Paul Basham Associates supported First Wessex for the development of 99 Independent Living units, which included 84 extra care and 15 general needs units, at Wimpson Lane in Southampton.
The Brief
Paul Basham Associates were ideally placed to support this scheme having successfully supported several Independent Living schemes recently in Southampton, and were approached by First Wessex to complete a Transport Statement, Travel Plan and Flood Risk Assessment, with the aim of achieving BREEAM ‘Very Good’ status for the development. We also worked closely with Kenn Scaddan Associates throughout the duration of the project to deliver this sustainable scheme.
Our Approach
Firstly Paul Basham Associates conducted a site visit in order to establish the opportunities and constraints of development from a highways perspective. Existing issues regarding visibility were identified during the initial phase. The solution suggested by PBA was a segregated ‘in’ and ‘out’ arrangement. In order to confirm the acceptability of the proposed access with Southampton City Council, our team liaised closely with highways officers at the pre-application stage.
As part of this application, a Transport Statement was prepared which focused particularly on parking provision and trip generation. Using the trip generation information, we demonstrated that the development proposals would only slightly increase trips from the site compared to the former use and would therefore not have a severe impact on the surrounding highway network.
Whilst the application site was being considered under C3 land use Paul Basham Assocites highlighted that the proposed scheme would consist of age restricted and extra care facilities, and therefore the development would be dissimilar to general residential C3 use. This argument was used to justify a reduced parking provision, in conjunction with data from the national TRICS database regarding the level of parking provision provided at similar independent living developments across the country.
To support this application further our team produced a Travel Plan which demonstrated the site’s accessible nature. The Travel Plan prepared by Paul Basham Associates had to consider the requirements of residents, visitors and staff.
As there were aspirations for the development to achieve ‘Very Good’ BREEAM status we also liaised with the appointed BREEAM officer to ensure that the sustainability of the site was outlined with reference to BREEAM guidance.
Our team liaised closely with Southampton City Council highways officers following the submission of the application with regard to servicing arrangements and cycle storage. These comments were addressed through an Addendum Transport Note.
In addition we produced a Flood Risk Assessment and indicative drainage strategy, which also incorporated BREEAM principles.
The Result
The scheme received planning consent in April 2017, and will provide a much needed facility in Southampton to ease pressure on existing care facilities.