Retail Development
Planning application: Town centre retail development, including hotel and apartments.
Local Planning Authority: West Dorset Council.
Highway Authority: Dorset County Council.
Outcome: Approved.
Connect was appointed by Simons Developments Ltd to provide highways and transportation advice relating to the promotion of a large retail led mixed use town centre redevelopment project located on the Charles Street and Old Market car parks in Dorchester.
The proposals include a foodstore, c.13,500 sqm non-food open A1 Retail units, a hotel and residential apartments. The proposals also include offices, library and community uses into which West Dorset District Council have relocated, along with undercroft car parking.
Connect was required to contribute to, and support, the development proposals, which involved the development of the site accesses and layout arrangements, the preparation of a Transport Assessment, Travel Plan and the preparation of chapters to be included within the Environmental Statement. We were also required to negotiate with the Highway Authority and Highways Agency, as well as provide a technical presentation to key stakeholders on the operation of the proposed car park barrier system, including a demonstration of a bespoke traffic model.
The project represents a long term aspiration to provide modern office accommodation for the District Council, as well as bolster the retail offer of the town whilst maintaining the sensitive balance of town centre car parking provision.
All highways matters were resolved with both the then Highways Agency and the Local Highway Authority, the proposals were granted planning permission, and the offices, library and community uses have been constructed and are in use.