Colin Buchanan 2010 Newsletter

NewsCOLIN BUCHANAN

Over the last few years, the issue of simplified streetscape design has been gathering momentum, and the case for considering ‘naked streets’ or ‘shared spaces’ as a possible design solution is now clear. Indeed, the DfT Manual for Streets and LTN 1/08 Traffic Management and Streetscape encourage designers to start with a ‘blank sheet’, which includes the absence of any prescribed priority or traffic signal control. However, there is currently no advice or recognised technique for assessing under what traffic conditions such schemes would be appropriate in traffic management terms. This led Colin Buchanan to promote a form of junction trial that would begin to provide an evidence-base for such schemes.

In June 2009, a brief traffic signal failure at Portishead’s notorious Cabstand junction, at the intersection of B3124 High Street and A369 Wyndham Way, resulted in improved traffic conditions and this encouraged North Somerset Council to undertake a 4-week trial.

“a fundamental rethinking in traffic management design.”

The trial allowed the council to formally assess what happens when a busy junction is allowed to operate without any conventional controls. We were commissioned to assist with the design, operation and monitoring of the trial, which commenced in September 2009 with the switching-off of the traffic signals.

Three months later the trial is still running due to its overwhelming success. The junction safely accommodates over 2,000 vehicles and 250 pedestrians during peak hours; additionally, delays and queues have reduced by 50%. Pedestrian journey times have improved despite the lack of formal control. The scheme demonstrates that courteous behaviour from all road users does work well when it is allowed to, and that it might be possible to consider unregulated control at many more such junctions across the UK. It is hoped that this project marks the start of a fundamental rethinking in traffic management and our team is now working with Bristol City and other councils on similar projects.

Contact: [email protected]

Signal switch-off trials, Portishead and Bristol

RTPI commendation iTRACE Malcolm Buchanan retires

In this issue:

TransporT/TraffiC/DevelopmenT/planning/Urban Design/eConomiCs/markeT researCh

colinbuchanan.com

2010

We are undertaking an innovative transport study for the London Borough of Lewisham. The study sets out to assess, through modelling, the combined impact on the highway and public transport networks of proposed developments across the Borough. The purpose is to inform the Council’s core strategy for the period 2010 to 2025. It will help guide strategic development options for the borough and investment in transport infrastructure on an area-wide and site-specific basis. The output will be an integrated multi-modal strategy to support two broad growth options.


03 Lewisham borough-wide transport study

The BioQuarter in Edinburgh is significant in a national and regional context for health and science research in Scotland and in terms of fostering development of the wider economy. Integrated transport solutions will play a key role in making the BioQuarter a successful place. Planning permission has already been obtained for further development, with Phases 1-3 providing in the region of 135,000m2 for bio-medical research and related commercial activities. Colin Buchanan has been commissioned by Scottish Enterprise to prepare a transport assessment, parking strategy and transport action plan in support of further expansion, including additional space for bio-medical research, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Division of Clinical Neurosciences.


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Traffic aNd TraNsporT

Edinburgh BioQuarter transport study

Colin Buchanan has recently completed two innovative projects: the Sustainable Transport Strategies (STS) for the Fleetwood-Thornton Area Action Plan and the Darlington Eastern Transport Corridor (DETC). Both studies were undertaken with support from the Highways Agency, local planning and highway authorities and a number of developers. The studies were tasked with unlocking multiple development sites that were otherwise believed undeliverable due to highway impact. Both studies defined financial contributions based on land use and size of development in lieu of off-site highway and sustainable transport interventions. Benefits to our clients have included: land being unlocked for development reduced highway works coordination between developments resulting

in economies of scale more effective sustainable transport measures


Fleetwood-Thornton AAP & Darlington sustainable transport strategies


East Ayrshire Council commissioned us to undertake detailed design work for several improvement schemes on the A70, to enhance road safety and economic development in Ayrshire. Improvements were designed at Mote Toll junction relating to the provision of a deceleration lane and bellmouth widening, and realignment on the A70 between Kerlestone and Wee Torhill are all in progress. A 250m section to the east of Muirkirk will be realigned in order to improve the road for HGVs in particular. The contract for construction of this work will go out to tender next month. Horizontal and vertical realignment of the 4km section to the east of Lightshaw will be progressed at a later date.


05East Ayrshire A70 scheme improvements

04Transport for London’s Road Safety Unit’s Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) project is intended to trial an ISA system on the streets of London. ISA compares a vehicle’s speed with the known speed limit for the vehicle’s current location. TfL recognised that a critical objective of the project would be to obtain an accurate electronic speed limit map of London’s road network for the ISA system to use. Colin Buchanan, with help from Buchanan Computing, was commissioned to accurately collect all speed limit terminal and repeater signs throughout London and also to provide this data as a digital speed limit map ready for use with the ISA system. This project was shortlisted for the Transport Innovation award at the London Transport Awards.


TfL speed limit mapping

06As part of a consortia we have linked-up with Interfleet, an international rail consultancy, whose services encompass all aspects of the railway system and its operation and ERM for environmental services.

Together with Interfleet we are on five of the 11 categories: road user/transport engineering transport planning & analysis transport impact monitoring and data railway engineering - asset railway engineering - process

Contact: [email protected] [email protected]

Colin Buchanan is delighted to have been successful in its tender for Transport for London’s Engineering and Project Management framework. We have been working continuously for Transport for London since its inception in 2000 and are currently involved in a number of high profile projects.

We are also pleased to have been ranked top on quality/price on both Transport Planning and Transport Impact Monitoring and Data categories; and are one of only seven on the Traffic Engineering - Road User category (being the only SME on the Traffic Engineering panel).

TfL framework

We were commissioned by the National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM) to prepare a traffic management and mobility study for the University. The study addressed both current and future issues and complemented the masterplan for the University. The recommendations included a mix of mobility management measures and physical infrastructure across the campus. Parking management was a core principle of the recommendations - initially to formalise provision, then to actively manage its use and finally to reduce provision in line with improved provision and use of more sustainable modes of transport.


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NUIM mobility study

For years, the visitor and public transport interchange experience at Marble Arch has been blighted due to the need to navigate the warren of subways and the wide, hazardous circulating carriageways. This resulted in a high accident rate. Key to the success of the scheme was mitigating any traffic impact at one of London’s busiest intersections, which was achieved using the latest micro-simulation modelling techniques. Since the scheme opening, visitor numbers have exceeded expectations and have been fundamental to the revitalisation of the western end of Oxford Street. This demonstrates how well-designed traffic management and public realm improvements can lead to wider benefits to the community and economy.


08 Marble Arch surface crossings


Parking is a business where councils are often in competition with other centres as well as private sector operators. We help councils fully understand the market they are in and how to segment that market to derive suitable charges but also to become much more customer focused in an increasingly competitive world. Contact: [email protected]

TfL commissioned us to develop a scheme for Henlys Corner, a key junction on the A406 North Circular Road. We prepared designs for and analysed a number of potential options before the proposed concept was selected in consultation with the Mayor’s team. The preferred scheme design developed by us is highly innovative and will deliver on the objectives of improved pedestrian and cycle accessibility, while simultaneously relieving congestion and reducing bus journey times. We are assisting TfL in delivering the proposed scheme which is due to be constructed before the Olympics in 2012.


09A406 Henlys Corner

How should a council set its parking charges? At a level that maximises revenue, or maximises usage of its parking spaces, or at a level that ensures parking is always available? Should they be using parking charges to try and change people’s behaviour; for example by charging extra for more polluting cars, preventing all day parking or offering discounts to people who spend more money in their town? In setting charges, many councils are trying to juggle conflicting demands while often failing to fully understand the market they are operating in.

10Opinion:Parking tariffs and local authorities

The Isle of Wight Council appointed Colin Buchanan to build a high level SATURN traffic model of the island to forecast future traffic flows over the next 30 years. Working closely with the Council’s appointed technical and economic advisors for the highway maintenance PFI Projects, the model is being developed to allow bidders to develop detailed work schedules and maintenance programme during the bidding process. The model has already been used in support of the business case submission for the proposed PFI project.


12 Isle of Wight highway model

Colin Buchanan has developed a four-stage, multi-modal model of North Staffordshire using the Cube Voyager modelling package. The model structure consists of three main components: a highway assignment model, a public transport assignment model and a demand model. It was built to replace the existing TRIPS-based model which had been in almost continual use for 15 years. A comprehensive programme of surveys was undertaken during spring 2009 including origin-destination surveys of vehicles and bus passengers, household interviews and stated preference surveys. The model will be used for a wide variety of applications, including the preparation of two Major Scheme Business Cases for the DfT: a Bus Rapid Transit running from the University at Keele to Kidsgrove and a new road running between Hanley and Bentilee.


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TraNsporT ModelliNg

North Staffordshire multi-modal model

To provide the CELLO (CEntraL LOndon) Board (composed of senior TfL management and borough representatives) with an impact assessment of planned schemes on the road network in central London, Colin Buchanan developed a series of future year SATURN models from the CRISTAL-H refresh model. We produced an extensive set of model results and a comprehensive analysis of each scenario to inform the Board about how the planned network developments would affect central London at borough and sector level. A set of performance indicators, including an estimate of the capacity and average speeds at sector and borough levels were also produced. Heat diagrams were then created to show the performance of the network for the base and future scenarios. Recent tests have included the impact on emissions of increased usage of electric vehicles in London.


13 CELLO

Colin Buchanan has developed an integrated modelling framework for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to test various highway designs, demand management measures and to produce a business case submission for West Bromwich. The project involved the development of an integrated modelling suite that used VISUM for strategic modelling, which interacts with VISSIM for micro-simulation and economic appraisals using TUBA. The VISSIM model also included a detailed pedestrian network assignment model and a parking choice model. Contact: [email protected]

14West Bromwich regeneration business case

PRAM – A Pedestrian Regeneration Analysis Model to evaluate the effects of large retail developments in attracting shopping visitors to a town centre. Recent PRAM applications include modelling of town centres in Kingston, Dartford, Brighton and Woolwich

WALKER – tool to investigate the pedestrian movement delay. The software has been used in the modelling of the junction at Marble Arch and Wembley Stadium to show how detailed aspects of pedestrian delay could be investigated


Colin Buchanan has developed a number of bespoke software models including:

BUSMODEL – A public transport assessment tool. The software has been used in a number of studies such as for Dublin Bus for forecasting patronage, revenue and operational costs

STEEM – A 3-stage trip end and demand modelling tool. The tool was developed to assess the effects of growth in Thurrock’s infrastructure as part of their LDF assessment

DEVEL – Tool for accessing the sustainability of new residential developments

PRIDE – Park and Ride Logit-based evaluation model

15Research and development

The Sustainable Travel Team has developed a number of Business Travel Networks in London. These networks help to identify how staff currently travel, the problems they experience and provide suggestions on how the businesses and local authority can make improvements to infrastructure and promotion of sustainable modes. Businesses within the networks are provided with advice, support, funding, marketing materials and events to help them reduce their car usage and increase the use of sustainable travel. Marketing materials developed and distributed to businesses included cycle training, maintenance courses, free bike checks and bike rides posters. Travel Options leaflets were distributed to raise awareness of the walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing and car clubs available to local people.


susTaiNable Travel

16 Business Travel Networks

The University of Leicester commissioned the team to design and carry out a comprehensive online and paper travel survey to assess the travel patterns and issues of staff and students. The response rate exceeded expectations, especially for the staff survey, which reached 70%. We drew up a series of prioritised recommendations for targeted measures to help encourage sustainable travel to each campus, focusing on the high number of respondees who commented on their desire to take up cycling as part of their commute. We will continue to support the Travel Plan Coordinator as she develops the university-wide and campus-specific travel plans. Leicester has aspirations to become one of the most sustainable universities in England, the fantastic response to this survey sets them well on their way.


Travel plan for the University of Leicester17

Tesco Stores Ltd commissioned Colin Buchanan to produce a framework travel plan for the redevelopment of the Bromley-by-Bow store site to influence the travel behaviour of all site users, including construction workers, travelling to the site due to the length of the site’s build schedule. Owing to the location of the site and the vicinity to the 2012 Olympic Games, it was necessary to produce a travel plan that was consistent with the

Bromley-by-Bow Tesco

sustainable goal of the Games while meeting local needs. Development of an effective management structure for the site was central to creating a successful framework travel plan. As a result of the project, TfL are now considering the travel plan as best practice guidance for supermarket developments.


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Some have pointed out that the stakes are high. If successful, it will be a step-change in cycling provision, and some argue the presence of so many cyclists may have a cumulative safety benefit on London’s streets. Colin Buchanan has long been involved in the design and development of cycling schemes in London. We have been developing various aspects of the London Cycle Network, and are taking forward ‘Biking Borough’ schemes. Contact: [email protected]

The bike rental scheme that is due to be implemented in central London this year is a significant step forward in the development of cycling in the UK. First and foremost it has been conceived and developed as a ‘mode’ by Transport for London. It is an extension of the public transport network, with docking stations and information terminals as well as the bikes themselves, which will have distinctive TfL livery. Secondly, it obviates the need for cycle parking and storage, which is a perennial problem in London with its demands on private and public space. Thirdly, being in such a busy high-profile location, there are likely to be a wide range of uses, be they commercial, personal or tourism.

Opinion:Focus on London’s cycle hire scheme

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We were tasked with creating the residential monitoring component of iTRACE, the online travel plan tool adopted by TfL. The residential component serves as a major expansion to their widely established workplace travel planning tool and will be rolled out London-wide in 2010. We have developed a methodology for conducting travel surveys amongst residents of sites with travel plans in place. Compared to workplaces, residents are notoriously difficult to engage, requiring a precise methodology to be developed that will ensure minimum response rates are met while keeping costs down. This initial piece of work has been followed by the development of the monitoring report template for all residential sites in London and the testing of the survey process in a pilot project. We developed an interactive toolkit enabling independent surveyors to successfully carry out iTRACE compliant residential surveys, including instructions and adaptable materials to be distributed to residents.


iTRACE online travel plan tool

Artist’s impression. Indicative location. Copyright: TfL

22In recent years there has been a sustained debate on the role of traffic signals. An increase in their number has led to a perception that there are now too many traffic signals and that at the margins, outside peak hours, their benefits may be outweighed by increased congestion, or at least unnecessary delays. To inform the debate on the cost and benefits of traffic signals, GLA Economics commissioned research using actual traffic flows at signalised junctions in London during different times of the day. We found that overall traffic signals provide significant benefits but there are very clearly certain times and places where there are greater benefits in removing traffic signals.


Economic impact of traffic signals

ecoNoMics

21Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) plans to introduce a smart card ticketing system on the public transport network in Greater Manchester, beginning with the Metrolink light rail system and rolling out to buses and the rail network in the future. We have been supporting GMPTE in their development of a procurement strategy for the smart ticketing system, and in obtaining the required internal approvals to proceed with the programme. The procurement strategy defined how the system components are expected to be bundled together, and the procurement procedure for each bundle, as well as key elements such as budget, funding, governance and the commercial strategy for the contracts. The programme was approved internally and an OJEU notice issued in March 2010.


Greater Manchester smart ticketing

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We have been working on a business case for the DART Underground, a proposed 7.1km twin bore tunnel for electrified heavy rail in Dublin city centre, linking the Northern line to the Heuston Main line. It will serve five new underground stations in the city centre. We applied our expertise in Wider Economic Benefits (WEBs) to estimate the likely agglomeration impacts of the scheme, the first time this has been done for a scheme in Ireland. Our study showed that the WEBs are likely to be substantial, significantly boosting the case for the scheme.


23DART Underground business case

High quality transport infrastructure is a prerequisite to sustain economic growth and maintain competitiveness. The most innovative and productive firms in any economy tend to be those competing at a global level. Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport. The benefit of a hub is to sustain more destinations and higher frequencies than justified by local demand alone. Those benefits are crucial for business travellers. Academic research shows that improved international connectivity also increases productivity; in the case of Heathrow’s third runway the value to the UK is in the region of £20bn over 60 years.

Opinion:The economics of hub airports

In total the economic benefit of a third runway is in the region of £30bn while the capital cost of the scheme will be funded by the private sector (unlike high speed rail proposals which are overwhelmingly dependent on the taxpayer and would free up less than 10% of Heathrow’s capacity). Because of its hub characteristics the economic impact of a third runway at Heathrow is much greater than additional capacity elsewhere in the UK. In determining whether the third runway should go ahead, politicians must take account of the full environmental, social and economic impacts in an holistic manner.


plaNNiNg, regeNeraTioN, urbaN desigN

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We were shortlisted for the RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year award and received one of two Commendations. The judges comments were: “Colin Buchanan’s multidisciplinary practice makes best use of a team of just eight chartered planners in England and Ireland. It has benefited from the increased prominence of infrastructure planning in the past two years, confirming its ability to deliver plans with a sound information base, balanced judgements and a strong team spirit. Recent work includes a seminar series for the Planning Advisory Service, guidance on effective section 106 deals and statements of community involvement, a study of infrastructure priorities in Thurrock and a high-level regeneration strategy in Belfast”. We also accepted the award for Omagh Towards a Vision 2025 Regeneration project as well as being shortlisted for Shankill Road Community Regeneration and Mallow Town and Environs Recreational Infrastructure Audit in the Irish Planning Institute’s annual awards.

Judges’ comment: “The firm combines sound research, insight and imagination with a hard-headed approach to implementation.”Contact: [email protected]

RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year award

We are undertaking an ambitious feasibility study to produce a development-led masterplan for the Elstree Way Corridor in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The study, for Hertsmere Borough Council, will provide a comprehensive regeneration strategy for the area, underpinned by robust design principles and sound financial feasibility. Design concepts are being refined and developed to produce strong guidance that can deliver a high quality solution whilst being resilient to a changing property market. The masterplan will include improvements such as a new public square, a cultural building linked to Elstree Studios, improved access to open space, sustainable transport measures, and additional housing.


Elstree Way Corridor – A new heart for Borehamwood

27Colin Buchanan, in association with rmjm consulting, have been jointly appointed by the Department of Health and Communities and Local Government to undertake a study to investigate the extent to which the Government’s health, wellbeing and social care objectives are being delivered locally, from a spatial perspective. The focus of the work will be to ascertain how effectively Government’s objectives are being translated into regional and local plans and strategies and outcomes on the ground, and identify barriers to their implementation. The study will recommend actions that could be taken to improve local delivery and evaluate their effectiveness.


Spatial planning and health

29The London Borough of Islington appointed Colin Buchanan to prepare an infrastructure delivery plan. The plan provides the evidence base that will enable the core strategy to meet the soundness test set by Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12). The IDP:

creates a benchmark of existing infrastructure provision which identifies how well existing needs are met

Islington’s infrastructure delivery plan

As our cities become more compact and the growing inequalities between those that have and those that have not becomes more apparent, the disillusionment that this could bring could lead to higher levels of crime. The planning of our cities has therefore become even more complex as evidence suggests a possible link between design and crime. The task is to recognise that the issue of safety starts with good design and the quality of the places that we create, rather than with an approach that tries to minimise the impact of crime through increased CCTV surveillance, additional policing and increased

Opinion:Is there a link between design and crime?

identifies future infrastructure requirements to support housing and employment growth, as detailed in the core strategy and other LDF documents

provides an indication of the potential costs and means of funding the required infrastructure through s106 agreements, public and private, and other sources


local authority intervention. This is encouraging as divergent studies in unrelated professional disciplines are beginning to show that not only could good design possibly reduce crime, but may also contribute to the broader political agenda of improved community cohesion and individual well-being. What is therefore required is for design to be championed not as a passive element in city building but as an active contributor to societal stability and personal happiness: one would suggest that this should be quite high on the political agenda!


In the belief that Carlisle has the potential to establish itself as one of the country’s leading heritage cities and thereby derive significant economic, social and physical benefits from cultural tourism, the Interpretive Framework for Historic Carlisle, commissioned by Carlisle Renaissance, is aimed at improving the interpretation of the City’s historic and cultural

28Carlisle Interpretive Framework

assets. It is being undertaken in conjunction with CMC Associates and will be a source of structure and guidance for stakeholders within the community to enable them to contribute to the coherent and coordinated development, management and presentation of Carlisle’s rich cultural heritage.


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irelaNd

Colin Buchanan was appointed to prepare a Tourism Development and Action Plan for Craigavon to advise how existing performance could be improved and how tourism could make a greater contribution to the reorganisation of Local Government in Northern Ireland in 2011. It established overall goals and identified practical recommendations for the development of tourism. Following its completion, Colin Buchanan helped the council to make a successful application for funding under the NITB tourism innovation fund to implement key recommendations within the plan. To date, it has been well received and should provide strategic guidance for the development of tourism within the area for many years to come.


31 Craigavon tourism development and action plan

32The National Transport Authority (NTA), formerly the Dublin Transportation Office, appointed us to assist in the preparation of its transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2030. The NTA maintains and operates one of the largest and most sophisticated multi-modal strategic transport models in Europe consisting of 666 zones, over 500 highway links and over 400 public transport services including heavy rail, LRT and stage carriage bus. We provide expert input on the use of SATURN, TRIPS and OmniTrans and the application of the Department of Transport Common Appraisal Framework Guidelines.


NTA Dublin transport strategy

33Allen Robinson commissioned us to prepare a planning application for a mixed-use development in the grounds of Gortlee House in Letterkenny. The development of Gortlee House and grounds is provided for in the Letterkenny and Environs Development Plan which has zoned the site as a development “opportunity site” and set out a number of guiding principles for any development proposals. We prepared a masterplan in conjunction with Robinson McIlwaine Architects which adheres fully to these principles. In addition to providing town planning and transportation planning advice, we managed the preparation of an environmental impact statement assessing the effects of the proposed development.


Gortlee Park development masterplan

34The concept of Universal Design refers to the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size or ability. It goes beyond the prescriptive standards for accessibility and considers the broadest range of users, so that suitable facilities are incorporated from the outset, avoiding the need for subsequent adaptation, supporting the creation of better places for all abilities and all age groups. We have produced a guidance booklet for planners on behalf of the National Disability Authority and Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. The aim of the booklet is to provide the planning profession in Ireland with greater awareness of

NDA policy and design guidance for planners

the policy and design guidance for planners of Universal Design in shaping our built and natural environment. In the context of an increasingly aging population and considering the fact that people with disabilities constitute approximately 9.3% of the Irish population, the booklet provides important guidance on how to deliver, promote and achieve Universal Design within the planning system. It demonstrates how Universal Design can be integrated into the planning process through careful consideration of the context, user needs, and well drafted policies in conjunction with a collaborative approach to development management.


35Empowering the performance of regional gateway cities is a major challenge for the Irish planning system, especially the border counties that are exposed to the currency fluctuations that so heavily influence cross-border trading and commerce patterns. Dundalk has been particularly vulnerable to the economic impacts of leakage from its catchment. We have been successful in getting lands at the park zoned in the new Dundalk and Environs Development Plan for a regional scale retail centre, as well as two phased planning applications for Finnebair Estates, altogether with 650,000sqft of retail and leisure facilities on site. We provided town planning, retail impact, EIS and transport planning services and worked in partnership with architects BDP.


Retail therapy Dundalk – empowering the Gateway City

developMeNT

36Wind farms are becoming a common sight as part of the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new farm is being built by RES near the village of Keadby in North Lincolnshire which is remote from the trunk road network and is severed by a canal and railway line. We are assisting with achieving construction access to the site. As well as normal deliveries of construction plant and materials, the major components for the turbines can be up to 43m long and weigh almost 100 tonnes. A number of options are under consideration including use of the canal, upgrading an existing swing bridge and a new temporary overbridge across the canal and railway line.


Keadby wind farm

37We continue to provide traffic and transportation advice to Dobbies Garden Centres in relation to their expansion programme throughout the UK. We produced the transport assessments to support the planning applications for the new garden centres as well as the individual travel plans for each development. Most recently we were involved in the planning application for a garden centre at Nether Alderley, Cheshire. We also advise Dobbies in relation to improving their existing garden centres in terms of car park layouts, improving access for coaches and updating travel plans to encourage staff to use sustainable modes of transport.


Dobbies Garden Centres Plc

38We continue to advise NHS Forth Valley on transportation matters related to the opening of their New Acute Hospital in Larbert in 2010. Recent tasks have included the design and implementation of a needs based parking permit and management system and design and procurement of public transport services. We prepared a travel plan marketing strategy and design of marketing material as well as detailed design of a pedestrian and cycle network. Identification and implementation of an off-site parking monitoring system was needed with ongoing consultation with local authorities regarding the discharge of planning conditions and legal obligations. We also helped to recruit a NHS Forth Valley travel coordinator, ensuring implementation of the travel plan in advance of the hospital opening.


New Acute Hospital, Larbert

39Parkridge Developments asked us to provide a transport assessment in support of a planning application for the redevelopment of Sackville Trading Estate. Our focus was to ensure that the development is as sustainable as possible, with balanced parking and enhanced facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The final design included investment in existing pedestrian crossings, provision of new cycle parking and advanced cycle stop lines at signalised junctions, real time information and improved waiting facilities at bus stops. Controlled Parking Zone reviews formed part of the strategy along with a travel plan. The design and layout of the site itself includes underground car parking and a fully pedestrianised public square. Planning permission was granted by Brighton and Hove City Council.


Sackville Place, Hove

40Alledge Brook appointed us to assess the implications of a new 5,500 unit development as part of Kettering’s planned urban extension. The problems that are associated with linking urban and rural development have led to a comprehensive integrated transport strategy. The site is located on the A14, a route of national strategic importance which is severely congested, so it was clear that with a development of this nature reliance solely on a car-based strategy would not be suitable. We produced a transport access strategy that seeks to induce a modal shift away from Northamptonshire’s existing pattern of high car usage, involving the delivery of a new junction on the A14, village bypasses, bus priority corridor into Kettering and new pedestrian and cycle strategies. The local authority recently granted this major development planning permission.


Urban extension, Kettering

developMeNT

41Port of Tilbury London Limited commissioned us to provide highways and transport advice on their proposed plans for expansion. As well as being Britain’s greenest port, it is the third largest container port in the UK and the most important multi-modal distribution centre serving London. It is proposing to develop a 27 hectare area of land for storage and distribution, light industry and offices along with a dedicated serviced haulier parking area for approximately 500 lorries. The site is located adjacent to the A1089 (T), part of the strategic trunk road network, which already provides direct access to the main port entrance. Our work includes the preparation of a comprehensive transport assessment considering the operational implications of the proposals as well as assessment of the environmental impacts as part of the Environmental Statement.


Port of Tilbury

42We work with Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd on behalf of various renewable energy companies, to assess the traffic and transportation issues associated with wind farm planning applications. This involves a desktop analysis of potential routes and restrictions which are then examined via extensive on-site observations and detailed discussions with local authorities and relevant stakeholders. AutoTrack software is used to undertake detailed swept path assessments and to identify mitigation measures to accommodate the loads. Additionally, we have been responsible for preparing the transport chapter of the EIA, which is essential in determining the traffic impacts of the proposed wind farm on the road network and a number of carefully identified sensitive receptors such as small settlements. The EIA then identifies mitigation measures aimed at minimising the effects of the proposed development.


Wind farm development, UK Wide

abouT coliN buchaNaN

43It is with sadness and gratitude that in December we welcomed staff and guests to celebrate Malcolm Buchanan’s contribution to the company as he starts his new life in retirement. Malcolm will continue to work with the company on selected projects (ie, the ones he finds most interesting!). It was a fitting occasion to reflect on why his contribution to the business has made it what it is today.

Joy has been a consistent theme throughout Malcolm’s approach to work. It is this word (and generosity) which epitomises Malcolm, whom I have known and worked with for 20 years. I have watched him in the boardroom (the way he would allow the opportunity for each and every person to have a say); in the office (quietly moving from one desk to the next, offering help to the staff in his generous and unassuming way); in social gatherings (always the perfect gentleman making everyone feel at ease and permanently relating one story after another – whether it be from his recent work in China or from his younger days as a Royal Engineer in the Middle East).

Malcolm’s contribution is not only evident in the hours worked, fees generated and projects won but also in the way he has continued to infuse the company with integrity and attention to detail which makes the company what it is today.

He has my admiration and affection and all our best wishes.

Andreas MarkidesChairman


Malcolm Buchanan retires

You can find Malcolm’s book commemorating his career at www.colinbuchanan.com

Colin Buchanan is a leading transport, planning, urban design and economics consultancy founded by Sir Colin Buchanan in 1964. The company is wholly owned by its staff and remains true to its independent roots. We offer impartial and objective advice and excellent design solutions to a wide variety of clients. We pride ourselves on the integrity and professionalism of our staff, who are key to the business, to provide a bespoke service to our broad spectrum of clients.

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Colin Buchanan 2010 Newsletter