The concept of car free estates has been considered by a limited number of boroughs and developers in the UK and elsewhere, but could embody many of the ideas of sustainable development. There are several key brown field sites in the centre of Poole which are under consideration for redevelopment, and Poole Agenda 21 consider this an ideal opportunity to promote the concept of car free estates in hope that both the Council and prospective developers embrace some of the ideals.
Design concept
A car free estate is designed to be attractive to people because it is arranged for local communities to eliminate the need to travel, and it devotes individual and public space to other purposes than car parking and movement. In Edinburgh and Amsterdam, the housing has achieved a high demand status, and as in the centre of Poole Old Town, residents recognise that car ownership is an embarrassment rather than a boon. It is worth catering for these people and their priorities.
25% of Dorset Households have no access to a car. Consider the land area devoted to garages, driveways and road space. These areas are rarely safe for other use, and the car culture tends to isolate us from our neighbours, and discourages us from supporting local shops or other facilities.
Limitations
The concept of car free estates works best where public transport links are good, or where access to schools, employment, shopping and entertainment outlets are in easy walking or cycling distance. A development with a large car park at the periphery may enable a concentration of other public areas in the form of gardens or playgrounds, but is not 'car free'. A car free estate is therefore unlikely to succeed unless it is based in the town centre, or on a route very well served by public transport and local facilities.
Where could we build a car free estate ?
The proximity of the Pitwines site to the town centre and Bus/Train stations makes it an ideal location for a car free estate. The Power Station and Carter Tile sites in Hamworthy could be considered suitable dependant on the programme for the Harbour crossing or development of use of the rail link to Hamworthy. The village nature of the Talbot Village area makes this a possible location.
What is needed to encourage a Car free estate to work well ?
Transport
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Access
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Other Amenities
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So what is the Experience Elsewhere ?
We are aware of developments in the following Towns and Cities;
Edinburgh - the first UK city to host a car-free development. Demand for the new properties
was said to be very brisk. We have not made further contact as yet.
Camden Town The council appear to be actively promoting car-free developments, and see
them as entirely in line with government policy on Integrated Transport and on Urban
Renewal. Two estates are implemented, with more under consideration. One is for 41 units in
Farringdon Road, the other is 29 units on the old Holborn Town Hall site. Neither site has any
parking, and residents are unable to get permits for local street parking. Tube and bus routes
are very good close to both sites.
Oxford A car free estate is planned for Oxford. The council would consider any applications on their merits, but were concerned that cars would not just be parked off the estate and be a problem elsewhere. The estate is being developed adjacent to the Railway station, with 80 flats and 15 parking places. The move to 'car free' was determined by the site. It is felt that marketing will not be a problem, either for people working in Oxford City Centre, or for institutions for letting to students or accommodating employees working in Oxford.
Ely has a car free development with artisan workshops and living accommodation.
Bremen, Germany has been planning car free housing since 1992. The Hollerand estate was planned for 220 housing units on a 2.6 hectare site. 76% of the interested enquirers are not car owners. It was, however, 6 km from the city centre, and by the time that the prices were released, there was a general housing slump in the area, and demand was considered too low to build. As a result, a 28 housing unit project was constructed closer to the city centre. Using the lessons from Hollerand, other schemes in Hamburg and Munchen have also been completed. The City of Bremen have developed a EC supported working group on 'practical alternatives to the car'.
Http://www.eltis.org/data/69e.htm
Westerpark, Amsterdam 600 apartments in a 6 Hectare site. The site is totally car free, with emergency vehicles only allowed in. Residents can draw lots for 110 parking places on one side only. Existing bus connections to the city centre and stations are good. Amsterdam has a car ownership of 50%, with 70% car free in Westerpark. Local residents get priority in consideration for places, and can opt for a traditional estate instead. Shops, schools and facilities are all within 200m of the site.
Http://www.sustainability.org.uk/info/casestudies/westerpark_ecoestate.htm
Design Museum showed an exhibition in February of designs for a brown field development in Bishopsgate. These included innovations such as a pool of electric cars for residents use, and a general emphasis on environmental sustainability. Some, however, sought to provide underground or multi-storey parking (car barns) to limit the space devoted to parking and driving on the site.
Centerparcs etc Concepts aligned to car free estates are in place in various leisure holiday villages around the UK. Here the car can be used to move in and out, but during the week cars are banned, and residents encouraged to walk and cycle between facilities. Whilst this is a holiday situation, the absence of cars lends itself to the security and safety of children, and
enhances the atmosphere and tranquillity on site.
Andy Hadley, Poole Agenda 21, April 2000
Thanks to Charles Myhill, and Derek English for their research