SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 159
in order to maintain the village character of this part of the settlement. Similarly, other roads
in the area such as Station Road, principally around school drop off and pick up times, see
the free flow of traffic interrupted and notable parking difficulties. However, by relocating the
school further away from Station Road and changing the access to Warwick Road, there is
an opportunity for the school related traffic congestion and parking issues currently
experienced to be alleviated, resulting in associated benefits to highway safety.
690.
The area is however well served by public transport and it will be important to retain and
where possible improve the public transport offer. Dorridge railway station will continue to
provide an important facility for local commuters. Opportunities for enhancing existing
walking and cycling routes and creating new routes will continue to be explored, particularly
where these would provide access to schools, local centres and the railway station.
691.
It will also be important to ensure that the local centres remain economically strong, vibrant
and continue to provide, support and enhance the variety of services and facilities for the
local population.
692.
The historic core of Knowle will continue to be protected and enhanced and the local
character and distinctiveness of the settlements conserved, particularly, the Victorian and
Edwardian development around Dorridge railway station.
693.
A mix of market and affordable housing, as well as smaller market homes for young people
wishing to remain in the area and specialist housing to meet the needs of older people will
be provided in the settlement. This will seek to align the types and sizes of homes to be
made available and the needs of the community. However, there will need to be a careful
balance struck between making the most efficient use of land and respecting the character of
the local area.
694.
Education facilities in the area will remain successful. Pressure on primary schools will be
alleviated through the provision of an additional school and secondary school facilities will be
significantly improved to ensure that the available capacity and full potential of the Arden
Academy can be maximised.
What is Required for the Settlement in the Future?
695.
Development in and around KDBH is not only an opportunity for the settlement to play a
major part in accommodating the wider needs of the Borough, but also to accommodate a
scale of development that is capable of supporting infrastructure provision that can help play
a part in dealing with existing issues and provide the necessary facilities for future residents.
In particular the following areas are identified:
696.
Improved Public Transport – A higher population gives greater potential for improved
public transport services to be viable, e.g. better frequency of bus services.
697.
Parking Improvements – The provision of appropriate additional off-street parking may be
considered in centres. In addition, decked parking at Dorridge railway station could be
considered in order to increase capacity and alleviate the impact of commuter parking on
surrounding roads.
698.
Highway Improvements – The Council’s highway evidence highlights that traffic in the
settlement is set to increase over the Plan period, even without any new development.
Additional traffic growth as a result of site allocations is likely to exacerbate this situation and
highway improvements will be required at various locations. Whilst evidence indicates that
traffic lights would provide a technically acceptable solution to traffic flows through the
settlement, additional work will be undertaken to seek to identify alternative highways
solutions that do not include traffic lights. The Neighbourhood Forum will be engaged in this
process and views will be invited on what options are considered to be available and
appropriate, using an evidenced based approach. Such options can then be tested through
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