Carfree Development in Europe - The UK Situation by Ed Beale

Why UK Policy Changed Until the 1980s, UK policy favoured low density housing development – sprawling cul-de-sac suburbs were built. The government tried to build enough roads to keep up with the growing traffic. In the 1980s a government report finally concluded that it was impossible to build enough roads as the traffic would always grow to fill them.

Why UK Policy Changed (2)‏ Also there was increasing opposition to new road building, including high profile direct action at Newbury and Twyford Down. Over the next few years there was a change in government policy  New road building was largely stopped  New planning policies favoured non-car transport modes; high density housing; the re-use of previously developed land; and reduction in car parking spaces.

Planning Policy – Section 106 Key element of UK planning policy used to promote sustainable transport is Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Legally binding agreements for the provision of community facilities as part of granting of planning permission, sometimes used for:  Building of cycle and pedestrian paths  Funding for improved bus services for 3-5 years  Improvements to local schools or parks  Travel Plan to promote sustainable travel

Slateford Green, Edinburgh Slateford Green, completed in 2000, remains the best example of UK carfree housing Carfree community space High frequency bus routes Nearby schools and supermarket Childrens play areas

Recent Developments – Car Clubs Car clubs allow occasional car use to non-car owners including carfree residents. Work well in carfree areas. Cheaper than standard car hire and car parked close by. Car only used when needed. Car clubs usually need initial funding but can become self-funding after a few years. Section 106 can provide the initial funding.

Recent Developments – Residential Travel Plans Residential travel plans are one of the latest planning measures in the UK. Requires the developer of any large new housing development to consider all transport modes and all destinations and to show they have considered how they will reduce traffic. Traffic surveys must be carried out and the travel plan changed if not achieving targets.

New Carfree Housing Developments in London A very large number of small carfree housing developments built in London, but most so small they only occupy a single building – there is no carfree community space. Some larger developments:  Camden strong support for carfree  Bush Homes, West London - former factory site, 170 carfree units and car club – completion 2007  Car-reduced BedZed and Greenwich Millennium Village, but still have 0.85 spaces per unit

Barriers to Good Carfree Development Developers and planners often don't understand the benefits true carfree housing should bring to quality community space. Details of developments are often decided “behind closed doors” Local residents and their city councillors are often so scared of overflow parking problems they demand more parking for developments.

Opportunities Missed Edinburgh city transport planners have been so preoccupied with trying to build the tram they have no time for carfree at the moment. Very promising site in Bristol with developers interested in carfree was opposed by local residents because it would change setting of historic church – site remains derelict. High profile London sustainable developments are only car-reduced not carfree.

Future Opportunities in the UK Many development sites in city centres with excellent public transport links and services.  We need more carfree awareness, especially amongst developers. Five new “Eco-towns” with between 5,000 and 20,000 houses each are planned. Other small new towns and urban extensions – but the public transport needs improvement

More Information Websites with Information about carfree housing in the UK: