PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE LOCATION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

This paper discusses some implications of the UK Government's new change of direction in land use and transport policy indicated by its publication of PPG13 in March 1994. The trend of urban decentralisation and extensive out-of-town development in the UK seems to be in process of being substantially limited. The central issues seem to be: (1) whether and how to accommodate all types of development within the new land use and transport planning system; and (2) whether public transport should be expected to play an increasing part in influencing development location and reducing actual or potential future car usage. The paper concentrates on policies for B1 Business Parks, because this form of development currently generates high private car demand, and is typically located away from urban centres. The policy context is considered first; it appears that the types of arguments used in PPG13 are likely to influence future Government policy increasingly. Current practice in access planning does not fit in easily with the changing nature of Government policy advice; the current requirements for B1 Business Park planning are becoming especially difficult to meet. Public transport is unlikely to be used much in trips to and from business parks, as long as unrestricted car parking or unrestrained car access are allowed. For the covering abstract see IRRD 879912.