hockerill Junction in Bishop Stortford”, East Herts District Council, June 2008, http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/media/15217/Air-Quality-Further- Assessment---Hockerill-Junction--2008/PDF/Further_Assessment_-_Hockerill_Junction.pdf , (Accessed 21/March/2017) [4] “Hertfordshire Transport Vision 2050”, Hertfordshire County Council, 2016, https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and- highways/hertfordshire-transport-vision-2050.aspx, (Accessed 21/March/2017) [5] “British Social Attitudes Survey 2014: Public attitudes towards transport”, Department for Transport, 3 December 2015, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-on- public-attitudes-to-transport, (Accessed 21/March/2017) [6] “Share the space, Drop the pace” towpath code, Canal and River Trust, https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-campaigns/share-the-space-our-towpath-code , (Accessed 21/March/2017) [7] “Estimates of station usage”, Office of Road and Rail, Yearly from 1997, http://orr.gov.uk/statistics/published-stats/station-usage-estimates (Accessed 21/March/2017) [8] “Highways and Transport, Speed Management Strategy”, Hertfordshire County Council, March 2014, https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/highways/transport- planning/local-transport-plan-live/speed-management-strategy.pdf, (Accessed 21/March/2017) [9] “Sustrans Design Guide”, Sustrans, 2014, http://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services/what-we- do/route-design-and-construction/route-design-resources, (Accessed 27/March/2017) [10] “Hockerill Junction, Bishop’s Stortford”, Herts Highways 12/1/2015 [11] “Technical Note 01”, Herts Highways, 4 June 2014 [12] “2016 Air Quality Annual Status Report”, East Herts District Council, September 2016, [13] “Bikeability levels”, DfT, 2017, https://bikeability.org.uk/what/, (Accessed 30/March/2017)

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S106 Money held by HCC/EHDC Summary

• Lists attached of S106 money held by HCC attached together with summaries • HCC agreements have not previously been reviewed by BSTC. Opportunities exist • EHDC agreements have previously been reviewed, no update received from EHDC since previous review HCC Agreements Summary: Property Summary: Transport

Amber Green Grand Total Amber Green Grand Total Childcare 4,378 33,377 37,756 Sustainable Transport 3,219 217,948 221,167 Library 7,191 157,150 164,341 Traffic Regulation Order 5,000 5,000 Nursery 4,178 26,559 30,737 Travel Plan Monitoring 2,701 2,701 Primary 463,227 463,227 Various 174,273 174,273 Secondary 22,115 540,360 562,475 Grand Total 3,219 399,922 403,141 Temp Primary 3,500 3,500 Youth 2,809 39,589 42,398 Grand Total 40,672 1,263,762 1,304,434

• General – Figures are S106 agreements for which the trigger point has been reached (ie the money is available) and are for Bishop’s Stortford only • Summary Comment: Property – No obvious opportunity for BSTC stands out • Summary Comment & Recommendation: Transport – £63,257 for sustainable transport could be assigned to Walking/Cycling strategy (£2546 has already been assigned(!)) – Further amounts with a similar S106 agreement clause will be forthcoming – RECOMMENDATION that BSTC pursues this & offers proactively to work with HCC to establish a programme, allocate & spend the money. • HCC mechanism for such collaborative action, if any, unknown

S106 Money held by HCC Summary - Property (Bishop's Stortford)

Electoral Division (Multiple Items)

Sum of Remaining Column Labels Row Labels Amber Green Grand Total Childcare 4,378 33,377 37,756 Library 7,191 157,150 164,341 Nursery 4,178 26,559 30,737 Primary 463,227 463,227 Secondary 22,115 540,360 562,475 Temp Primary 3,500 3,500 Youth 2,809 39,589 42,398 Grand Total 40,672 1,263,762 1,304,434 District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/14/0978/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Regent Garage and 110, 16/09/2015 Childcare Expansion of provision at Windhill School 28/02/2026 Green £2,177.44 West ED 112 & 114 South Street

3/09/1277/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 86-124 Plaw Hatch Close 25/11/2009 Childcare To provide facilities serving the locality of the 10 yrs of Green £1,294.00 East ED Development the date of receipt of notification of completion of the developme nt 3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Childcare For allocation/apportionment at the discretion of None for Green £4,987.66 West ED the County Council the Deed of Settlement dated 7 May 2014

3/07/2607/FP/MP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Emery House, 3 Chantry 08/09/2008 Childcare Towards the cost of facilities serving the locality 14/03/2021 Amber £2,809.49 East ED Road of the Development

3/10/2110/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Firlands House 04/03/2011 Childcare Towards the cost of providing facilities serving 05/04/2021 Amber £1,569.00 West ED the locality of the Development

3/13/0886/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford ASR5 - land between 01/06/2016 Childcare providing childcare places for children under any Green £24,918.36 East ED Hazelend Rd, Farnham Rd statutory school age either on the Primary payments & A120 Bishop's Stortford School Site or at the new off-site school serving remaining Bypass the Application Site unspent after10 years following completion shall be paid into the S106 Fund

3/14/0978/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Regent Garage and 110, 16/09/2015 Library Layout improvements and provision of modular 28/02/2026 Green £6,388.48 West ED 112 & 114 South Street shelving to increase stock at Bishop’s Stortford Library 3/10/0396/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 135 Stansted Road 18/03/2011 Library additional facilities serving the locality of the 18/10/2021 Amber £4,395.22 East ED Development

3/13/1936/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 15-17 North Street 04/06/2014 Library towards provisions serving the locality of the 26/11/2024 Green £1,751.45 East ED Development

3/12/2154/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 71-77 South Street 19/06/2013 Library facilities serving the locality of the Development 25/06/2024 Green £5,213.60 West ED District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Library For allocation/apportionment at the discretion of None for Green £23,658.57 West ED the County Council the Deed of Settlement dated 7 May 2014

3/15/1733/FUL Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford B J Ashpole Ltd 25/08/2016 Library towards the relocation of front reception area to 10 yrs of Green £11,389.11 West ED facilitate a new Open+ facility at Bishop's the date of Stortford Library receipt of notification of completion of the Developme nt 3/07/0653/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Bishops Stortford Bowling 13/08/2007 Library Towards the provision of library facilities 10yrs from Green £8,800.00 East ED Club, 23 Hockerill Street serving the locality of the Development the date of notification of completion of the developme nt 3/07/2607/FP/MP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Emery House, 3 Chantry 08/09/2008 Library Towards the cost of additional facilities serving 14/03/2021 Amber £2,795.78 East ED Road the locality of the Development

3/06/2506/FP/MH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Former Herts & Essex 13/06/2007 Library Towards the provision of improved facilities None Green £1,752.35 T East ED Hospital serving the locality of the Development

3/02/1545/FP/PB Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Herts & Essex Hospital 11/05/2004 Library Providing additional facilities serving Bishop's 7th Green £45,814.48 East ED Stortford being the locality of the Development anniversary of notification of Completion of the Developme nt 3/06/2319/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Stort Wholesalers Ltd., 21 04/05/2007 Library towards the cost of improved facilities serving 10 yrs from Green £5,400.00 East ED Hockerill Street the locality of the Development date of notification of completion of the developme nt

3/12/1094/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Whitehall Leys 08/03/2013 Library facilities serving the locality of the Development 25/04/2023 Green £1,072.12 West ED District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/13/0886/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford ASR5 - land between 01/06/2016 Library towards the costs of increasing the capacity of any Green £33,843.45 East ED Hazelend Rd, Farnham Rd IT provision at the Bishop's Stortford Library via payments & A120 Bishop's Stortford improvements to the layout of its IT suite and remaining Bypass Newspapers and Periodicals are the unspent introduction of benching increasing the capacity after10 of WiFi facilities years following completion shall be paid into the S106 Fund

3/14/1583/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Hoggat's End 24/11/2015 Library New Open+ facility at Bishop's Stortford Library 29/12/2026 Green £6,391.87 East ED

3/13/0527/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Pearse House, Parsonage 27/11/2013 Library additional facilities serving the locality of the 26/11/2024 Green £4,646.85 East ED Lane Development

3/14/0978/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Regent Garage and 110, 16/09/2015 Nursery Expansion of provision at Windhill School 28/02/2026 Green £7,564.00 West ED 112 & 114 South Street

3/13/1936/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 15-17 North Street 04/06/2014 Nursery towards facilities serving the locality of the 26/11/2024 Green £2,647.54 East ED Development

3/09/1277/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 86-124 Plaw Hatch Close 25/11/2009 Nursery Towards the cost of facilities serving the 10 yrs of Green £3,942.00 Bishops Park pre- East ED Development the date of school expansion receipt of £3942.00 notification of completion of the developme nt 3/10/2110/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Firlands House 04/03/2011 Nursery Towards the cost of providing facilities serving 05/04/2021 Amber £4,178.00 Bishops Park pre- West ED the locality of the Development school expansion £4178.00

3/14/1583/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Hoggat's End 24/11/2015 Nursery Towards the new Bishop's Stortford North 29/12/2026 Green £12,405.89 East ED Primary School No.1

3/14/0978/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Regent Garage and 110, 16/09/2015 Primary Expansion of Richard Whittington School from 28/02/2026 Green £30,637.92 West ED 112 & 114 South Street 1.5fe to 2fe District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/13/1936/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 15-17 North Street 04/06/2014 Primary towards facilities serving the locality of the 26/11/2024 Green £0.00 £11078.95 Approved East ED Development (10/07/2017) St Joseph's RC Primary

3/09/1277/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 86-124 Plaw Hatch Close 25/11/2009 Primary Towards the cost of facilities serving the locality 10 yrs of Green £0.00 £24682.00 Approved East ED of the Development the date of (10/07/2017) St receipt of Joseph's RC notification Primary of completion of the developme nt 3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Primary For allocation/apportionment at the discretion of None for Green £0.00 £31140.49 Approved West ED the County Council the Deed of (10/07/2017) St Settlement Joseph's RC dated 7 Primary May 2014

3/15/1733/FUL Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford B J Ashpole Ltd 25/08/2016 Primary towards the expansion of Richard Whittington 10 yrs of Green £78,039.73 West ED Primary School to 2FE the date of receipt of notification of completion of the Developme nt 3/02/1545/FP/PB Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Herts & Essex Hospital 11/05/2004 Primary Providing additional facilities serving Bishop's 7th Green £0.00 £71530.54 Approved East ED Stortford being the locality of the Development anniversary (10/07/2017) St of Joseph's RC notification Primary of Completion of the Developme nt 3/02/0962/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Jackson Square, Adderley 19/04/2004 Primary Provision of places at schools serving the 10th Green £0.00 £21582.94 Approved East ED Road vicinity of the Land anniversary (10/07/2017) St of Joseph's RC Completion Primary of the developme nt District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/13/0886/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford ASR5 - land between 01/06/2016 Primary towards the costs of providing the Primary Any Green £252,786.46 East ED Hazelend Rd, Farnham Rd School on the Primary School Site or at the payments & A120 Bishop's Stortford sole discretion of the County Council on a site remaining Bypass serving the Application Site unspent 10 years following Completion shall be paid into the S106 Fund

3/14/1583/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Hoggat's End 24/11/2015 Primary Towards the new Bishop's Stortford North 29/12/2026 Green £101,762.50 East ED Primary School No.1

3/13/0527/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Pearse House, Parsonage 27/11/2013 Primary facilities serving the locality of the Development 26/11/2024 Green £0.00 £58026.29 Approved East ED Lane (10/07/2017) St Joseph's RC Primary

3/13/1936/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 15-17 North Street 04/06/2014 Secondary towards facilities serving the locality of the 26/11/2024 Green £6,028.25 East ED Development

3/09/1277/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford 86-124 Plaw Hatch Close 25/11/2009 Secondary Towards the cost of facilities serving the locality 10 yrs of Green £7,324.00 East ED of the Development the date of receipt of notification of completion of the developme nt 3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Secondary For allocation/apportionment at the discretion of None for Green £66,571.58 West ED the County Council the Deed of Settlement dated 7 May 2014

3/07/0653/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Bishops Stortford Bowling 13/08/2007 Secondary towards the provision of education facilities 10 yrs from Green £7,300.00 East ED Club, 23 Hockerill Street serving the locality of the Development the date of notification of completion of the developme nt

3/07/2607/FP/MP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Emery House, 3 Chantry 08/09/2008 Secondary Towards the cost of facilities serving the locality 14/03/2021 Amber £7,598.80 East ED Road of the Development District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/10/2110/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Firlands House 04/03/2011 Secondary Towards the cost of providing facilities serving 05/04/2021 Amber £14,516.00 West ED the locality of the Development

3/06/2506/FP/MH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Former Herts & Essex 13/06/2007 Secondary Towards the cost of providing facilities serving None Green £1,049.58 T East ED Hospital the locality of the development

3/06/2319/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Stort Wholesalers Ltd., 21 04/05/2007 Secondary towards the provision of education facilities 10 yrs from Green £9,900.00 East ED Hockerill Street serving the locality of the Development date of notification of completion of the developme nt

3/12/1094/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Whitehall Leys 08/03/2013 Secondary facilities serving the locality of the Development 25/04/2023 Green £22,906.83 West ED

3/13/0886/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford ASR5 - land between 01/06/2016 Secondary towards the costs of providing the Secondary any Green £303,343.75 East ED Hazelend Rd, Farnham Rd School either at the reserved site at Patmore payments & A120 Bishop's Stortford Close or a new 6 FE school to be constructed remaining Bypass within the ASR1-4 application site 3/2037-14 unspent after10 years following completion shall be paid into the S106 Fund

3/13/0527/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Pearse House, Parsonage 27/11/2013 Secondary facilities serving the locality of the Development 26/11/2024 Green £65,614.86 East ED Lane

3/07/0653/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Bishops Stortford Bowling 13/08/2007 Temp temporary primary education facilities serving 10 yrs from Green £2,000.00 East ED Club, 23 Hockerill Street Primary the locality of the development date of notification of completion of the developme nt District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/06/2319/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Stort Wholesalers Ltd., 21 04/05/2007 Temp towards providing temporary primary education 10 yrs from Green £1,500.00 East ED Hockerill Street Primary facilities serving the locality of the development date of notification of completion of the developme nt

3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Youth For allocation/apportionment at the discretion of None for Green £4,987.65 Northgate Youth West ED the County Council the Deed of Centre Settlement improvements dated 7 £4987.65 May 2014

3/15/1733/FUL Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford B J Ashpole Ltd 25/08/2016 Youth towards improvements increase capacity of the 10 yrs of Green £1,398.62 West ED kitchen facilities at Northgate Youth Centre the date of receipt of notification of completion of the Developme nt 3/07/2607/FP/MP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Emery House, 3 Chantry 08/09/2008 Youth Towards the cost of facilities serving the locality 14/03/2021 Amber £2,809.49 Northgate Youth East ED Road of the Development Centre improvements £2809.49

3/06/2506/FP/MH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Former Herts & Essex 13/06/2007 Youth Towards the cost of providing facilities serving None Green £1,752.92 Northgate Youth T East ED Hospital the locality of the development Centre improvements £1752.92 3/02/0962/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Jackson Square, Adderley 19/04/2004 Youth Towards the provision or improvement of youth 10th Green £12,740.60 Northgate Youth East ED Road facilities serving the vicinity of the Land anniversary Centre of improvements Completion £12740.60 of the developme nt 3/06/2319/FP/LH Bishop's Stortford Bishops Stortford Stort Wholesalers Ltd., 21 04/05/2007 Youth providing youth facilities serving the locality of 10 yrs from Green £5,450.00 Northgate Youth East ED Hockerill Street the development date of Centre notification improvements of £5450.00 completion of the developme nt District Ref Electoral Town Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals Possible BSTC Comment Division Date Date Schemes

3/13/0886/OP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford ASR5 - land between 01/06/2016 Youth towards the costs of extending the gym and any Green £9,740.04 East ED Hazelend Rd, Farnham Rd providing gym equipment at the Northgate payments & A120 Bishop's Stortford Centre remaining Bypass unspent after10 years following completion shall be paid into the S106 Fund

3/14/1583/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Hoggat's End 24/11/2015 Youth Towards the expansion of the Gym at 29/12/2026 Green £2,219.48 East ED Northgate Youth Centre, Bishop's Stortford.

3/13/0527/FP Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford Pearse House, Parsonage 27/11/2013 Youth facilities serving the locality of the Development 26/11/2024 Green £1,299.43 Northgate Youth East ED Lane Centre improvements £1299.43 S106 Money held by HCC Summary - Transport (Bishop's Stortford)

Town (Multiple Items)

Sum of Remaining Column Labels Row Labels Amber Green Grand Total Sustainable Transport 3,219 217,948 221,167 Traffic Regulation Order 5,000 5,000 Travel Plan Monitoring 2,701 2,701 Various 174,273 174,273 Grand Total 3,219 399,922 403,141 District Ref Electoral Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals BSTC Comment Division Date Date 3/08/1746/FP Bishop's Stortford The Castle Public House, 04/09/2009 Sustainable towards promoting sustainable transport none Green £0.00 £9102.00 Pending Assign to Walking West ED 38 Castle Street Transport measures or schemes as a contribution 1718/EH/47 and Cycling Towards design and construction of highway Strategy? improvement works traffic management schemes traffic studies improvements to public transport or such other measures as will encourage

3/10/0271/FP Bishop's Stortford Land adj Woodside 24/05/2010 Sustainable towards the design and construction of highway none Green £32,048.00 Assign to Walking East ED Industrial Estate off Transport improvement works traffic management and Cycling Dunmow Road schemes traffic studies ] improvements to Strategy? public transport or such other measures as will encourage users of the Development to travel to and from the Development by means other than private car

3/09/0492/FP Bishop's Stortford Mineral Water Site, 31/08/2010 Sustainable towards the design and construction of highway none Green £25,426.36 Assign to Walking Rural ED Twyford Road Business Transport improvement works traffic management and Cycling Centre schemes traffic studies ] improvements to Strategy? public transport or such other measures as will encourage users of the Development to travel to and from the Development by means other than private car

3/10/2110/FP Bishop's Stortford Firlands House 04/03/2011 Sustainable towards the design and construction of highway 05/04/2021 Amber £3,219.00 Assign to Walking West ED Transport improvement works traffic management and Cycling schemes traffic studies ] improvements to Strategy? public transport or such other measures as will encourage users of the Development to travel to and from the Development by means other than private car

3/13/0527/FP Bishop's Stortford Pearse House, Parsonage 27/11/2013 Sustainable Towards improvements to bus stops in the 26/11/2024 Green £25,113.00 East ED Lane Transport vicinity of the Site

3/04/0657/OP/MT Bishop's Stortford Atkins & Cripps Ltd 07/05/2014 Sustainable RESIDENTIAL TRANSPORT None Green £91,412.00 £30000.00 Approved Discuss West ED Transport CONTRIBUTION: Towards Bishops Stortford (14/06/2017) 1718/EH/9 Works to Transport Plan identify approximately 29 locations within Bishops Stortford town centre for improvements to pedestrian accessibility - ITP17007 District Ref Electoral Address Agreement Use Clause Refund RAG Remaining Approvals BSTC Comment Division Date Date 3/13/1936/FP Bishop's Stortford 15-17 North Street 04/06/2014 Sustainable Towards the design and construction of 26/11/2024 Green £0.00 £8340.00 Pending Assign to Walking East ED Transport highway improvement works traffic 1718/EH/47 and Cycling management schemes traffic studies, Strategy? improvements to public transport and/or measures as will encourage users of the Development to use means of transport other than private cars and

3/14/0978/FP Bishop's Stortford Regent Garage and 110, 16/09/2015 Sustainable Towards sustainable transport schemes and 28/02/2026 Green £41,385.00 West ED 112 & 114 South Street Transport traffic calming/safety enhancement measures in the vicinity of the site 3/14/1583/FP Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Hoggat's End 24/11/2015 Sustainable Towards: 29/12/2026 Green £0.00 £40706.00 Pending East ED Transport (1) Signage and carriageway surface 1718/EH/47 improvements to the Station Road/South Street junction Bishops Stortford; (2) Station Road/Riverside Bishops Stortford junction improvements; and (3) Construction of a separate pedestrian/cyclist bridge over

3/16/1946/FUL Bishop's Stortford Cherry Trees 21/06/2017 Sustainable Towards the Bishops Stortford Walking and None Green £2,564.00 Assigned to East ED Transport Cycling Strategy to support the investment into Walking and Part 9 of the Green Ring (Inner Section) cycling Cycling Strategy! and walking route within Bishops Stortford including the roads of Cricketfield Lane, Barrels Down Road and Lindsey Rd

3/12/2154/FP Bishop's Stortford 71-77 South Street 19/06/2013 Traffic Towards the cost of any Traffic Regulation 25/06/2024 Green £5,000.00 West ED Regulation Order in relation to the provision of the service Order lay-by 3/15/1733/FUL Bishop's Stortford B J Ashpole Ltd 25/08/2016 Travel Plan Towards costs incurred in the support and 10 years of Green £2,701.00 West ED Monitoring monitoring of a Travel Plan Statement date of receipt of notification of completion of the developmen t 3/06/1342/RP/EH Bishop's Stortford Land adj to Riverside 22/03/2007 Various Towards any of the following: 10th Green ######### £3852.00 Pending East ED (1) Improvements to public transport serving anniversary 1718/EH/47 the Land. of (2) Bridge works to improve pedestrian access completion £35000.00 Approved at or adjoining the Station Road bridge over the of the (16/06/2017) 1718/EH/10 Bridge River Stort developmen widening study for Station Road - (3) Improvements to the Hockerill Street t ITP13060 Junction or any other Appendix 5

New Homes Bonus - Briefing

James Parker 26th February 2017 Background

• Bishop’s Stortford Town Council currently receives (from EHDC) 25% of the New Homes Bonus money generated in the Town • There is a proposal that this be withdrawn and that instead Town/Parish Councils will be required to apply for specific projects – It is understood that, if this decision is taken by EHDC, BSTC may nevertheless receive a further £114,177 • Bishop’s Stortford Town Council RESOLVED 6th Feb 2012 – The whole of the New Homes Bonus is allocated to projects that support the strategic priorities of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council – Where there are competing demands for the NHB, the priorities will be considered at F&GP and recommended to Town Council for decision. • In addition £50,000 was assigned to a pension reserve (to cover in part the underfunding of the LGPS pension scheme) • £473, 584 has been received to date of which £162,759 has been allocated • The Chief Executive Officer considers it appropriate to review the allocation of the remaining funds at this time – A strawman recommendation for the assignment of the majority of the remaining funds is presented – A copy of the strategic plan follows this pack for reference only Summary to date and proposal Strategic Assignments to date Proposal (CEO) Note Plan Item NHB funding Funding to date Proposed Future Future NHB Money assigned assigned to date assigned to.. Funding from NHB to 1 £39,580 Neighbourhood Plan £30,000 Update/merger of two plans One update should be sufficient up to 2025 or thereabouts 2 £8,000 Waterside Stortford £100,000 Town Centre enhancements 40K contribution also made from (part - pedestrianisation?)/ revenue Waterside Stortford 3 £39,379 Sworders Field 200K in reserves from revenue, lottery masterplan inc splash funding expected pool 5 £20,000 Visitor Economy 10K contribution made from revenue, remainder of funding from revenue as the items in question are recurring 9 £5,800 Cycle & Walking Study £100,000 Implementation phase, Match contributions from HCC subject to Cycling/Walking Strategy full cooperation from HCC 13 BSTC funding if any would be recurring. NHB not suitable? 14 Fund from proceeds of sale of Farnham Rd if not used for arts centre 15 £50,000 BMX Track Ttop up to revenue funding already allocated 4,6,7, No funding required for agreed BSTC 8,10,11,12, actions 15,16,17 Unassigned/ £50,000 £31,095 £50,000 was assigned to a pensions Other reserve. If this strawman is adopted then £31,095 (plus any future receipts) will remain to be assigned

TOTAL £162,759 £311,095 Recommendations

• That £30,000 be set aside from the New Home Bonus to fund future updates of the neighbourhood Plans • That £100,000 be assigned from the New Homes Bonus for Town Centre enhancements (possibly including partial/timed pedestrianisation) and/or Waterside Stortford • That up to £100,000 be assigned from the New Homes bonus to match funds from HCC towards projects from the Bishop's Stortford Walking/Cylcing Strategy chosen by BSTC • That £50,000 be assigned from the New Homes bonus towards the BMX track • That the decision on the use of the remaining funds (including any funds received in future) be deferred at the present time • That these decisions be reviewed if lottery finding for Sworders Field masterplan is not confirmed by the end of 2018 and that the total spending against the allocations above be limited to £100000 until this review has taken place or lottery funding has been secured

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Strategic Plan 2015-2019

This is the strategic plan as adopted by Council on 21st September 2015, with the implementation plan as adopted/recommended by the Localism and Strategy Committee on 7th December 2015 and notes on progress with RAG colourings as approved by the Localism and Strategy Committee on 10th July 2017

This is for information only not for discussion.

No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 1 Bishop’s Stortford Complete the Neighbourhood plan for Underway Passed examination Jun is a vibrant All Saints, Central, South and Part of 2017, referendum community and Thorley expected later in 2017 market town, attractive to Process embedded, people of all ages, Establish and embed process for Delegate to Planning Committee however adherence in which modern ensuring Neighbourhood Plan policies remains a challenge. developments are highlighted to EHDC when BSTC Appointment of Former complement and reviews planning Neighbourhood Plan enhance the Officer as interim historical core. Planning Officer may be opportunity.

Establish review mechanism and Legal mechanism for review is to create a new plan which New legislation may make timescale for both Neighbourhood plans means that it is a lengthy process.. This being the case review easier, but yet to propose that the requirement for a review is next assessed be tested. Propose that in 2020 (5 years after ‘making’), or once the local plan is the requirement for review finalised, whichever is the earlier? be assessed in 2019

Request made, BSCF not prepared to champion at Request BS Civic Federation to Letter to be sent by CEO present time but will nominate a champion and support support. Action closed BSCF them in identifying and 5/12/2016. Article 4 preserving Listed Buildings; Buildings at direction made by EHDC Risk & the E Herts designated has restricted permitted Conservation Area for Bishop’s development in Stortford conservation area, which may help somewhat.

2 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 2 The town centre is Actively influence development of Old Neighbourhood Plan mechanism appears to be working As stated Additionally lively and River Lane and The Goods Yard well, continue Town Council welcoming and developments and other major represented on the ORL inviting to development sites in the Town centre Steering group and Town residents, visitors area. centre Steering Group and businesses. organised by EHDC The town takes Ensure that vibrant public realm is Ditto advantage of its included within these major natural setting, developments including the river, Report and vision issued ancient Create a realisable plan for the Match fund ‘Destination Stortford’ project which is and adopted by Council. architecture and enhancement of the Stort riverside in established already and has this objective (8k initially Funding discussed more recent the town and its required to match 11k from EA) 10/7/17 building, to create relationship/engagement with the Town desirable and Centre Consider funding one or more follow-on projects identified cohesive spaces. as part of Destination Stortford. Funds to come from NHB which is set aside for strategic plan

No further action required Continue TUBS (every other month). No additional action required Town Council to support.

3 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 3 The green spaces Determine level of involvement in 1. CEO to seek clarity on process and timescale for To be discussed in and around the Hoggates Park and Ash Grove process to study the ‘Community Organisation’ 10/7/2017 town have been proposed as part of BSN maintained, 2. L&S Committee to determine what level of improved and involvement (if any) we would ideally want protected. 3. Then engage with District and BSN on discussions regarding proposed Community Organisation

Ensure adequate allotment provision is This is contained within Section 4 (Section 106) As stated made for new developments

Continue action (Town Council to Matter came up for review at F&GP on January 2016 Good progress made in prepare a plan on how green spaces however this is strictly an EPA matter where it has been assigning to projects: under its management can be discussed several times and on each occasion a positive preserved and improved.). Consider in decision has been made to make no change. particular the poorly used spaces Planning consent sought namely Town Meads, Former Waterside Possible Options are – Town Meads – develop for BMX Included in Castle Park School, Osier bed and the area near to Track project Waitrose. Identify long term purpose Former Waterside School – develop as access/amenity Is being considered in and objectives for these spaces area for Sworders Field context of ORL project Osier Bed?? Land near Waitrose – consider in context of Old River Lane development Funding may be needed for study once parameters outlined – review then

Awaiting further approach from Hertfordshire County Establish long term status of former To be debated by Council early 2016 Council allotment land at Rye Street Allotments

4 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 4 The town’s Establish a process to ensure S106 Council has adopted a policy setting out its expectations as Authority delegated to infrastructure meets requirements are considered for each regards S106. Recommendation made to and accepted by CEO who has acted, with the needs of an planning application of a scale likely to Council that the action and authority to ‘remind’ District to some success, on increasing trigger such requirements. apply these policies for any specific larger application be occasions where larger population. delegated to Officers, with the Planning Committee adding developments have been any specifics if it choses put forward.

If District sets a CIL, establish the Defer until date for setting CIL set Nil required mechanisms to ensure Bishop’s Stortford derives maximum benefit 5 A wide variety of Conduct a comprehensive review of the Defer until we have been running the market for 12-18 2 year report to be shops, market market operation and opportunity and months presented to F&GP 23 stalls, cafés and its role in the Town July 2017 service outlets and the Tourist

Information centre make it a popular destination for Establish a meaningful influence over Influence via members who are both BSTC and EHDC, in Some possibility of residents, nearby the Local Enterprise Partnership and particular the portfolio holder for Economic Development influence via Town Centre villages, visitors and how money available from this source is Planning Framework, businesses. directed to the town otherwise little visible progress

Establish a clear visitor/tourist offer Contribute to Destination Stortford as above plus Report presented including events programme, walks and Project as follows: (1) Inventory of assets & potential, (2) November 2016, marketing beyond the Town Gap analysis and vision, (3) plan & implementation, funding/action to be programme & (4) budget and plan for sustainability. Stages discussed 10/7/2017 1 & 2 consultant led to provide skills and independent view?

5 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 6 The residential Determine level of Council involvement Localism and Strategy Committee to determine and The be discussed areas are attractive, in the content and operation of the new propose what level of involvement (if any) we would ideally 10/7/2017 varied and well neighbourhood centres want & recommend to Council served by local facilities. 7 Collection of Press for improved 7 day per week Lobby County Councillors It is NOTED that County waste is carried recycling facility Council has made the out effectively, decision to cut the service with a large to 5 days per week. proportion of waste being It was NOTED that S106 recycled. money for the Bishops Stortford North contribution to recycling facilities is due to be paid to HCC before any houses are built, unlike most other classes of contribution, and would therefore be available very soon. It was therefore important to lobby appropriate County members to take action.

6 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 8 Roads and Facilitate and/or coordinate a new urban Review once EHDC Old River Lane study complete as this Elements of a strategic pavements in and transport plan for Bishop’s Stortford may cover part of the ground transport plan for Bishop’s around the town are Stortford have been well maintained. committed as part of Traffic movement is ‘Shaping Stortford’ an under control. EHDC-led project which has arisen following the town centre planning framework. Scope unclear, but opportunity to influence definitely exists

Ensure a coherent car parking BSTC to request periodic updates and engage via twin Cllr Jones has provided strategy covering carpark provision and hatters update Car parking on-street parking strategy for Bishop's Stortford is currently being led by the EHC Old River Lane Delivery Board, as the development of the ORL site involves the reprovision of 400+ car park spaces during 2018. A temporary carpark will follow the current demolition of 1 The Causeway and plans for a pilot of shared use spaces in Chantry RPZ will be consulted during 2017. The introduction of new pay and display machines for existing carparks is complete, as is a 7.5% increase in carpark charges. 7

No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 9 Bus and train Influence the creation of a cycle path Match fund study of cycle routes proposed as part of NP2, Study commenced, services run network across Bishop’s Stortford (6K required), then review delivery delayed but frequently and on expected Q32017 time, with the buses serving Create a plan and influence the Review following item above and outcomes of Destination Propose awaiting Cycle most places in the implementation of enhanced signage for Stortford study above then review. town and sustainable transport routes, to increase surrounding take up and ease of use areas. The needs of less advantaged Continue to support/encourage the Continue to support BS Minibus Trust groups (eg. the establishment of a viable mixed-mode Budgeted. Stortford infirm or disabled) community transport scheme Shuttle to continue at are well served. established. Note that ‘mixed mode’ is least another 12-18 important in this target. months

Cllr Jones advises that EHDC councillors have expressed an interest in supporting sustainable transport. It is likely that the focus will be on Community Transport. There are opportunities for the Town to seek funding, and for villages to link in to the Town 10 Residents who wish Maintain awareness of opportunities in The ‘Business Stortford’ to work locally have and around the airport and M11 corridor activity, aimed at a choice of local encouraging inward employment investment, has ceased. opportunities. Neighbourhood Plan includes encouragement for appropriate business related development

8 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 11 School places are Ensure Neighbourhood Plan policies Implement plans at (1) to highlight NP policies when Covered above available for all deliver a sustainable schooling providing comments to District. children, in schools provision for the Town of their choice. Review progress when Neighbourhood Plan comes up for Covered above review.

9 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 12 The hospitals which Engage with EHC Health and Wellbeing Cllr Abbott to be requested to provide periodic update Health and Wellbeing serve the area have Committee and (in respect of public health) Committee no longer exists, adequate facilities with County however for the local Cllr Jones has given the population, doctors following update (Jul 2017): are available for “East Herts Council is appointments and working with PAH to support dentists take NHS the reprovision of the patients. hospital on the current site or a new site. The EHC portfolio holder for Health and Housing is Cllr Eric Buckmaster. The Deputy Leader will be aware of significant progress, and will keep BSTC informed.”

It was NOTED that a further national customer satisfaction survey recently published ranks Church Street Surgery 7064 out of 7372 nationally, and South Street 6630 out of 7064. Reinforce pressure on practice managers to Request annual update and statistics Parsonage ranks 464 out of meet the requirements and collect further 7064, a notably superior evidence. Repeat exercise targeting Church result. It was AGREED that Street. Engage with South Street Surgery to the Chief Executive Officer assist in its relocation to a suitable new site should request that an update be presented to members having regard to these results and suggesting that they may wish to take learnings from other surgeries including Parsonage and also Much Hadham Health Centre which had the best results in Hertfordshire.

10 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 13 Police are very Pressure the Police and Crime Police to be requested to provide periodic update then lobby PCC attended meeting evident on the Commissioner for resources to maintain as appropriate Dec 2016. Police streets and respond an adequate level of safety in Bishop’s representation at recent to calls quickly. Stortford. Improve the safety of Bishop’s Council meetings and Antisocial behaviour Stortford by encouraging residents to periodic invite to be is at a very low level and people feel join Online Watch Link. Encourage issued safe. more Councillors to attend the Police briefing meetings each Monday. 14 The town has an Contribute to a sports strategy for the Already engaged with study being undertaken as part of As stated. In addition excellent Town. Seek new facilities. ASR1-4 S106 agreement Neighbourhood Plans swimming pool include policies and ample supporting of sports facilities for team facilities sports.

11 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 15 There is a variety Support the creation/development of a Support Rhodes in obtaining necessary capital funding eg Cinema open of excellent strong, complimentary cinema facility eg from District leisure activities at the Rhodes, establishing ‘remote for all age groups. access’ to large venue events The cinema and theatre regularly present a wide variety of films Create full plans for the creation of a Plans sufficient for planning approval created. Funding for Planning consent for BMX and shows and a BMX track and enhanced skatepark on implementation proving elusive track sought, further rich variety of Sworders field, seek funding technical studies required artistic events is to gain approval. available in the town. Funding for enhanced skate park likely to come through Castle Park Lottery Project

It was NOTED that it is Continue to review playground highly probable that East equipment on an on-going basis (12f) Herts District Council will approve a £22M redevelopment of Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre including new swimming pool, new buildings and gym.

12 No. b. Approved c. Approved 2019 Target d. Implementation Plan as agreed 7th December 2015 Progress Vision 16 Stansted Airport Retain awareness through Stansted Request annual update from representatives namely Cllrs Update from Cllr Jones continues to Airport Consultative Committee Jones, McAndrew and (Sawbridgeworth) Cllr Alder who July 2017: Stansted operate from its representatives from HAPTC, EHC and represents Town and Parish Councils on the consultative Airport received planning existing single HCC Committee permission in 2017 for a runway and the new passenger arrivals opportunities it brings are building to the east of the embraced and existing passenger exploited by the terminal. In July Town 2017 Stansted Airport is consulting with the public ahead of a planning application to increase the throughput of the airport to 44.5 million passengers and 11,000 annual aircraft movements.

17 The Town’s Maintain a continuing understanding of Continue to engage with Learning Disability Forum. Update requested from facilities are the needs of disabled people in the Engage with physical disability group if one is re-formed Cllr Symonds inclusive and Town and encourage possible respect the needs improvements that may be of broad of the disabled benefit. and those with limited mobility

Updates (2017)

13 Car parking

Car parking strategy for Bishop's Stortford is currently being led by the EHC Old River Lane Delivery Board, as the development of the ORL site involves the reprovision of 400+ car park spaces during 2018. A temporary carpark will follow the current demolition of 1 The Causeway and plans for a pilot of shared use spaces in Chantry RPZ will be consulted during 2017. The introduction of new pay and display machines for existing carparks is complete, as is a 7.5% increase in carpark charges.

14 EAST HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW OF BISHOP’S STORTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 East Hertfordshire District Council (‘the Council’) has resolved to undertake a Community Governance Review (‘the review’) of Bishops’ Stortford Town Council (including its town boundary).

1.2 The review will have regard to existing and planned developments adjacent to the southern boundary of the area served by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and will consider whether to recommend any alteration to the existing parish boundaries and any consequent changes to the electoral arrangements for any parish. The review will also consider whether any changes should be made to the ward boundaries within the Bishop’s Stortford Town Council area.

1.3 In undertaking this review the Council has considered the Guidance on Community Governance Reviews issued in March 2010 by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and will be guided by Part 4 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (‘the 2007 Act’), the relevant parts of the Local Government Act 1972 and associated regulations.

1.4 These terms of reference set out the aims of the review, the matters on which it will focus and policies that the Council considers relevant to the review. The terms of reference will be published on the Council’s website and in hard copy and will be made available at the District Council offices and at other venues within the area under review.

Reasons for the review

1.5 The Council is undertaking the review at this time in response to a request from Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.

1.6 The Town Council identified development to the south of the town which has occurred since the boundaries were last reviewed and which crosses the parish boundary, and areas of further potential development either already consented or envisaged within the draft district plan. Parts of the areas identified are currently in Thorley Parish but the Town Council considers the developments are, or will be, seen as part of Bishop’s Stortford. The Town Council has therefore suggested that its boundary with Thorley Parish be re- drawn to follow the existing district ward boundary, thereby including the whole of the District Council’s Bishop’s Stortford South Ward within the area of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.

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1.7 In relation to ward boundaries within the Town Council’s existing area, the Town Council has identified a number of detailed proposals to address perceived anomalies, split roads and population changes which it considers require amendments to the boundaries.

Community Governance Reviews

1.8 A Community Governance Review is a review of the whole or part of the district to consider one or more of the following:

- Creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes; - The naming of parishes and the style of new parishes; - The electoral arrangements for parishes (the ordinary year of election; council size; the number of councillors to be elected to the council, and parish warding), and/or - Grouping parishes under a common parish council or de-grouping parishes.

The aims of the review

1.9 In accordance with the 2007 Act the Council will have regard to the need to secure community governance within the area under review which:-

- Is reflective of the identities and interests of the community in that area; - Provides for effective and convenient local government; and - Takes into account any other arrangements for the purposes of community representation or community engagement in the area.

1.10 When considering the above criteria, Government guidance states that the Council should take into account:-

- The impact of community governance arrangements on community cohesion; and - The size, population and boundaries of a local community or parish.

1.11 The guidance emphasises that ‘the recommendations made in a community governance review ought to bring about improved community engagement, better local democracy and result in more effective and convenient delivery of local services’.

2. CONSULTATION

2.1 In coming to its recommendations in the review, the Council will take account of the views of local people and stakeholders. Legislation requires the Council to consult the local government electors for the area under review and any other person or body who appears to have an interest in the review, and to take the representations that are received into account by judging them against the criteria in the 2007 Act.

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2.2 The Council wishes to promote community engagement and transparency in decision-making. In relation to the review the Council will:

- Publish these terms of reference and accept submissions by post or via e- mail or the Council’s website; - Publicise the review by providing information to the relevant town and parish councils and by other printed and electronic means; - Consult residents, local organisations and elected representatives in the areas under review. - Make key documents available at the District Council offices and at other venues in the parishes affected; - Consider all submissions received; and - Publicise the outcome of the review.

2.3 The Council will notify Hertfordshire County Council that a review is to be undertaken; the County Council is a formal consultee of this process.

2.4 The Council will consider each case on its merits and on the basis of the information and evidence provided during the course of the review. The Council is mindful that proposals which are intended to reflect community identity and local linkages should be justified in terms of sound and demonstrable evidence of those identities and linkages.

3. THE TIMETABLE FOR THE REVIEW

3.1 Publication of these terms of reference formally begins the review, which must then be completed within twelve months.

Timetable for Community Governance Review of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Stage of process Proposed dates

Publication of terms of reference Tuesday 13 February 2018

Initial submissions Initial submissions invited/ Tuesday 13 February – Friday 6 April 2018 publicity campaign Deadline for initial submissions Friday 6 April 2018

Consideration of submissions/ April – May 2018 preparation of draft recommendations Consultation on draft recommendations Publication of draft recommendations May 2018

Consultation on draft May – July 2018 recommendations/publicity campaign

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Deadline for consultation responses Friday 20 July 2018

Consideration of responses/ July – September 2018 preparation of final recommendations Decisions & implementation Publication of final recommendations September 2018

Council meeting to make Wednesday 17 October 2018 Reorganisation Order Revised electoral register published 1 December 2018 incorporating any amendments Implementation of any changes for 1 April 2019 financial/administrative purposes Parish council ordinary elections 2 May 2019

4. ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW

4.1 The review will consider current and projected patterns of population, development, community identify and linkages in the area under review; and whether these give rise to the need for any changes to parish boundaries and/or electoral arrangements.

4.2 Plans showing the existing parish and ward boundaries in the area under consideration; and the area identified in the request from Bishop’s Stortford Town Council at paragraph 1.6 above are attached at Appendix ‘A’ to these terms of reference.

4.3 In reviewing the community governance arrangements of any parish in its area, the Council is required to consider the number of local government electors in the area under review, and any change in that number or the distribution of the electors which is likely to occur in the period of five years beginning with the day when the review starts.

4.4 The table below shows the current electorate of each of the parishes and parish wards affected by this review:-

Parish/Ward Current electorate (February 2018) Bishop’s Stortford – All Saints Ward 6,175 Bishop’s Stortford – Central Ward 7,481 Bishop’s Stortford – Meads Ward 4,715 Bishop’s Stortford – Silverleys Ward 4,196 Bishop’s Stortford – South Ward 6,212 Bishop’s Stortford - Total 28,779 Thorley – Rural Ward 47 Thorley – Urban Ward 466 Thorley - Total 513

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4.5 Electorate forecasts for February 2023, taking into account information on developments underway or planned based on planning permissions granted and the draft District Plan will be published to inform the consultation process during the review and provided to the town and parish councils concerned.

4.6 As part of the consultation process the Council will also make available information on the Council Tax precept (Band D equivalent) currently applicable in each of the parishes under review.

5. POLICIES THAT WILL GUIDE THE REVIEW

Parishes

5.1 The Council considers that parishes should reflect distinctive and recognisable communities of interest, with their own sense of identity and that electors should be able to identify clearly with the parish in which they are resident. The feeling of local community and the wishes of local inhabitants are therefore important considerations in the review.

5.2 The Council will give careful consideration both to traditional community identities and historic parish arrangements; and to any changes that have happened over time, for example population movements or new development, that may have led to a different community identity in an area.

5.3 The Council wishes to ensure that parishes should be viable as an administrative unit and should possess a precept that enables them effectively to promote the well-being of their residents and contribute to the provision of services in their areas.

Boundaries

5.4 The Council considers that the boundaries between parishes will normally reflect the distinct community identities of the respective areas. Boundaries will often follow areas of low population between settlements or pronounced physical barriers (either natural or built) such as watercourses, marshland or moorland; parks, canals, railways or major roads.

5.5 The Council considers that ‘natural’ settlements or settlements as they are defined in the draft District Plan should not in normal circumstances be partitioned by parish boundaries.

5.6 Should a reorganisation of parish boundaries occur as a result of the review, the Council will aim to select boundaries that are and are likely to remain easily identifiable.

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6. ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Electoral cycle

6.1 Any changes to parish electoral arrangements will come into effect at the next scheduled ordinary parish elections. Parish elections will take place in East Hertfordshire in May 2019 and every four years thereafter.

The number of parish councillors

6.2 Legislation provides that the number of parish councillors for each parish council shall not be fewer than five. There is no maximum number. Government guidance is that ‘each area should be considered on its own merits, having regard to its population, geography and the pattern of communities.

6.3 When considering the number of councillors to be elected for a parish the Council will, as required by the 2007 Act, have regard to the number of local government electors for the parish; and any change in that number which is likely to occur in the next five years. The Council will also have regard to existing levels of representation, the broad pattern of existing council sizes which have stood the test of time and the take-up of seats at elections in its consideration of this matter.

Parish warding

6.4 The Council may also consider whether a parish should be, or should continue to be, divided into wards for the purposes of elections to the parish council and the number and boundaries of parish wards, taking account of population distribution and community identity and interests in the area.

6.5 Where a parish is warded and continues to be so, the Council will give consideration to the number of councillors to be elected from each ward and the number of electors they represent. The Council notes that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) believes it is not in the interests of effective and convenient local government, either for voters or councillors, to have significant differences in levels of representation.

7. REORGANISATION OF COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE ORDERS AND COMMENCEMENT

7.1 The review will be completed when the Council agrees its final recommendations. At the conclusion of the review the Council will adopt a Reorganisation of Community Governance Order. Copies of this order, the map(s) that show the effects of the order in detail, and the document(s) which set out the reasons for the Council’s decisions (including where it has decided to make no change following a review) will be deposited at the Council’s offices and copies provided to the clerk of each town or parish council affected. The information will also be published on the Council’s website.

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7.2 In accordance with Government guidance the Council will issue maps to illustrate each recommendation at a scale not smaller than 1:10,000. These maps will be deposited with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and prints will also be supplied in accordance with regulations to Ordnance Survey, the Registrar General, the Land Registry, the Valuation Office Agency, the Boundary Commission for England, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and Hertfordshire County Council.

7.3 The provisions of any order will take effect for financial and administrative purposes on 1 April following the adoption of the order. Any revised electoral arrangements for a new or existing parish council will come into effect at the next ordinary parish council elections.

8. CONSEQUENTIAL MATTERS

8.1 A reorganisation order may cover any consequential matters that appear to the Council to be necessary or proper to give effect to the order. These may include the transfer and management or custody of property, the setting of precepts for new parishes, provision with respect to the transfer of any functions, property, rights and liabilities and/or provision for the transfer of staff, compensation for loss of office, pensions and other staffing matters.

8.2 In these matters, the Council will be guided by the relevant regulations issued following the 2007 Act. In particular, the Council notes that the regulations regarding the transfer of property, rights and liabilities require that any apportionments shall use the population of the area as estimated by the proper officer of the Council as an appropriate portion.

8.3 In the event that the review results in proposals to alter the electoral arrangements for a parish whose existing electoral arrangements were put in place within the previous five years by an order made either by the Secretary of State, the Electoral Commission or the LGBCE, the consent of the LGBCE will be required.

Principal area boundaries

8.4 Any changes made to parish boundaries as a result of this review will not automatically change the corresponding district ward or county division boundaries. In the event of a reorganisation order making such a change the Council may recommend the LGBCE that the district and county boundaries are realigned along the revised parish boundary and it would be for the LGBCE to decide if related alterations should be made.

8.5 The LGBCE would require evidence that the Council has consulted on the recommendations as part of the review. The Council will therefore seek to include any such draft recommendations for consultation at the earliest possible opportunity should they appear desirable.

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8.6 Where such consequential matters affect Hertfordshire County Council, the Council will also seek the views of that council with regard to alterations to electoral division boundaries in accordance with Government guidance.

Date of publication of these terms of reference: 13 February 2018

How to contact us

Enquiries regarding the review process and/or comments on the matters set out in these terms of reference should be directed to:

John Williams, Electoral Services Officer, East Hertfordshire District Council, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 01279 502147

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APPENDIX ‘A’

The map below shows the existing town council ward boundaries within Bishop’s Stortford parish.

The map below shows the current southern boundary of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council with Thorley parish. The area identified by the town council for consideration in the review is shaded and labelled ‘A’ on the map.

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James Parker

From: James Parker Sent: 20 December 2016 09:29 To: [email protected] Subject: Formal request - Community Governance Review Attachments: Bishop's Stortford Ward Boundary Maps.doc

Dear Kevin

Further to our previous conversations and emails I am now able to confirm that, having regard to

a. existing and planned future developments which are contiguous with the built up area of Bishop’s Stortford parish yet breach current parish boundaries and b. the fact that, as a result of development since the parish boundary was last reviewed, the current parish boundary to the south/west of the Town no longer meets the criteria for parish boundaries set out in the document “Guidance on community governance reviews” published by the Department for Communities and Local Government c. that anomalies exist in ward boundaries within the parish due to various historical reasons

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council formally requests a community governance review and in particular:

1. That the boundary of the parish of Bishop’s Stortford be amended so that the whole of the District South Ward is included within the parish of Bishop’s Stortford 2. That changes to ward boundaries within the parish of Bishop’s Stortford be made as set out below 3. That the District Council requests the Boundary Commission to make changes in District Wards and County Divisions corresponding to the changes in the parish ward boundaries

1. Changes to roads which have residents in more than one ward and where it is requested that the boundary be re-drawn so that all properties are in the ward which currently has the largest number of electors:

Street/Road Current Properties Proposed Properties Collins Cross All Saints: 13 Meads: 50 Meads: 37 High Street Central: 3 Central: 4 Meads: 1

1 Parsonage Lane All Saints: 70 All Saints: 72 Meads: 2 Wentworth Drive Central: 6 Silverleys: 78 Silverleys: 72 Westfield Road Meads: 19 Meads: 23 Silverleys: 4 Dane O'coys Road, Whitehall Road Meads: 3 Silverleys: 23 Silverleys: 20 Great Hadham Road (Honeysuckle House) Silverleys: 2 Silverleys: 3 South: 1

Lea Grove All Saints: 8 All Saints: 13 Meads: 5 South Road Central: 40 Central: 45 South: 5 South Street Central: 26 Central: 37 Meads: 11 Potter Street Central: 1 Meads: 4 Meads: 3

2. Changes to roads which have residents in more than one ward and where it is requested that the boundary be re-drawn so that the road(s) are in the ward from which access is gained or for some other reason as noted

Street Current Proposed Note Bells Hill, Regency Meads: 35 Silverleys: Bells Hill & Windhill are split; Close, Windhill Silverleys: 73 108 Regency Close is accessed from Bells Hill so logically should move with Bells Hill Styleman's Farm South: 2 All Saints: 2 Properties are separated from (Hallingbury Road) South ward by the River Stort. Access is from All Saints

Mulberry Court South: 16 Central: 16 Access is from Central Ward only

2 Street Current Proposed Note The Thatchers, Central: 224 South: 343 Several roads in this natural Stockmen Field, South: 119 group are split. Access is from Drovers Way, South Ward Wainwright Street, Brewers Close, Thresher Close, The Carpenters, Tailors

Tanners Wharf All Saints: 76 Central: 105 Access is from Central Ward Central: 19 South: 10 Priory Court Silverleys: 35 Central: 35 This is a ‘backland’ development the Monastery estate from Access is from Central Ward Thorley Hill Central: 28 Central: 26 Change boundary so that split South: 54 South: 56 is at a natural point (a road)

The approximate effect of these changes on the numbers of electors (based on the 2015 electoral register) is set out below

Ward Elector Elector Overall Current Electors % Electors Electors Electors Electors Gain Loss Change Electors After Difference Per Town Per Town Per District Per District Change Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor - current after - current after changes changes All Saints 27 131 -104 5794 5690 -1.79% 1449 1423 1931 1897 Central 233 464 -231 6948 6717 -3.32% 1737 1679 2316 2239 Meads 35 116 -81 4359 4278 -1.86% 1453 1426 2180 2139 Silverleys 133 54 79 4061 4140 1.95% 1354 1380 2031 2070 South 411 74 337 5964 6301 5.65% 1491 1575 1988 2100

(Max-Min)/average (ie 25.6% 20.0% 18.4% 16.4%

3 variation)

Maps showing the proposed realignments of the ward boundaries set out in the tables above are attached. No map is attached in respect of the change in the Parish boundary as this is already an established electoral line.

Yours sincerely

James Parker Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 01279 712147 (Direct) Tel: 01279 715000 (Switchboard) Mob: 07553386119 www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk @stortfordtc

Bishop's Stortford Town Council The Old Monastery Windhill Bishop's Stortford CM23 2ND

4 Bishop’s Stortford Ward Boundary Changes Maps In all cases change ward boundary to red outline

Collins Cross (Transfer to Meads, blue) Transfer to Meads (blue)

High Street Transfer to Central (blue)

Parsonage Lane

Transfer to All Saints (blue)

Wentworth Drive Transfer to Silverleys (blue)

Westfield Road Transfer to Meads (blue)

Dane O’Coys Road, Whitehall Road Transfer to Silverleys (blue)

Great Hadham Road (Honeysuckle House) Transfer to Silverley (blue)

Lea Grove Transfer to All Saints (blue)

South Street Transfer to Central (blue)

Potter Street Transfer to Meads (blue)

Bells Hill, Regency Close, Windhill Transfer to Silverleys (blue)

Styleman’s Farm (Hallingbury Road) Transfer to All Saints (blue)

Mulberry Court, South Road Transfer to Central (blue)

The Thatchers, Stockmen Field, Drovers Way, Wainwright Street, Brewers Close, Thresher Close, The Carpenters, Tailors

Transfer to South (blue)

Tanners Wharf Transfer to Central (blue)

Priory Court Transfer to Central (blue)

Thorley Hill

Transfer to South (blue)

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