Public Inquiry success in South Somerset

Transport Planning Associates is pleased to announce that following a recent Public Inquiry, planning permission has been granted for a mixed use scheme including a 45 bed care home, 12 assisted living units and 8 extra care apartments in Somerton, South Somerset.  Bristol based Director Craig Rawlinson provided expert highway engineering and transport planning evidence to the Inquiry to counter the Council’s allegations that the proposals would not be associated with sufficient on-site parking and that as a result there would be a potential impact on highway safety.  

The Inspector attached weight to the proposed Travel Plan, “...which would provide a mechanism to encourage car sharing and the use of a mini-bus to collect staff”.  The Inspector also agreed with our arguments about the sustainable location of the site close to existing parking facilities, noting it is “...ideally placed for pedestrians to access local services...” and that “...visitors to the care home would be aware that in a town centre location there would be an expectation that parking would be in public car parks...”.

Craig Rawlinson said “...the proposed mixed-uses in this location will promote sustainable travel and we are pleased that the Inspector agreed with our view that the provision of 17 parking spaces is appropriate”.

Please contact Craig Rawlinson for more details craig.rawlinson@tpa.uk.com