Gallagher Estates and English Partnerships are partnering to promote this town which has been identified by the Government as an “Exemplar Sustainable Development”. This new town will provide a town centre, schools, employment and a comprehensive public transport network linking with the nearest towns of Huntingdon and Cambridge.
Supporting the planning process
WSP have supported Gallagher since 1999 initially helping to identify and promote the site and providing advice on strategic transport and infrastructure requirements for the area, then advising the client through all the necessary stages up to the planning submission in 2005.
WSP supported the project through the Local Development Framework process by providing technical support to the Core Spatial Strategy and Area Action Plan in the field of transport planning, flood risk and environmental assessment.
A new outline application is anticipated in 2007.
Development of a transport strategy
A key area of work was to provide a transport strategy for the new town. This included a highway network with a suitable interface with the existing and possible future A14 road alignment, public transport proposals, and facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. WSP also assisted in the promotion of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway scheme as an integrated and high quality public transport system for the town.
Environmental assessment and drainage strategy
To resolve issues relating to flooding, WSP liaised with the Environment Agency and other local drainage authorities to produce a flooding and drainage strategy. As part of the solution, significant landscaping will include water features which also assist with drainage of the site. Other environmental aspects dealt with by WSP in preparing the environmental assessment for the planning application included ecology, archaeology, noise and vibration, ground conditions and air quality.
Project information
Client: Gallagher Estates and English Partnerships
Project size: 600 ha; 10 000 houses; 49 500 sq m retail use; 132 000 sq m B1 and civic buildings, schools, etc
Project value: £1000M
Status: Construction programme commenced 2006