Axis Transport Planning formed a key part of the consultant team supporting Russell Homes in the preparation of a hybrid planning application to Rochdale Council for a 320-acre site in South Heywood.
It is envisaged that the site will be developed over a 20 year timeframe, with the masterplan including for the delivery of a 2.2km new link road connecting to M62 J19 (detailed planning application) and a mixed-use development area consisting of 1.45m sqft of employment floor space and up to 1,000 residential dwellings with ancillary retail and community uses, including a potential new primary school.
The new link road represents a recognised infrastructure priority for both Rochdale Council and Transport for Greater Manchester and would provide a new strategic eastbound connection to the national motorway network from the major employment areas at South Heywood. The new link road would be part-funded by grants from TfGM and Highways England, with the funding shortfall met by Russell Homes through the revenue generated by the proposed housing areas.
Axis was commissioned by Russell Homes to prepare a comprehensive Transport Assessment for the combined link road / outline development proposals, including information drawn from a bespoke SATURN model for the South Heywood area, prepared in liaison with Rochdale Council & Highways England. Axis also prepared a range of additional input including a Framework Travel Plan and relevant sections of the formal Environmental Statement.
A decision on the proposals is anticipated within the next 12 months, allowing work on the link road to begin by 2019.
