Tag: planning applications

Eagle Quarter Planning Application

Posted on by Web Editor

The latest planning application for the Eagle Quarter sets out ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the Kennet Centre. Spokes has reviewed the application to see what provision will be made for cyclists and have submitted comments accordingly.

While cycle parking is proposed within the site for use by residents, we have highlighted issues with some of the proposed locations where cyclists would have to ride through the undercroft car park, or through the pedestrianised area within the site to access them. Also, we have raised concerns about the number of doors that cyclists would have to negotiate to access some of the cycle parking areas.

We were disappointed that the transport assessment appeared to assume that there was sufficient on-street cycle parking around the site, without having done a cycle parking audit, so we have asked that this be addressed. There were also a few inconsistencies in the way that the transport assessment considered access by bike to a range of local facilities, which we have also highlighted.

The proposed development would make some significant changes to the road layout, with Northbrook Street becoming two-way between Market Street and the new car park access. Although it is technically not legal for cyclists to travel south between Bridge Street and Market Street, many cyclists do this when the pedestrian and cycle zone is in force between 10am and 5pm. The proposed change would help to improve cycle permeability through the town centre and we have indicated our support for this.

The proposed travel plan for the site is fairly basic and uninspiring, and we have made some suggestions for improvements. However, there is provision for a cycle workshop within the site, which we support.

Further information on the Eagle Quarter proposals can be found here: https://www.eaglequarter.com/

If you would like to view / comment on the planning application, you can do so here:
http://planning.westberks.gov.uk/rpp/index.asp?caseref=23/02094/FULMAJ

The planning application is likely to be considered by the Council’s Western Area Planning Committee early in the New Year.

Newbury Business Park

Posted on by Secretary

SPOKES undertakes a wide variety of activities to improve cycling across the district – this includes looking at planning applications to ensure that the needs of cyclists are properly considered as part of planning applications.

A recent example is at Newbury Business Park where the there is a proposal for new housing development with a pedestrian access onto London Road and associated landscaping. The plans show a green strip along the western edge of the development, which roughly coincides with the alignment of the former Newbury to Oxford railway line, which SPOKES is trying to get reopened as a walking, cycling and equestrian route.

The planning application suggests that the new pedestrian access will be “strictly controlled with only residents having a key/card to gain access.” However, this has potential to open up a path between the A4 and the River Lambourn for pedestrians and cyclists. This would connect to an existing bridge over the river and shared use path through to Curling Way, with a quiet on-road route through to Kiln Ride. We have queried with West Berks Highways Development Control if it is possible for public access along the old railway line could be provided.

While we do try and pick up most of the major planning applications, it is difficult for us to assess them all and some will inevitably slip through the net. If you know of an opportunity to improve cycling provision associated with a proposed development, then please email us at highways@westberkshirespokes.org.