Draft Black Country Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 45872

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: St Modwen Developments Ltd

Agent: Planning Prospects Ltd

Uffmoor Vale
ge areas of
new public open space.







A458



A449

A463




A4101


A491


A4036



DUDLEY WEST BROMWICH

A459

M6



A34


BIRMINGHAM

The land at Uffmoor Vale is under the control of a master developer.
This ensures the scheme will be best placed to overcome any technical constraints and make best use of opportunities the site can cater for. Upon allocation, site delivery would not be slowed by multiple land interest negotiations nor by queries about how the vision for the site can be realised. Both the landowners and master developer are aligned in
delivering Uffmoor Vale in a timely, high quality manner. The proposals also
incorporate vast new public open space and pedestrian connections to the south on the currently private site, including enhancment of existing Public Rights of Way. The increased accessibility of the green area and the enhanced safety measures along the A456 will allow for greater
interconnectivity between the existing urban area, the proposed Uffmoor
development, Uffmoor Wood and the Clent Hills.


A442


A449








KIDDERMINSTER

STOURBRIDGE




A451




A450



A448
TAH45E8 SITE M5



A456




A491












A441

M42


A449
BROMSGROVE

A38



A448
A435

M5
REDDITCH


A443
A4133


DROITWICH SPA

Wider Location Plan

A441



Our proposals offer a new residential community with a quantum of development that will facilitate an accessible mixed-use local centre and community facilities. The provision of these within the proposals, which will be highly accessible for residents on both foot and bike, will result in a highly sustainable new development.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 17

Concept Masterplan





































Concept Masterplan
Page 18 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision













































Landscape / Ecological Assets and Visual Analysis Plan
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 19






Landscape / Ecological
Assets & Visual Analysis

The Landscape / Ecological Assets and Visual Analysis Plan illustrates key views, along with areas of landscape value and ecological interest. These areas generally follow the Site’s woodland and hedgerow boundaries, together with the water courses that run through
the Site. There is an opportunity to improve existing landscape features through provision of new tree planting and creation of additional habitats, such as seasonally wet meadows and areas of permanent water as part of a sustainable drainage strategy for the Site.

Uffmoor Wood is an Ancient Woodland and forms a large portion of the Site’s southern boundary. Development proposals would provide a generous offset of 30 metres between the edge of the wood and any development parcels, to provide a buffer of unmanaged land that also serves as public open space along the woodland edge. There is an opportunity to improve the woodland edge, through additional tree planting and
new areas of woodland to connect areas of existing woodland around the Site.
An analysis of views around and across the Site
confirmed that the Site is generally well screened
from view by a combination of strong areas of existing vegetation, undulating topography and existing
built form. The most open views of the Site are from existing public footpaths within the Site and along the Site’s boundaries. There are limited views of the Site from elsewhere and any locations with views are not considered significant or sensitive due to their nature or, in some cases, the Site is seen in the context of the existing urban area of Halesowen and the A456 dual carriageway. Therefore, the Site is not considered to
be visually sensitive. See BMD report Green Belt and
Landscape Capacity Study (BMD.21.025.RP.001B) for full details.
Page 20 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision













































Landscape Constraints and Capacity Plan
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 21






Landscape Constraints
and Capacity Plan

Following the landscape and visual analysis, the Landscape Constraints and Capacity Plan has been produced to illustrate the potential development capacity of the Site. The emerging proposals provide opportunities to improve public access to the Site, including extensive areas of open green space that retain existing landscape features of value via a network
of green corridors and footpath / cycleway connections. There is the opportunity to provide open green spaces for recreation along these green links including natural play spaces and a sports pitch to the west of the Site.
Maximum heights of proposed built form throughout the Site would be carefully considered, to minimize the influence of development on the surrounding landscape. Lower building parameters would be proposed on
the higher ground to the north and along the Site’s woodland and rural facing edges, with taller built elements situated closer to the centre of the Site on lower ground that is more visually contained by the local landform of the Site. There is the potential to provide some areas of higher density housing, a local centre, a primary school and mobility centre towards the centre
of the Site.

If based on a truly landscape-led masterplan, the Site has the capacity to accommodate development - which could be provided within a strong landscape setting and can be accommodated without significant impacts on the landscape or views in the surrounding context. The Green Belt and Landscape Capacity Study (BMD.21.025. RP.001B) demonstrates how the Site could be released from the Green Belt, also, without compromising the purposes and strength of the remaining areas of Green Belt.
Page 22 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision







Landscape Design Principles


The Green Infrastructure Vision for the Site comprises
the following three underlying design principles.

This is an overview of the landscape design principles that underpin the Green Infrastructure Vision for the Site. See BMD report Green Infrastructure Strategy (BMD.21.025.RP.002A) for full details.














1. Enhancing the Riparian Corridor

• Through the retention of the existing river corridor with a wide landscaped buffer to development, introducing wetland habitat features and sustainable drainage solutions.

• Improving accessibility to the River Stour through green links that could include footpath / cycleway connections within a landscaped corridor.

• Maximising opportunities for play by incorporating natural water play elements alongside sustainable drainage features and the river corridor.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 23


2. Connecting Green Infrastructure

• Multi-functional nature networks provide a series of connected parklands, that reconnect people to nature and integrate new and existing communities.

• Allow uninterrupted access to nature, by providing a network of footpaths and cycleways that link open green spaces on Site and promote the use of the wider strategic Green Infrastructure network.
3. Integrating Healthy Infrastructure

• A sequence of special places: parks, woodland edge, waterside,
wet meadows, grasslands and space for sports, recreation and play,
linked by a green network for the movement of people and wildlife that promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainable living.

• Integration of ‘Play on the Way’ along key pedestrian routes,
providing informal natural play opportunities.
Page 24 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision




Potential Development Benefits

The following pages illustrate some of the approaches to development which could be incorporated into the proposals for the Site. These include specific typologies and tenures for residential dwellings, environmental technologies and community facilities and amenities. These development proposals have been guided by best practice design principles and adhere to the National Design Guidance. In addition, the proposals follow the best practice guidance contained within the West Midlands Design Charter.


CUSTOM BUILD


SELF BUILD











Illustration demonstrating the concept of
Custom Build (Source: homesandproperty.co.uk)
Example of a self-build home (Source:
homebuilding.co.uk)















Key Design Principles, National
Design Guide (MHCLG, 2019)
Custom Build is a housing typology whereby specific plots are allocated within a scheme for housing which can be tailored and customised to suit the desires of the prospective homeowner. Any Custom Build houses would follow some form of design code or template,
or be based on a range of pre-determined design options in order to maintain coherence within the development. Custom Build can contribute to a lively and varied street-scene reflective of the local character and its residents. In discussions with Dudley MBC we understand that there is appetite for a modest quantum of custom build houses.
Self Build homes are houses which are individually designed and built according to the wishes of the prospective homeowner, who effectively fills the role of client, developer and consumer. They differ from
custom build in that the management and development of the project is organised by the individual. Cohesion
of character and place-making can be ensured with plot passports or design codes. Any quantum of Self Build plots included within the development would be small and their location would be carefully considered to strengthen the overall character of the development.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 25




MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
LIVE WORK HOUSING
£ AFFORDABLE
HOUSING




















Housing being erected on site using MMC pre- fabrication methods (Source: building.co.uk)


Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can refer to a number of new technology driven methods of construction, predominantly revolving around pre- fabrication (or off-site construction). Pre-fabrication has a number of potential advantages, reducing build
time and cost, beneficial to developers, local authorities and potential customers, increased delivery, increased reliability with less scope for on-site delays and errors and increased environmental efficiency through the construction of fully insulated and air tight panels and units.
An example design for a live-work residential block (Harper Perry Architects)


Live Work housing is a type of residence whereby the dwelling is integrated with either a private or shared work space for the self-employed or home working. Private work space will typically amount to more than simply a home office, becoming more ‘separate’ from the rest of the home, whilst shared, communal work space may be shared similar to co-housing or co-living but without the other communal facilities.
Example illustration of Contemporary Affordable
Housing (Source: The Herald)


Affordable Housing is defined by the government as “social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market”. In essence it is housing designed to cater to those unable to afford
typical market housing. The specific method for judging affordability varies, but most local authorities define affordable on the basis of being sold/rented for less than their market value. Alternatively, some authorities define affordability based on a proportion of earnings and income rather than market value.
Page 26 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision





COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (CHP)
PHOTOVOLTAIC
PANELS
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS




















Combined Heat and Power unit (Source:
Energuide)
PV Solar Panels (Source: Energy Saving Trust)
Ground Source Heat Pump diagram (Source:
Incognito Heat Company)


Combined Heat and Power (CHP), sometimes referred to as ‘cogeneration’ refers to the generation of electrical power and useful heat energy together in a single system, typically through the combustion of fuel or a solar heat collector. CHP systems are more efficient as less of the energy produced goes to waste. Additionally if the fuel burned is a biofuel (such as wood chip) then
it is also considered carbon neutral and renewable. CHP systems are most effective when shared by a group of dwellings (such as a street or a co-housing development for example).
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels are a type of solar panel
which generates electricity from solar energy. They are an effective means of renewable energy production (albeit only in daylight). They can be used on individual dwellings, generally on rooftops, either integrated within the design and construction stage or retrofitted later.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are an environmental technology which utilises pipes buried under ground outside of a building to pump a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop, absorbing heat from the ground and then back into the building (typically
a house) where the heat is then used in radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems or hot water. This method of renewable heating typically works best for individual dwelling houses as it requires a larger loop for larger buildings (and therefore a larger outdoor area, normally a garden, a vertical loop is possible for smaller outdoor areas but is more expensive).
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 27





ZERO CARBON
HOMES
MULTI-PURPOSE
SPORTS PITCHES
ACCESSIBLE PLAY
AREAS




















Zero-carbon home diagram (Source: Miller Klien
Associates)
The pitches may be configured for a variety of
sports and activities
A variety of equipment will be incorporated for a
fun and varied playground experience


Zero Carbon Homes are typically homes which, through their use, do not produce any carbon (or at least
reach net-zero through the use of carbon offsetting
technologies).

Typically zero carbon is achieved in a home through energy saving technologies such as high spec. thermal insulation (to reduce the need for heating), reduced air permeability and using zero carbon technologies for heating, energy and electricity.
Multi-Purpose Sports Pitches included within the development offer formal sports provisions to the local community, enabling them to enjoy a variety of sports for recreational and health benefits without having to travel long distances.
Accessible Play Areas will be provided for children of various ages and be well connected on site for use by the new residential community and giving children the opportunity to play outdoors, have fun and socialise in a safe and accessible environment.
Page 28 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision





MIXED USE LOCAL
CENTRE
MOBILITY AS A
SERVICE HUB
SPRINT BUS PARK AND RIDE




















A mixed-use local centre can form a central
focus at the heart of development proposals
Mobility as a Service hubs can make a
development far more sustainable and liveable
Park and Ride facilities can be invaluable in
connecting a development to local facilities


A Mixed-Use Local Centre can accommodate a variety of uses including a convenience shop, food store, community centre, doctors surgery, cafes, restaurants, takeaways, crèche, hairdressers, employment use,
last-mile logistics hubs and other community facilities or services. Mixed-Use Local Centres can enliven
the street-scene increasing activity and frontage on the ground floor onto the street. Upper levels can accommodate residential use in addition to offices or other uses. This variety of uses helps to ensure the vibrancy of the development and activity at all times of the day.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is the integration of a variety of transport types into a single point of contact or ‘hub’ which can meet the customers request on demand. The MaaS hub provides a wide range of transport choices, which may include public transport, car-share, bicycle rental, taxi rank, car-rental, mobility/ electric scooter or similar. This multi-modal ‘one-stop shop’ giving users a large choice of transport options providing attractive alternatives to private car usage. The MaaS hub makes alternatives which are attractive, affordable and convenient.
SPRINT Park and Ride facilities allow for increased
and convenient usage of public transport. Car parking
provision, which can also be supplemented with bicycle parking provision is provided. Users can then utilise the new SPRINT Bus services from this hub to reach their required destination. By providing regular, affordable and accessible public transport options combined
with convenient parking will increase the use of public
transport services.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 29




Development
Benefits Summary


The proposed development has the potential to deliver a wide range
of types and tenures of residential development as well as activities and technologies which will help to
create a sustainable, well served new community.







Ground Source Heat Pumps
Zero Carbon


Park and Ride

Mobility as a Service Hub

Combined Heat and Power






Photovoltaic Panels
Mixed-use Local Centre








Custom Build



Live-Work Housing



Self Build
£
Accessible Play Areas

Modern Methods of Construction

Affordable Housing
Multi-purpose Sports Pitches
Page 30 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision




Designing for The New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a step change in people’s needs, perceptions and attitudes towards how they work, live and play. Homes, Streets and Neighbourhoods will need to adapt, change and evolve to meet the needs of life in a post-COVID-19 society. At Uffmoor Vale we have the opportunity to design a highly flexible and responsive built environment that meets these new demands but offers the adaptability to meet future demands. Some of the aspects of design that we will embody within the new approach may include the following.


BALCONIES
ENHANCED GARDEN SPACE










Balconies provide a prviate external space for
relaxation or working.
Private front and rear gardens provide important
space for relaxation and recreation.


With the increased preference for home working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there is now more than ever a greater demand for private external space for relaxation to be included within the design of dwellings. This private external space provision will need to include balconies, particularly in housing typologies and densities where private external garden space is unfeasible or extremely limited such as in flats and high density housing. Balconies also provide an opportunity to work in a private external environment for working in, in a way which gardens are less able to do.
The necessity of enhanced, usable garden space will be accentuated in the period following the COVID-19 pandemic both due to the need for private, usable, rear garden space for personal recreational use and
inhabitable front garden space, creating the opportunity to occupy private external space within view of the street and public realm, more open to the rest of the community and fostering a more communal feel in the streetscape.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 31





FLEXIBLE
ROOMS
IMPROVED SOUND

PROOFING
IMPROVED
BROADBAND




















Flexible rooms are important to provide space for home working or home schooling.


With greater demand placed upon homes during the pandemic for usages such as home schooling and home working there is a greater demand to provide flexible, internal space within homes which can be adapted to suit a variety of uses. This could translate as
a requirement for a new ‘flexible room’ incorporated into the design of new homes in addition to typical kitchen/ dining and living rooms, specifically for home working or schooling use. An important feature of this room would be to have separation from the other living spaces, providing a degree of privacy for work and in order to create a seperation between recreational and work time.
Improved sound proofing is important for making homes more conducive to working.


In addition to separate, flexible space for work, another important requirement for the necessary privacy required for effective home working includes the need for improved sound proofing, both with homes between different rooms and between the inside and outside.
Fast and reliable broadband is a major requirement for home working.


Another significant requirement moving forward in a
world where home working is increasingly prevelant
will be the necessity to have access to fast and reliable
broadband. Increasingly new residential developments
will need to be capable of providing good broadband
connections as standard in order to be viable for many
prospective residents.
Page 32 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 33




















The
Vision




















Connectivity &
Access
Page 34 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision











Local Amenities
Connectivity & Access


Opportunities and Constraints

A comprehensive transport strategy for the site has been developed based upon the site context and the following key opportunities:
The table below gives a summary of some of the key local facilities and services in proximity to the site:

• The potential to provide a direct access onto the A456, part of the Transport for West Midlands Key Route Network. The site is not reliant on access through residential areas.;
Type Description Walking Distance
(from centre of site
boundary on A456)
Walk / Cycle Time

• The site is within convenient walking and cycling distance of local facilities within
Halesowen, and improvement to existing routes would offer a benefit to the local
Education Lutley Primary School 1.3km 15 minutes / 4 minutes
community;

Windsor High School & Sixth Form

2.3km 27 minutes / 8 minutes

• There are several high frequency bus routes operating within close proximity of
the site, providing an opportunity for diversion of existing services or creation of
The Earls High School 2.3km 27 minutes / 8 minutes Healthcare Doctor’s Surgery 1.0km 12 minutes / 3 minutes Pharmacy 1.0km 12 minutes / 3 minutes
Dentist 1.5km 18 minutes / 5 minutes

Food Retail Tesco Express 1.0km 12 minutes / 3 minutes
new services to accommodate existing demand. This could include a terminus and
Park & Ride site for the SPRINT bus rapid transit service; and

• In developing a major urban extension to Halesowen there is an opportunity to
provide local retail or education uses within the site, reducing the need to travel.

A transport strategy has also been prepared with regard to the following constraints:

Non-Food
Retail

Halesowen Local
Centre

2.0km 24 minutes / 7 minutes

• Severance between the site and Halesowen caused by the A456 Manor Way dual carriageway;
Leisure Halesowen Leisure
Centre
2.0km 24 minutes / 7 minutes

• The lack of safe crossing facilities over Manor Way between the site and local facilities within Halesowen;

• Congestion at the Manor Way / Grange Road / Grange Hill roundabout to the east of the site.

The remainder of this chapter sets out the key strands of the transport strategy and identifies a number of unique opportunities that the site can offer.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 35








Development Strategy

Vehicular Access

• An all-movements three-arm signalised junction within A456 Manor Way, incorporating a pedestrian crossing facility; and

• Access onto the northern end of Uffmoor Lane, which meets Manor Way at a left- in / left-out junction at the north-western corner of the site.

Drawings appended to the Transport Technical Response demonstrate that the access junctions are deliverable in accordance with the relevant design standards (DMRB) and on land entirely within the developer’s control or adopted highway.

Pedestrian / Cycle Access

A package of measures has been designed to provide pedestrian and cycle access to the site, and reduce severance caused by Manor Way:

• Crossing facilities within the proposed site access signal junction, connecting to
Blakedown Road;

• Upgrading the existing uncontrolled crossing facilities adjacent to the Uffmoor
Lane junction to provide a signal controlled crossing; and

• A new pedestrian / cycle bridge at the eastern boundary of the site, connecting to
Blakedown Road.

• A reduction in speed limit, removal of the central physical barrier, and introduction of a segregated two-way cycle route on Manor Way.

The proposed strategy will overcome existing severance issues over Manor Way and provide convenient connections towards local facilities and Halesowen town centre.
Walking and Cycling Improvements

A comprehensive walking and cycling audit has been undertaken to review the routes between the site, Halesowen town centre, Hasbury local centre and the closest secondary school. The audit has identified a package of improvements which would deliver new, continuous cycle routes and improved walking routes, which could be delivered by the development and would offer a benefit to existing communities.


Proposed Strategy for crossing Manor Way
Page 36 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision











Public Transport

There is an opportunity for the site to accommodate a Park & Ride terminus for the SPRINT bus rapid transit service, subject to further discussions with Transport for the West Midlands.

There a several high frequency bus services in vicinity of the site, demonstrating clear potential to serve the site either by diversion of an existing route or a new standalone service.

The service could either stop on A456 adjacent to the site access, minimising diversion time for an existing route, or could enter and circulate the site.



Highway Infrastructure

The A456 Manor Way / A459 Grange Road / Grange Hill roundabout, approximately 1km east of the site, is congested.

Discussions with DMBC have confirmed that studies have been commissioned to review improvement options for the junction, alternatively a mitigation design has been prepared which would convert the junction to traffic signal control, providing increased capacity and reduced delays compared to the existing situation.
Potential Highway Infrastructure Alterations
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 37





HIGH QUALITY ROAD CONNECTIONS




















In order to bring forward development sites of a significant scale, it is necessary to provide connections to high quality routes on the road network. Providing these connections is essential in minimising traffic
and environmental impacts on both local roads and communities.

The A456 Manor Way adjacent to the site forms part of the West Midlands Key Route Network. It is the primary route on the southern fringes of the Dudley Metropolitan Borough area and is intended to serve large traffic flows and provide connections to the national strategic road network.







Existing journey to work data for residents of the local area indicates that high proportions of vehicle journeys would use the A456 Manor Way, with a significant propensity for travel to the east towards the M5 and Birmingham.

The clear advantage of this site is that it presents the opportunity to access directly onto the Key Route network, and therefore doesn’t result in significant traffic and environmental impacts on local roads and communities that other similar scale of development nearby, simply cannot avoid.
MANOR WAY ROUNDABOUT
– STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

It is acknowledged that A456 Manor Way/A459 Grange Road/Grange Hill roundabout to the east of the site is congested and is a constraint to further growth in the area in its current form. In response to this a mitigation scheme has been prepared, which would see the implementation of a traffic signal junction to be funded and implemented by the developer.

Notwithstanding the above, it is recognised that Dudley Borough Council are in the process of considering potential improvement schemes at this location, however funding for any improvements has not been secured. We would therefore seek to work with the Highways Authority to establish a comprehensive
improvement scheme to resolve current issues, provides capacity for the development and ensures that Sprint is accommodated. Given the proximity of the site, it would be reasonable for the development of the site to make a financial contribution to a comprehensive improvement scheme.










Proposed new Junction Improvements for the Manor Way / Grange Road / Grange Hill Roundabout
Page 38 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision






SPRINT AND PARK & RIDE
21ST
CENTURY
TRANSPORT VISION


Given the proximity of the site to the planned route, there is a significant opportunity to extend some of the SPRINT services to the development, whilst also
providing a micro Park and Ride facility. The Masterplan has been designed to accommodate circa 300 Park and Ride spaces and the purpose of this facility would be to intercept trips from further west, and the local area.

This site offers a unique opportunity to provide a
micro Park and Ride facility and maximise the benefits
associated with bringing SPRINT to the area.






Transport for West Midlands has identified seven Sprint rapid transit routes to link key residential and employment areas throughout Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country. SPRINT forms an important element of the regional transport strategy and aims to make journeys more reliable and sustainable.

One of the SPRINT routes will connect Birmingham to Halesowen town centre, routing along the A456 Manor Way just over 1 kilometre from the site. The current strategy is to provide a Park and Ride facility adjacent to M5 Junction 3. The primary purpose of the facility
is to intercept motorway traffic travelling towards
Birmingham.
In responding to the current climate emergency, it is necessary for there to be a step-change in how developments are planned from a transport perspective. For a development of the scale proposed, it must be acknowledged that the site would be built-out well into the 2030s and it is essential that the transport vision for the site reflects this.

Our Transport Vision for the site would be centred
around three key strands:

• Use of Mobility as a Service (MaaS);

• The implementation of a Central Mobility Hub;

• Lower parking provision.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 39






DELIVERABLE ACCESS



MaaS is essentially a digital transport service platform
(such as an app) that enables users to access, pay
for, and get real-time information on a range of public
and private transport options (most of which would be
provided in the Mobility Hub).

Mobility Hubs will amongst other local facilities, provide the transport services related to MaaS i.e. car sharing facilities, car rental, bus services, bike sharing, electric vehicle charging, and delivery lockers.

Parking levels will be lower on plot, with many second cars housed in the Mobility Hub.



















The site benefits from a substantial frontage with the A456 Manor Way and is also bounded by Uffmoor Lane and Quarry Lane. In terms of a vehicle access strategy, this ensures that a number of options are available for accessing the site.

The preferred strategy is to provide an all-movement three-arm signal controlled junction with Manor Way, incorporating a pedestrian crossing. This would be complemented by access onto Uffmoor Lane, which would be incorporated into the site, where the current left-in, left-out junction with Manor Way would be retained.
Preliminary drawings for this strategy have been prepared and the access junctions are deliverable to the relevant design standards, and entirely within the site curtilage and adopted highway boundary. Junction capacity assessments have been undertaken for the main site access and these demonstrate that the
junction would operate with significant reserve capacity.

There is also potential to modify the Quarry Lane junction at the north-eastern corner of the site to provide a left-in bus only access to facilitate access for the SPRINT service.

Whilst the preferred access option would be the implementation of a signal controlled junction which would require a reduction in the current speed limit, alternative arrangements have been considered and are also deliverable if required.
Page 40 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision











On-site provision – the first strand of the strategy is
to limit the requirement for off-site travel by providing
facilities within the site. The site will include a mixed- use local centre, a primary school and formal sports provision, meaning that a number of everyday needs can be catered for on site.

Crossing provision – the strategy for the site to provide
for access to the north is:

1. Controlled crossing facilities within the site access arrangements.
The site is within walking and cycling distance of local facilities within Halesowen, including the following at
1km (12-minute walk / 3-minute cycle) from the edge of the site:

• A Doctor’s surgery and pharmacy

• Tesco Express and Co-operative convenience foodstores

• Lutley Primary School and St Margaret’s at Hasbury
Primary School




Visualisation showing potential rework of Manor Way, including new cycle and pedestrian infrastructure

In order to bring forward sustainable development on the site, it is acknowledged that connectiviy across the A456 Manor Way will be required. A strategy has
therefore been identified to tackle this issue and this is
centred around:

• Providing on-site facilities including a local centre.

• Provision of improved linkages into Halesowen with
new crossing opportunities.

• Potential treatment of the A456 Manor Way.
2. Upgrade of existing uncontrolled crossing facilities adjacent to Uffmoor Lane junction to provide a signal controlled crossing; and

3. A new crossing facility at the eastern end of the site in the form of a footbridge.

Treatment of A456 Manor Way – the role of the A456 Manor Way as part of the West Midlands Key Route Network is acknowledged, however there is
an opportunity to reduce the speed limit adjacent to the site and replace the vehicle restraint system with a landscaped central reservation, similar to treatment adopted in Lawley, Telford.
Halesowen Town Centre is 2km (24-minute walk /
7-minute cycle) from the site. To the north of Manor
Way the routes towards these local facilities follow residential streets which provide footways and streetlighting. The roads are lightly trafficked making them suitable for cycling.

Coombeswood can be accessed from the Dudley No 2
Canal which forms part of a wider canal network across
the Black Country for walkers and cyclists.
Uffmoor Vale, A Vision
Page 41



Connectivity & Access Summary


A comprehensive forward-thinking transport strategy has been developed which overcomes existing constraints, whilst at the same time responds to the step-change in travel behaviour that will occur in the near future.

The site offers a number of unique opportunities from a transport perspective:

1. The site can access directly onto the West Midland Key Route Network and therefore doesn’t result in significant traffic and environmental impacts on local roads and communities that other development of a similar scale, can simply not avoid.

2. The proximity of the site to the planned SPRINT route offers a unique opportunity to provide a micro Park and Ride facility and maximise the benefits associated with bringing to SPRINT to the area.

3. The local highway authority are currently giving consideration to the provision of an improvement scheme at the Manor Way roundabout, however funding has not been secured. Given the proximity of the site, it would be reasonable for the development of the site to make a financial contribution to a comprehensive improvement scheme which would resolve current issues, provide capacity for the development and accommodate SPRINT.

4. The need to respond to the current climate emergency is fully acknowledged and the transport vision for the site would be centred around use of MaaS, the implementation of a Mobility Hub and lower parking provision.
Example Pedestrian Bridge over Dual Carriageway: Bridge over the
A4440 in Worcester























Example Dual Carriageway Improvements: Saxon Gate, Milton Keynes
Page 42 Uffmoor Vale, A Vision






Summary


Overall our highly ambitious proposals for Uffmoor Vale
and Coombeswood include three key components:






















The delivery of a Health and Wellbeing Heart at Coombeswood will increase public access and connectivity to large areas of multi-functional green space which are currently only accessible from public rights of way passing through them. A variety of uses and activities, combined with exposure to the green areas will improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
The development proposals at Uffmoor Vale embody the very latest best practice place-making design principles. The development will be a high quality development embedded within the existing landscape providing a vibrant response and accessible environment in which
to work, play and live. Our strategic thinking will ensure that all proposals are integrated within their context and inter-connectivity between existing and new residents and facilities are maximised.
Movement routes, for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles will be attractive, safe and convenient. A choice of movement modes in addition to an extensive network of street and recreational routes will result in a highly accessible and connected proposal. This will include the potential to address existing
safety issues on Manor Way/A456 and increase the connectivity across this route.