Austin Grange

Apex provided transport planning and highways advice to support a full planning application for a mixed residential development at Austin Grange, Caerphilly.

The proposals comprised a combination of social rented housing, shared ownership homes and specialist accommodation for older people, delivered on a site located on the edge of Caerphilly town centre. The development was brought forward by United Welsh as part of a wider programme to deliver high quality, affordable homes in sustainable locations.

The site benefits from an exceptionally sustainable location, within walking distance of Caerphilly town centre, the rail station, bus interchange, employment areas and a wide range of local services.

Despite this, the principal challenge related to justifying an appropriate level of car parking provision, which was significantly below the maximum levels set out in the local parking standards. The highway authority raised concerns during pre-application discussions regarding whether the proposed provision would adequately meet demand and avoid overspill parking on the surrounding highway network.

Addressing these concerns required detailed consideration of parking standards, the flexibility available within policy, likely car ownership levels across different tenures and dwelling types, and robust evidence to demonstrate that the proposed approach was appropriate.

We prepared a detailed Parking Technical Note to support the planning application, which formed a central component of the transport evidence base.

Our work included a comprehensive review of parking standards, demonstrating how flexibility could be applied in accordance with Welsh Government policy set out in Planning Policy Wales and Future Wales. This was supported by a detailed assessment of the site’s connectivity by walking, cycling and public transport, confirming that the location meets the criteria for a reduced level of parking provision.

A thorough car ownership analysis was undertaken using Census data, broken down by dwelling type and tenure. This demonstrated that flats, and particularly social rented accommodation, have significantly lower car ownership levels than housing averages, both locally and across Caerphilly County Borough.

To further strengthen the assessment, we commissioned and analysed parking surveys at a number of comparable United Welsh developments in Caerphilly and surrounding settlements. These surveys provided empirical evidence of actual parking demand at similar sites, confirming that the parking demand per unit, when applied to the proposals, would be comfortably accommodated within the proposed provision.

A Travel Plan was prepared to promote sustainable travel choices and further reduce reliance on the private car.

Throughout the process, we engaged extensively with the highway authority, responding to detailed comments and providing additional clarification and justification where required. This collaborative approach was key to addressing concerns and demonstrating that the proposals would operate safely and effectively.

Planning permission was successfully granted in 2022, with the local planning authority accepting that the proposed parking provision was appropriate for the site’s location, the nature of the development and the likely level of demand.

The approved scheme delivers a high-quality residential development in a highly sustainable location, supported by a parking strategy that makes efficient use of land, avoids unnecessary car dominance and aligns with national and local policy objectives to encourage sustainable travel.