30 Underwood Street London N1 7JQ t 020 7324 2662 f 020 7324 2663 e [email protected] w metropolispd.com
Land at Roman Ride, Finchampstead, Sustainability Appraisal
July 2011
Prepared by Metropolis Green
Prepared By Position Date
Amir Aramfar Sustainability Consultant 06/11/2010
Approved By Position Date
Miranda Pennington Associate Partner & Licensed Code for 06/11/2010 Sustainable Homes and EcoHomes Assessor
Nigel Bennett Partner
N.B. Data contained in this report was correct as of June 1010
Contact Details: Metropolis Green 30 Underwood Street London N1 7JQ T: 020 7324 2662 E: [email protected] W: www.metropolisgreen.com
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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Sustainability Appraisal has the purpose of informing the Wokingham Borough Council’s own analysis in respect of their emerging Local Development Framework (LDF). Moreover it is specifically to assist the LPA in assessing the sustainability credentials of the subject site at Roman Ride, Finchampstead relative to other potential housing locations.
This site appraisal considers the land at Roman Ride within the context of the surrounding area and in particular the closest neighbouring towns of Crowthorne and Sandhurst. Both of these towns lie within the neighbouring District of Bracknell Forest. The subject land adjoins the Crowthorne settlement boundary and is equidistant to Sandhurst and Finchampstead (in Wokingham Borough).
Access to and provision of local amenities has been appraised in terms of the sustainability of a primarily residential development.
It is clear from this appraisal that a residential scheme at Roman Ride, Finchampstead, would be sustainable in terms of location, access, design, construction and occupation.
The site occupies an advantageous location being situated on the settlement boundary of Crowthorne, enabling easy access to shopping facilities, rail and bus links. A sustainable development at the subject site would help to stimulate the local economy; and potentially create more opportunity for local businesses.
The area is well served by education, healthcare and leisure facilities. Community consultation could be explored to determine the town’s interpretation of their current community facility provision in the local area.
Any future development on the subject site would aim to meet Level 5 under the Code for Sustainable Homes and any non-residential element of the development would aim to meet BREEAM “Very Good” aspiring to “Excellent”. These standards represent a commitment to innovative sustainable design, mitigating the environmental impacts of new buildings. A sustainably designed mixed use scheme, which incorporates sustainable materials, best standard in energy efficiency and water consumption, and produces on site renewables, would benefit the local area through creating a new, desirable place to live and contributing to the local economy and community.
A major factor in the sustainability of any future development at the subject site would be the design and construction of the scheme. Community consultation would be integral to this process.
In conclusion, there is excellent potential to create a desirable place to live that is a model of sustainable development at the subject land. This would contribute positively to the neighbouring settlements and in addition help Wokingham Borough Council meet their annual housing targets.
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CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3 CONTENTS PAGE ...... 4 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 3.0 SITE APPRAISAL ...... 5 3.1 Location ...... 5 3.2 Housing ...... 8 3.3 Employment and Services ...... 9 3.4 Transport and Access ...... 13 3.5 Education ...... 15 3.6 Health Facilities ...... 15 3.7 Leisure and Community Facilities...... 16 4.0. SITE APPRAISAL SUMMARY ...... 17
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2.0 INTRODUCTION
This Sustainability Appraisal has the purpose of informing the Council’s own study work in respect of their emerging Local Development Framework (LDF). Moreover it is specifically to assist the LPA in assessing the sustainability credentials of the subject site at Roman Ride, Finchampstead, relative to other potential housing locations. This report appraises the subject site’s accessibility and proximity to key services and amenities in Wokingham and in Bracknell Forest. The subject site has been appraised in terms of the sustainability of a primarily residential development.
This appraisal has been prepared with respect to the relevant, national, regional and local environmental standards. Wokingham’s current Development Plan comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South East1, The Borough’s Core Strategy adopted in January 2010 and the 2004 Residual Wokingham District Local Plan following Core Strategy Adoption (Jan 2010).
3.0 SITE APPRAISAL
This section places the subject land at Roman Ride within the context of Finchampstead and neighbouring settlements of Crowthorne and Sandhurst. Due to the size of these closest settlements, it is also necessary to consider larger towns in the surrounding area, namely Wokingham and Bracknell in terms of providing a full range of employment and more general services and facilities.
The site appraisal first discusses the location of the subject land relating it to transport links and access. This section also analyses the employment opportunities in both the local and neighbouring areas in relation to the subject site. Educational; healthcare; leisure; and community facilities are each discussed. The subject site is also discussed in relation to the housing issues of the area. Each of these elements has been appraised in terms of the sustainability of a primarily residential development.
3.1 Location
The subject land is located to the north and south of Roman Ride. Roman Ride is approximately 300 metres long and runs east to west from Lower Woking Road (east) to Heath Ride (west). The site is located between Crowthorne and Finchampstead. Finchampstead is a civil parish in Wokingham Borough in the County of Berkshire.
The subject land adjoins the settlement boundary of Crowthorne which is a town within Bracknell Forest District Council. The urban area of Crowthorne spills over into Wokingham Borough. Crowthorne is also within the County of Berkshire.
1 The South East Plan was revoked on 6 July 2010. The decision to revoke the plans was challenged by a CALA Homes and the outcome was that the Plans were reinstated with immediate effect. A further CALA challenge resulted in the decision that the revocation should not be treated as a material consideration, unless in exceptional cases and even then, very clear and cogent reasons for doing so should be given.
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Wokingham Borough has a population of 159,100 (2001 census). Finchampstead has a population of 12,490 (2001 census) which is approximately 8% of the Borough population. The Town of Wokingham is the largest settlement in the Borough and has a population of 30,403 (2001 census) which represents 19% of the total Borough population.
Bracknell District has a population of 114,700 (2008 AMR est.) Crowthorne has population of 24,082 (2001 census) which is 20% of the total Bracknell Forest District population. Sandhurst, located south of the subject land, has a population 20,803 (2001 Census) which represents 18% of the District’s population. The town of Bracknell is the largest settlement in the Borough and has a population of 50,131 (2001 Census), representing 44% of the total Borough population.
All of the above settlements are well located in terms of the subject land. The table below indicates the distances to these settlements from the subject site.
Distance between the site and nearby town centres (approximate) Town Distance Crowthorne 2.0 miles Finchampstead 2.0 miles Sandhurst 2.6 miles Wokingham 4.2 miles Bracknell 6.5 miles
Table 1 (Source: Distances measured with Google maps)
Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Sandhurst are all within easy reach of the subject land. Crowthorne is the closest settlement out of the three as the site adjoins the designated settlement boundary.
Wokingham is the largest town within Wokingham Borough Council, whilst Bracknell is the largest town within Bracknell Forest District Council. Both towns are within a reasonably short distance from the site.
This meets National Policy PPS7 - Sustainable Development in Rural Areas and Local Supplementary Design Guidance - Paragraph 2.7, which indicate that new development should be located adjacent to existing towns.
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Map 1 – Ordnance Survey Map of site and surrounding settlements (Source: Bing Maps)
Map 2 - Ordnance Survey Map of site and surrounding settlements (Source: Bing Maps)
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Map 3 - Site in relation to consultation Proposed Development Limits (Source: Consultation Map 1.34 - Pinewood Development Limit A3)
3.2 Housing
Housing markets vary but there are affordability problems in nearly all parts of the South East of England. Provision of sufficient high quality housing to meet the needs of the region’s growing population is a key priority. (South East Plan)
Within Wokingham house prices are higher than average for the South East. Although they continued to fall steadily during the latter part of 2008 and the first half of 2009 they have begun to recover since July. In October 2009 the average house price for Wokingham was £259,624 compared to £201,245 for the South East (Land Registry House Price Index for October 2009). (WBC AMR 2009)
In neighbouring Bracknell Forest District house prices are also high compared to other parts of the country and affordability is a major issue. The AMR suggests that the lack of housing tends to encourages longer distance commuting as people are unable to live near their work or in locations close to suitable public transport interchanges.
While house prices had increased until 2008, during 2008-2009 house prices fell in Bracknell Forest by 18% reflecting the national trend. However, house prices in Bracknell Forest remain high compared with other parts of the country. Since March 2009 there have been signs of some stability returning to the market. (BF AMR 2008-2009)
The Wokingham Borough Local Plan objectives seek to identify sites for housing development sufficient to ensure that the overall housing objectives of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (CSDPD) for the borough are met. It maximises the contribution to the total housing requirement from redevelopment sites; and to secure the maximum possible level of affordable housing, to meet local housing needs
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Wokingham Borough Council housing supply targets are guided by three documents. These are the Berkshire Structure Plan (BSP) 2001-16, approved on 15 July 2005; the Wokingham Borough Core Strategy submission document (20 August 2008) and the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes to the South East Plan (17 July 2008).
From this appraisal it is evident that house prices in Wokingham and Bracknell Forest are higher than the average prices and that there is a shortage of affordable housing. Addressing this shortage though providing a mix of dwellings, would be appropriate for the subject site. A range of dwellings that are in keeping with the local character and landscape would avoid the creation of a large uniform area of one type of housing, thus in accordance with Core strategy Policy CP5 - Housing mix, density and affordability.
In addition it is anticipated that 50% affordable housing would be provided subject to viability accordance with policy CP5 recommended to help address the short supply of affordable property which complies with RSS Policy H2 – Housing and Core Strategy policy.
3.3 Employment and Services
A sustainable society needs high levels of employment, along with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. Major new developments need to be located near to areas of employment and also have the potential to provide additional local employment. This will improve and promote a sense of community, boost the local economy and will reduce the need to travel. A sustainable transport infrastructure is a key component of a sustainable economy, allowing individuals to get to work by means other than the car.
The surrounding towns around the site offer employment opportunities in a variety of industries and in both the public and private sectors. This section will consider these local employers; services and facilities.
WBC average gross weekly pay = £604.2 (all workers) £759.1 (full-time workers)
South East average gross weekly pay = £534.8 (all workers) £656.5 (full-time workers)
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, ONS.
The WBC AMR indicates that unemployment has been on the rise since 2004. The latest figures indicate that 2046 people of working age (or 2%) are claiming Jobseekers Allowance. This figure was 0.8% in 2004.
The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) is located in Crowthorne and is a major employer within the District of Bracknell Forest (BFDC) and in particular within Crowthorne. There are also various
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other major employers within the BFDC and WBC, many of these relating to the high-tech industries along the M4 Corridor. The businesses around this area include Panasonic, Fujitsu and Fujitsu-Siemens, Computers, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Siemens, Cable and Wireless, Avnet Technology Solutions and Novell;
BMW UK is based in Bracknell as is the Waitrose central distribution centre and head office.
The Bracknell Forest Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for 2008-2009 sates that that “In 2001, 72% of the working population travelled to work by car in Bracknell Forest compared with 65% in the South East” (pg51, BF AMR 2008-2009).
In terms of other modes of transport, the AMR states that for the year 2008/09 pedestrian flows were 43% higher and cycle flows were 44% higher than 2000/01. Although bus travel is shown 2% lower, rail travel is 5% higher than 2000/01.
Whilst Finchampstead is a relatively small settlement, Crowthorne and Sandhurst could adequately provide the day-to-day services and facilities required from a new community at Roman Ride.
Wokingham is the major shopping centre within the Borough. Figures produced in the WBC AMR show trends in retail vacancies in local town centres since 1999. The figures indicate that 2008 saw a slight rise in vacancies but rates dropped again in 2009. The exception to this was Wokingham Town Centre.
Bracknell town centre is the focus of most retail activities in the Borough of BFD. Its shopping catchment area overlaps those of neighbouring centres such as Wokingham. It also falls within the larger area served by Reading.
The BFD AMR states that “Sandhurst and Crowthorne continue to provide a variety of shops that cater for daily needs and provide a focus for local communities. Various neighbourhood shopping centres (some containing supermarkets) and local parades serve residential areas around the Borough. The M&S and Tesco superstores at The Meadows in College Town attract customers from a large area”.
Dukes Road in Crowthorne is a designated town centre on the Local Plan Proposals Map (see image opposite) and offers a variety of shops within walking distance of the subject site including a convenience store/post office which is part of a newly built mixed use development adjacent to Crowthorne Station. There is a hair salon, tanning salon, two bathroom shops, kitchen shop, bicycle shop, furniture shop, and funeral directors, café and pharmacy.
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Extract from Bracknell Forest Local Plan Proposals Map.
The AMR states that “professional and financial services, business and industry floorspace rose gradually between 1997 and 2005 but has slightly reduced since 2006.” The majority of this stock is described as business floorspace. Statistics show that there has been a considerable decline in the amount of industrial floorspace due to economic restructuring. The stock of warehousing floorspace has reduced, but not significantly, over the same period.”
The BF AMR identifies that the number of VAT registered businesses in Bracknell Forest has increased from 3,295 to 3,875 between 1999 and 2007, representing a growth of 17.6%. The high rate of growth reflects the culture of enterprise and innovation in the area. Entrepreneurs are attracted by the Borough’s highly skilled pool of labour, good transport links with other areas and high quality housing and services such as education and health.
In October 2009, 56 out of 573 retail units (9%) in the Wokingham Borough were vacant. The 2009 increase in retail units is mainly due to a change in the way units are defined. Vacancy figures are generally lower than the previous year across the Borough, particularly in the neighbourhood shopping areas. The secondary shopping area of the Town Centre continues to exhibit high vacancy levels, reflecting a degree of uncertainty caused by the regeneration scheme (e.g. units where tenants have been relocated by the landlord to prepare for future demolition).
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The total amount of floorspace developed in Wokingham in 2009 is almost the same as for 2008. However, the percentage of business development on previously developed land has recovered from last year’s 54% to 99%.
A potential development at the subject land would be primarily residential however the construction of the site itself would also provide local jobs.
The last census indicated that the population living and working in Bracknell Forest did not change significantly between 1991 and 2001, nor did the proportion of people living in Bracknell Forest commuting to work outside the Borough boundaries. In 2001, 1,784 more people commuted into Bracknell Forest than commuted out, i.e. there was a net inflow of people. It is likely that a high proportion of these work journeys both into and out of the Borough are undertaken by car, resulting in the major routes carrying high volumes of peak hour traffic.
The most popular way of travelling to work for Bracknell Forest residents is by car. Although this trend reflects the regional picture, a higher proportion of households in Bracknell Forest than in the South East use the car as a means of travel to work (73% compared to 65%). Between 1991 and 2001 the proportion of households using a car rose in real terms and as a percentage, noticeably at the expense of bus/coach usage in particular. During the same period, rail usage rose slightly, but is still only about 4% of the total commute. Whilst two strategic rail corridors pass through the Borough, the Reading to Waterloo Line and the North Downs (Reading to Gatwick) Line are both slow stopping services with the nearest major rail hub interchange being Reading Station.
A portion of prospective residents of any future development at the subject site would undoubtedly work in either Finchampstead, Crowthorne or Sandhurst, all of which can be accessible by public transport. A Transport Assessment would be submitted with any future planning application and would provide an opportunity to investigate improving public transport to these areas.
Due to the close proximity of the subject site to the train station, it is likely that many prospective residents would commute to London. These residents would be utilising an existing sustainable mode of transport to work.
Wokingham and Bracknell are likely to provide a source of employment to prospective residents at the subject site.
It is therefore evident that there are ample employment opportunities for prospective residents of a potential development on the subject land. It is expected that the development would also provide a boost to the economy within the neighbouring towns. Whilst Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Sandhurst can provide a range of employment opportunities, it may be likely that prospective residents will seek employment opportunities in the larger towns like Wokingham and Bracknell. It is also likely that some residents would commute to London due to the proximity of Crowthorne station.
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3.4 Transport and Access
Transportation has a huge impact on the social and economic aspects of a community as well as the environment. Transport (including aviation and freight) accounts for 28 % of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions (Source: EST). In order for the UK economy to grow sustainably there needs to be an efficient and integrated public transport system linking employment areas, services, shops and leisure facilities, in order to reduce the reliance on car travel. A more sustainable transport system could also result in more positive interaction between people thus improving community life. Making more journeys by walking and cycling will reduce the carbon emissions associated with travel and will also improve the health of the individual.
Roman Ride is convenient for number of local destinations by various modes of transport. From a regional perspective the centre of London is 40 miles away and is accessible by train and road in approximately 1 hour. The site is also equidistant from both the M4 and M3 motorways, both of which are only a 15 minutes drive.
Map 4 – Roman Ride Regional Context (Source: Google Maps)
Crowthorne railway station is only 0.5 miles from the subject site, roughly 10 minutes by foot or a very short cycle ride away.
A direct train to Wokingham runs every 20 minutes (3mins duration) and to Reading (15 mins duration) during peak times and every hour at other times. Crowthorne to London Paddington via Reading takes 55 minutes.
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Map 4 – Crowthorne Railway Station in relation to subject land (Source: Bing Maps)
There are various rural bus services serving the main settlements Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst, Wokingham and Bracknell. The bus routes also link other settlements including Wokingham, Bracknell, Camberley, Sunningdale, Woosehill, Farnborough and Arborfield.
The 194 bus from Bracknell to Camberley via Crowthorne runs Monday to Saturday every 30 minutes. The bus stop is adjacent Crowthorne Railway Station. The 122 from Crowthorne to Wokingham and Woosehill to Crowthorne runs 3 trips in between Monday to Friday.
There are several school buses for example the 09 from Crowthorne to Suinningdale, the 418 from Wokingham to Farnborough, the 435 from Farnborough to Wokingham and W505 from Arborfield.
Cycling would offer an efficient means of sustainable transport between the local settlements and the subject land. Cycle routes in the immediate vicinity are limited and it is therefore suggested that promotion of new safe cycle routes linking the site with neighbouring towns would encourage future residents to use cycling as a viable means of sustainable travel.
There are various airports accessible to Crowthorne. Heathrow is the closest at 28 miles, Gatwick is 43 miles, and Luton is furthest at 56 miles.
The subject site is considered to be served by a good network of public transport modes, providing access to both rail and bus services. This is a requirement of National Policy PPG 13 – Transport. The proposed development could also promote new cycle routes linking local towns and transport hubs which would meet RSS Policy T7 – Rural Transport.
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A Transport Assessment would be submitted with any future planning application which would meet the requirements Core Strategy Policies CP1- Sustainable development; CP6 - Managing Travel Demand; and Local Plan Saved Policy WT10: Public transport provision and improvement
3.5 Education
For a community to be sustainable it needs to have easy access to educational establishments in the form of primary, secondary, further and higher education without individuals having to travel long distances.
The subject site has access to a variety of educational facilities from nurseries through to higher education. Within local easy access of the site there are selection of nurseries (including: Waverly Nursery; Bluebird’s; and St. Sebastian's Preschool;), primary schools (including: Finchampstead C Of E Primary School; Gorse Infant and Junior School; Our Lady’s Preparatory School; Waverly Primary; Crowthorne C of E Primary School; Wildmoor Heath School), secondary schools (Edgbarrow School; Ranelagh Secondary School), 1 private schools (Wellington College;). For further education, Bracknell and Wokingham College is located in Sandhurst and offers courses in various subjects and at different levels.
There are several regular school bus routes running through Crowthorne and along Nine Mile Ride towards Finchampstead. Whilst there is a range of school bus routes, it is considered that the site may benefit from a new bus stop closer to Roman Ride. The potential need and precise siting of an additional stop would be investigated by the Transport Assessment.
The potential for creating a new bus stop closer to the subject site would be looked at by a transport assessment supporting a future planning application.
Given the site’s accessibility to range of educational services, a proposed residential development in this location would accord with Core Strategy Policy CP1 Sustainable development; CP2 - Inclusive communities; and Local Plan Saved Policy WT10: Public transport provision and improvement.
3.6 Health Facilities
Healthcare is an integral part of a sustainable community and should be easily accessible by public transport. Individuals should have a choice of different health professionals to best suit their needs.
The subject site is well located in terms of health service provision. There is one doctor surgery in Finchampstead and a further two surgeries in Crowthorne. All of these surgeries are within 1.5 miles of the subject site, and would therefore be easily accessible to prospective residents. These surgeries include the Finchampstead Surgery, New Wokingham Road Surgery and Heath Hill Surgery.
There are 5 dentists located within 2 miles of the subject site. The closest is the Nine Mile Ride Dental Practice in Finchampstead which is 1.32 miles from the site. In Crowthorne there are a Land at Roman Ride, Crowthorne 15
further 4 practices, these include the Dental Practice (1.55 miles), Heathwood Dental Practice (1.43 miles), Abacus Dental Studio (1.44 miles) and the Old Library Dental Practice (1.51 miles).
Wokingham is the closest hospital to the site, approximately 3.5 miles away. There is also a Fleet Community Hospital located 5.83 miles away within the District of Hart. The closest hospital with an A&E ward is approximately 5.15 miles from the subject site. Reading Hospital which also has an A&E ward is approximately 10 miles away.
The Core Strategy highlights that most of the acute hospitals in the borough are not accessible to many residents. The Core Strategy indicates that whilst Wokingham town has a hospital, for acute services, patients visit either the Royal Berkshire (Reading), Heatherwood (Ascot)/Wexham Park (Slough) or Frimley Park (near Camberley). As such the WBC AMR 2005 to 2008 indicates that most of the borough is not accessible by public transport to the acute hospitals. The Core Strategy states this to be an issue that needs to be addressed.
Within the site’s local area, the provision of health services is considered to be accessible and in compliance with the thrust of Core Strategy policies CP1 Sustainable development; and CP2 - Inclusive communities.
3.7 Leisure and Community Facilities
Leisure facilities are a necessary component contributing to the health and wellbeing of a community. It is therefore imperative to a sustainable development that members of the community have accessible and safe areas to participate in outdoor activities and enjoy the local area.
Similarly community facilities provide an important element of sustainability though fostering community spirit and interaction. People should enjoy where they live which will enhance the image of a town and ensure that it is a place where people want to be, in the present and into the future.
The subject land benefits from accessible open space and formal recreational facilities located in both Crowthorne and Finchampstead
The Crowthorne Tennis Club is 1.5 miles from the subject site on Nine Mile Ride. East Berkshire Golf Club is 1 mile from the site. Sand Martins Golf Course in Finchampstead is 2.2 miles from the site.
Harpers Gym and Carnival Pool Centre is 3.4 miles away in Wokingham. It has extensive leisure facilities including a 25 metre swimming pool with attached learner pool, a gym, a sauna/steam rooms, sunbeds and a crèche.
The subject site would be well served by local leisure facilities. In addition a future proposal has the potential to provide on-site open space and a children’s playspace. This provision with associated informal open space would conform with the Core Strategy Policy CP3 - General Principles for development.
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New developments are likely to create additional demand for facilities such as sports pitches, play areas, swimming pools. The Core strategy indicates that where local provision of facilities cannot be accommodated, contributions will be used to support investment in larger facilities.
Whilst there are sports pitches, golf courses and tennis courses in the area, the nearest leisure centre is in Wokingham town. Although the proposed residential development is likely to be required to make a contribution to leisure facilities in Wokingham, it is considered that a community consultation would be helpful to understand what the leisure facilities are most required in the local area.
4.0. SITE APPRAISAL SUMMARY
A sustainable community is a place where people want to live and work with minimal environmental impact now and into the future, creating a better quality of life. In order to achieve this, community consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity in the planning or design of any new development.
It is clear from this appraisal that a primarily residential scheme at the subject land at Roman Ride, Finchampstead has the potential to introduce a logical extension to the settlement underpinning its sustainability credentials. Prior to any planning application there would be community consultation. The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) describe consultation as a form of community empowerment or a process “enabling people to shape and choose the services they use on a personal basis, so that they can influence the way those services are delivered” (Source: CLG).
The site occupies an advantageous location adjoining the settlement boundary of Crowthorne and is within 10mins walk of Crowthorne Railway Station and various bus routes linking neighbouring towns. Between Finchampstead, Crowthorne and Sandhurst a wide selection of shops and services are on offer. Development of the subject site would help stimulate the economy, potentially creating more opportunity for local businesses.
There are a range employment opportunities in both Crowthorne and Sandhurst, however it is unlikely that either town would provide employment for all prospective residents at the subject site. There are however other large employers in the region that can be accessed via sustainable modes of transport. Wokingham; Bracknell and Reading can all be accessed by sustainable travel options and would be able to provide employment to residents of a sustainable community at Roman Ride thus contributing to a thriving economy.
Although sustainable transport modes can be used to access places of employment from the subject site, based on the AMR, it is anticipated that private cars will be prospective residents’ main mode of transport. As such the scheme will be supported by a green travel plan and a transport assessment to determine the impact of any new development. Any impact from the development could be significantly reduced by the introduction of electric charging points and car sharing scheme/car clubs dedicated to the development.
The area is well served by education, healthcare and leisure facilities which are all necessary Land at Roman Ride, Crowthorne 17
components of a sustainable community. Early community consultation would interpret local residents views on what other local services and facilities could be improved or provided as part of the financial contributions required from the scheme to further ensure its sustainability.
Ultimately a sustainable, primarily residential development at the subject site would help the district meet their annual housing targets, prescribed by the South East Plan.
For all of these reasons, we would urge the Council to allocate the land accordingly in their emerging LDF as a “residential led development site”.
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