This is what it says in the LP. Assume that it is allocated and will be developed. I will check up on the planning application.
Triangle Site
Policy E8
39 hectares of land to the north west of the A361 (Highworth Road), north east of the A419(T) and south of the B4141 (Kingsdown Road), the ‘Triangle Site’, as defined on the Proposals Map, is allocated for Class B2 and/or B8 employment use and related development as follows:
a) a park and ride facility, to accommodate about 650 vehicles, provided in the north east corner of the site, in accordance with the specifications in Policy T4; and
b) the extension of the adjoining footpath and cycle way network into the Triangle Site; and
c) a green corridor, including a cycleway and footpath, provided through the site on the alignment of the old railway line, including provision to link the site and countryside east of the A419 with the proposed strategic green corridor west of the A419.
Justification
4.6.19 The area located between the A419(T), the A361 and Kingsdown Road, covering approximately 39 hectares, is locally known as the ‘Triangle Site’. This site is allocated for Class B2 and/or B8 employment use, including a park and ride facility to accommodate about 650 vehicles.
4.6.20 The Triangle Site was identified after undertaking a comparative assessment of potential employment locations around the periphery of Swindon. The importance of maximising existing infrastructure provision and market aspirations in assessing potential sites was taken into account and therefore the study focused around main transport corridors.
4.6.21 The site is opposite the Honda UK automobile production plant and South Marston Park Industrial Estate, (South Marston Park) north west of the A361. Both of these areas comprise substantial Class B development, with approximately 200,000m2 constructed since 1990 on about 100 hectares. Development of the Triangle Site would build upon, and consolidate existing Class B uses within the immediate area. Such a concentration of similar uses into a compact geographical area could form an economic cluster.
4.6.22 It is considered appropriate to allocate the Triangle Site for Class B2 and/or B8 employment uses. The Council is seeking to concentrate Class B1(a) office development within the Central Area to aid its regeneration. This is in line with Government guidance which seeks to locate Class B1(a) office uses which attract significant numbers of people closer to where there is greater accessibility by public transport. For this reason the Triangle Site is only considered appropriate for Class B2 and/or B8 uses.
4.6.23 In transport terms, this allocation reflects advice contained in PPG13 ‘Transport’, (PPG13, 2001), where the sustainability of existing developments can be improved through a co-ordinated approach of development plan allocations and transport improvements. There is a frequent bus service operating along Highworth Road linking the site to the Central Area and surrounding residential areas. This allocation would potentially strengthen the accessibility of South Marston Park and Honda UK by concentrating an increased number of employees within the overall cluster, encouraging a greater frequency and volume of public transport services, increasing the opportunity for a modal shift away from the private car.
4.6.24 The requirement for a park and ride site along the Highworth Road corridor was initially identified in the 1992 Swindon Transport Study and incorporated into the Swindon Local Transport Plan 2001-2006. The park and ride development is an important element in achieving a move away from dependency on the private car. To achieve the greatest impact, the park and ride site needs to be completed either prior to the construction of the development, or at the same time as the first phase of occupation within the overall development.
4.6.25 The potential of existing footpaths and cycleways should also be maximised by securing links into the surrounding networks, especially the proposed strategic green corridor at Stratton St. Margaret. Appropriate and safe mechanisms to overcome existing barriers in the green corridor network, primarily the A419(T), should constitute part of any proposal. This will increase the opportunity to reduce the reliance upon private cars for journeys to, and from work, by providing safe alternative modes of transport. Due to the close proximity of residential areas, there is a further opportunity to achieve a modal shift away from the private car. In addition, it will assist in the movement of wildlife.
4.6.26 Notwithstanding the above comments, a full examination of the site and its transport provision will be required. This must include a Transport Assessment which comprehensively examines the impact of the development upon the local highway network, including the A419 (T). This should be submitted with any application for development of the site.
4.6.27 In landscape terms, the site is strongly contained on all its boundaries by the road network, preventing future incremental intrusion into the countryside. Although development on the site may be prominent from some directions, this should be considered as an opportunity to create high quality buildings, both in terms of design, materials and landscaping, making a positive statement for occupiers. Existing natural features should be retained, and where possible enhanced. The development of the site should take account of the Landscape Character Area in terms of a landscape strategy for the site.
4.6.28 The site occupies a gateway entrance to Swindon, being particularly prominent from the Highworth Road. The importance of establishing a high quality building, or buildings complementing the surrounding area cannot be overstated in raising Swindon’s image. The site offers the opportunity for development by a single large occupier or in the form of a number of plots suitable for medium or smaller sized occupiers.
