Chapter 5:

Accessibility and Infrastructure

Background

5.1 Transport Policy forms a key part of the Plan and has been developed to reflect the role of the Borough Council in locating new development and in the provision of transport infrastructure. This is achieved through joint working with Hampshire County Council (the County Council is the Local Highways and Passenger Transport Authority with responsibility for the majority of transportation and highways proposals in the area). The Borough Council will continue to work closely with HCC to support existing strategies and guidance in aiming to:

• Support an integrated approach to transport which reduces dependence on the car and improves alternatives including public transport, cycling and walking

• Improve safety and security for all travellers and reduce the harmful effects of traffic and transport, particularly pollution

• Protect and promote the Borough’s position as an attractive location for business and investment.

• Improve and promote safe walking and cycling networks to meet functional and recreational needs

5.2 Historic travel demands in Basingstoke have primarily been met by providing good car–based access to all parts of the town, including the provision of car parking spaces. Although this has helped Basingstoke to avoid many of the traffic problems common to settlements of a similar size, a number of problems now exist. These include high car ownership and usage in some areas, social exclusion for those who do not have access to the car, the creation of unsafe travel conditions for vulnerable road users, the isolation of rural areas of the Borough where public transport is scarce, environmental problems and also the perception that Basingstoke is a car-based town.

5.3 The past approach of focusing on the growth and enhancement of the road network has now given way to the development of a more balanced and integrated approach. This is aimed at:

• Improving alternative modes of transport to the car to restrain traffic growth, decrease congestion and reduce social exclusion;

• Locating development in accessible locations where it minimises the need to travel, in accordance with the sequential approach; and

• Managing the road network more efficiently.

In order to ensure a co-ordinated approach to land use planning and transportation within the Borough and with neighbouring authorities, the Plan will support proposals set out in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and in Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST).

5.4 Infrastructure Provision is a key element of the Local Plan, providing the basis for ensuring that we have the water, fuel and other service provision necessary to carry out our day to day lives. The policies in the Plan seeks to ensure that new infrastructure provision is secured in time with the rate of new development and that the infrastructure implications of new development are fully considered as part of the planning process. Policy C1 (developer contributions) provides the basis for the Council to secure infrastructure improvements, or contributions towards their provision. This chapter of the Plan contains specific policies relating to the provision of those infrastructure improvements.

Public Consultation

• 74% of respondents felt that working to find new ways of moving around the Borough, including safe routes to walk, was either important or very important.

• 74% of respondents felt that encouraging the use and development of local public transport was important or very important

• 89% of respondents felt that minimising waste and increasing the amount of recycling was either very important or important.

• Reducing the use of non-renewable energy such as oil and gas and reducing the use of water and other natural materials was identified as either important or very important by 77% of respondents.

Car Parking

Policy A1 Parking for new development proposals will be flexibly assessed, dependent on individual circumstances, using as a basis the car and other parking standards set out in the Council’s Parking Strategy and Standards Supplementary Planning Guidance. Travel Plans will be required for all development, other than residential, which is above 500 square metres.

5.5 In order to promote the concept of sustainability, some form of management is necessary to ensure that excessive parking is not provided (which merely leads to greater congestion and pollution). The required standards are set out in the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance, which are based upon national guidance and the Hampshire County Council Parking Strategy and Standards, which in itself forms Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Structure Plan. This establishes maximum parking standards and requires that the levels of parking be reduced in accessible locations, where alternatives modes of transport are available to the private car. Additionally, the standards vary across the Borough to reflect the more rural nature of some settlements. In this respect, the standards aim to be more flexible, which will assist in maintaining vitality and viability in smaller settlements, where alternative modes of transport may not be so readily available. Standards are also set out for cycle parking. Furthermore, the SPG also identifies some circumstances where a Travel Plan and / or a Transport Assessment will be required.

5.6 Travel Plans are required in order to seek to encourage companies to provide and make use of alternative modes of transport to the private car. This could, for example, include the provision of a car-sharing database of employees or the increased use of flexible and home-working via e-mail and the internet. Advice on the preparation of Travel Plans is available from the Borough Council.

Alternatives to the Car/Public Transport

Encouraging Walking, Cycling and the Use of Public Transport

Policy A2 The Borough Council will only grant planning permission for developments with vehicular and pedestrian generation implications where: cycling and walking infrastructure are integrated with the development and linked with surrounding networks; and development takes account of the needs of public transport. Elsewhere within the Plan area opportunities will be examined to improve provision for pedestrians, cyclists and to encourage the use of public transport including community transport in areas not served by conventional public transport. Additionally, the funding of local transport improvements will be sought in conjunction with new development where appropriate.

5.7 Walking, cycling and the use of public transport have a key role to play in ensuring more sustainable travel. This can be achieved through the provision of pedestrian and cycle routes; ensuring that new development is situated in locations which encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport; offering greater safety on existing routes; ensuring routes are accessible to all; linking specific areas via convenient pedestrian and cycle routes; and ensuring that safe and convenient cycle parking facilities are available, especially at transport interchanges. Other initiatives such as the provision of showers within employment developments can also contribute towards this, through the requirement for Travel Plans as set out in Policy A1 and the Parking Strategy and Standards SPG. The Borough Council will seek to enter into legal agreements with potential developers to secure the implementation of specific improvements or contributions towards their implementation in accordance with the strategy outlined in BEST and the requirements of the proposed SPG on developer contributions. This may include new infrastructure or the provision of new or additional public transport services.

5.8 The availability of public transport as an alternative to the car is a key factor in reducing car journeys. The Plan will protect and enhance existing public transport routes and create new ones where possible. This will complement work being undertaken by the Council on Quality Bus Partnerships which aim to deliver high quality public transport services that provide reliable and accessible services. These will be developed in conjunction with the operator and Hampshire County Council on a route by route basis where it is the intention to provide bus priority measures together with improved vehicles and waiting facilities.

5.9 The Council is currently developing a number of schemes designed to improve and promote cycling and walking in the Borough. These include the corridor based improvement programme through BEST and also a comprehensive series of improvements through Safer Journeys to School schemes, in conjunction with the County Council. In terms of cycling, a Bicycle Users Group has been established which is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive network of routes and which is consulted on all schemes involving cycling.

5.10 However there are many rural communities, where there are no alternative forms of transport and car use is, at present, the only real option for travel. The characteristics of the Borough and its relatively scattered pattern of settlements and rural road network must be considered in any transport proposals. The Council will support the development of flexible community based transport initiatives and will work with the County Council to develop initiatives to serve rural areas. The retention of local services and facilities will also help to reduce the need to travel for many communities, although the travel needs of various groups such as children and the elderly will require special consideration.

Infrastructure Improvements

Policy A3 Proposals for schemes on the road network which are necessary to relieve congestion, improve road safety or lead to environmental benefits will be permitted. This may include schemes associated with the trunk road network, including improvements to Black Dam roundabout and junction 6 of the M3 motorway and also improvements between junctions 7 and 8. Development will not be permitted that would prevent the use of any part of the existing or proposed cycle or pedestrian networks or other rights of way unless alternative routes are provided that are similar or better in quality, length, convenience and safety. Additionally, development will be resisted where it is considered to adversely affect proposals for future infrastructure improvements for public transport which have a realistic possibility of implementation in the short to medium term.

5.11 In addition to the proposals for a new railway station at Chineham and a new station car park at Whitchurch, further opportunities will be taken to improve the transport network. In line with national policy, apart from in association with major new developments and where there is a need to relieve congestion, improve road safety or lead to environmental benefits, there is unlikely to be major new road building in the future. As outlined in BEST, the focus will be more upon managing the existing road network more effectively. This will include implementing a programme of measures along major transport corridors which will include such techniques as speed and capacity control, priority measures, traffic calming schemes and influencing how roads are used to encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking whilst improving safety for all road users.

5.12 In developing such initiatives and assessing the need for new transport infrastructure, close liaison will take place with the County Council. A wide range of consultation will also be undertaken with the public, local organisations, operators and other key stakeholders such that schemes can be designed with the knowledge and experience of local people.

Telecommunications Development

Policy A4 Proposals for telecommunications development, including Prior Approval applications (excluding criterion iv.), will be permitted provided that: they are appropriate in terms of siting and appearance and having regard to technical and operational constraints, do not intrude into or detract from the landscape or urban character of the area: and applicants demonstrate a sequential approach to show that development cannot be accommodated with less visual intrusion a) on an existing building, mast or other structure; or b) on a site that already contains telecommunications equipment; before new sites can be considered. adequate camouflage, screening and/or landscape, measures are included; and provision is made for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer required for telecommunication purposes. health consideration in planning applications will be assessed in accordance with Government advice, especially that in PPG8.

5.13 The rapid growth in mobile communications has resulted in at least 43 million users of mobile phones in the UK. This results in an increased demand for sites to locate telecoms equipment. The Government’s framework for telecoms development is set out within PPG8. This outlines the importance of good communications both economically and socially and sets out the Government’s policy to facilitate the growth of new and existing telecoms systems, whilst minimising the environmental impact of any installation.

5.14 An ‘overview’ plan has been produced by the Borough Council in conjunction with the 5 main operators and the various local action groups. The operators have made a commitment to provide annual rollout plans for each area, indicating where new installations are required. The overview plan shows the area of search. Additionally a leaflet on telecommunications is available setting out background information and the Council’s approach to the issue. The Council has adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance to amplify the above guidance on telecommunications development. The Council also encourages adherence to the guidance set out within the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister), to ensure effective communication and consultation, and secure the best siting and design of telecommunications equipment.

5.15 The Borough Council will negotiate with operators and potential developers to seek the incorporation of new telecommunications equipment locations within new residential and employment developments at an early stage of the formulation of development proposals.

Recycling

Policy A5 Proposals for telecommunications development, including Prior Approval applications (excluding criterion iv.), will be permitted provided that: they are appropriate in terms of siting and appearance and having regard to technical and operational constraints, do not intrude into or detract from the landscape or urban character of the area: and applicants demonstrate a sequential approach to show that development cannot be accommodated with less visual intrusion a) on an existing building, mast or other structure; or b) on a site that already contains telecommunications equipment; before new sites can be considered. adequate camouflage, screening and/or landscape, measures are included; and provision is made for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer required for telecommunication purposes. health consideration in planning applications will be assessed in accordance with Government advice, especially that in PPG8.

5.16 Recycling of waste materials is of increasing importance nationally and locally. In order to reduce the current reliance on landfilling of waste, which is unsustainable in the long-term, the Council will encourage further development of re-use and recycling initiatives. The Borough has a target to recycle 20% of all household waste in 2003 and 30% in 2005.

5.17 Refuse and recycling facilities should be sited and designed to ensure that they do not detract from the environment and the amenities of the locality. Facilities must be located where they are accessible to users and collection vehicles.

Renewable Energy

Policy A6 Proposals will be permitted to generate energy from renewable sources provided that: the proposal, including any associated transmission lines, buildings and access roads, has no significant adverse impact on the historic and natural landscape, landscape character, townscape or nature conservation interests, and the proposal has no adverse impact on the amenity of the area in respect of noise, dust, odour, and traffic generation; and provision is made for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site should it cease to be operational.

5.18 Renewable energy sources can contribute to the provision of diverse, secure and sustainable energy supplies and a reduction in the emission of pollutants. The Government is committed to securing 10% of UK electricity demand from renewable sources by 2010 under the Renewables Obligation.

5.19 Renewable energy projects may have particular locational constraints since the resource can often only be harnessed where it occurs naturally. The Council will therefore consider both the immediate impact of the proposal on the local environment and its wider contribution to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Some of these projects will require the submission of Environmental Impact Assessments, and all applications should submit a detailed assessment of the impact of the project on the environment. Applicants should take into account relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance such as the Borough Landscape Assessment and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction. The Council will encourage community-based schemes that contribute to regeneration and diversification.

Water and Sewerage Infrastructure

Policy A7 Planning permission will be granted for developments provided that: sufficient water supply, surface water drainage, foul drainage and sewage treatment capacity already exist; or additional capacity can be provided in time to serve the development; and the above matters would not lead to problems for existing users, or adversely affect the environment The Borough Council will seek to ensure that there is adequate water supply, surface water drainage, foul drainage and sewage treatment capacity to serve all new developments. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both on and off site to service the development. In some circumstances this may make it necessary for developers to arrange for appropriate studies to ascertain whether the proposed development will lead to the overloading of existing infrastructure. When there is a capacity problem and improvements in off-site infrastructure are not programmed, developers will be expected to requisition or otherwise fund infrastructure improvements. Planning conditions and section 106 agreements may be necessary to accommodate this process. These will include phasing arrangements if appropriate.

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