6 1 Introduction

1.1 Town 1.1.1 Trowbridge is the county town of , located near the eastern border of Bath and North East Somerset District Council. The town is situated between Bath and , with lying to the north and to the south. The town’s population, (based on the 2001 census figure) is 28,163 and is growing steadily. Regular train services from Trowbridge railway station currently provide good access to larger employment areas in the region, such as Bristol and Bath.

1.1.2 The River Biss is one of Trowbridge’s hidden secrets and for many years the town has turned its back on the river. The river is currently an underused asset. However, if enhanced and properly incorporated into the design of new developments, there are significant opportunities to create an attractive riverside environment and to increase the level of access for local people.

1.2 The Purpose of the Guide 1.2.1 The Public Realm Design Guide (PRDG) sets out a deliverable vision for the river corridor. The vision aims to assist in capitalising on the hidden and underused waterfront, improving the potential for investment Figure 1.1: Site location plan and enhancing the overall image of the town.

1.2.2 The purpose of the Guide is to provide a holistic design guide for the creation of a River Biss waterfront. The Guide provides both strategic guidance and detailed design codes which will be used to guide development along the river corridor and which can be applied to a variety of land use proposals.

River Biss Public Realm Design Guide 7

1.3 The objectives of the PRDG document 1.4 The Value of Good Design in the Public Realm 1.3.1 Overall, the proposals and guidance set out within the PRDG 1.4.1 The public realm is not just used for functional purposes (such document aim to: as walking and cycling) but is also host to a range of leisure activities including, shopping, dining, socialising, relaxing, ‘people watching’ and Objective 1 – To promote a strong sense of place, and a distinct and taking part in events, sports and ceremonies. positive identity which respects the historic environment and character of Trowbridge by creating a clearly defined, ‘seamless’ public realm which co- 1.4.2 The quality of the public realm - which includes our streets, ordinates existing and new development. squares and parks - has a major impact on the way we perceive and use Objective 2 – To create a vibrant, well-used waterfront by promoting a our towns and cities. As important as the buildings that make up a town, range of activities along the Biss corridor. the quality of the public realm can often influence how attractive, safe and welcoming a place feels. The design of the public realm has an important Objective 3 – To create a network of high quality, diverse and multi- role in creating a sense of place, and building upon the characteristics functional public spaces responding to the adjacent mix of land uses. which make Trowbridge unique. An attractive, well-maintained public realm will encourage private investment in the town. Objective 4 – To create a sustainable movement corridor which is easily accessible, and strongly linked into the pedestrian, cycle and open space 1.4.3 Good design should promote a sense of well-being and pride network, and strongly connected into the wider street pattern through a clear and legible urban form. in an area through an obvious investment in the design process. Clear and coherent design should create a legible and ‘understandable’ built Objective 5 – To improve the environment, reduce flood risk and enhance environment, which enhances accessibility and ease of movement. biodiversity along the River Biss corridor 1.4.4 Contemporary design should allow for sustainability by being Objective 6 - To promote the river corridor as a cultural and educational energy efficient, ‘built to last’ and capable of accommodating change. resource through interpretation, public art and nature conservation. 1.4.5 District Council will require a demonstrable Objective 7 - To design the public realm to address issues of community

safety and reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour within investment in good design and a commitment to best practice. Good the context of good urban design principles. design adds value in terms of environmental performance, community and social well being and commercial viability. The value added by better Objective 8 – To ensure that the quality of public realm provision can be design is important to appreciate when considering all development sustained in the long term and through efficient and effective maintenance projects within the River Biss study area. and management.

Photographs of the existing river corridor

River Biss Public Realm Design Guide 8

1.5 Status of the Supplementary Planning Document 1.7 Getting the Process Right 1.5.1 It is intended that the PRDG will, following appropriate statutory 1.7.1 The most successful public realm schemes are those that have public consultation, be adopted by West Wiltshire District Council as a been designed through collaboration and consultation between all parties. Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The PRDG will be used for the This will foster a sense of pride and ownership to develop and in turn, purposes of development control and as a basis for public realm design will reduce the need to continuously cost for vandalism and associated and subsequent management, including the provision of street furniture maintenance and the use of materials. 1.7.2 Developers and designers will be actively encouraged to engage 1.6 Who should use the Guide? with planners at an early stage to ensure that the emerging proposals for 1.6.1 The PRDG sets out a framework within which public realm the River Biss corridor are consistent with the advice in this document, improvements along, or development adjacent to, the River Biss, should planning and design briefs and other SPDs. be undertaken.

1.6.2 The guide should be used by the following groups and 1.8 Structure of the Report professionals; 1.8.1 The structure of the report is as follows:- . Landowners . Chapter 1 - Introduction . Developers . Chapter 2 - The Site and Local Context . Designers . Chapter 3 - Policy Background . Architects . Chapter 4 - Community Consultation . Surveyors . Chapter 5 - Assessment . Engineers . Chapter 6 - Strategy Objectives . Property Managers . Chapter 7 - Strategic Design Guidance . District, Town and Parish Council Members . Chapter 8 - Design Elements and Details . Town Planners . Chapter 9 - Area Guidance . Community and amenity groups . Chapter 10 - Implementation . Local residents

1.6.3 It is intended that this document will provide overarching design principles and a strategic level design code which can be applied to a variety of land use proposals. For the larger developments and more complex sites along the river it is intended that this document will assist in guiding the production of more detailed design and development briefs.

River Biss Public Realm Design Guide