"Eco town" developers urged not to neglect the motor car

Developers of an “eco town” development in West Sussex are being urged not to neglect motorists in their proposals to create a community built around green homes and sustainable travel principles.

Tony Dignum, chairman of the Chichester Society, has welcomed plans to encourage people to switch to environmentally friendly modes of travel such as cycling, walking and public transport at the proposed Graylingwell Park development.

However, he insists that people will still have to rely on cars for much of their transport requirements, and says that planners should take that into account, reports the Midhurst and Petworth Observer.

“The issue is you have to be realistic,” he told the newspaper. “If people are living that far from the city centre and having to work elsewhere, they will need cars.

“You can make improvements on the margin and have say cycling, and you have to have regular bus route. By improving people’s choices you can get some sort of modal shift, but it will only be at the margins.”

He added that with people commuting to towns and cities such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton and Crawley for work, access to cars would be essential.
Developers Linden homes are planning 51 properties on the site, including 12 one-bedroom flats and 26 three-bedroom and 13 four-bedroom homes, with the prices of units not already sold or reserved starting at around £305,000.

On average, there will be 1.5 car parking spaces per dwelling on the development, above the 66 that Linden Homes envisaged as part of what it calls the “Graylingwell principle” but, at 78 spaces, below the 86 that West Sussex County Council would rather see.

Mr Dignum added that while the Chichester Society was not opposed to the development in general terms, it needed to take a closer look at the proposals.
Overall, Mr Dignum said the society had no general objection to the plans, but would examine the details more closely.

Linden Homes said that the project, which is currently going through the planning process, was intended to “influence the travel behaviour of residents, employees and visitors to the site and reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles travelling to and from the site.”

Among steps that will be taken to encourage people to use other modes of transport are visits to residents’ homes by a travel plan co-ordinator who would draw up personalised travel plans, while a surve would be conducted to ascertain current travel habits.

It is planned that there will also be pool bikes to share at the development, with cycle training provided, while a car club and database for car-sharing will be set up too.

Unsurprisingly, the development’s website attaches great weight to its claimed eco credentials, saying: “Welcome to the world of Graylingwell Park, a landmark collection of beautiful carbon neutral homes spread across acres of breathtaking parkland less than a mile from the vibrant historic city of Chichester.

“Bursting with wildlife and an endless array of events and amenities to enjoy, Graylingwell Park offers you more than just a home. Explore the nature trails, shop for fresh local food at the farmers' market, get creative in the artist studios or catch up with friends in the café. This is a place you'll be proud to call home.



“Designed with the planet at the heart, environmental sustainability is embedded in the development of Graylingwell Park. New homes must achieve a carbon neutral status to protect our beautiful environment for generations to come and as part of the sustainable strategy, green energy and water management are also critical components of the masterplan.”