Wixams Northern Expansion Area

Gallagher Estates (now L&Q) approached mode transport planning to prepare a detailed transport assessment. This was in support of a 2,200,000ft2 (204,400m2) of B8 Storage and Distribution development. The site is located at the core of the Bedford Growth Area, which is just three miles from Bedford town centre, with direct access to the A421 provided via the A6.

Despite the perception that the local and strategic highway network is already congested, mode was able to negotiate with Highways England, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedford Highways Authority to reach an agreed highway solution with only minor highways works.

mode developed a:

Strategy to encourage non-car modes of travel;
review of bus routes and use of existing bus gate;
routing of development traffic;
HGV routing analysis;
investment in pedestrian and cycle routes;
supporting detailed analysis and a range of assessment scenarios
a transport assessment; and
travel plan.

The application was submitted in January 2015, a highways recommendation for approval was given in June 2015. The application was unanimously approved by Planning Committee on 27th July 2015.

Images courtesy of Stephen George and Partners