COLIN BUCHANAN

News
colinbuchanan.com

2010

Signal switch-off trials, Portishead and Bristol

Over the last few years, the issue of simplified The trial allowed the council to formally assess
streetscape design has been gathering momentum, what happens when a busy junction is allowed
and the case for considering ‘naked streets’ or to operate without any conventional controls.
‘shared spaces’ as a possible design solution is We were commissioned to assist with the
now clear. Indeed, the DfT Manual for Streets and design, operation and monitoring of the trial,
LTN 1/08 Traffic Management and Streetscape which commenced in September 2009 with the
encourage designers to start with a ‘blank sheet’, switching-off of the traffic signals.
which includes the absence of any prescribed
priority or traffic signal control. However, there Three months later the trial is still running due
is currently no advice or recognised technique to its overwhelming success. The junction safely
for assessing under what traffic conditions accommodates over 2,000 vehicles and 250
such schemes would be appropriate in traffic pedestrians during peak hours; additionally, delays
management terms. This led Colin Buchanan to and queues have reduced by 50%. Pedestrian
promote a form of junction trial that would begin journey times have improved despite the lack of
to provide an evidence-base for such schemes. formal control. The scheme demonstrates that
courteous behaviour from all road users does work
In June 2009, a brief traffic signal failure at well when it is allowed to, and that it might be
Portishead’s notorious Cabstand junction, at possible to consider unregulated control at many
the intersection of B3124 High Street and A369 more such junctions across the UK. It is hoped
Wyndham Way, resulted in improved traffic that this project marks the start of a fundamental
conditions and this encouraged North Somerset rethinking in traffic management and our team is
Council to undertake a 4-week trial. now working with Bristol City and other councils on
similar projects.

“a fundamental rethinking in traffic Contact: [email protected]

management design.”

In this issue:

RTPI commendation iTRACE Malcolm Buchanan retires

Transport/Traffic/Development/Planning/Urban Design/Economics/Market Research

 Traffic and Transport

Fleetwood-Thornton AAP & Darlington

01 sustainable transport strategies
Colin Buchanan has recently completed two
innovative projects: the Sustainable Transport
Strategies (STS) for the Fleetwood-Thornton Area
Action Plan and the Darlington Eastern Transport
Corridor (DETC). Both studies were undertaken
with support from the Highways Agency, local
planning and highway authorities and a number of
developers. The studies were tasked with unlocking
multiple development sites that were otherwise
believed undeliverable due to highway impact. Both
studies defined financial contributions based on
land use and size of development in lieu of off-site
highway and sustainable transport interventions.
Benefits to our clients have included:
 land being unlocked for development
 reduced highway works
 coordination between developments resulting
in economies of scale
 more effective sustainable transport measures

Contact: [email protected]

02 Edinburgh BioQuarter transport study

The BioQuarter in Edinburgh is significant in a
national and regional context for health and
science research in Scotland and in terms of
fostering development of the wider economy.
Integrated transport solutions will play a key
role in making the BioQuarter a successful place.
Planning permission has already been obtained
for further development, with Phases 1-3
providing in the region of 135,000m2 for
bio-medical research and related commercial
activities. Colin Buchanan has been
commissioned by Scottish Enterprise to prepare
a transport assessment, parking strategy and
transport action plan in support of further
expansion, including additional space for
bio-medical research, the Royal Hospital
for Sick Children and the Division of Clinical
Neurosciences.

Contact: [email protected]

03 Lewisham borough-wide transport study

We are undertaking an innovative transport
study for the London Borough of Lewisham. The
study sets out to assess, through modelling, the
combined impact on the highway and public
transport networks of proposed developments
across the Borough. The purpose is to inform the
Council’s core strategy for the period 2010 to
2025. It will help guide strategic development
options for the borough and investment in
transport infrastructure on an area-wide and
site-specific basis. The output will be an integrated
multi-modal strategy to support two broad
growth options.

Contact: [email protected]
TfL speed limit mapping 04
Transport for London’s Road Safety Unit’s
Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) project is
intended to trial an ISA system on the streets
of London. ISA compares a vehicle’s speed
with the known speed limit for the vehicle’s
current location. TfL recognised that a critical
objective of the project would be to obtain an
accurate electronic speed limit map of London’s
road network for the ISA system to use. Colin
Buchanan, with help from Buchanan Computing,
was commissioned to accurately collect all speed
limit terminal and repeater signs throughout
London and also to provide this data as a digital
speed limit map ready for use with the ISA system.
This project was shortlisted for the Transport
Innovation award at the London Transport Awards.

Contact: [email protected]

East Ayrshire A70 scheme improvements 05

East Ayrshire Council commissioned us to
undertake detailed design work for several
improvement schemes on the A70, to enhance
road safety and economic development in
Ayrshire. Improvements were designed at Mote
Toll junction relating to the provision of a
deceleration lane and bellmouth widening, and
realignment on the A70 between Kerlestone and
Wee Torhill are all in progress. A 250m section
to the east of Muirkirk will be realigned in order
to improve the road for HGVs in particular. The
contract for construction of this work will go out
to tender next month. Horizontal and vertical
realignment of the 4km section to the east of
Lightshaw will be progressed at a later date.

Contact: [email protected]

TfL framework 06
Colin Buchanan is delighted to have been As part of a consortia we have linked-up with
successful in its tender for Transport for London’s Interfleet, an international rail consultancy,
Engineering and Project Management framework. whose services encompass all aspects of the
We have been working continuously for Transport railway system and its operation and ERM for
for London since its inception in 2000 and are environmental services.
currently involved in a number of high profile
projects. Together with Interfleet we are on five of the
11 categories:
We are also pleased to have been ranked top  road user/transport engineering
on quality/price on both Transport Planning  transport planning & analysis
and Transport Impact Monitoring and Data  transport impact monitoring and data
categories; and are one of only seven on the Traffic  railway engineering - asset
Engineering - Road User category (being the only
SME on the Traffic Engineering panel).
 railway engineering - process

Contact: [email protected]
[email protected]
 Traffic and Transport

07 NUIM mobility study

We were commissioned by the National University
of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM) to prepare a
traffic management and mobility study for the
University. The study addressed both current and
future issues and complemented the masterplan
for the University. The recommendations included
a mix of mobility management measures and
physical infrastructure across the campus.
Parking management was a core principle of the
recommendations - initially to formalise provision,
then to actively manage its use and finally to
reduce provision in line with improved provision
and use of more sustainable modes of transport.

Contact: [email protected]

08 Marble Arch surface crossings

For years, the visitor and public transport
interchange experience at Marble Arch has been
blighted due to the need to navigate the warren
of subways and the wide, hazardous circulating
carriageways. This resulted in a high accident
rate. Key to the success of the scheme was
mitigating any traffic impact at one of London’s
busiest intersections, which was achieved
using the latest micro-simulation modelling
techniques. Since the scheme opening, visitor
numbers have exceeded expectations and have
been fundamental to the revitalisation of the
western end of Oxford Street. This demonstrates
how well-designed traffic management and
public realm improvements can lead to wider
benefits to the community and economy.

Contact: [email protected]
A406 Henlys Corner 09
TfL commissioned us to develop a scheme for
Henlys Corner, a key junction on the A406 North
Circular Road. We prepared designs for and
analysed a number of potential options before the
proposed concept was selected in consultation with
the Mayor’s team. The preferred scheme design
developed by us is highly innovative and will deliver
on the objectives of improved pedestrian and
cycle accessibility, while simultaneously relieving
congestion and reducing bus journey times. We
are assisting TfL in delivering the proposed scheme
which is due to be constructed before the Olympics
in 2012.

Contact: [email protected]

Opinion:
Parking tariffs and local authorities 10
How should a council set its parking charges? Parking is a business where councils are often
At a level that maximises revenue, or maximises in competition with other centres as well as
usage of its parking spaces, or at a level that private sector operators. We help councils fully
ensures parking is always available? Should understand the market they are in and how to
they be using parking charges to try and change segment that market to derive suitable charges
people’s behaviour; for example by charging extra but also to become much more customer
for more polluting cars, preventing all day parking focused in an increasingly competitive world.
or offering discounts to people who spend more
money in their town? In setting charges, many Contact: [email protected]
councils are trying to juggle conflicting demands
while often failing to fully understand the market
they are operating in.
 Transport Modelling

11 North Staffordshire multi-modal model

Colin Buchanan has developed a four-stage,
multi-modal model of North Staffordshire using
the Cube Voyager modelling package. The model
structure consists of three main components: a
highway assignment model, a public transport
assignment model and a demand model. It was
built to replace the existing TRIPS-based model
which had been in almost continual use for 15
years. A comprehensive programme of surveys
was undertaken during spring 2009 including
origin-destination surveys of vehicles and bus
passengers, household interviews and stated
preference surveys. The model will be used for
a wide variety of applications, including the
preparation of two Major Scheme Business Cases
for the DfT: a Bus Rapid Transit running from the
University at Keele to Kidsgrove and a new road
running between Hanley and Bentilee.

Contact: [email protected]

12 Isle of Wight highway model

The Isle of Wight Council appointed Colin
Buchanan to build a high level SATURN traffic
model of the island to forecast future traffic flows
over the next 30 years. Working closely with
the Council’s appointed technical and economic
advisors for the highway maintenance PFI Projects,
the model is being developed to allow bidders to
develop detailed work schedules and maintenance
programme during the bidding process. The model
has already been used in support of the business
case submission for the proposed PFI project.

Contact: [email protected]

13 CELLO
To provide the CELLO (CEntraL LOndon) Board
(composed of senior TfL management and borough
representatives) with an impact assessment of
planned schemes on the road network in central
London, Colin Buchanan developed a series of
future year SATURN models from the CRISTAL-H
refresh model. We produced an extensive set of
model results and a comprehensive analysis of each
scenario to inform the Board about how the planned
network developments would affect central London
at borough and sector level. A set of performance
indicators, including an estimate of the capacity and
average speeds at sector and borough levels were
also produced. Heat diagrams were then created to
show the performance of the network for the base
and future scenarios. Recent tests have included the
impact on emissions of increased usage of electric
vehicles in London.

Contact: [email protected]
West Bromwich regeneration business case 14
Colin Buchanan has developed an integrated
modelling framework for Sandwell Metropolitan
Borough Council to test various highway designs,
demand management measures and to produce a
business case submission for West Bromwich. The
project involved the development of an integrated
modelling suite that used VISUM for strategic
modelling, which interacts with VISSIM for
micro-simulation and economic appraisals using
TUBA. The VISSIM model also included a detailed
pedestrian network assignment model and a
parking choice model.

Contact: [email protected]

Research and development 15

Colin Buchanan has developed a number of  PRAM – A Pedestrian Regeneration Analysis
bespoke software models including: Model to evaluate the effects of large retail
developments in attracting shopping visitors
 BUSMODEL – A public transport assessment to a town centre. Recent PRAM applications
tool. The software has been used in a include modelling of town centres in
number of studies such as for Dublin Bus Kingston, Dartford, Brighton and Woolwich
for forecasting patronage, revenue and  WALKER – tool to investigate the pedestrian
operational costs movement delay. The software has been
 STEEM – A 3-stage trip end and demand used in the modelling of the junction at
modelling tool. The tool was developed to Marble Arch and Wembley Stadium to show
assess the effects of growth in Thurrock’s how detailed aspects of pedestrian delay
infrastructure as part of their LDF assessment could be investigated
 DEVEL – Tool for accessing the sustainability of
new residential developments Contact: [email protected]
 PRIDE – Park and Ride Logit-based evaluation
model
 Sustainable Travel

16 Business Travel Networks

The Sustainable Travel Team has developed a

number of Business Travel Networks in London.
These networks help to identify how staff
currently travel, the problems they experience
and provide suggestions on how the businesses
and local authority can make improvements
to infrastructure and promotion of sustainable
modes. Businesses within the networks are
provided with advice, support, funding, marketing
materials and events to help them reduce their car
usage and increase the use of sustainable travel.
Marketing materials developed and distributed to
businesses included cycle training, maintenance
courses, free bike checks and bike rides posters.
Travel Options leaflets were distributed to raise
awareness of the walking, cycling, public transport,
car sharing and car clubs available to local people.

Contact: [email protected]

17 Travel plan for the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester commissioned the
team to design and carry out a comprehensive
online and paper travel survey to assess the travel
patterns and issues of staff and students. The
response rate exceeded expectations, especially for
the staff survey, which reached 70%. We drew up a
series of prioritised recommendations for targeted
measures to help encourage sustainable travel
to each campus, focusing on the high number of
respondees who commented on their desire to
take up cycling as part of their commute. We will
continue to support the Travel Plan Coordinator
as she develops the university-wide and
campus-specific travel plans. Leicester has
aspirations to become one of the most sustainable
universities in England, the fantastic response to
this survey sets them well on their way.

Contact: [email protected]

18 Bromley-by-Bow Tesco
Tesco Stores Ltd commissioned Colin Buchanan sustainable goal of the Games while meeting local
to produce a framework travel plan for the needs. Development of an effective management
redevelopment of the Bromley-by-Bow store site structure for the site was central to creating a
to influence the travel behaviour of all site users, successful framework travel plan. As a result of
including construction workers, travelling to the the project, TfL are now considering the travel
site due to the length of the site’s build schedule. plan as best practice guidance for supermarket
Owing to the location of the site and the vicinity developments.
to the 2012 Olympic Games, it was necessary to
produce a travel plan that was consistent with the Contact: [email protected]
iTRACE online travel plan tool 19
We were tasked with creating the residential
monitoring component of iTRACE, the online
travel plan tool adopted by TfL. The residential
component serves as a major expansion to their
widely established workplace travel planning tool
and will be rolled out London-wide in 2010. We
have developed a methodology for conducting
travel surveys amongst residents of sites with
travel plans in place. Compared to workplaces,
residents are notoriously difficult to engage,
requiring a precise methodology to be developed
that will ensure minimum response rates are met
while keeping costs down. This initial piece of
work has been followed by the development of the
monitoring report template for all residential sites
in London and the testing of the survey process in
a pilot project. We developed an interactive toolkit
enabling independent surveyors to successfully
carry out iTRACE compliant residential surveys,
including instructions and adaptable materials to
be distributed to residents.

Contact: [email protected]

Opinion:
Focus on London’s cycle hire scheme 20
The bike rental scheme that is due to be Some have pointed out that the stakes are
implemented in central London this year is a high. If successful, it will be a step-change
significant step forward in the development in cycling provision, and some argue the
of cycling in the UK. First and foremost it has presence of so many cyclists may have a
been conceived and developed as a ‘mode’ by cumulative safety benefit on London’s streets.
Transport for London. It is an extension of the Colin Buchanan has long been involved in the
public transport network, with docking stations design and development of cycling schemes
and information terminals as well as the bikes in London. We have been developing various
themselves, which will have distinctive TfL livery. aspects of the London Cycle Network, and are
Secondly, it obviates the need for cycle parking taking forward ‘Biking Borough’ schemes.
and storage, which is a perennial problem in
London with its demands on private and public Contact: [email protected]
space. Thirdly, being in such a busy high-profile
location, there are likely to be a wide range of
uses, be they commercial, personal or tourism.

Artist’s impression. Indicative location. Copyright: TfL

 Economics

21 Greater Manchester smart ticketing

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive
(GMPTE) plans to introduce a smart card ticketing
system on the public transport network in Greater
Manchester, beginning with the Metrolink light rail
system and rolling out to buses and the rail network
in the future. We have been supporting GMPTE in
their development of a procurement strategy for
the smart ticketing system, and in obtaining the
required internal approvals to proceed with the
programme. The procurement strategy defined how
the system components are expected to be bundled
together, and the procurement procedure for each
bundle, as well as key elements such as budget,
funding, governance and the commercial strategy
for the contracts. The programme was approved
internally and an OJEU notice issued in March 2010.

Contact: [email protected]

22 Economic impact of traffic signals

In recent years there has been a sustained debate
on the role of traffic signals. An increase in their
number has led to a perception that there are
now too many traffic signals and that at the
margins, outside peak hours, their benefits may be
outweighed by increased congestion, or at least
unnecessary delays. To inform the debate on the
cost and benefits of traffic signals, GLA Economics
commissioned research using actual traffic flows
at signalised junctions in London during different
times of the day. We found that overall traffic
signals provide significant benefits but there are
very clearly certain times and places where there
are greater benefits in removing traffic signals.

Contact: [email protected]
DART Underground business case 23
We have been working on a business case for the
DART Underground, a proposed 7.1km twin bore
tunnel for electrified heavy rail in Dublin city
centre, linking the Northern line to the Heuston
Main line. It will serve five new underground
stations in the city centre. We applied our
expertise in Wider Economic Benefits (WEBs)
to estimate the likely agglomeration impacts of
the scheme, the first time this has been done for
a scheme in Ireland. Our study showed that the
WEBs are likely to be substantial, significantly
boosting the case for the scheme.

Contact: [email protected]

Opinion:
The economics of hub airports 24
High quality transport infrastructure is a In total the economic benefit of a third runway
prerequisite to sustain economic growth and is in the region of £30bn while the capital cost
maintain competitiveness. The most innovative of the scheme will be funded by the private
and productive firms in any economy tend to sector (unlike high speed rail proposals which
be those competing at a global level. Heathrow are overwhelmingly dependent on the taxpayer
is the UK’s only hub airport. The benefit of a and would free up less than 10% of Heathrow’s
hub is to sustain more destinations and higher capacity). Because of its hub characteristics the
frequencies than justified by local demand economic impact of a third runway at Heathrow
alone. Those benefits are crucial for business is much greater than additional capacity
travellers. Academic research shows that elsewhere in the UK. In determining whether the
improved international connectivity also increases third runway should go ahead, politicians must
productivity; in the case of Heathrow’s third take account of the full environmental, social and
runway the value to the UK is in the region of economic impacts in an holistic manner.
£20bn over 60 years.
Contact: [email protected]
 Planning, Regeneration,
Urban Design

25 RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year award

We were shortlisted for the RTPI’s Planning
Consultancy of the Year award and received one of
two Commendations. The judges comments were:
“Colin Buchanan’s multidisciplinary practice makes
best use of a team of just eight chartered planners
in England and Ireland. It has benefited from the
increased prominence of infrastructure planning in
the past two years, confirming its ability to deliver
plans with a sound information base, balanced
judgements and a strong team spirit. Recent work
includes a seminar series for the Planning Advisory
Service, guidance on effective section 106 deals and
statements of community involvement, a study of
infrastructure priorities in Thurrock and a high-level
regeneration strategy in Belfast”. We also accepted
the award for Omagh Towards a Vision 2025
Regeneration project as well as being shortlisted for Shankill Road Community Regeneration and Mallow
Town and Environs Recreational Infrastructure Audit in the Irish Planning Institute’s annual awards.
Judges’ comment: “The firm combines sound research, insight and imagination
with a hard-headed approach to implementation.”
Contact: [email protected]

26 Elstree Way Corridor – A new heart for Borehamwood

We are undertaking an ambitious feasibility
study to produce a development-led masterplan
for the Elstree Way Corridor in Borehamwood,
Hertfordshire. The study, for Hertsmere Borough
Council, will provide a comprehensive regeneration
strategy for the area, underpinned by robust
design principles and sound financial feasibility.
Design concepts are being refined and developed
to produce strong guidance that can deliver a
high quality solution whilst being resilient to
a changing property market. The masterplan
will include improvements such as a new public
square, a cultural building linked to Elstree Studios,
improved access to open space, sustainable
transport measures, and additional housing.

Contact: [email protected]

27 Spatial planning and health

Colin Buchanan, in association with rmjm
consulting, have been jointly appointed by the
Department of Health and Communities and Local
Government to undertake a study to investigate the
extent to which the Government’s health, wellbeing
and social care objectives are being delivered
locally, from a spatial perspective. The focus of
the work will be to ascertain how effectively
Government’s objectives are being translated
into regional and local plans and strategies and
outcomes on the ground, and identify barriers to
their implementation. The study will recommend
actions that could be taken to improve local
delivery and evaluate their effectiveness.

Contact: [email protected]
Carlisle Interpretive Framework 28
In the belief that Carlisle has the potential to assets. It is being undertaken in conjunction
establish itself as one of the country’s leading with CMC Associates and will be a source of
heritage cities and thereby derive significant structure and guidance for stakeholders within
economic, social and physical benefits from the community to enable them to contribute
cultural tourism, the Interpretive Framework to the coherent and coordinated development,
for Historic Carlisle, commissioned by Carlisle management and presentation of Carlisle’s rich
Renaissance, is aimed at improving the cultural heritage.
interpretation of the City’s historic and cultural
Contact: [email protected]

Islington’s infrastructure delivery plan 29

The London Borough of Islington appointed Colin  identifies future infrastructure requirements
Buchanan to prepare an infrastructure delivery to support housing and employment growth,
plan. The plan provides the evidence base that will as detailed in the core strategy and other LDF
enable the core strategy to meet the soundness documents
test set by Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12).  provides an indication of the potential
The IDP:
costs and means of funding the required
 creates a benchmark of existing infrastructure infrastructure through s106 agreements,
provision which identifies how well existing public and private, and other sources
needs are met
Contact: [email protected]

Opinion:
Is there a link between design and crime? 30
As our cities become more compact and the local authority intervention. This is encouraging
growing inequalities between those that have as divergent studies in unrelated professional
and those that have not becomes more apparent, disciplines are beginning to show that not only
the disillusionment that this could bring could could good design possibly reduce crime, but may
lead to higher levels of crime. The planning of our also contribute to the broader political agenda
cities has therefore become even more complex of improved community cohesion and individual
as evidence suggests a possible link between well-being. What is therefore required is for design
design and crime. The task is to recognise that to be championed not as a passive element in city
the issue of safety starts with good design and building but as an active contributor to societal
the quality of the places that we create, rather stability and personal happiness: one would
than with an approach that tries to minimise suggest that this should be quite high on the
the impact of crime through increased CCTV political agenda!
surveillance, additional policing and increased
Contact: [email protected]
 Ireland

31 Craigavon tourism development and action plan

Colin Buchanan was appointed to prepare a
Tourism Development and Action Plan for
Craigavon to advise how existing performance
could be improved and how tourism could make
a greater contribution to the reorganisation of
Local Government in Northern Ireland in 2011. It
established overall goals and identified practical
recommendations for the development of tourism.
Following its completion, Colin Buchanan helped
the council to make a successful application for
funding under the NITB tourism innovation fund
to implement key recommendations within the
plan. To date, it has been well received and should
provide strategic guidance for the development of
tourism within the area for many years to come.

Contact: [email protected]

32 NTA Dublin transport strategy

The National Transport Authority (NTA), formerly
the Dublin Transportation Office, appointed
us to assist in the preparation of its transport
strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2030. The
NTA maintains and operates one of the largest
and most sophisticated multi-modal strategic
transport models in Europe consisting of 666
zones, over 500 highway links and over 400 public
transport services including heavy rail, LRT and
stage carriage bus. We provide expert input on
the use of SATURN, TRIPS and OmniTrans and
the application of the Department of Transport
Common Appraisal Framework Guidelines.

Contact: [email protected]

33 Gortlee Park development masterplan

Allen Robinson commissioned us to prepare a
planning application for a mixed-use development
in the grounds of Gortlee House in Letterkenny.
The development of Gortlee House and grounds
is provided for in the Letterkenny and Environs
Development Plan which has zoned the site as
a development “opportunity site” and set out a
number of guiding principles for any development
proposals. We prepared a masterplan in
conjunction with Robinson McIlwaine Architects
which adheres fully to these principles. In addition
to providing town planning and transportation
planning advice, we managed the preparation of
an environmental impact statement assessing the
effects of the proposed development.

Contact: [email protected]
NDA policy and design guidance for planners 34
The concept of Universal Design refers to the design the policy and design guidance for planners of
and composition of an environment so that it can Universal Design in shaping our built and natural
be accessed, understood and used to the greatest environment. In the context of an increasingly aging
extent possible by all people, regardless of their population and considering the fact that people
age, size or ability. It goes beyond the prescriptive with disabilities constitute approximately 9.3% of
standards for accessibility and considers the the Irish population, the booklet provides important
broadest range of users, so that suitable facilities guidance on how to deliver, promote and achieve
are incorporated from the outset, avoiding the need Universal Design within the planning system.
for subsequent adaptation, supporting the creation It demonstrates how Universal Design can be
of better places for all abilities and all age groups. integrated into the planning process through careful
We have produced a guidance booklet for planners consideration of the context, user needs, and well
on behalf of the National Disability Authority drafted policies in conjunction with a collaborative
and Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. approach to development management.
The aim of the booklet is to provide the planning
profession in Ireland with greater awareness of Contact: [email protected]

Retail therapy Dundalk – empowering the Gateway City 35

Empowering the performance of regional gateway
cities is a major challenge for the Irish planning
system, especially the border counties that are
exposed to the currency fluctuations that so heavily
influence cross-border trading and commerce
patterns. Dundalk has been particularly vulnerable
to the economic impacts of leakage from its
catchment. We have been successful in getting
lands at the park zoned in the new Dundalk and
Environs Development Plan for a regional scale
retail centre, as well as two phased planning
applications for Finnebair Estates, altogether with
650,000sqft of retail and leisure facilities on site.
We provided town planning, retail impact, EIS
and transport planning services and worked in
partnership with architects BDP.

Contact: [email protected]
 Development

36 Keadby wind farm

Wind farms are becoming a common sight as part
of the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A
new farm is being built by RES near the village of
Keadby in North Lincolnshire which is remote from
the trunk road network and is severed by a canal
and railway line. We are assisting with achieving
construction access to the site. As well as normal
deliveries of construction plant and materials, the
major components for the turbines can be up to
43m long and weigh almost 100 tonnes. A number
of options are under consideration including use of
the canal, upgrading an existing swing bridge and
a new temporary overbridge across the canal and
railway line.

Contact: [email protected]

37 Dobbies Garden Centres Plc

We continue to provide traffic and transportation
advice to Dobbies Garden Centres in relation to
their expansion programme throughout the UK.
We produced the transport assessments to support
the planning applications for the new garden
centres as well as the individual travel plans
for each development. Most recently we were
involved in the planning application for a garden
centre at Nether Alderley, Cheshire. We also advise
Dobbies in relation to improving their existing
garden centres in terms of car park layouts,
improving access for coaches and updating travel
plans to encourage staff to use sustainable modes
of transport.

Contact: [email protected]

38 New Acute Hospital, Larbert

We continue to advise NHS Forth Valley on
transportation matters related to the opening
of their New Acute Hospital in Larbert in
2010. Recent tasks have included the design
and implementation of a needs based parking
permit and management system and design
and procurement of public transport services.
We prepared a travel plan marketing strategy
and design of marketing material as well as
detailed design of a pedestrian and cycle network.
Identification and implementation of an off-site
parking monitoring system was needed with
ongoing consultation with local authorities
regarding the discharge of planning conditions
and legal obligations. We also helped to recruit
a NHS Forth Valley travel coordinator, ensuring
implementation of the travel plan in advance of
the hospital opening.

Contact: [email protected]
Sackville Place, Hove 39
Parkridge Developments asked us to provide a
transport assessment in support of a planning
application for the redevelopment of Sackville
Trading Estate. Our focus was to ensure that the
development is as sustainable as possible, with
balanced parking and enhanced facilities for
pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The final
design included investment in existing pedestrian
crossings, provision of new cycle parking and
advanced cycle stop lines at signalised junctions,
real time information and improved waiting
facilities at bus stops. Controlled Parking Zone
reviews formed part of the strategy along with
a travel plan. The design and layout of the site
itself includes underground car parking and a fully
pedestrianised public square. Planning permission
was granted by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Contact: [email protected]

Urban extension, Kettering 40

Alledge Brook appointed us to assess the
implications of a new 5,500 unit development as
part of Kettering’s planned urban extension. The
problems that are associated with linking urban and
rural development have led to a comprehensive
integrated transport strategy. The site is located on
the A14, a route of national strategic importance
which is severely congested, so it was clear that
with a development of this nature reliance solely
on a car-based strategy would not be suitable. We
produced a transport access strategy that seeks to
induce a modal shift away from Northamptonshire’s
existing pattern of high car usage, involving the
delivery of a new junction on the A14, village
bypasses, bus priority corridor into Kettering and
new pedestrian and cycle strategies. The local
authority recently granted this major development
planning permission.

Contact: [email protected]
 Development

41 Port of Tilbury
Port of Tilbury London Limited commissioned
us to provide highways and transport advice on
their proposed plans for expansion. As well as
being Britain’s greenest port, it is the third largest
container port in the UK and the most important
multi-modal distribution centre serving London.
It is proposing to develop a 27 hectare area of
land for storage and distribution, light industry
and offices along with a dedicated serviced
haulier parking area for approximately 500 lorries.
The site is located adjacent to the A1089 (T),
part of the strategic trunk road network, which
already provides direct access to the main port
entrance. Our work includes the preparation of a
comprehensive transport assessment considering
the operational implications of the proposals as
well as assessment of the environmental impacts
as part of the Environmental Statement.

Contact: [email protected]

42 Wind farm development, UK Wide

We work with Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting
Ltd on behalf of various renewable energy
companies, to assess the traffic and transportation
issues associated with wind farm planning
applications. This involves a desktop analysis of
potential routes and restrictions which are then
examined via extensive on-site observations and
detailed discussions with local authorities and
relevant stakeholders. AutoTrack software is used
to undertake detailed swept path assessments and
to identify mitigation measures to accommodate
the loads. Additionally, we have been responsible
for preparing the transport chapter of the EIA,
which is essential in determining the traffic impacts
of the proposed wind farm on the road network and
a number of carefully identified sensitive receptors
such as small settlements. The EIA then identifies
mitigation measures aimed at minimising the
effects of the proposed development.

Contact: [email protected]
About Colin Buchanan

Malcolm Buchanan retires 43

It is with sadness and gratitude that in December
we welcomed staff and guests to celebrate Malcolm
Buchanan’s contribution to the company as he starts
his new life in retirement. Malcolm will continue
to work with the company on selected projects (ie,
the ones he finds most interesting!). It was a fitting
occasion to reflect on why his contribution to the
business has made it what it is today.

Joy has been a consistent theme throughout

Malcolm’s approach to work. It is this word (and
generosity) which epitomises Malcolm, whom I have
known and worked with for 20 years. I have watched
him in the boardroom (the way he would allow the
opportunity for each and every person to have a
say); in the office (quietly moving from one desk to
the next, offering help to the staff in his generous
and unassuming way); in social gatherings (always
the perfect gentleman making everyone feel at ease
and permanently relating one story after another
– whether it be from his recent work in China or from
his younger days as a Royal Engineer in the Middle
East).

Malcolm’s contribution is not only evident in the hours worked, fees generated and projects won but also
in the way he has continued to infuse the company with integrity and attention to detail which makes the
company what it is today.

He has my admiration and affection and all our best wishes.

Andreas Markides
Chairman
Contact: [email protected]

You can find Malcolm’s book commemorating his career at www.colinbuchanan.com

About Us
News
Colin Buchanan is a leading transport, planning, urban design and economics consultancy founded by Sir
Colin Buchanan in 1964. The company is wholly owned by its staff and remains true to its independent
roots. We offer impartial and objective advice and excellent design solutions to a wide variety of clients.
We pride ourselves on the integrity and professionalism of our staff, who are key to the business, to provide
a bespoke service to our broad spectrum of clients.

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 Sustainable travel  Demand management
 Urban design  Tourism and heritage planning

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