Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

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Windsor

Wokingham
A Soundness of submitted Core Strategies d e e a g s Results of the independent examination by the ls h e e i t n h Planning Inspectorate (October 2009). a n n o e O o e 9 B Space Syntax spatial accessibility map Windsor and Maidenhead. B

Egham

Bracknell

It is widely acknowledged that a better approach is needed to the preparation of LDF documents. Over a quarter of all Core Strategies have either been withdrawn or judged unsound by the Planning Inspectorate. The UrbanValue approach developed by Space Syntax plugs the gaps in knowledge and engagement that the Planning Inspectorate has highlighted.

What is your challenge? Local Planning Authorities are facing substantial challenges in the Local Development Framework process: risk of failing to meet the regulatory requirements and aspirations set out in PPS 12 and not passing the Planning Inspectorates test of soundness risk of failing to raise spatial planning to a corporate level and not making the case for the benets of spatial planning in helping to deliver the Sustainable Community Strategys aspirations e.g. healthy, safe and prosperous communities risk of failing to effectively deliver results to communities: producing planning documents that are not t for purpose, cannot easily be monitored and cannot be understood and applied by Development Management and Development Control ofcers.

How do we meet your needs? With the help of our unique and powerful UrbanValue toolkit for Local Spatial Planning, we will coach you on how to understand the essential spatial characteristics of your area the factors that make it truly unique and help you to make an informed, convincing, and effective response to these characteristics in your Local Development Framework. The UrbanValue toolkit focuses on the fundamental way that spatial layouts inuence social, economic and environmental outcomes. UrbanValue helps create planning documents that truly account for the likely impact of spatial planning policy on issues including land values, rental incomes, retail performance, pedestrian and cyclist movement, social performance and crime patterns. These outcomes represent direct and indirect returns on public and private investment.

An evidence-based toolkit UrbanValue is the product of over 20 years research and practice in the field of spatial planning.
C Town Centre Spatial Strategy A robust spatial evidence base for the Core Strategy of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. D Spatial typologies A visualisation of the spatial characteristics of different types of town centres in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

What are the benets? Using the UrbanValue toolkit, Space Syntax provides Local Authorities with an effective framework for Local Spatial Planning. Local Spatial Planning is a requirement for Local Planning Authorities who must produce planning documents that meet the Planning Inspectorates tests of soundness and the guidance set out in PPS 12. With Space Syntax support, Local Planning Authorities have the ability to verify and support their decisions in consultations and negotiations with stakeholders, especially community groups and developers. UrbanValue gives Local Authority staff, executives, and councillors condence that their strategies are achievable and worth achieving.

What will we deliver? We provide coaching in understanding and harnessing the effects of spatial layout, delivered through workshops and team meetings. Our clients nd value in Space Syntax acting as a critical friend, providing feedback on spatial policy drafts. We create reporting material comprising analysis, conclusions and recommendations, in a colourful, easily understandable graphic format, including numerous maps and diagrams. We make presentations to stakeholder groups at consultations and other key events. We build bridges between different interest groups within and outside the Council by showing in collaborative workshops how people can unite around the issue of space.

What are the features? UrbanValue is based on a unique, evidence-based methodology developed during more than twenty years of empirical research. The methodology quickly generates real-time information on the spatial characteristics of the district and its constituent parts. UrbanValue works at both a strategic and detailed level for Core Strategies, Area Action Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents, masterplans and design/ development briefs that make up an LDF. The toolkit delivers visual information that is easy to understand. The methodology provides objective evaluations and rankings of alternative options and their likely outcomes, even in the early planning stages.

We realised Space Syntax were light years ahead of everybody else. This scheme will last for 200 years. We need the best and the best is what weve got. Councillor John Jowers, Colchester Borough Council
Space Syntax 2010 Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

Tried and tested throughout the UK UrbanValue delivers successful policy outcomes, creating culture shifts in local planning systems.
E Spatial Analysis A spatial accessibility model of Oxford West End used to test different alignments of Oxpens Road. F Spatial Vision A spatial vision diagram for Croydon highlighting key recommendations to increase the vitality and viability of the Metropolitan Centre.

What does it cost? The UrbanValue toolkit is exible to apply, so we can address your needs while working to your budget. Prices are driven by the number of analytical components required and by certain features of the district such as size, population, number of town centres. In terms of reporting material, we can deliver a full report, or for signicant savings in price an information pack comprising graphic material and explanatory text. We work to industrystandard le formats so that our work is ready for inclusion in your own or another consultants report. Example costs, for illustration purposes only: A Spatial Baseline Analysis for a small Local Authority, delivered as an information pack, would cost in the range of 10K12K. A town centre study for a medium-sized authority, comprising a Spatial Baseline Analysis; a partial Urban Character Analysis; Thematic Spatial Analyses for employment, retail, social services, and transport infrastructure; and an Alternate Strategies Assessment, delivered in an information pack, would cost in the range of 40K- 50K. A combined town centre and public health study for a large authority, comprising all of the above and Thematic Spatial Analyses for health services, green space, and leisure and recreation facilities, delivered as a full report, would cost in the range of 100K- 125K.

Why Space Syntax? Space Syntax provides a unique, evidence-based and industry-leading approach to the planning and design of buildings and urban areas. Combining technology, ability and extensive global experience, we target the social and economic value that good planning and design bring. We show how value can be created through the analysis, understanding and skilful manipulation of space. We are expert, independent and widely respected for the support we provide to public, private and community-based decision makers. Our work has been labelled innovative by the Planning Inspectorate and we have been selected for the Spatial Planning Framework by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS). The UrbanValue toolkit has been developed as part of a Governmentfunded knowledge exchange program UrbanBuzz: Building Sustainable Communities in the South East, in partnership with over 20 public, private, higher education and voluntary sector organisations, including The Home Ofce, CABE, SEEDA, EEDA, UEL, UCL, GLA Economics, Savills Research, Colin Buchanan and JMP.

Well-informed decisions in place-making are essential for building sustainable communities and as such the impact of Space Syntax is significant. Dr Carol Dair, Director Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development

Case study 1 Town Centre Spatial Strategy Tower Hamlets

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A Bethnal Green town centre e o r A place under development pressure from the City a p e t r s e o e iy of London to the west, and also in need of upgraded f o t n s n e d services for local communities. e c c m u i B Town Centre Vision Using spatial accessibility techniques to identify commercial growth potentials in Bethnal Green. B

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Shoreditch High Street

Brick Lane

Allen Gardens

Vallance Road

Bethnal Green

100

200

500m

Client London Borough of Tower Hamlets Partners Renaisi, Roger Tym & Partners Duration 2008-09 Key features of this project Spatial Baseline Spatial Vision Stakeholder Consultation

The challenge Tower Hamlets appointed Space Syntax to help develop a Town Centre Spatial Strategy. Although the boroughs town centres have beneted from the growth of London in the last fteen years, they currently face signicant challenges: The City Fringe area has come under signicant pressure from the City, which has placed further pressure on the existing urban form and the residential communities in the area. The demands of different stakeholders need to be reconciled. The growth of Canary Wharf has contributed signicantly to the economic and social transformation of the borough over the past decade. Success of this district must continue to contribute to the well-being of local people. Smaller town centres in the borough provide key local services to deprived neighbourhoods. These centres must also be developed so they can share responsibility for delivering the aspirations set out in the Community Plan.

Our contribution Our Spatial Baseline provided a detailed analysis of the interaction of three key drivers of town centre success: spatial accessibility, urban design and land use. The analysis uncovered: a strong correlation between spatial accessibility, residential density and the level of expenditure in different town centres a lack of connectivity between some local centres and their surroundings the direct impact of urban form on the character, land use and ultimate viability of the town centres. On the basis of this evidence, we led an exercise to develop a Spatial Vision for the key town centres. The exercise involved an extended group of stakeholders to ensure that the Town Centre Spatial Strategy was realistic, deliverable, and closely aligned with the emerging Core Strategy.

Space Syntax 2010 Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

C C Local spatial accessibility analysis Showing opportunities for viable and vital town centres throughout the borough. D Designated town centres Analysis of the walkable urban context from each town centre, with under-served areas in black. D

The benets The Spatial Baseline showed, in an easily understandable way, how complex issues such as movement patterns, retail success, and anti-social behavior issues that are normally treated separately interrelate through the medium of space. In so doing, it unlocked a new, holistic way of thinking in the borough, enabling planners to: comprehend how the borough works as a whole and how its component parts interrelate understand the effects of recent changes and condently forecast the likely impact of future proposals iteratively test alternative visions for individual town centres and assess their potential outcomes. Planning Policy now has condence that the Town Centre Spatial Strategy will stand up to scrutiny at inspection. Development Control has a set of clearly articulated policy documents and supporting evidence to inform their work in the planning application process. Service providers (health, police, libraries) can plan to deliver services where they will be more accessible to residents and, in so doing, achieve better outcomes. Working with Space Syntax, Tower Hamlets has created a new, more spatial approach to Local Development Frameworks that has been identied as best practice by CABE, English Heritage, Urban Design London and the Government Ofce for London (GOL).

Through close working with Space Syntax weve developed the ability to locate services where people that need them can more easily get to them. In helping us to think truly spatially, Space Syntax has initiated a culture change at Tower Hamlets. Neil Double, Development Plan Team Leader, London Borough of Tower Hamlets

UrbanValue toolkit Evidence, analysis & strategic design components

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Space Syntax 2010 Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

Evidence-based planning & design

Components
The UrbanValue toolkit is componentbased, allowing applications to be built around the particular needs and budgets of commissioning bodies. Spatial baseline analysis Spatial Accessibility Urban characterisation

London, Trafalgar Square

Land Use Pedestrian Activity Pedestrian Infrastructure Public realm character Thematic spatial analysis Access to Employment

Colchester, Masterplan

Access to Retail Access to Social Services Access to Health Services Access to Education Access to Green Space Access to Leisure and Recreation Facilities Access to Transport Infrastructure

Nottingham, Old Market Square

Vision development & evaluation Strategic planning & design visioning Public realm design strategy Impact on spatial accessibility Impact on access to amenities Impact on urban performance Impact on urban characterisation

London, Elephant & Castle Southern Junction

Impact on access to amenities

Case study 2 Area Action Plan Oxford West End

A A Revised AAP proposal s o s l Diagram summarising the key linkage network a a m i g h k e w k identified by the spatial accessibility analysis. d fe p i lt a ss B Oxpens Road Currently a hostile pedestrian and cycling environment but, by virtue of its alignment, a potentially significant movement route. C St Giles Achieving a balance between different modes and scales of movement.

B A Oxford West End The Spatial Vision proposed for Oxford West End. ta so o o d o d B Oxpens Road Due to its lack of active landuse and poor pedestrian environment, the existing condition of Oxpen Road is a hostile environment for pedestrians to walk along. C St. Giles St.Giles is an exampler in achieving a balance between vehicluar and pedestrian movement. C

Client Oxfordshire County Council Duration 2006 Key features of this project Urban Baseline Study Qualitative Baseline Assessment Spatial Vision

The challenge Oxfordshire County Council appointed Space Syntax to evaluate the spatial impacts of the preferred option of the Area Action Plan (AAP) for Oxfords West End. The County Council along with the City Council and Cherwell Valley College had high aspirations for the area, which had been undergoing regeneration through heritage-led development. Unfortunately, the process was suffering from conicting stakeholder interest; the area was also burdened by severance related to retail servicing and access to major car parks and a range of other infrastructural problems. The Council had doubts about the viability of the expensive preferred option involving the rerouting of a major road but no evidence to back up its concerns. We were asked to pay particular attention to issues of public realm, public space and open space issues, and to suggest measures for promoting walking and cycling.

Space Syntax 2010 Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

Oxford Station o

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D Spatial accessibility - initial AAP proposal a s y n a r p l Analysis of the initial AAP proposal highlighting y nt P o a i lg n weak accessibility on Oxpens Road. c b iy a E Spatial accessibility - Space Syntax alternative Keeping the existing alignment of Oxpens Road creates higher levels of overall accessibility, which are more likely to promote walking and cycling journeys.

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Our contribution Our analysis showed that the proposed option would not deliver the expected outcome and that the area would be better served by a series of more cost-effective interventions, including: soft layout improvements and a less intrusive approach to landscape design a new public space in a strategic location a scheme for creating campus-style buildings for the College that would integrate with the rest of the city centre increased access to natural amenities.

The benets Space Syntax led an iterative process of concept evolution and negotiation through workshops for stakeholders and designers. These workshops served as a catalyst for the group to work together more effectively, to recognise the value an improved spatial layout would bring, and to bring the late-running process back on track and conclude it within the deadline set by the Local Development Scheme. The AAP was formally adopted and judged to be sound by the Planning Inspectorate on 30th June 2008. The work of Space Syntax was referenced as evidence contributing to an innovative design code.

Case study 3 Area Action Plan Croydon Metropolitan Centre

A Spatial vision diagram Highlighting the key recommendations to increase the vitality of the metro centre. B and C Public realm character The current separation between pedestrian and vehicular movement reduces the potential of the metropolitan centre. C

Client London Borough of Croydon Duration 2006 - 2007 Key features of this project Spatial Planning Assessment Framework Urban Baseline Study Urban Characterisation Study Spatial Option Assessment Spatial Vision

The challenge The London Borough of Croydon appointed Space Syntax to develop a spatial baseline study and options impact assessment as an evidence base for the evolving Croydon Metropolitan Centre Area Action Plan (AAP). At the time, the Metropolitan Centre was set to experience considerable challenges in the near and mid-term future. It had been identied in the London Plan as an Opportunity Area for employment and housing. It had also been chosen as the preferred location for new retail facilities serving a wide area in South London. However, viable locations for this growth were not immediately clear, and the existing retail environment was poor and disconnected from its surroundings.

Our contribution Our Urban Baseline Study and rigourous Spatial Option Assessment formed the evidence for a Spatial Vision that focused on: increasing pedestrian movement within the Metropolitan Centre by reducing severance caused by large urban blocks increasing movement to the Metropolitan Centre by strengthening the connectivity of the centre with its surrounding areas supporting orbital movement from neighbouring boroughs to increase the client base for the retail centre.

Space Syntax 2010 Local Spatial Planning A new, evidence-based approach

West Croydon

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D Spatial accessibility analysis - existing a s y n y s s n Highlighting a clear primary network but relatively g g tn a r ay e o t a v y weak secondary structure. c a c r E Spatial accessibility analysis - proposed a s y n y s o d Showing significant improvements to the secondary network - promoting pedestrian and cycle accessibility and enhancing the spatial performance of the centre. E

reet ge St Geor

The benets Space Syntaxs work provided the Council with a robust evidence base for the AAP. Our evidence: identied key pedestrian routes, route hierarchies, severance and missing links in the area complemented the Councils anecdotal knowledge by providing facts and expert opinion The evidence base has given the Council condence that the Area Action Plan will pass the test of soundness. The overall spatial approach was also used in Croydons evolving Core Strategy. A Space Syntax consultant was seconded to the planning department over three months for the crucial task of linking movement networks and land use.

Space Syntax has helped us to understand and leverage the critical link between movement networks and land use. Tom Sweeney Urban Design Team London Borough of Croydon

uncovered latent problems, such as the underprovision of local centres in certain areas of the Borough clearly demonstrated the interrelationship between spatial accessibility and land use, and the key role of Local Spatial Planning in aligning the two.

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create space : create value

We realised Space Syntax were light years ahead of everybody else. This scheme will last for 200 years. We needed the best and the best is what weve got. Councillor John Jowers, Colchester Borough Council

............................................................... ........

Lin Garland, Hampshire County Council

Space has a real and realisable value. To find out how Space Syntax can help you with Local Spatial Planning, please contact: Tim Stonor MRTPI t.stonor@spacesyntax.com Christian Schwander c.schwander@spacesyntax.com T +44 (0) 20 7400 1320 www.spacesyntax.com

In helping us to think truly spatially, Space Syntax has initiated a culture change at Tower Hamlets. Neil Double, Development Plan Team Leader London Borough of Tower Hamlets