Core Strategy - Consultation Draft

Background

Shared priorities within the Sustainable Community Strategy identify the following aims in relation to transport:

• Providing good access to key facilities through effective land use and transport planning;
• Programmes that combine increased transport investment with measures to manage travel demand to support sustainable growth;
• Integrated sustainable improvements in the transport infrastructure between North Somerset's urban and rural communities and its links to the South West;
• Safe cycling and walking encouraged through integrated planning;
• Improved highways and pedestrian access;
• Well promoted sustainable and accessible transport options.

The promotion and justification for major schemes are set out in the Joint Local Transport Plan. This plan is prepared by the four unitary authorities of Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset and sets out key transport plans for the next five years as well as a long term vision for the following twenty years.

The same authorities have united to tackle congestion in the West of England by putting together a Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid through the publication of 'Our Future Transport'. This document outlines the sub region's 20 year vision and the necessary measures that will have to be introduced prior to or soon after any road user or workplace charging is introduced in the above three locations.

The fundamental aim of the above documents are in line with the Core Strategy - namely to provide realistic choices to car use and improve environmental conditions for local residents and businesses. The majority of the major schemes have been subject to detailed analysis and there is no need to repeat these in the Core Strategy. The general location of the majority of these schemes are identified on the Key Diagram.

The Core Strategy approach

The Core Strategy's locational strategy aims to place new jobs, services and facilities where they are easily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and give existing and future residents a choice of how to travel. Where car-based movement is unavoidable the aim must be to accommodate the car but seek ways to minimise harm to the environment through good quality design and maximising car-sharing.

How and where the policy will be delivered

It is recognised that most opportunities to reduce the reliance on the private car will be within the major towns - in particular at the Weston urban extension. However the policy approach is applicable throughout the district and innovative public transport schemes will be explored for rural areas and villages. Through the development management process planning applications will need to address how they can reduce reliance on the car and still retain a wide choice of transport modes.

Layouts and land use distributions must be based on a network of cycleways/footpaths and public transport routes that ensure safe, convenient and direct access to local services. Larger developments in particular must be within safe and direct walking distance of shops and other key services. Developers will be required to undertake an assessment of their development proposals. This would need to include a full accessibility assessment by non-car modes to determine the transport needs arising from the development and the means by which any adverse impacts should be mitigated. For example off-site transport network improvements or payments towards upgrading a bus service may be necessary.

For larger scale developments a Travel Plan aimed at delivering sustainable transport objectives will be required. A Travel Plan will set out measures that will result in a reduction in car usage and an increased use of public transport, cycling and walking as alternative modes of transport.

Some funding for major transport schemes will be sought through the Department for Transport's major scheme bidding process and the remainder will be sought from developer contributions.

Alternative options and contingency planning

Allowing for unrestricted growth in traffic levels would be contrary to national guidance and would potentially lead to increased noise and pollution levels and have an adverse effect on the environment. It would also have the effect of making North Somerset a less attractive location for economic investment and reduce its potential for creating jobs and becoming less reliant on other areas for employment.

For the major transport schemes the options considered are:

a) Prioritising one mode of transport

The preferred approach is based on an integrated transport network where all modes of transport play a part in promoting a more sustainable transport solution. North Somerset is a mixture of urban and rural areas where reliance on one mode of transport e.g. rail or bus is not a viable way forward.

b) Rescind major transport schemes

These major schemes have been subject to previous studies which have taken into account future residential, employment and traffic growth forecasts. These studies demonstrate the need for major schemes to support growth and to maximise economic and safety benefits, whilst mitigating adverse environmental impacts; so their inclusion in the Core Strategy is fully justified.

Monitoring and review

Indicators relating to the West of England sub-region are contained in the Joint Local Transport Plan. These include the proportion of trips by different modes, distance travelled to work, traffic counts, data on public transport use, cycle use and the delivery of transport schemes. They will be monitored in accordance with the JLTP and this Core Strategy.