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Infrastructure, Planning and Transport

Local Transport Plan (LTP)

The Council’s transport projects benefit considerably from government spend and the second LTP (2006 –11) supports long-term initiatives to promote an integrated and balanced transport system. It builds on retaining established themes e.g. bus and cycling strategies and develops seven local area action plans, which reflect the sub-regional ‘hub and spoke’ approach in the Regional Spatial Strategy, embracing cross-boundary partnerships.The schemes provide independent benefit, are central to the long-term vision and some also deliver national and European advantages.

Core infrastructure projects include:

• Reading Station Interchange /Upgrade – increased track and platform capacity of c. £0.5 bn

• Cow Lane Bridges – removing bottleneck west of the centre

• GreenPark Multi Modal Interchange – new railway station

• Access to Central Reading – review of access arrangements to the centre of Reading

• M4 Junction 11 improvements – upgraded for pedestrian, cycle and public transport

• Park and Ride – new sites on main approaches

• Quality Bus Corridors/Mass Rapid Transit – serving main travel generators and Park and Ride

• Third Thames Crossing – options for alternative north-south movement across river

Regional

The draft South East Plan produced by the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) emphasises the development and renaissance of major urban areas.The core regional policies will replace RPG9 (current guidance).  District level housing allocations are also proposed in the Plan.The examination into the Plan finished early in 2007, and the report of the Panel was received in August 2008.  For further information see www.southeastra.gov.uk/southeastplan/index.html.

Berkshire Structure Plan 2001–2016

The South East Plan will replace the Berkshire Structure Plan. However, the vision remains that Berkshire plays a major role in the national and international economy, providing sustainable development and creating diverse communities, while protecting assets for future generations.

Reading Borough Local Plan

The Local Plan forms a major part of the Borough’s development plan adopted in 1998. A review started in 2003 and an Issues Report and draft Spatial Strategy has been published.  However, this was abandoned as a result of new legislation and work is now underway on the Local Development Framework.

The Reading Borough Local Development Framework (LDF)

 • Local Development Scheme (LDS) – 2007 version approved by Secretary of State

• Core Strategy Document – adopted in January 2008

• Statement of Community Involvement - adopted

• Sustainability Appraisal Framework – developed

• Reading Central Area Action Plan – submitted to the Secretary of State in January 2007

All documents are available on the Council’s website:www.reading.gov.uk

Retail and Leisure Study of Reading 2005

The Council’s Retail and Leisure Study up to 2016 (see Council website) found a need for up to 1.07 m sq ft of additional retail floor space and leisure facilities, such as swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley and theatre complex.

Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Planning Obligations

The SPG sets out the Council’s aspirations for developer contributions in respect of affordable housing, transport, open space, sport & recreation, education, economic development and other infrastructure needs.  Its applications allow flexibility and the Council will consider evidence on matters such as viability.