Dear Sirs Re: Planning Application S/2011/0517/OL New Housing ...

We further welcome the cycle and walking provision proposed in the Travel Plan (section 5.3) for journeys
undertaken within the site, and a network of share-use routes “which connect to the external network”. In
paragraph 5.3.2 it is envisaged that “off-site improvements to encourage walking and cycling will be
developed as appropriate to secure integration with existing routes and local facilities, such as bus stops and
local educational sites.”
We note however that neither the Travel Plan nor the Transport Assessment specifically highlight the
opportunities for green travel through the “strategic landscape gap”. We suggest this will be important in
order to enhance community connections between Erskine Barracks and the surrounding area while
ensuring a green belt of undeveloped land remains in place, with suitable uses secured for the amenity of
populations on either side of it.
The Development Template in Appendix A of the SWCS states that the application should show how modal
shift will be achieved through improved cycle and walking routes, and that it needs to include “links through
to the proposed Fugglestone Red development”. This implies that routes need to be developed across the
“strategic gap” area, for non-mechanised transport modes. As noted this is not reflected in the Transport
Assessment and Travel Plan which have therefore not successfully implemented this element of the Core
Strategy.
We propose that the following measures should be considered:
• a safe and direct walking and cycle route between Sarum Academy and the area of the Erskine
Barracks development
• provision for future walking and cycle route connecting to new primary school and community
facilities in Fugglestone Red development
• cycle routes connecting with National Cycle Route 24, crossing the railway line at one of the three
existing available crossing points (two tunnels through the embankment and the bridge to the quarry)
Bemerton Activity Trails
The above proposed travel routes and outdoor amenities are envisaged to connect to the Bemerton Activity
Trails (BATS), a community project being developed with the support of the Bemerton Heath Inter-Agency
Group. The BATS aim to encourage outdoor activities and opportunities in the Bemerton Heath area, linking
the extensive open spaces and woodlands to existing facilities such as the Bemerton Heath Centre, Sarum
Academy and local play areas. The BATS will be the focus of future improvements and are preparing for a
programme of events to coincide with the 2012 Olympics. Planned events already include a Fun Run
supported by the Mayor of Salisbury and local primary schools.
We support the application because it will provide much-needed housing and at the same time offers many
opportunities to improve amenities for existing communities, provide greater green linkages between
different areas, increase opportunities for healthy leisure activities and protect green spaces for the
enjoyment of future generations.
Conclusions
The positive opportunities outlined here can only be realised if this proposed development is built with a
commitment to integrate actively with nearby communities in all directions. This application must also be
considered in the light of the other development proposals mentioned above and the need to define what will
be the nature and use of the “strategic landscape gap” between Wilton and Salisbury.
Specifically with regard to the Travel Plan and Transport Assessment, proposals for new walking and cycle
routes as outlined above should be added to these in order to meet the requirements of the Core Strategy.
Yours sincerely
Leonie Maclay, Architect, Founder of Bemerton Activity Trails
Frank Pennycook, Salisbury City Councillor, Bemerton Ward
Both at 68 Westwood Road, Salisbury SP2 9HT