Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

Thankyou for consulting Network Rail on the Core Strategy Preferred Options.



We will take this opportunity to promote the attached sites once again for allocation.



In terms of the core strategy my comments are as follows.



Location of new development

Network Rail favours the direction of higher density development to areas with good access to public transport. This meets many of the national and regional planning objectives for sustainable development and also encourages the re-use of previously developed land, rather than expanding into green field areas. High density development around train stations could directly (where Network Rail estate land is used) or indirectly (through Section 106 contributions) support station improvement and interchange works.



Section 106 contributions

Network Rail considers that it is essential to provide for the pooling of contributions that are taken from developments in order to fund significant improvements to transport infrastructure.



With regard to the uses that will be considered for the application of contributions, Network Rail considers that there should be some provision for projects which are initiated to achieve an improvement in local infrastructure for example, where the development is proposed in order to facilitate infrastructure improvement, such as station upgrading work. Network Rail is funded to maintain the existing railway and do not have monies for enhancements, and therefore it looks to redevelopment with third parties or maximising the commercial value of its estate, to fund improvements.



To cover these circumstances it would be appropriate for there to be policy to assess developments which incorporate infrastructure improvement work, so that some (or all) of the suite of planning contributions may be waived in cases where mixed use or residential development is generated to enhance public transport facilities.



Station parking

Network Rail would like to comment that station car parking should be provided for in the LDF. People are more likely to use the national rail network if they are able to leave their cars at the station, in a safe, secure environment, and continue their remaining journeys by train. Providing park and ride facilities for passengers is preferable to them completing their whole journey by car, and clearly facilitates more sustainable travel patterns - an objective shared by Network Rail and the Council. The Council also needs to recognise that commuting is now an important part of people's lives, and has to be taken into account in the form of development it approves.



PPG 13 identifies the importance of interchanges, stating that "Quick, easy and safe interchange is essential to integration between different modes of transport". Long-term parking is required at stations to accommodate private cars for rail users for exactly this reason. Furthermore, for commuters who live in areas that are not well served by public transport or use the station at hours when there is little or no bus service, adequate station parking is essential.



Station car park users typically arrive at their local stations before the morning peak (for road traffic), and leave after the evening peak. It therefore follows that their movements do not occur within the peak periods for general road traffic, and should not be restricted by general policies or mechanisms that attempts to reduce the overall amount of road traffic. This is especially important when considering the role station car parking plays in supporting sustainable transport objectives, described above.



I would be grateful if you would retain Network Rail on your list of consultees and keep me informed on the progress of the Core Strategy.