Instructed by Wadham College, one of Oxford University’s constituent colleges founded in 1610, Paul Basham Associates were tasked with the highway works associated with the redevelopment of a disused car showroom and garages to 117 student rooms, 11 self-contained flats and 150m2 of B1 use on land at Iffley Road, Oxford.
The Proposal
Being within a sustainable location and given the intended end user, it was determined early on that the site would operate as a mainly car free development. Despite this, a vehicular access was needed to allow servicing, cycle and disabled user access. Paul Basham Associates were therefore asked to provide layout advice and feedback, liaison with the local highway authority on these proposals and prepare a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan to support the application.
Our Approach
Consultation with local residents and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) was key for this project to ensure all concerns were fully addressed and that the redevelopment is convenient and safe for sustainable transport users. This included funding to support the delivery of Controlled Parking Zones on local roads; reassuring both OCC and members of the public that further parking pressure wouldn’t be placed on the neighbouring streets as a result of the development.
Our Travel Plan and Transport Assessment highlighted the highly accessible nature of the site being within close proximity to a number of bus services and cycle routes. This therefore formed the basis of both reports emphasising sustainable transport and the reduced vehicular impact on the local road network.
The Outcome
The scheme received planning permission and is now built and occupied. The project was also named RIBA South Building of the Year and a RIBA National Award Winner in 2021.
From our client
Paul Basham Associates were appointed on the Dorothy Wadham Building Development to assist the professional team both with the design of the building in relation to highways, transport policy’s and cycle plans, and also to provide a key role in the team acquiring planning permission for the complex scheme. Paul Basham Associates acted as the key contact between the College and the County Council, producing, negotiating and agreeing the transport assessment and travel plan. Paul Basham Associates provided a professional and thorough service, proactively dealing with issues and concluded actions on time and to a high quality.
Peter Alsop
Finance Bursar
Wadham College