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Carfree Development in Europe - The UK Situation by Ed Beale

Carfree Development in Europe - The UK Situation by Ed Beale. Why UK Policy Changed. Until the 1980s, UK policy favoured low density housing development – sprawling cul-de-sac suburbs were built. The government tried to build enough roads to keep up with the growing traffic.

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Carfree Development in Europe - The UK Situation by Ed Beale

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  1. Carfree Development in Europe - The UK Situation by Ed Beale

  2. Why UK Policy Changed • Until the 1980s, UK policy favoured low density housing development – sprawlingcul-de-sac suburbs were built. • The government tried to build enough roads to keep up with the growing traffic. • In the 1980s a government report finally concluded that it was impossible to build enough roads as the traffic would always grow to fill them.

  3. Why UK Policy Changed (2)‏ • Also there was increasing opposition to new road building, including high profile direct action at Newbury and Twyford Down. • Over the next few years there was a change in government policy • New road building was largely stopped • New planning policies favoured non-car transport modes; high density housing; the re-use of previously developed land; and reduction in car parking spaces.

  4. Planning Policy – Section 106 • Key element of UK planning policy used to promote sustainable transport is Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 • Legally binding agreements for the provision of community facilities as part of granting of planning permission, sometimes used for: • Building of cycle and pedestrian paths • Funding for improved bus services for 3-5 years • Improvements to local schools or parks • Travel Plan to promote sustainable travel

  5. Slateford Green, Edinburgh • Slateford Green, completed in 2000, remains the best example of UK carfree housing • Carfree community space • High frequency bus routes • Nearby schools and supermarket • Childrens play areas

  6. Recent Developments – Car Clubs • Car clubs allow occasional car use to non-car owners including carfree residents. Work well in carfree areas. • Cheaper than standard car hire and car parked close by. Car only used when needed. • Car clubs usually need initial funding but can become self-funding after a few years. Section 106 can provide the initial funding.

  7. Recent Developments –Residential Travel Plans • Residential travel plans are one of the latest planning measures in the UK. • Requires the developer of any large new housing development to consider all transport modes and all destinations and to show they have considered how they will reduce traffic. • Traffic surveys must be carried out and the travel plan changed if not achieving targets.

  8. New Carfree Housing Developments in London • A very large number of small carfree housing developments built in London, but most so small they only occupy a single building – there is no carfree community space. • Some larger developments: • Camden strong support for carfree • Bush Homes, West London - former factory site, 170 carfree units and car club – completion 2007 • Car-reduced BedZed and Greenwich Millennium Village, but still have 0.85 spaces per unit

  9. Barriers to Good Carfree Development • Developers and planners often don't understand the benefits true carfree housing should bring to quality community space. • Details of developments are often decided “behind closed doors” • Local residents and their city councillors are often so scared of overflow parking problems they demand more parking for developments.

  10. Opportunities Missed • Edinburgh city transport planners have been so preoccupied with trying to build the tram they have no time for carfree at the moment. • Very promising site in Bristol with developers interested in carfree was opposed by local residents because it would change setting of historic church – site remains derelict. • High profile London sustainable developments are only car-reduced not carfree.

  11. Future Opportunities in the UK • Many development sites in city centres with excellent public transport links and services. • We need more carfree awareness, especially amongst developers. • Five new “Eco-towns” with between 5,000 and 20,000 houses each are planned. • Other small new towns and urban extensions – but the public transport needs improvement

  12. More Information • Websites with Information about carfree housing in the UK: http://www.carfree.org.uk/ http://www.carfreehousing.org/

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