Market Square Part VIII Report

Transcription

June 2014
Kildare County Council
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (As amended)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 – (As amended) PART 8
STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY
Market Square Bus Hub, Naas
Table of Contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Existing Layout and Operation ..................................................................................................... 4 3 Alternatives Considered .............................................................................................................. 12 4 Layout of Proposed Development .............................................................................................. 18 5 Environmental Impact .................................................................................................................. 24 6 Submission ................................................................................................................................... 27 Appendix A – Layout of Proposed Development
Appendix B – Alternatives Considered
Appendix C – Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments
Appendix D – Archaeological & Build Heritage Assessment
Appendix E
– Bus and Loading Bay Surveys
AECOM
1
Improved Public Transport Facilities at Market Square, Naas
1
Introduction
1.1
Introduction
Kildare County Council have commissioned AECOM to undertake a review of the existing Market
Square arrangement in terms of public transport facilities, with the aim of maximising the quality and
use of these facilities, while also enhancing the public realm and streetscape. These improvements
will help make the public transport services and the existing street more accessible for all.
The objectives of the project are to:

Provide a safe, and attractive infrastructure to encourage greater use of sustainable travel
modes for trips to work, education, and for recreation.

Provide for improved bus-set down facilities and waiting environment for public transport
users.

Make the best use of the available space to accommodate the needs of bus users,
pedestrians, cyclists, loading, taxi and parking bay activity as well as general through traffic.

Improve the public realm of the area to an appropriate standard in keeping with the character
of the Naas Town Centre and its location within an ACA.
A preliminary design for improved facilities was developed for the Market Square area. This design
provides for improved bus set-down facilities and an improved waiting environment for bus users. It
also improves the public realm and streetscape in Market Square area, making the area and the bus
service more accessible and user friendly for all, in particular for the more vulnerable of society, such
as the mobility impaired and the elderly.
This report was prepared in accordance with Part 8 of S.I. No. 600 of 2001 Planning and
Development Regulations 2001 as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations 2006
that enacts part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
1.2
Project Background & Policy Context
Naas town centre has been the subject of various traffic management improvements in recent years
including significant upgrading of the footpaths and public realm along Main Street. However, the
operation of Main Street remains relatively unchanged with the competing demands of pedestrians,
cyclists, public transport, on-street parking, general traffic and deliveries all accommodated to lesser
or greater degrees.
To ensure the Market Square proposals meet with current best practice the following National
documents were reviewed.
National Policy
Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2011-2030
The GDA Transport Strategy 2011-2030 sets out the objectives and proposals in relation to how
transport should evolve over that period in order to ensure that the Greater Dublin region continues
to meet the needs of its citizens. As well as proposed infrastructure works it also sets out measures
to improve the attractiveness of walking and cycling and to increase availability and usage of public
transport.
AECOM
2
Smarter Travel, a Sustainable Transport Future, A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020
Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, (2009) is the new transport policy for Ireland for the
period 2009-2020. The policy focuses particularly on how existing unsustainable transport and travel
patterns experienced in Ireland might be tackled. It recognises the vital importance of continued
investment in transport to ensure an efficient economy and continued social development. It also
sets out necessary steps to ensure that people choose more sustainable transport modes such as
walking, cycling and public transport. It sets out five key goals:
 To reduce overall travel demand,
 To maximise the efficiency of the transport network,
 To reduce reliance on fossil fuels,
 To reduce transport emissions, and
 To improve accessibility to transport.
Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)
DMURS provides guidance relating to the design of urban roads and streets. The Manual seeks to
address street design within urban areas (i.e. cities, towns and villages). It sets out an integrated
design approach. What this means is that the design must be:
 Influenced by the type of place in which the street is located, and
 Balance the needs of all users.
A further aim of DMURS is to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities. Well
designed streets can create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote real
alternatives to car journeys, namely walking, cycling or public transport.
Local Policy
Naas Town Development Plan 2011-2017
Within the Naas Town Development Plan 2011-2017 there are numerous policies and objectives
relating to the promotion and maximization of the use of public transport. It is worth noting that CSO
data from the 2011 census showed that the private car is by far the dominant form of travel within the
town and that the Council is seeking ways to influence travel behavior towards more sustainable
modes. One way of working towards this aim is by improving public transport facilities within the
town.
The proposed new bus hub in Market Square will provide a step change to the facilities within the
heart of the town. It will also provide an opportunity to further enhance the public realm and the
streetscape of the location. It is entirely consistent with the Naas Town Development Plan 20112017 and supports the following Policies and Objectives within the Plan:
General Movement and Transport Policies
GT9:
To investigate the reduction of vehicular traffic passing through the Main Street to improve
the pedestrian environment of the town’s retail core.
GT10:
To co-operate with the public transport authorities and any other relevant bodies towards
the improvement of the public transport system.
General Movement and Transport Objectives
GO12: To promote the town centre as a pedestrian priority zone and to investigate and consider
pedestrianisation at Market Square.
AECOM
3
Traffic and Public Transport Policies
TM1:
To introduce a series of continuous bus priority measures on key routes throughout Naas.
TM2:
To encourage public transport usage by improving bus shelters and associated passenger
information.
TM3:
To encourage the implementation and expansion of local bus services to link key trip
generators and attractors in the town, particularly residential, employment, educational and
retail centers.
Town Centre Policies
TC5:
To ensure that the town centre is accessible to all members of the community, including
people with disabilities, the elderly and people with young children.
Sustainable Travel Objectives
STO2: To engage with service providers to regularise the number of bus stops and provide bus pull
in bays and shelters along the main routes so as to improve traffic flows and safeguard and
protect bus users.
Architectural and Archaeological Policies
ATH11: To have regard to architectural heritage when considering proposed infrastructure
developments (including transport, telecommunications, sewerage and water) located in
close proximity to Protected Structures or the Architectural Conservation Area.
ATH12: To ensure that any development, modifications, alterations, or extensions within an
Architectural Conservation Area are sited and designed appropriately, and are not
detrimental to the character of the structure or to its setting or the general character of the
ACA.
ATH14: To protect and conserve important heritage items such as historic gardens, stone walls,
bridges, street furniture, post boxes and other significant historic features of interest.
Compliance with National and Local Polices
The proposal will help contribute to the realisation of the Naas Town Development Plan 2011-2017
policies and objectives. The principal requirements of this project are to deliver a bus hub that will
improve the facilities for bus passengers travelling to and from Naas Town Centre. This in turn will
also help to increase bus patronage, supporting sustainable travel modes. The associated
streetscape improvements will increase the attractiveness and accessibility of the town centre for
pedestrians and cyclists. The proposals are compliant with the design requirements and objectives of
both Naas Town Development Plan 2011-2017 and DMURS.
Market Square contains many buildings of architectural merit which adds to the urban quality of the
historic centre of the town. The proposals have been sensitivity designed to ensure that there is a
positive impact upon the recorded architectural resource and ACA. It is entirely consistent with the
Naas Town Development Plan 2011-2017 and supports the Policies and Objectives within the Plan.
.
AECOM
2
Existing Layout and Operation
2.1
Introduction
4
A review of the existing layout and provision of road space was carried out in the study area, in relation to
bus stops, facilities surrounding them, taxi ranks, loading bays and parking spaces. Market Square is
located on South Main Street, between Naas Courthouse and Naas Town Hall. The site location is shown
in Drawing no. 60274408-001-PP-A, attached in Appendix A. The street runs in a north south direction at
this location. The existing road carriageway is approximately 7-8m wide.
2.2
Bus Stop
The northbound bus stop is located outside Naas Post Office / Boylesports shop, on the western side of
Main Street. Currently there is no shelter at this location. Two poles (Bus Eireann and Dublin Coach)
indicate the location of the the bus stop. A pull-in bay approximately 30m long is provided, with yellow
hatching over the entire area. No Kassel kerbs or bus timetables are supplied at this bus stop. There is a
large amount of street furniture/bollards in this area, adding to the street clutter. This can be seen in
Figure 2.1 below.
The length of the existing southbound bus lay-by is only sufficient to accommodate one bus safely at any
one time. Surveys undertaken as part of this study indicate this level of provision is regularly exceeded
and that the bus lay-by needs to extend to accommodate two buses at the same time. (Bus and loading
bay surveys are attached in Appendix E).
Figure 2.1 - Market Square Northbound Bus Stop
AECOM
5
The southbound bus stop is located on the eastern side of Main Street, on a central pedestrian island
separating the main carriageway from the parking/taxi rank area. A long bus shelter is provided, with
signage indicating Bus Eireann and Dublin Coach use this stop. A bus survey undertaken for this project
suggests all bus operators in the town use this stop. There is no bus timetable information provided, nor
any kassel kerbs. The existing street furniture, including telephone booths and bins add to the street
clutter at this location. A bus stop approximately 25m long is provided at this location.
Figure 2.2 – Southbound Bus Stop
A pedestrian crossing is provided to the north of the bus stops, close to the northbound bus stop, at Naas
Presbyterian Church. A second crossing is located approximately 75m south of the bus stops, at the
junction of Basin Street.
2.3
Taxi Rank
A taxi rank is located in Market Square behind the southbound bus stop on the eastern side of Main
Street. The area can accommodate 8 taxis at any one time. Evidence was noted of double parking at this
location. The taxi rank is operational 24 hours a day, with no other vehicles permitted to park in this area
at any time of the day.
AECOM
Figure 2.4 – Taxi Rank to the East of the Square
2.4
6
Figure 2.5 – Loading Bay to the
West of the Square
Loading Bay
The loading bay in Market Square is located on the western side of Main Street, outside Kavanaghs
Public House. It is active from 08:30-11:30, with paid parking permitted between 11:30-18:30. The loading
bay is approximately 20m long which can accommodate approximately 3-4 cars outside of loading bay
hours.
2.5
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Market Square is a busy location for pedestrians, due to the public transport provision, retail units, and
the close proximity of a number of schools in the local area, including Naas CBS, St. Mary’s College and
a number of local primary schools. A number of site visits were undertaken in 2012 and 2013. During
these site visits, large numbers of pedestrians were noted in the square at the beginning and end of the
school day, due to the drop off and collection point of the school buses.
As noted above there are two pedestrian crossing points, located at the northern and southern extent of
the study area. Pedestrians generally cross the main carriageway at the crossing points and footpaths
provided. Pedestrians travelling on the eastern side of Main Street, generally walk through the parking
area, rather than following the footpath by the Presbyterian Church and Church Lane. This route can be
blocked by people waiting for the bus and people walking through this area step into the bus lay-by and
risk being stuck by a bus pulling in to the area.
Very few cyclists were noted in Market Square during a number of site visits. However, it was observed
that there was a demand for cycle parking in the area, with bikes locked to poles in the study area. There
is no formal cycle parking in the study area.
AECOM
7
Figure 2.6 Cycle Parking in Market Square
2.6
Data Collection
A series of bus surveys were obtained to create a database of bus usage, patronage, frequency, dwell
times and type through Market Square, as well as taxi surveys and loading bay surveys. The survey was
conducted on the 19th October 2012 from 07:00-19:00. Survey data is provided in Appendix E. Survey
locations are shown in Figure 2.7.
AECOM
8
Figure 2.7 Location of Bus, Taxi and Loading Bay surveys
Bus Survey
There are two bus stops located within Market Square (a northbound and southbound stop), both of
which are used by all bus service providers.
Table 2.1 summaries the results of the bus survey review. As can be seen, there is a significant number
of passengers boarding and alighting over the 12 hour period. There were a similar number of buses
stopping in both the northbound and southbound direction.
Table 2.1 Summary of Bus Survey Review
Reference Name
11 Market Sq
12 Market Sq
Direction
No of Buses Recorded No Stopped Max Delay Total Borders Total Alighters Total Passengers
Northbound
99
59
00:11
240
192
432
Southbound
79
64
00:22
298
63
361
Of the 99 buses that headed northbound through Naas, 48 of them did not stop at the Market Square bus
stop, with a further 6 buses stopping near the bus stop, rather than at the bus stop. The majority of buses
were heading to Dublin/Dublin Airport. 79 buses head southbound through Market Square, Naas, with 64
services stopping at this bus stop.
The longest dwell time heading northbound was recorded by a Bus Eireann bus at 8:40, when it waited
11 minutes before moving on. In this period a total of 9 people boarded the bus, with 6 alighting. The
average dwell time was just one minute (of the buses that stopped). A total of 240 passengers boarded
buses in the 12-hour period, with 192 alighting, i.e. 432 passengers in total.
At the southbound bus stop, the maximum dwell time was recorded by James Coaches (a school bus) at
15:57 to 16:19 a dwell time of 22 minutes. 20 students boarded this bus. In this time 4 other buses
approached the bus stop, with two of these parking on the road, adjacent to the parked school bus to
AECOM
9
allow boarding and alighting. The average dwell times for the buses that stopped was 1 minute 38
seconds. A total of 298 passengers boarded buses in the 12-hour period, with just 63 alighting, ie a total
of 361 passengers.
Over the course of a 12 hour period, over 178 buses pass through Naas Main Street, with 123 of these
stopping to drop or collect passengers. Buses using the town centre include national operators, private
operators offering daily/regular services to Dublin and arterial town as well as school buses and private
hire buses. Dwell times for buses are generally short, in the region of 1-2 minutes, with the exception of a
number of waiting school buses. Approximately 7-8 buses pass through the town each hour in each
direction over a 12-hour period.
Loading Bay Survey
The loading bay in Market Square is located on the western side of Main Street, outside Kavanaghs
Public House. It is active from 08:30-11:30, with paid parking permitted from 11:30-18:30. The loading
bay is approximately 20m long and was split into 4 for the purpose of the survey (1 loading bay or 4 car
parking spaces).
Records show that smaller vehicles most frequently occupy this loading bay, with vehicles such as cars
and vans less than 3.5 tonnes occupying the bay during the survey. A total of 49 vehicles were recorded
in this area over the 12-hour period with 34 of these outside the loading bay hours (70%).
In the period from 08:30-11:30, the active loading bay hours, a total of 15 vehicles parked in the loading
bay. Ten of these small goods vehicles/cars parked for a period of less than 15 minutes. Two vehicles
were parked for 2 hours, with other vehicles parked for 15, 30 and 45 minutes each. Results show that
this loading bay generally operates at half capacity for much of the permitted time period.
Outside of Loading times, the area reverts back to pay parking. The 4 spaces are never fully used, with
only three of these spaces full for large portions of the day. It is assumed that 3 cars would more
comfortably fit into the space than 4, as suggested within the survey. Usage around lunch time drops off,
as well as at about 16:00. The maximum permitted parking time is an hour and a half. Parking in this area
is between 1 and 30 minutes. No long term parking was recorded. Of the 34 vehicles that parked in this
area over the 12-hour period, 22 vehicles parked for less than 15 minutes.
In summary while the loading bay is well used during the hours of paid parking, it operates below capacity
for much of the loading times. The loading bays to the south of Market Square were not included in the
survey.
2.7
The Need for the Scheme
There are a number of existing problems in Market Square which include the following;
 Poor existing lay-bys where buses are observed to double park on the road carriageway.
 Poor existing waiting areas and facilities for bus patrons, with insufficient space to accommodate
the pedestrian demand, i.e. pedestrians standing on the public road at peak times/demand.
 Accessibility issues to the central pedestrian island for vulnerable road users.
 Vehicular dominated environment.
 Inadequate or no provision for cyclists.
AECOM
10
 Lack of street furniture for bus patrons, vulnerable road users and the elderly.
 Existing clutter due to inappropriately placed street furniture (signage, bollards and phone box).
Example photos of the issues described above are shown in the Figures below. The proposals will help to
improve the quality of the urban realm in line with DMURS.
.
Figure 2.9: Bus Parked in Road Carriageway
Figure 2.8: Bus partially parked in Road
Carriageway
Figure 2.10: Large Numbers of Bus Patrons waiting on the road carriageway. Insufficient space to
accommodate the demand
AECOM
Figure 2.11: Large number of vehicle movements observed in Market Square
Figure 2.12: Phone Box on Western Side of Main
Street adding to clutter
Figure 2.13: Existing Accessibility Issues to Central
Pedestrian Island (Source: Google)
11
AECOM
3
3.1
12
Alternatives Considered
Introduction
In order to achieve the aim of the project, alternative options were developed to improve facilities for
public transport users in addition to vulnerable road users, while also upgrading the general public
realm of the area.
The objectives of the project are to:

Provide a safe, and attractive infrastructure to encourage greater use of sustainable travel modes
for trips to work, education, and for recreation.

Provide for improved bus-set down facilities and waiting environment for public transport users.

Make the best use of the available space to accommodate the needs of bus users, pedestrians,
cyclists, loading, taxi and parking bay activity as well as general through traffic.

Improve the public realm of the area to an appropriate standard in keeping with the character of the
Naas Town Centre and its location within an ACA.
The main issues and constraints within the area are as follows:

Lack of pedestrian standing area at both bus stops;

Under provision of pull-in space for buses;

Ensuring an appropriate balance between different on-street activities (parking,loading,taxis etc.)

No cycle facilities; and

Need to maintain parking, loading and taxi areas.
A number of options have been prepared for the area, with advantages and disadvantages of each
option.
3.2
Initial Location Review
The extent of the study area covers the section of Main Street from the Presbyterian Church to the
junction of New Row (Murtagh’s Corner). Within this area, provision of the new bus hub is to be
accommodated. A review of the existing bus stop location, as well as other possible locations to the south
were carried out.
A number of possible locations were considered between the junction of New Row and Basin Street ,
including:

The loading bay area outside Gogarty’s Hardware store with a corresponding stop at the existing
loading bay to the south of Basin Street junction.

The area outside the Leinster Leader building, on the western side of Main Street currently
accommodating 2 disabled parking spaces, with a corresponding bus stop at the existing loading
bay to the south of Basin Street junction;

The area fronting the Courthouse, with a corresponding bus stop accommodated within the parallel
parking on the eastern side of the road; and
AECOM

13
The general existing location of bus stops within the Market Square area.
Issues were identified within the area to the south of Basin Street, which would restrict the relocation of
bus stops to this area including:
-
-
-
The number of parking/loading spaces which would have to be removed to accommodate the bus pull
in areas;
Available corridor width which would lead to restricted / inadequate;
o
footpath widths and standing / waiting area for passengers;
o
bus shelter facilities for bus users;
o
road widths; and
Garda activity around the Courthouse.
This initial review concluded that the optimum location for the bus hub was in the general area of the
Market Square. A number of options for this location were considered.
3.3
Options at Preferred Location
The following section highlights the options considered at the preferred location, in close proximity to the
existing bus stop location in Market Square.
Four main options were considered. Many of the features in the proposals were common to all schemes.
These included the following;

Provision of new bus shelters on both sides.

Extending the pedestrian standing area at the central island.

Maintain the 8 taxi bays;

Loss of 2 car parking spaces at the location of the central island, with a further 2-3 spaces removed
on the western side of Main Street, south of the loading bay area;

The taxi area is to become a one way system, with an entry provided at the northern side, and the
exit at the southern end of the area. All movements are permitted out of the parking area;

A number of cycle parking areas are to be provided in the study area;

The existing pedestrian crossing at the Church will be revised to provide a crossing straight across
the road, rather than on the skewed angle that it currently occupies; and

The bus stop at the southbound bus stop will be extended to approximately 30m.
A number of variations were considered for the proposed layout. The following issues were considered
and outlined below.

Whether the new bus shelter is best located at the current bus stop, or whether to relocate it south
to the existing loading bay.

Whether to realign the car parking in front of the Bank of Ireland, from perpendicular to angled
parking. The parking would be repositioned closer to the road edge, thus increasing the footpath
width on the eastern side of Main Street.
AECOM
14

Whether to provide a shared space area at the existing taxi area.

Changes to the Basin Street pedestrian crossing and junction, to reduce the pedestrian crossing
length and to the right turn pocket into Basin Street.
Option 1
Option 1, is shown in Drawing 60274408-001, in Appendix B, as well as Figure 3.1. The key features of
this design include:

The bus stop location on the northbound side of Main Street has been switched with the loading
bay, to allow a bus shelter be provided and adequate room for pedestrians on the footpath;

The pedestrian crossing at Basin Street will be revised to provide an island between lanes.
Figure 3.1 – Market Square Option 1 (see Appendix B)
AECOM
15
Option 2
Option 2 is shown on Drawing 60274408-002, in Appendix B, and Figure 3.2. The key features of the
design are as follows:

The bus stop location on the northbound side of Main Street has been switched with the loading
bay, to allow a bus shelter with adequate room for pedestrians on the footpath;

There will be a loss of 8 car parking spaces in total, with 2 removed from the central island location,
3 removed from the parking close to Bank of Ireland, with a further 3 spaces removed on the
western side of Main Street, south of the loading bay area;

The lane arrangement will be altered at Basis Street to allow one straight ahead lane only, with a
right turn pocket opening up after the pedestrian crossing for access to Basin Street. This includes
reducing the crossing width for pedestrians;

Parking close to Bank of Ireland will be realigned to provide angled parking with the location of the
parking pulled away from the footpath, and closer to the edge of the road, thus increasing the
footpath width on the eastern side of Main Street;

A number of cycle parking areas are to be provided in the area.
Figure 3.2 - Market Square Option 2 (see Appendix B)
AECOM
16
Option 3
Option three is shown in drawing 60274408-003 in Appendix B, and Figure 3.3.

There will be a loss of 8 car parking spaces in total, with 2 removed from the central island location,
3 removed from the parking close to Bank of Ireland, with a further 3 spaces removed on the
western side of Main Street, at the loading bay area;

Parking close to Bank of Ireland will be realigned to provide angled parking with the location of the
parking pulled away from the footpath, and closer to the edge of the road, thus increasing the
footpath width on the eastern side of Main Street;

A shared space is proposed within the existing car parking/taxi area. This includes a ramp on entry
and exit, with both the traditional road level and pedestrian areas at the same level. Different paving
is proposed for area reserved for pedestrians only, with bollards located to ensure vehicles do not
encroach on this area.
Figure 3.3 - Market Square Option 3 (see Appendix B)
AECOM
Option 4
Option 4 is shown in Drawing 60274408-004, in Appendix B, and Figure 3.4.

The loading bay is retained in its current location, with the 3 parking spaces also retained.
Figure 3.4 – Market Square Option 4 (see Appendix B)
17
AECOM
4
Layout of Proposed
Development
4.1
Proposed Development – Key Points
18
The preferred scheme is shown in Drawing no. 60274408-002-PP-A, attached in Appendix A, which
accompanies this submission, and is also included in Figure 4.1 below. The preferred option provides a
comfortable and attractive pedestrian environment, excellent public transport facilities, public realm
improvements, and improved road safety.
The proposals include widening the existing footpath on the western side of the Main Street, and
providing a bus shelter at the current bus stop whilst providing a minimum footpath width of 2.8m. The
existing bus standing area on the eastern side of the road is to be increased from 86m2 to 233m2. The
existing road carriageway has been reallocated, providing a 6.0m wide road carriageway with the
reallocated space used to increase the space for pedestrians and other town centre uses.
Figure 4.1 - Market Square – Preferred Option (See A3 drawing 60274408-104)
AECOM
19
The key features of the preferred option are as follows:
4.1.1
Improved Public Transport Facilities
 The bus set down areas at the northbound and southbound bus stops will be extended to
approximately 30m so two buses can be accommodated simultaneously at both stops;
 13.0m long bus shelters will be provided at the bus stops. These will incorporate full seating; half
end panels, glass roof, double sized lockable public transport timetable panels, and real time
information. The proposed bus shelter is outlined in Drawing no. 60274408-003-PP-A, attached in
Appendix A;
 Cycle parking areas are to be provided in the vicinity; and
 Maintain the eight number taxi bays to the east of the central pedestrian island.
4.1.2
Pedestrian Environment
 Extending the pedestrian standing area at the existing bus stop island from 86m2 to 233m2;
 Widening the pedestrian footpath on the west side of Main Street by 133m2, by narrowing the road
carriageway and widening the pedestrian footpath. The existing loading bay is to be maintained,
with the reduction of car parking spaces from three to one; and
 Generous clear walking width provided for pedestrians.
4.1.3
Rationalisation of Central pedestrian Island Area
 Redistribution of existing road carriageway to pedestrian space with the extension of the pedestrian
standing area at the central pedestrian island from 86m2 to 233m2;
 There will be a loss of 2 car parking spaces to the east of the central island to accommodate its
extension;
 A one way lane from Church Lane to the south of the central pedestrian island will facilitate vehicle
movement. A two way lane will remain at the car parking spaces adjacent to the Presbyterian
Church;
 An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing is proposed across the entrance and exit of the lane around the
central pedestrian island;
 Circulation space to the east of the central pedestrian island will be reduced, preventing illegal
double parking at this location.
4.1.4
Road Design
 The Main Street road width will be reallocated to 6.0m to encourage lower speeds in the town
centre, while not compromising the existing road capacity;
AECOM
4.1.5
20
Safety
 Providing three new short crossings to the central pedestrian island, with dropped kerbs and tactile
paving for vulnerable road users. The central pedestrian island creates additional refuge space for
bus passengers and walkers through Market Square.
 The existing pelican crossings across Main Street at Basin Street and the Presbyterian Church will
be revised to provide a shortened crossing distance for pedestrians and will be widened from
2.5m to 4.0m.
 The increased pedestrian space creates a positive, more attractive environment for pedestrians and
vulnerable road users.
4.1.6
Enhanced Public Realm
 The public realm is to be upgraded by the removing of existing clutter from Market Square, the
widening of existing pedestrian paths and the upgrade of existing lighting.
The proposed improvements to Market Square are described in further detail below;
4.2
4.2.1
Description of Key Points
Improved Public Transport Facilities
It is necessary to invest in the provision of high quality bus stops and reliable up-to- date journey
information to attract passengers to the bus services. To ensure that the bus stops in Market Square
provide a good level of service for passengers, a number of features have been proposed. These include
new and modern bus shelters on both the northbound and southbound carriages which offer reasonable
shelter from the elements. It is proposed to provide shelters with the provision of seating, half end panels
to increase pedestrian accessibility, a transparent roof; double sized lockable panels for public travel
information, and real time information for passenger convenience. It is proposed to provide kassel kerbs
at the bus stops, which are currently not provided at the existing facilities. Kassel kerbs to help facilitate
bus disembarking/boarding for the mobility impaired or the elderly.
The existing bus bays have been increased in length to allow two buses to simultaneously
disembark/board passengers. This will reduce the possibility of buses double parking on Main Street
reducing existing dwell times, or forcing passengers to disembark or board away from the kerbline thus
increasing passenger safety. The swept path computer analysis of large buses has been undertaken
using the software program AUTOTRACK, to ensure that buses drivers can manoeuvre their vehicles to
and from the kerb without difficulty
4.2.2
Attractive Pedestrian Environment
The proposed Market Square design recognises the importance of assigning higher priority to pedestrians
in Market Square, while not unduly compromising vehicle movement. The proposed Market Square
design has been developed to help balance the needs of all road users. Currently, the majority of the
street is prioritised for the car. The proposals help to redistribute the existing road space for pedestrian
provision.
The footpaths have been widened where there are high pedestrian flows, particularly close to the existing
bus stops.
AECOM
21
It is proposed that the footpaths on the west of Main Street are widened, with an additional 133m2 of
footpath provided. Also, the area around the southbound bus shelter has been increased from 86m2 to
233m2, to help ensure that pedestrians have a safe area to wait for the bus, free from conflicts from
pedestrian traffic.
The increased pedestrian space combined with street furniture, such as benches and bike parking and
will help to contribute to the creation of attractive mixed use place.
The proposed crossings, with the shorter crossing lengths and the increased width from 2.5m to 4m wide,
will help to increase the connectivity of the town centre for pedestrians. Increasing the connectivity within
the town centre, will help to encourage walking within the town.
4.2.3
Public Realm Improvements
As well as improving the public transport facilities in Market Square, there was an opportunity to improve
the existing public realm/streetscape in the local vicinity. The number of road signs and bollards are to be
reduced in order to decrease the level of clutter currently found around Market Square and visually
enhance the urban environment.
A small number of bollards are proposed where there is a risk that illegal kerb mounting could occur, at
the end of the bus lay-bys. Bollards are proposed to the west of the central pedestrian island to ensure
that illegal parking on the island does not block the through traffic from Church Lane, or does not impede
on the operation of the existing taxi rank.
It is proposed that any proposed bollards will match those currently provided in the town, as currently at
the area in front of the Courthouse and the Town Hall. A bench is proposed to the north of the Bus Hub
Island. The bench will have a back rest and arm rests to maximise comfort and that all pedestrians can
use it.
The existing phone boxes in the town, on the eastern side of Main Street and on the central pedestrian
island are to be removed. The existing phone boxes are unsightly, and serve little public service. The
existing post boxes will be set back to provide the maximum clear width for pedestrians and to ensure
that the footpath is clear of obstacles.
4.2.4
Pedestrian Safety
The reduction in the road width from 7/8m to 6.0m will help control the traffic speeds through the town
centre, decreasing the risk of and the severity of potential road collisions. The area around the
southbound bus shelter has been increased from 86m2 to 233m2, to help ensure that pedestrians have a
safe area to wait for the bus, free from conflicts from vehicular traffic.
4.2.5
Cycle Parking
Currently within Market Square there is no cycle parking provided. To create a sustainable space a
number of cycle parking stands are proposed in Market Square to help increase the number of people
who choose to cycle into the town centre. Cycle parking is proposed on the western side of Main Street at
the Basin Street pedestrian crossing and adjacent to the northbound bus stop. Additional cycle stands are
proposed to the east of the bus shelter on the central pedestrian island. 16no. cycle stands are proposed,
enabling 32no. cyclists to utilise this facility.
AECOM
4.2.6
22
Lighting
New lighting columns are proposed in Market Square. These will replace the existing old style lights
currently found in the town, with the ESB cables run underground. The lighting columns will be in a similar
style to those already provided in the town centre, outside the courthouse.
4.3
4.3.1
Mitigation Measures
Design of the Bus Shelters
An aesthetically appealing bus shelter design is proposed to minimise any potential visual impact of the
proposed bus shelters. Glass panels are proposed to ensure that the views of buildings on Main Street
are not obscured. The proposed bus shelter is outlined in Drawing no. 60274408-003-PP-A, attached in
Appendix A. In the original proposals, the preferred option proposed the bus stop located in front of
Kavanaghs pub. However, due to the visual impact of this location it was decided that the bus stop should
remain in its current location.
The proposed location of the bus shelters is proposed to maximise the available footpath width for
pedestrians. On the western side of Main Street, the bus shelter is proposed where the footpath is
planned to be widened, to ensure that a minimum 2.8m wide pedestrian route is provided. On the central
pedestrian island, a 2.0m minimum wide pedestrian route is provided between the proposed bus shelter
and the cycle stands.
4.3.2
Parking
The proposed enhanced pedestrian and public transport facilities in Market Square require a number of
kerb realignments which impact on the number of existing car parking spaces provided in Market Square.
Currently there are 19no. car parking spaces, 2no. disabled spaces, 1no. motorcycle space in addition to
8no. taxi rank spaces. It is proposed that two car parking spaces are to be removed to the east of the bus
stop island, while 2 car parking spaces are to be removed from the western side of the Street. The
proposals presented cater for 14no. car parking spaces, 2no. disabled spaces and the 8no. taxi rank
spaces are unaffected.
In the original proposals, the preferred option was to remove three car parking spaces on the western
side of Market Square. However, the design has been modified to keep one car parking space to the
south of the existing loading bay. Along with the loading bay, which operates between the hours of
08:30-11:30, with paid parking permitted between 11:30-18:30, there will be enough space provided for 4
cars to the west of the Main Street.
4.3.3
Road Capacity
No negative traffic impact is predicted due to the Market Square proposals. It is predicted that the
development will help to increase the public transport mode share and therefore reduce the number of
vehicular trips in the town centre. The longer bus lay-bys will mean that the existing illegal double parking
of buses on the Main Street are less likely to occur, which should result in increased road capacity during
peak periods.
4.3.4
Taxi Rank
The proposal maintains the existing number of taxi parking spaces, with the existing eight spaces to
remain. Currently taxi drivers are noted to double park at this rank. This illegal parking cannot occur with
AECOM
23
the new layout as this road space has been redistributed for pedestrians using this area. These eight taxi
spaces are more than sufficient to meet with the customer demand for taxis in this area.
4.3.5
Historic Granite Kerbs
As highlighted in Irish Archaeological Consultancy report, sections of historic granite kerb stones located
along the northern part of Market Square will be preserved in-situ as part of the proposed development
and will not be subject to direct negative impacts. No mitigation measures relating to the architectural
heritage resource are deemed to be necessary as part of the proposed development.
AECOM
5
Environmental Impact
5.1
Visual Impact Assessment
24
A Visual Impact Assessment was undertaken by Mitchell and Associates which accompanies this Part
VIII application. Mitchell and Associates report is attached in Appendix C. Two photomontages have been
prepared which clearly illustrate the visual impact on the surrounding urban landscape. The viewpoints
have been selected cognitive of the adjacent ‘view and prospect to be preserved’.
View 1- Proposed View
Changes being proposed include minor road realignment, removal of car parking spaces, the integration
and coordination of street furniture to match other recent development works on adjacent sites. Utilising
paving materials to marry this development work into the existing streetscape. Installation of two bus
shelters flanking either side of the main street. Upgrading of existing pedestrian crossings and
introduction of additional uncontrolled crossing points to cater for visually impaired users or those with
reduced mobility. All of which would be considered to be an improvement.
The visual impact will therefore be positive, since the bus shelter is largely transparent and occupies only
a small portion of the field of view, the magnitude of impact will only be slight.
AECOM
25
Figure 5.1 - Market Square – View 1 (images included as part of the Visual Impact Assessment Report)
View 2- Proposed View
This view shows the proposed extension of the central island and widening of the pedestrian footpath to
the western street edge. The integration and coordination of street furniture will match other recent
development works on adjacent sites. The paving materials will marry this development work into the
existing streetscape. The centre and middle distance view are positive. Installation of two bus shelters
flanking either side of the main street. The visual impact will therefore be neutral and slight.
Figure 5.1 - Market Square – View 2 (images included as part of the Visual Impact Assessment Report)
AECOM
5.2
26
Archaeological and Built Heritage
An Archaeological and Built Heritage Assessment of the Market Square was undertaken by Irish
Archaeological Consultancy, to study the impact, if any, on the archaeological and historical resource of
proposed redevelopment of the Bus Hub at Market Square, Naas, Co. Kildare. IAC’s report is attached in
Appendix D. The conclusion of this study was that there would be no direct negative impact upon the
recorded architectural resource, including structures within the RPS, NIAH or within the ACA. The
proposals aim to enhance the nature of Market Square and Main Street South and will result in the
removal of unsightly modern street furniture as well as provide a pedestrianized area within Market
Square. As such, an overall moderately positive impact is predicted upon the recorded architectural
resource and ACA.
The proposed development area is located within the centre of the historic town of Naas, which is
recorded as KD019-030 in the Record of Monuments and Places. Approximately 26 sites (subconstraints) of archaeological significance are recorded in the RMP within c. 200m of the proposed
development area. This includes the site of the 17th century Tholsel or town hall (KD019-030008) which
is located within the footprint of the proposed scheme at the northern limit of Main Street South. Within c.
50m radius of the development area there are records of two castles (KD019-030017 and 18); two
excavation sites (KD019-030054 and 55); a 16th/17th century house (KD019-030016); a well (KD019030052); a graveyard (KD019-030022) and a church and graveyard (KD019-030020, 025-035 and 57).
A total of 14 buildings located within the immediate vicinity of the proposed development area are listed
as protected structures. The development area is also located within a designated Architectural
Conservation Area. A total of 17 buildings located within the immediate vicinity are listed within the
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Survey for County Kildare. All of the structures, with the
exceptions of three buildings, are included within the RPS.
Large scale excavation is not anticipated as part of the proposed development. However, the diversion of
services may be required within new trenches of unknown depth. Ground disturbances associated with
the excavation of any new trenches may have an adverse impact on archaeological deposits, including
remains associated with the Tholsel (KD019-030008), that survive beneath the current road level. It is
therefore recommended that all ground disturbances below 0.25m from the current ground level, that are
associated with the proposed development be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full
provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be
discovered, should that be deemed the most appropriate manner in which to proceed.
5.3
Traffic Impact
No negative traffic impact is predicted due to the Market Square proposals. It is predicted that the
development will help to increase the public transport mode share and therefore reduce the number of
vehicular trips in the town centre. The longer bus lay-bys will mean that the existing illegal double parking
of buses on the Main Street are less likely to occur, which should result in increased road capacity during
peak periods.
5.4
Appropriate Assessment Screening
The Market Square proposals have been screened for an Appropriate Assessment (AA).
AECOM
6
27
Submission
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning
and development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated may be made in
writing to:
Senior Executive Officer
Roads Transport & Public Safety
Kildare County Council,
Aras Chill Dara,
Devoy Park,
Naas,
Co. Kildare.
on or before 12.00 noon on Friday the 19th September 2014
Submissions should be headed:
“Market Square Bus Hub, Naas’’
All comments, including names and addresses of those making comments, submitted to the Council in
regard to this scheme will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented to the monthly
meeting of Kildare County Council. Accordingly they will also be included in the minutes of that meeting
and may appear in the public domain.
AECOM
Appendix A – Layout of Proposed Development
AECOM
AECOM
Appendix B – Alternatives Considered
AECOM
AECOM
Appendix C – Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments
AECOM
AECOM
Appendix D – Archaeological & Build Heritage Assessment
AECOM
AECOM
Appendix E – Bus and Loading Bay Surveys

Market Square Part VIII Report

Transcription

Similar documents

Help the Silly Bus kids get to school!

Croydon Community Bus flyer merton

How to reach Microcity from the train station by bus

Welcome to the 13th Annual Butterfly Festival

Practice 1.3 KEY

Holiday Houses Costa Brava Airport bus to Barcelona

Orihuela Costa // Las Chismosas

0-3 Ericson TRB Conf..

Air conditioning ducts • Alarm • Automatic Irrigation System • Bar