Equally important is the need to ensure a route for a viable public transport service of a useful frequency, and to place all homes within a reasonable walk of that service.
The next step is to develop an overarching highways strategy which facilitates movement by car for other journeys. Key to this is understanding the demand for car travel and then assessing how that can be accommodated on the existing network and what changes might need to be made. This involves the consideration of site access junctions, other local junctions, and highway matters (such as the Staverton diversion). We do not envisage additional vehicular traffic using Whaddon Lane or its junction with Hill Street/ Church Street.
There will of course be more cars on local roads if Great Whaddon is built, however the build out will take many years, so change will be gradual. For the foreseeable future, no settlement in Wiltshire can grow without more cars being generated. However, Wiltshire cannot afford to stop housing development at its main population centres either. Elizabeth Way has taken traffic out of the core of Hilperton itself and the proposed main street of the concept plan will enable vehicular trips towards the A361 and A350 to avoid this area. Journeys to the north west will involve trips along New Terrace and through Staverton. The bridge at Staverton is already a local issue that needs to be addressed. There are Council plans for a diversion west of Staverton and a new bridge/ causeway across the river.
Land value uplift from strategic developments such as at Great Whaddon and at Staverton can be directed to such infrastructure projects to enable to them be delivered.
Figure 1. Locations of possible centres and approximate 5 and 10 minute walking distances
Figure 2. Potential street hierarchy
Figure 3. Existing public rights of way and potential active travel routes within and beyond the site
The proposals bring current private land to the public domain with significant permeability through the site.
