Supplementary Planning Document
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Policy MP.1 (Shared Surfaces)
Proposals should deliver a series of pedestrian priority routes that link into the wider movement network with buildings and spaces that facilitate access for all. Policy MP.2 (Public Transport) Proposals should include off-site contributions for improved links between the site and nearby bus stops including public realm and crossing points. Policy MP.3 (Car Parking) Schemes that rely on off-site parking will be expected to fund improvements to the existing town centre car parks. Policy MP.4 (Traffic Impact) Developers must consider the need for, and scope of, a Transportation Assessment as directed by the Highway Authority (Worcestershire County Council). Policy MP.5 (Provision for Cyclists) Proposals should make provisions for cyclists and connecting the site to nearby strategic cycles routes |
7. VITALITY & VIABILITY
CURRENT TRADING Bridge Street has suffered decline in recent years as the focus of local shopping has moved north towards High Street and Lombard Street. Increasingly, the area has become reliant on specialist shopping, amusements and fast food take-aways associated with the day visitor market. Stourport-on-Severn has been a long-standing and traditional inland holiday resort for the West Midlands conurbation. However, there are an ever growing range of visitor attractions and events across the region e.g. Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Park and locally West Midlands Safari Park. The retail and leisure sectors of the economy (shops, cinemas, food and drink) have also seen a huge growth in demand particularly as part of inner city regeneration. The market for day visitor spend appears more competitive than ever before. The Stourport-on-Severn market is highly seasonal with most facilities based on outdoor recreation and there is little depth to the overall offer to attract visitors out of season. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that day visitors from across the West Midlands will automatically think of Stourport-on-Severn. |
Evidence suggests that vacancy rates and rateable values for Bridge Street are particularly low. Whilst it seems clear that the fun fair and riverside areas will always remain part of Stourport€™s attraction, the basins including the Heritage Lottery Fund initiative and wider regeneration are viewed as being particularly important to the future economy of the town.
The redevelopment of the STC.4 site should provide a new start for the economy of Bridge Street. The aim is to achieve something unique that can bring the basins into the town centre and open up Bridge Street to new business and housing opportunities. The following land use analysis provides the background to the proposed uses for the site. The following section of the brief looks at land use which is somewhat imevitable given the nature of this 'development brief'. However fundamental to the success of any scheme is the effective use of the adjacent waterspace. It is clear that the develpment proposals will require the remodelling of the waterspace and boating activity in the immediate vicinity of the site. In particular detailed consideration must be given to the residential moorings and the security and provision of services and utilities to the boaters. As with other businesses directly affected by the proposals it will be important to ensure that appropiate measures are taken to relocate any displaced service providers for the boating community i.e Stroudwater Cruisers. Developers |
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| Wyre Forest District Local Development Framework Bridge Street Basins Link SPD: December 2005 |
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