The North Popley development provides an excellent opportunity for promoting and improving public transport initiatives and for enhancing the network of footpaths and cycleways linked to key destinations such as the town centre and employment centres at Chineham. It is recognised that any development of this scale will result in an increase in the volume of traffic in the area, and this will need to be addressed. However, the development also provides opportunities tackle existing transport issues. Many of the transport improvements will be funded by the new development, the remainder being funded by the Highway Authority.
Basingstoke’s transport policy (BEST) encompasses this approach. Based on the latest guidance, the following key principles have been adopted in the overall strategy.
- Improving the effectiveness of public transport.
- Extending traffic calming and better managing overall capacity.
- Extended pedestrianisation and the creation of strategic footpath networks.
- Provision of convenient cycle routes and a safer cycling environment.
The design of the transport network has been produced to create a flexible, sustainable approach that provides excellent accessibility, but where the car, is not dominant.
The key objectives for the movement strategy are:
- Permeable network of different types of access routes.
- Distinctive and attractive streets that create a sense of place and aids navigation of the area
- Designed to discourage crime and provide safe and secure streets
- Pedestrians, cyclists and buses are the priority.
- Discouraging ‘rat-runs’ through Sherborne St.John and from the A340.
- Effective connections to services and community infrastructure for all users in the existing Popley area.
- Convenient public transport.
- Speed control of 20mph in residential streets and 25mph on principal streets.
These objectives will be will be implemented at the site in a variety of ways, including:
- The proposed Merton Rise neighbourhood centre and town square will act as a bus hub, allowing higher density development.
- A higher quality public transport system such as guided bus technology.
- Creation of strategic pedestrian and cycle links to the town-centre and surrounding area, with whole route improvement.
- The promotion of Popley Way as a public transport spine through infrastructure improvements.
- New neighbourhoods with streets designed for all users.
The three core areas are: highways and parking, pedestrians and cyclists and public transport.