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Chapter 8
Transportation
Introduction
8.1 The overall Local Plan strategy proposes that the majority of future development should continue to be concentrated in or on the edge of Northwich or in Winsford. The Plan seeks to provide for a choice between a range of transport modes in order that more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling, walking and public transport will become increasingly attractive and practical options. Through the concentration of development in Northwich and Winsford it is also hoped that in addition to more trips being possible by sustainable forms of transport, the length of trips by private car will be shorter. There is now a national consensus on the need to improve public transport and reduce dependence on the car. The Government seeks to achieve this through an integrated transport policy, embracing all modes of transport and land-use planning.
8.2 The Local Plan Review also outlines measures which seek to control certain private car journeys, existing car parking standards will be implemented in a different way and will be revised at a strategic level in the near future and it is likely that revised standards will be expressed in terms of a range of maximum and operational minimum standards for broad classes of development. The Borough Council will continue to manage the public off-street car parking in the town centres and will encourage, through appropriate management, the use of certain car parks for short-stay users rather than commuters. Where car parking standards cannot be met, commuted sums will be required from developers to help not only to provide parking at alternative locations but to also contribute to measures to provide public transport, walking and cycling.
8.3 The transportation objectives of the Local Plan are consistent with the objectives of the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The LTP is drawn up by the County Council, in partnership with others, and covers all forms of transport. It is designed to co-ordinate and improve local transport provision with the aim of providing real alternatives to travel by private car. The Borough Council is a key partner with Cheshire County Council in developing a strategy for capital spending in Vale Royal as part of the LTP. The LTP also contains a "supporting statement" by the Borough Council setting out how through its own service delivery the LTP will be effectively implemented. This focuses particularly on development control policies.
8.4 The policies of the Transportation Chapter have been prepared in the light of the priorities set out in the Vale Royal Community Plan, namely:
- Ensure that public and other transport links effectively allow Vale Royal people to get to places of work
- Reduce the need to travel
- Maintain and enhance existing transport infrastructure
- Provide travel choices
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Policy T1 IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECT OF THE DEVELOPMENT ON THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE. THE COUNCIL WILL HAVE REGARD TO: (i) THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE CHESHIRE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN; (ii) THE REQUIREMENT TO REDUCE THE NEED TO TRAVEL, ESPECIALLY BY CAR; (iii) THE REQUIREMENT TO PRODUCE A TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT (SEE POLICY T2); (iv) THE NEED TO MITIGATE ANY ADVERSE IMPACTS UPON LOCAL AMENITY, ENVIRONMENT AND HIGHWAY SAFETY; (v) THE SAFE AND FREE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON THE TRUNK ROAD NETWORK; (vi) THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPOSAL IS ACCESSIBLE BY A VARIETY OF MEANS OF TRANSPORT; (vii) THE NEED TO MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC GENERATION; (viii) THE NEED TO PRODUCE A TRAVEL PLAN (SEE POLICY T20). |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In certain areas even small developments could have a seriously detrimental effect on safety or the environment, this would particularly be the case in rural or residential areas. Accordingly it will be necessary to ensure that these developments are assessed and if necessary controlled.
(ii) The current Cheshire Local Transport Plan covers the period 2001 to 2006 and contains a number of proposals throughout Vale Royal for improvements to facilitate travel by sustainable transport modes. These improvements need to be considered as part of any new development that may affect these proposals.
(iii) PPG13 replaces Traffic Impact Assessments with Transportation Assessments (TAs). TAs should be produced for all major new developments or development in areas that are particularly sensitive to increased traffic generation. TAs should take account of accessibility to the proposal by all modes of transportation. (See Policy T2)
(iv) PPG13 also introduces the concept of travel plans and suggests that major generators of travel involving jobs, shopping, leisure and services should prepare and adopt such plans to manage their transport impact upon the environment. (See Policy T19)
(v) Access to the trunk road network, whether directly or indirectly, will be assessed on a graduated basis. Developers should refer to DTLR Circular 04/2001 'Control of Development Affecting Trunk Roads and Agreements with Developers under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980' which sets out Government policy, and the requirements of the Highways Agency, with respect to access to the trunk road network.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - "Transport"
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 to 2005/06
TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENTS Policy T2 THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENTS TO ACCOMPANY ANY MAJOR PROPOSAL OR ANY PROPOSAL WHICH IS LOCATED IN A SENSITIVE AREA FOR TRAFFIC GENERATION. TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENTS SHOULD: (i) ILLUSTRATE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE SITE BY ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT AND THE LIKELY MODAL SPLIT OF ALL JOURNEYS TO AND FROM THE SITE; (ii) GIVE DETAILS OF PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING AND TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR PARKING ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSAL; AND, (iii) GIVE DETAILS OF PROPOSED MEASURES TO MITIGATE TRANSPORT IMPACTS ON LOCAL AMENITY, THE ENVIRONMENT, HIGHWAY SAFETY AND THE TRUNK ROAD NETWORK.' |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) PPG13 replaces Traffic Impact Assessments with Transportation Assessments (TA's). TA's should be produced for all major new developments or development in areas that are particularly sensitive to increased traffic generation. TA's should take account of accessibility to the proposal by all modes of transportation.
(ii) TA's should also assess how any adverse impacts of the proposal will be mitigated and how access to the site via sustainable modes of transport will be provided or improved.
(iii) Detailed guidance on the preparation of Transportation Assessments is being produced by the Department for Transport at present.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - "Transport"
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Policy T3 PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES WILL BE IMPROVED WHEREVER THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES. MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED WHERE: (i) IT CAN BE WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT; OR (ii) IT PROVIDES NEW FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT THAT RETAINS, RESTORES OR IMPROVES SERVICES; OR (iii) IT PROVIDES NEW OR IMPROVED INTERCHANGE FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In order that new developments can be fully accessed by public transport facilities;
(ii) In order that public transport is given additional advantages within new developments which ensure its improved use;
(iii) In order to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
RAILWAYS Policy T4 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS TO (i) IT DOES NOT LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF STATION FACILITIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES; (ii) IT DOES NOT LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN CAR PARKING SPACES AT THE STATION; (iii) IT DOES NOT LEAD TO THE EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM AREAS OF THE PLATFORM WHICH COULD REDUCE THE LONG TERM VIABILITY OF THE STATION AND ITS SERVICES; (iv) IT DOES NOT PREJUDICE THE PRESENT OR FUTURE USE OF THE STATION FOR FREIGHT MOVEMENT; (v) IT PROVIDES AN IMPROVEMENT TO STATION SAFETY AND SECURITY. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Borough Council supports the reuse of existing station buildings for appropriate purposes as long as the redevelopment does not prejudice the use of the station for passengers.
(ii) The reduction in parking facilities at certain stations could lead to a reduction of usage which would assist the justification for station closures. The Borough Council strongly wishes to encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport such as rail.
(iii) Although at present the freight potential of the existing railways has not been fully explored due to a lack of market demand, this situation may change over time as congestion, fuel prices and taxation make rail freight a more attractive alternative.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
RAILWAY STATIONS Policy T5 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SPECIFICALLY SAFEGUARD LAND FROM DEVELOPMENT AS INDICATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAPS FOR THE EXPANSION AND/OR IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES ESPECIALLY IMPROVED ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AT THE FOLLOWING RAILWAY STATIONS: (i) WINSFORD; |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Borough Council wishes to work with the train operating companies and Network Rail to provide the best possible facilities in order to encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport.
(ii) In order to ensure that railway stations and their facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
(iii) The Vale Royal Public Transport Liaison Committee monitors the provision of public transport services. It comprises representatives of Town, Parish, Borough and County Councils as well as bus and train users. It advises the County Council's Transport Co-ordination Service on local issues and originates ideas for new services. It also acts as a forum for local opinion when service cuts have to be considered.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Structure Plan Alteration (Cheshire 2016)
NORTHWICH - MIDDLEWICH - SANDBACH RAIL LINE Policy T6 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SAFEGUARD THE LINE OF THE NORTHWICH - MIDDLEWICH - SANDBACH RAILWAY WITHIN VALE ROYAL AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP FROM DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD PREVENT FUTURE USE FOR PASSENGER AND/OR RAIL FREIGHT SERVICES. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Northwich/Sandbach Line is presently only used for freight services and as a diversionary route for passenger services while the main West Coast Main Line is undergoing engineering works. However, the route could be used to serve existing and new development at Gadbrook for passenger and freight. Accordingly, in order to meet this long term objective the Borough Council feel it is fully justified in ensuring the route is safeguarded in the long term.
(ii) In order to ensure that railway stations and their facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
SAFEGUARDED RAIL LINES Policy T7 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SAFEGUARD FROM DEVELOPMENT ANY RAILWAY LINE PREDOMINATELY USED FOR NON PASSENGER SERVICES OR NOT PRESENTLY IN USE FOR RAIL SERVICES SUCH AS: (i) HELSBY/MOULDSWORTH (PART OF THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK); (ii) RAILWAY LINK ADJACENT TO NEW WARRINGTON ROAD; DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD NOT PREJUDICE: (i) THE FUTURE REOPENING OF THE LINE FOR RAIL SERVICES; (ii) THE USE OF THE ROUTE OF THE LINE AS A CYCLEWAY, FOOTPATH AND/OR BRIDLEWAY; (iii) THE USE OF ROUTE AS A LINEAR PARK; (iv) THE LINE'S ROLE AS A WILDLIFE CORRIDOR. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In order to ensure that rail corridors continue to be available for reuse for rail purposes in the future.
(ii) In order that rail corridors are not developed in a manner which will prevent them being used for sustainable transport or tourism.
(iii) Any development on or adjacent to these lines would need to take into account the presence of significant pipelines.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
PEDESTRIANS AND WALKING Policy T8 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PERMIT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IF THEY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WHERE THEY ARE CURRENTLY LACKING AND THEIR PROVISION WOULD BE OF BENEFIT: (i) SAFE AND CONVENIENT PEDESTRIAN ROUTES WHICH PROVIDE DIRECT LINKS BETWEEN THE MAIN BUILDINGS IN THE PROPOSAL AND TO THE SURROUNDING LOCAL AREA AND FACILITIES; (ii) SIGNS TO/FROM PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND LOCAL FACILITIES SUCH AS SHOPS; (iii) MEASURES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, SAFETY BARRIERS, LIGHTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. (iv) MEASURES TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE EXISTING PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY AFFECTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Developers, when planning new developments, should ensure that footpaths and cycle ways are included as an integral part of the design. Various issues will need to be addressed when cycle ways and footpaths are segregated from the highway such as the need for good overlooking, well designed lighting schemes and landscaping. It is anticipated through good design many of the problems perceived to be associated with segregated footways and cycle ways can be overcome
(ii) Walking can play an important role in creating healthier lifestyles.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
CYCLING Policy T9 IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK, WHERE APPROPRIATE, IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES FOR CYCLISTS THROUGH: (i) THE PROVISION OF, OR A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS, ADDITIONAL CYCLE ROUTES TO AND FROM THE SURROUNDING AREA, AND THE PROVISION OF LINKS BETWEEN ALL MAJOR BUILDINGS WITHIN THE PROPOSAL; (ii) THE PROVISION OF THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF SAFE, SECURE AND COVERED CYCLE PARKING BASED ON THE COUNCIL'S CYCLE PARKING STANDARDS; (iii) THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE CHANGING FACILITIES, SHOWERS AND LOCKERS. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Cycling is a key component of transport policy and is seen as a sustainable alternative to the use of the car. In addition, the use of cycles promotes the health and well being of the community and can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
(ii) The provision of safe, convenient, secure and covered cycle parking is a vital factor in encouraging the use of cycling as a mode of transport. It is essential that these facilities are provided at all major buildings and destinations and that they are linked with adequate changing, locker and shower facilities.
(iii) Major developments should provide direct and safe cycle routes to and from the surrounding area. This may include both on and off-road routes.
(iv) Cycling can play an important role in creating healthier lifestyles.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK Policy T10 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SAFEGUARD A ROUTE INDICATED ON THE |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The National Cycle Network has been given support at a national level through the funding from the Millennium fund for survey work. A route has been indicated on the Proposals Maps and some surveys were carried out, however, it is possible that more detailed survey work will indicate that the route may have a detrimental impact on sites of landscape or nature conservation value and it may be necessary in certain cases to vary from the indicated route for a variety of reasons such as safety. The detailed design of any section of the route will need to incorporate mitigation measures for nature conservation and traffic calming.
(ii) Long distance cycle routes can provide both a valuable leisure resource but also sections of the route allow for journeys to work and shop and it is a more sustainable form of transport.
FREIGHT Policy T11 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL NOT PERMIT PROPOSALS FOR LARGE SCALE WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES UNLESS THEY MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) THE SITE CAN BE SERVED BY RAIL AND/OR COMMERCIAL WATERWAY; (ii) THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT LEAD TO AN UNACCEPTABLE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC EITHER IN A SENSITIVE RESIDENTIAL OR RURAL AREA FOLLOWING A TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT; (iii) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS WELL RELATED TO EXISTING EMPLOYMENT AREAS; (iv) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS NOT WITHIN THE GREEN BELT, SSSI, ASCV, ASLEV. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The type of development to which this Policy refers is proposals of approximately 10,000 square metres (100,000 square feet) upwards.
DEVELOPMENT OF LAND ADJACENT TO THE RIVER WEAVER FOR WATER BASED FREIGHT FACILITIES Policy T12 THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND ADJACENT TO THE RIVER WEAVER FOR WATER BASED FREIGHT FACILITIES WILL BE PERMITTED WITHIN THE POLICY BOUNDARIES OF WINSFORD AND NORTHWICH PROVIDED THAT THE PROPOSAL MEETS ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE BOROUGH COUNCIL'S AIMS FOR TOURISM AND RECREATION; (ii) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT DETRACT FROM AREAS OF ACKNOWLEDGED NATURE CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE IMPORTANCE. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The use of heavy lorries to transport goods causes environmental problems in residential areas. Lorries cause vibration, noise and exhaust fumes and can also pose a safety hazard where they go through residential areas. It is necessary to look at alternative methods of moving heavy goods for the future which may soon be more viable as proposed improvements to the West Coast Main Line and links to Europe are implemented.
(ii) The Weaver Navigation offers opportunities for water based freight, however, much of the Weaver Valley is an Area of Special County Value and according development should be confined to the areas adjoining the river within Northwich and Winsford Policy Boundaries.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
CAR PARKING Policy T13 DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD PROVIDE CAR PARKING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MAXIMUM CAR PARKING STANDARDS. LEVELS LESS THAN THE STANDARDS MAY BE ACCEPTABLE WHERE: (i) THE PROPOSAL IS WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE POLICY BOUNDARY OF NORTHWICH OR WINSFORD OR THE DEFINED SHOPPING AREA OF FRODSHAM; OR (ii) THE PROPOSAL IS IN AN AREA THAT IS HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND BY CYCLING; OR (iii) THE PROPOSAL IS WITHIN A SHORT WALKING DISTANCE OF AN AREA OF PUBLIC CAR PARKING; OR (iv) THE REDUCED LEVEL OF PROVISION WOULD NOT LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL AMENITY IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, THROUGH MORE ON STREET PARKING. WHERE REDUCED LEVELS OF CAR PARKING ARE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ABOVE CRITERIA, CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE SOUGHT TO EITHER PROVIDE CAR PARKING OFF-SITE OR CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MEASURES TO FACILITATE ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING OR CYCLING. THE BOROUGH COUNCIL MAY SEEK TO REDUCE CAR PARKING PROVISION ON SITES WHERE A TRAVEL PLAN HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Interim Parking Standards for Cheshire are referred to in the Structure Plan and are based on guidance in PPG13 and RPG13. The council will employ these as maximum standards in assessing development proposals.
(ii) In certain circumstances the standards will be relaxed where the site is accessible via sustainable modes of transport.
(iii) The revised parking standards are likely to be expressed in terms of non-operational standards and will also consider accessibility of development in terms of public transport and pedestrians/cyclists.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
CAR PARKING IN TOWN AND VILLAGE CENTRES Policy T14 THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENSURE AN APPROPRIATE SUPPLY OF ATTRACTIVE, CONVENIENT AND SAFE PARKING FOR SHOPPERS AND OTHER SHORT-TERM PARKERS IN TOWN AND VILLAGE CENTRES. DEVELOPMENT WHICH INVOLVES THE LOSS OF PUBLIC PARKING WHICH PROVIDES FOR SHOPPERS AND VISITORS IN DEFINED TOWN AND VILLAGE CENTRES WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF: (i) AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF REPLACEMENT PROVISION CAN BE ACCOMMODATED AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT; (ii) AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF REPLACEMENT PROVISION CAN BE MADE AT A CONVENIENT LOCATION IN PROXIMITY TO THE TOWN OR VILLAGE CENTRE. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In order to ensure that adequate town centre parking exists for the needs of shoppers.
(ii) In order that local residents living close to the town centre do not suffer a loss of residential amenity.
(iii) In order that the economic viability of the town centre is maintained.
(iv) There is no specific definition of what constitutes a convenient location, as this will vary between centres. The greater level of attraction of the centre the longer the distance people will be willing to walk. However, as an indication of what may constitute an unacceptable distance, PPG6 states that people are unlikely to walk more than 200 metres to car parks located at adjacent town centre sites. In considering what constitutes a convenient location topography, major roads and directions of pedestrian routes and safety from car parks to town centre facilities along with the distance will be key considerations.
PROVISION OF ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Policy T15 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL NEGOTIATE WITH DEVELOPERS TO ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR WITHIN ALL NEW DEVELOPMENTS. CONSIDERATION FOR THE DISABLED SHOULD BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING MATTERS: (i) THE USE OF SURFACE MATERIALS; (ii) THE POSITIONING OF STREET FURNITURE AND LANDSCAPING; (iii) THE GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE DEVELOPMENT; (iv) THE DESIGN AND LOCATIONS OF CASH POINT FACILITIES (ATM'S). |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In order that people with disabilities can move around new developments with the minimum amount of effort and in order that all areas are accessible.
(ii) The Policy relates to those areas not presently covered by other legislation, namely Part M of the Building Regulations.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
ROADSIDE FACILITIES Policy T16 NEW ROADSIDE FACILITIES WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THEY SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) THEY ARE SITUATED ADJACENT TO THE MAJOR ROADS THROUGH THE BOROUGH, I.E. THE A49, A54 AND THE A556 AND ARE NEAR A LARGE VILLAGE OR TOWN BUT THEY ARE NOT ACCESSED FROM THE M6 OR M56 MOTORWAYS. ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH PROPOSALS WILL NEED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY; (ii) IN GREEN BELTS, ONLY REST AREAS PROVIDING TOILETS AND PICNIC TABLES WILL BE ALLOWED, AND ONLY WHERE ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS OUTSIDE THE GREEN BELT ARE NOT AVAILABLE. IN AREAS DESIGNATED AS ASCV'S AND ASLEV'S ONLY REST AREAS PROVIDING TOILETS AND PICNIC TABLES WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY IN LOCATIONS NOT DAMAGING TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT; (iii) THERE IS A PROVEN NEED FOR THE PARTICULAR FACILITY TAKING ACCOUNT OF GOVERNMENT ADVICE, EXISTING PROVISION AND COMMERCIAL DEMAND; (iv) THEY SATISFY ACCESS AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS; (v) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT HAVE AN UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT ON THE VISUAL AMENITY OF THE SURROUNDING AREA. THE DETAILS OF THE DEVELOPMENT SATISFY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IN RESPECT OF LAYOUT, SIGNAGE, LANDSCAPING, SCALE OF BUILDINGS, DESIGN AND MATERIALS USED, WITH SPECIFIC REGARD TO THE CHARACTER OF THE SURROUNDING AREA; (vi) THEY SHOULD CATER FOR ALL USERS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To confine the environmental impact of large roadside facilities which include parking, fuel, telephones, picnic areas, refreshments, limited shopping facilities and overnight accommodation intended only for breaks in journeys to areas close to the major routes through the Borough and to try to limit the number of cars travelling on rural roads.
(ii) To restrict development in areas where it would have a detrimental impact.
(iii) In the interest of highway safety and visual impact.
(iv) When assessing such proposals the Council will have regard to other policies within this Plan in particular Policy T1.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Structure Plan Alteration (Cheshire 2016) - Policy T10
Circular 4/88
LORRY PARKS Policy T17 PROPOSALS FOR LORRY PARKS WHICH ACCOMMODATE OVERNIGHT STAYS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED IF THEY MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) THEY ARE SITUATED ADJACENT TO THE MAJOR ROADS THROUGH THE BOROUGH WHICH ARE THE A54, A556 AND A49 BUT NOT DIRECTLY ACCESSED FROM THE M6 OR M56. ACCESS FOR SUCH PROPOSALS WILL NEED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY; (ii) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT HAVE AN UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT UPON THE VISUAL AMENITY OF THE SURROUNDING AREA AND ANY IMPACT SHOULD BE REDUCED THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE USE OF LANDSCAPING / SCREENING AND THE SENSITIVE USE OF SIGNAGE; (iii) THE PARK SHOULD NOT BE ACCESSED THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA OR HAVE A DETRIMETNAL EFFECT ON THE AMENITY OF A RESIDENTIAL AREA; (iv) THE PARK SHOULD NOT BE PROPOSED ON LAND WHICH IS DESIGNATED GREEN BELT, SSSI, ASLEV OR ASCV; (v) ANY ASSOCIATED BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE OF AN APPROPRIATE SCALE AND THE DESIGN, MATERIALS, SIGNAGE SHOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE AMENITY OF THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT; (vi) ESSENTIAL FACILITIES MUST BE PROVIDED FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS FOR EXAMPLE TOILETS; (vii) THE SURFACING AND DRAINAGE ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE SUITABLE TO PROTECT WATERCOURSES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FROM POTENTIALLY HARMFUL LEAKS OR SPILLS FROM LORRIES; (viii) THE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD INCORPORATE BASIC SAFETY FEATURES IN ORDER TO ADDRESS FIRES OR LEAKAGES; (ix) DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS KIND SHOULD, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, BE WELL RELATED TO LARGE EMPLOYERS AND HGV USERS, AS LONG AS THIS DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA; (X) WHERE SITES ARE PROPOSED IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED IT MEETS ALL OF THE CRITERIA AND IS LOCATED ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) In order that such facilities are generally concentrated on industrial estates or close to companies that regularly use lorries.
(ii) In order that the impact of lorry parks on residential areas is minimised.
(iii) In order that lorries are concentrated onto roads that are already deemed suitable for HGV traffic.
(iv) Suitable drainage may include inceptors to prevent harmful substances damaging watercourses or wildlife.
Policy Derivation
Circular 4/88
GENERAL HIGHWAYS POLICIES Policy T18 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SAFEGUARD LAND FROM ANY OTHER DEVELOPMENT ON THE ROAD LINE INDICATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHEME: (i) THE A54 WINSFORD RAILWAY STATION TO STANTHORNE. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Land needs to be safeguarded in order that the long-term aims of the LTP, Local Plan and Structure Plan can be achieved.
(ii) If the land was not safeguarded from development, building could take place which may need to be the subject of compulsory purchase in the future and this would be unsatisfactory for all parties.
(iii) The road proposal put forward is to remove dangerous bends.
Policy Derivation
Cheshire Structure Plan Alteration (2016)
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES Policy T19 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO INCLUDE APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Measures of this kind should be designed with public transport providers, emergency vehicle operators and cyclists in mind and should take into consideration the latest Department of Transport advice and research with respect to design.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
TRAVEL PLANS Policy T20 THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE TRAVEL PLANS TO BE PRODUCED IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL GENERATE SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF TRAFFIC. TRAVEL PLANS MUST DEMONSTRATE HOW THE DEVELOPMENT WILL: (i) REDUCE SINGLE OCCUPANCY VEHICLE TRIPS TO THE SITE; (ii) INCREASE TRAVEL TO THE SITE BY SUSTAINABLE MODES OF TRANSPORT THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING; (iii) REDUCE TRAFFIC IMPACT AND SPEEDS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT; (iv) IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY, PARTICULARLY FOR PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Travel Plans should be submitted alongside planning applications that are likely to have significant transport implications including:
- all major developments comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services;
- smaller developments comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services which would generate significant amounts of travel in, or near to, air quality management areas, and in other locations where there are local initiatives or targets set out in the development plan or local transport plan for the reduction of road traffic, or the promotion of public transport, walking and cycling;
- new and expanded school facilities;
- developments that are located in areas where there is an existing traffic generation problem.
(ii) Travel Plans should be worked up in consultation with the Borough Council and local transport providers. They should contain an assessment of the current situation, targets for modal shift and effective arrangements for monitoring the success of the travel plan.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 - 'Transport'
Cheshire Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06
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