Transport planning and traffic modelling services for Golden Valley, Cheltenham

Challenge

A vibrant and pioneering garden community, Golden Valley will integrate hi-tech businesses with new homes and community uses, alongside the highest standards of environmental sustainability, design and place-making.Alongside more than 1,000 homes this development will provide one million square feet of flexible employment space, including what is expected to be a nationally significant Innovation Centre.

Solution

SLR is retained to provide transport planning and traffic modelling services that have been used to inform and shape the masterplan, access strategy and car parking provision. In recognition of strategic policy directions of the local planning authority, SLR has adopted its Vision and Validate approach to the masterplan and off-site infrastructure upgrades.Accordingly, the infrastructure required for this scheme has been designed to meet demands by all modes, taking into account key desire lines.

Central to this has been the development of extensive upgrades to active mode infrastructure, agreeing upgrades to the local bus services and the inclusion of Mobility Hubs on the site.

Impact

By integrating sustainable modes of transport into the fabric of the development, SLR has been able to ensure vehicle based infrastructure (incl. car parking areas) is kept to a minimum thereby maximising land available for development and place-making.The justification for this approach is being evidenced through the use of a strategic micro-simulation model that takes into account the effects of planned infrastructure upgrades, including a new Motorway junction that is subject to a DCO application.