RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS, NORWICH Client: Engineer: Taylor Wimpey East Anglia Create Consulting Engineers Limited Hungate House Princes Street Norwich Norfolk NR3 1AZ Tel: 08454507908 Email: enquiries@createconsultingengineers.co.uk Web: www.createconsultingengineers.co.uk Riverside Heights, Norwich Report By: Stuart Wilson, BSc (Hons), MCIHT Checked By: Jonathan Cage, BEng (Hons), MSc, CEng, MICE, MCIHT Reference: SW/CS/126/02 Date: April 2010
RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS, NORWICH Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Implementation 4.0 Target Setting and Indicators 5.0 Marketing and Promotion 6.0 Targets, Monitoring and Review 7.0 Costs Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Create Consulting Engineers Ltd has been instructed by Taylor Wimpey East Anglia to produce a Residential (RTP) in support of a planning application to develop a site for 360 apartments in Norwich, Norfolk. 1.2 At the time of this report, there are 154 units left of 330 to build on the current permission at Carrow Road. 1.3 Due to changes within the residential property market, Taylor Wimpey East Anglia are keen to change the design of the proposed scheme. This has resulted in the remaining layout being amended to change the last three blocks into five smaller blocks of flats. At the same time it was agreed that an increase in the number of units that could be accommodated on the site would also be investigated. Presently 154 dwellings of the original permission are still to be constructed and it is intended that this figure be increased by a further 20 units to 174 units. This would now result in the overall Riverside Heights scheme incorporating 350 units. 1.4 The original permission did not require a RTP, however, due to the increase in apartments and the requirement for a revised submission, a RTP has been prepared. Figure 1: Site Location Plan Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 2
1.5 This RTP has been prepared in accordance with current central and local Government policies and best practices. It is created to inform all residents and visitors of the transportation services and facilities available to them in the local area and make them aware of the travel mode options for their journeys. 1.6 The primary aim of the RTP is to influence the travel behaviour of new home owners through a range of measures aimed at reducing reliance on the private car. 1.7 This RTP will therefore consider the present travel conditions at the site and establish modal shares. 1.8 The report will then suggest achievable measures to influence modal choice in favour of more sustainable travel alternatives. 1.9 The success of the RTP will be assessed against targets established within this document, following annual surveys of travel modes. Through appropriate revision and annual monitoring, the RTP will remain a relevant and active process, rather than a single document. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 3
2.0 OBJECTIVES 2.1 In addition to assisting in achieving Central Government aims and objectives, a RTP can have a number of benefits to individuals and the local community as well as the site, such as: An improvement in the environmental image of the site; A reduced need for car parking spaces; Improved access to the site for residents, visitors and deliveries; Reduced traffic generation resulting in improved air quality, noise levels, local traffic conditions and a cleaner more attractive environment; Reduced stress caused by driving, allied with improved health from adopting alternative travel habits; Enhancement of the role of safe walking and cycling in the local area and therefore an improved environment for all pedestrians and cyclists; Improved viability and therefore provision of local public transport services, which are available to those travelling to and from the site as well as the rest of the local community; and A reviewable operation so that any adverse transport impact can be quickly dealt with and emerging opportunities maximised. 2.2 It is important that the RTP is considered a process rather than a single event. Regular evaluation and, if necessary, adaptation of measures put in place will increase the likelihood of the RTP meeting its aims, and ensure that any shortfalls are identified and changed at the earliest opportunity. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 4
3.0 IMPLEMENTATION 3.1 In refining the content of the RTP, the development will explore the potential for a variety of sustainable travel options, with the aim of providing a sustainable travel environment that encourages and rewards the adoption of these modes. 3.2 It is essential that a number of measures are applied early on so that residents are kept informed of the proposals and have the opportunity to contribute towards the RTP. Measures of the RTP will include: The appointment of a RTP Coordinator (TPC). This is to oversee all aspects of the RTP. The creation of a steering group which will include residents on site and members of the management company will meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the RTP. Consulting with residents on a regular basis, following consultation with the steering group formed as part of the RTP. Provision of a welcome pack to be distributed to all new residents, this will include all relevant travel information such as public transport information and local area route maps. Use of newsletters within the proposed development and potentially further afield to the adjoining residential areas to provide updated information on more sustainable transport options. 3.3 On appointment, contact details for the TPC will be provided to the Local Authority, to ensure that clear dialogue is possible from first introduction of the RTP. 3.4 At the same time, additional SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound) targets can be introduced to increase use of sustainable transport modes. These include: Welcome Packs 3.5 Each new resident to the development will be provided with a welcome pack on first occupation of the apartments. The welcome packs are intended to give a kick start to peoples green travel habits. It will provide the opportunity for people to try bus services for free and see if the mode of travel is suitable for them. This development is ideally located for walking and cycling into the city centre. The TPC will work with the residents in supporting the modes which have the greatest effect on travel and will investigate further funding where it makes a true impact. 3.6 The Welcome Packs will contain: Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 5
A map of footway and cycleways in the area with routes to local destinations highlighted. A copy of the Norwich Cycle Map. Current bus timetables for services adjacent to the development. A copy of the First Eastern Norwich area timetable. Current rail timetables for services departing Norwich Station. Information on obtaining free membership of the on-site Car Club. Vouchers for a 50% subsidy for an annual bus season tickets within zone three of the greater Norwich area will be offered; one per apartment. Free membership of the Common Wheels Car Club will be offered to all residents. All of the above information will also be made available on the RTP website. Promote Public Transport 3.7 It is proposed that rather than offering free annual bus season tickets to each apartment, a 50% subsidy is offered. By offering a subsidy, it is hoped that residents when requesting the bus pass are more likely to use the pass effectively. Promote Walking 3.8 Easy walking routes between the site and local destinations will be highlighted on the notice boards fixed at strategic points in and around the site. These strategic points could include the common entranceways to the apartments and communal open spaces. 3.9 The proposed development will nevertheless act to encourage walking, especially within the site itself, including additional drop kerbing and tactile paving to assist less able pedestrians and improved street lighting on in the immediate vicinity of the site to provide a safer walking atmosphere. Promoting Cycling 3.10 All of the new flats will be provided with secure covered, cycle parking. 3.11 The cycle parking spaces will be located conveniently near to the entrances to each block of flats. Access to these will be available for occupiers only. 3.12 The TPC will also seek to obtain preferential rates for servicing and cycle spares at local cycle shops. 3.13 Measures should be regularly reviewed by the TPC to ensure that a positive approach is maintained. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 6
Publicity 3.14 The key to success of the RTP will be publicity. The TPC will therefore take advantage of the every opportunity to publicise the RTP. 3.15 Before moving onto the site, each new resident will have been made aware of the RTP through sales literature. This will be further reinforced by the Welcome Pack issued to all new residents. 3.16 Twice annually, the TPC will prepare and issue a RTP newsletter both electronically and in hard copy with an area specifically allocated for resident issues. This newsletter will highlight the successes and failures of the RTP. It is also anticipated that a small section of the newsletter will be allocated for residents experiences of alternative travel modes and tips for greener travel. A small tear-off slip or reply section will be provided at the end of the newsletter for residents to highlight and report any deficiencies in the travel infrastructure that they have noted in the previous period. Annual Meetings 3.17 The TPC will also hold an annual meeting where the use and any difficulties of use, of the RTP will be discussed. At this meeting, the results of the annual travel survey will be presented and comparisons made with the previous year. Residents will also be encouraged to highlight deficiencies in the travel infrastructure for the TPC to discuss with the local authorities. Notice Boards 3.18 RTP notice boards will also be sited within the entrance to each block of flats and, abbreviated form, at strategic points within the site. The notice boards in each entrance will contain maps of cycleways and footways in the area with local destinations such as the city centre, bus and rail stations, shopping and leisure facilities highlighted. A copy of the Norwich Cycle Map will also be provided on each board. Abbreviated timetables for service adjacent to the development will be included as will a contact number for the TPC. 3.19 External notice boards will be provided with a weather and vandal proof case containing footway and cycleway maps, a map of Norwich bus network and a general Norwich area map. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 7
Car Clubs 3.20 There are currently two Cars belonging to the Common Wheels car club in Norwich, there are plans to have an additional two by September 2010 in central Norwich and the ambitions of Common Wheels is likely to see many more cars in Norwich in the future. 3.21 It is proposed to extend the Common Wheels car club into Riverside Heights. This would provide vehicles for use by the residents within the surrounding area. In addition, membership will not be limited to one vehicle, but to all Common Wheels vehicles within Norfolk and beyond. The benefits of adding Car Club spaces to a development from a developer and local authority point of view would include the following: The Car Club allows cars and therefore parking spaces to be shared and the number needed and cost of providing them to be reduced. Developers benefit from being able to work on sites with a limited parking area which may previously have been impractical. Reduction in the amount of parking required - the car club allows an increase in the number of units or amenity space on the site, increasing the profitability of the site. Car clubs are a popular alternative to private car ownership as they offer convenience without the responsibilities and capital outlay of ownership. Car clubs have added value to housing developments as residents perceive the vehicles as an extra service. Car clubs contribute to travel plan aims by reducing the impact of the private car from the development; the overall car miles driven, and local congestion. Car clubs support other travel plan initiatives - once residents have given up their private car they are more likely to walk, cycle or use public transport. Norfolk Car Club cars emit 50% less CO 2 per km than the average car in Norfolk. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 8
4.0 TARGET SETTING AND INDICATORS 4.1 The objectives of a RTP are to develop a set of mechanisms, initiatives and targets that can enable a reduced impact of travel on the environment. The RTP should aim to reduce car dependency and promoted the use of more sustainable modes of transport. Targets Timeframe Actions Targets Initial Measures TPC to be appointed. Local authority to be provided with contact details for the appointed individual. 0-6 months TPC to establish steering groups, and to make all information relating to the RTP available to residents, via newsletters and associated publicity of the group. The TPC will establish the site website. The TPC will distribute a RTP information pack to all residents, informing them of the content of the RTP and the measures in place/to be introduced. Walking Walking should be encouraged within the The target of at least 6% should information pack received upon moving in to the be sought, exceeding of the new homes. national average. Cycling The TPC will distribute information on available The target of at least 6% should facilities for cyclists and details of the surrounding be sought, exceeding of the cycle network to residents, including links to rail national average. services. Car Share The TPC will circulate information on car sharing The short-term target for car whilst setting up a database to be accessed via the sharing should be at least 10%, intranet. and can be introduced through The TPC to also provide details to surrounding the promotion of a trial period. residential areas, to increase the potential user base Once potential partners have beyond the development site been established, efforts should be made to maintain these partnerships. Public The TPC will investigate public transport options, and A short-term target in public Transport to provide information on discounts/season tickets transport travel of alongside other RTP information. approximately 10% is achievable and should be encouraged through improved information. 12-24 Months Survey of residential travel modes, to identify performance against predictions and to inform any necessary changes. Bi-annually Follow up survey to assess performance of the RTP, after first and to inform the introduction of new/altered survey targets as decided by the TPC/Local Authority. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 9
5.0 MARKETING AND PROMOTION 5.1 A campaign will be established to maintain commitment from those involved, to promote successes, and contribute to a sense of achievement and increase understanding and support. 5.2 Residents welcome packs will be offered to all new residents upon site occupation. The packs will provide residents with relevant public transport information (such as maps, routes, timetables, fares etc) and include walking and cycling maps and information about access to various services and facilities in the local area. 5.3 A site specific travel guide for the site will be produced and distributed to all residents within the Welcome Packs. The travel guide will provide public transport information and instructions on how to obtain personalised journey information via various journey planning website applications. The guide will also explain the health and environmental benefits of sustainable travel choices. 5.4 Additional transport information will be provided at prominent notice board locations, accessible to both site residents and employees respectively. 5.5 A RTP website will be created to highlight all the RTP elements. This will include: Travel Pack Details Car Sharing Database Car Club Booking System Travel Survey Internet Delivery Sources TPC Blog Local Area Maps including National Cycle and Pedestrian Routes Public Transport Maps Public Transport Timetables Live Travel Information Personalised Email System Website Links Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 10
6.0 TARGETS, MONITORING AND REVIEW 6.1 To enable specific actions to be monitored, an action plan must have a measurable output. 6.2 Monitoring and review of the RTP will be undertaken on an on-going basis but will not be less than the following: Travel surveys will be undertaken annually for at least five years to monitor the effectiveness of the plan and to evaluate changes in travel patterns which will be compared with the previous year; The RTP will be kept under review with amended plans issued each year; and A monitoring report will be prepared and distributed to staff, residents, local authorities and other interested parties. 6.3 A travel survey will define the number of persons arriving at the development by travel mode. This will enable year on year changes to be clearly identified. 6.4 Further monitoring will be undertaken by the TPC by taking simple counts of cycle parking usage and vehicle parking usage over the period of one week. The TPC will also undertake regular checks of the information available on notice boards and website, to ensure the content is up to date. 6.5 To ensure consistency of surveying and monitoring, the time period of the annual survey will be over two weeks and carried out at the same time of the year annually. It will be timed to coincide with a maximum level of occupation or otherwise as required by the local authority. 6.6 Annual RTP reviews will be monitored with either the confirmation of the current plan or the issue of a revised plan. Completion of the annual review will be evidenced by a revision sheet in copies of the plan. 6.7 The annual monitoring report will be evidenced by its submission to the local authority within two months of each subsequent survey having been undertaken. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 11
7.0 COSTS 7.1 Table 7.1 below details the approximate costs associated with the RTP initiatives. Item Monthly One Off Costs Total 1 st Year Total for Subsequent Years Coordinator 500 6,000 6,000 Promotional Material 50 600 600 Welcome Pack Design Cost 1,000 1,000 Welcome Packs 200 200 50 Website 3,000 3,000 Website Maintenance 100 1,200 1,200 Car Club Sponsorship VW Blue Motion Polo - 14,500 14,500 Or VW Blue Motion Golf - 17,500 Telematics System for Car 2,000 per car 2,000 Car Club one-off joining fee 25 per unit 4,350 4,350 Bus Pass per Apartment 174 units @ 24,360 50% Subsidy (assumes 50% take up subsidy) 560 per pass Total 57,210 12,200 7.2 The cost of the RTP is potentially very high in the first year, however, there will be a choice to residents of either subsidised annual bus passes for Norwich or the developer will subsidise the joining fee of the Common Wheels Car Club. In addition, there will be a space on site dedicated for the Car Club space and the developer will subsidise the cost of the vehicle/equipment. 7.3 The costs associated with the RTP will reduce significantly in subsequent years. The reduced costs are due to some one off setup costs that will not need renewing on an annual basis, for example the Website, Welcome Packs, cars and Car Club Joining fees. Ref: SW/CS/126/02 Page 12