Support

Preferred Options

Representation ID: 47495

Received: 03/08/2012

Respondent: The Europa Way Consortium and Warwickshire County Council (Physical Assets-Resources)

Agent: AMEC

Representation Summary:

The transport strategy and provisions set out under Policy PO12 are broadly supported. However, we believe that the proposed P&R on land in the vicinity of the Harbury roundabout would be unsuccessful, and should instead be located where it has the best chance of being effective e.g. land close to the Greys Mallory roundabout.

Full text:

The transport strategy and provisions set out under Policy PO12 are broadly supported. We agree with the importance of locating development in locations which both minimise the need to travel and help promote sustainable forms of transport (such as walking, cycling and public transport). Land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way represents such a site. Not only is land at this location within easy walking distance of existing schools, shops, and employment opportunities but also lies adjacent cycle paths, bus-based public transport corridors and is within easy access of both Leamington and Warwick railway stations, and town centres.

The principle of park and rides are supported provided such schemes are well conceived and well designed. Unfortunately we do not believe that is the case with regards the proposed "virtual" P&R on land in the vicinity of the Harbury roundabout as graphically illustrated on Map 5. It is our considered view that a P&R in this general location would be unsuccessful. To have any chance of being effective, a P&R needs to be located either on the very periphery of the urban area/ or beyond it to capture 'customers' before they are caught in the very traffic they wish to avoid. During preparation of the current adopted District Local Plan, on technical grounds the County Council favoured land around Greys Mallory for a P&R site over land on north side of Heathcote roundabout and to the west of Europa Way. In his report on the Inquiry into the Plan, the Inspector endorsed this view agreeing that Greys Mallory had distinct advantages in transport terms over possible sites at Heathcote roundabout (Inspector's Report, paragraphs 10.7.13 to 16).

We reserve the right to comment on other identified '"possible transport infrastructure" proposals, as illustrated on Map 5 and presented in the accompanying Draft Infrastructure Plan, once these proposals have been further developed in line with the a refinement of development proposals in the emerging new Local Plan.