Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan, Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative & Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) Documents
THIS CONSULTATION IS NOW CLOSED
Introduction
This consultation is about the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan, Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative and Parking Standards draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents that have been prepared to give potential developers in Bridgend County Borough further detailed guidance on various policies contained within the Council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP).
Background to the Proposal
Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan -Main report and Technical Appendices
Bridgend town centre has undergone some major improvements to the public realm over recent years, with the aim of enhancing its attractiveness and creating an environment that is better able to encourage inward investment from the private / commercial sector. To date this work has been undertaken as and when external funding has been secured, and has been limited in terms of the type of work undertaken due to grant funding criteria.
Bridgend town centre has the potential to significantly increase its retail function, with scope to raise its performance levels and position in the retail hierarchy. Significant public sector investment will be made in the town centre in the immediate future through the £9m European Convergence Programme. At the same time, the Elder Yard development will strengthen the historic town centre core. The purpose of the Masterplan is to harness the potential of this investment to provide a catalyst for future commercial development and growth in retail capacity.
The production of a Masterplan for Bridgend allows for a planned approach to development and inward investment.
- creates a 'vision' for the area and prioritise actions to deliver this;
- identifies key development opportunities including important sites and gateways; and
- ensures that any proposed new development outside the retail core supports rather than competes with the retail core.
The current economic conditions have had a very severe impact on town centre regeneration and the development industry across the UK. The Masterplan sets the direction for the next 10 years and the next development cycle, so that the planning policy context is clear when market conditions improve, and will help direct the recovery process.
Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative- full document available to read here
Bridgend Town Centre Conservation Area, designated on 23rd June 1999, covers most of the town's commercial core. Bridgend County Borough Council has a statutory duty to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area in accord with the advice in Circular 61/96. The fulfilment of this duty is greatly assisted by Townscape Heritage initiative and Town Improvement Grants, which can help owners to restore and strengthen the historical character of their properties.
This supplementary planning guidance focuses on that part of the Bridgend Town Centre Conservation Area around Dunraven Place and Elder Street and is brought forward now because of the pressing needs of the Townscape Heritage Initiative Project and because the completion of Angel Gateway (the walkway along the east bank of the river) creates new commercial development opportunities. Underlying the advice in this document are four objectives:
Sustainability - to contribute to climate neutrality
Community development - to strengthen local pride and identity
Heritage Protection - to value and enhance the history of the town
Regeneration - to promote successful enterprise that secures the future of the town
Volume 1 - Guidance and Standards available to read here
Volume 2 - Parking Zone Plans available to read here
The continued reliance on the private car is creating significant traffic, environmental and health concerns which must be addressed. These parking standards seek to limit parking opportunities, primarily at places of destinations and encourage, via travel plans, greater use of alternative modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport. The standards, however, recognise the desire to own cars and therefore seek to secure appropriate levels of parking for new residential developments.
The use of minimum parking standards tends to encourage car-use which leads to adverse impacts on the environment. The provision of parking spaces also has implications relating to the most effective and efficient use of land, housing densities and adequate provision of amenities. Therefore the application of maximum parking standards in new developments or re-developments would help to protect the environment and promote appropriate use of resources.
This SPG will enable developers to be aware, at an early stage in the development process, the level of car parking needed and measures required to ameliorate the impact of car use.
Consultation Methods
We want to ensure that we get your views on all three of the Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents before they are finalised and published.
You can read and print off the Guidance documents, and response form, online and they are also available for you to view at the Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend or at any library across the County Borough.
How do you make your views known?
Read the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan document, Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative document or the Parking Standards document and complete the SPG representation forms, then either
- Email your comments directly to developmentplanning@bridgend.gov.uk
- Send your comments to Mr David Llewellyn, Group Manager- Development, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB.
- Fax your comments to 01656 643190
Representation forms and comments must be received by 4.30pm on Friday 17th June 2011. Unfortunately, any comments received after this deadline will not be accepted
Consultation Period
This consultation period is Thursday 5th May 2011 to Friday 17th June 2011.
What are the Next Steps?
Once the consultation period has ended, each response / comment will be reported back to the Development Control Committee with a response from the Council recommending any proposed changes considered appropriate in light of the comment received.
The SPG's will then be adopted by the Council and will become material considerations in the determination of relevant planning applications.
Contact Details
If you require further information on this consultation, please contact Jonathan Lane on 01656 643670, email: developmentplanning@bridgend.gov.uk
Date 5th May 2011
- Last Updated: 21/06/2011
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