Biggar House Access Strategy
Client
Private Developer
Sector
Masterplanning / Development Planning
Location
Biggar, Scotland
Planning Authority
South Lanarkshire Council
Services Provided
Study Description
One of our favourite repeat clients owns a large country house in rural South Lanarkshire, near Biggar. To support future development, the land surrounding the house could be sold. The house is accessed via a single narrow driveway and sub-standard access to the adopted public road. Our client requested we undertake an options feasibility study to explore the transport impacts associated with a range of development options from upgrading of the house, development of 5 smaller private dwellings or a more ambitious development of 15 residential units. Our study output would assist our client in negotiating the sale of the site.
Our Approach
We worked with the client to develop our brief, minimising future effort for both parties. We utilised our appreciation of the likely access issue and understanding of development costs to reduce the scope to two development scenarios. At no cost, we engaged with the council’s road and transport representatives to discuss the development access in principle. We undertook high level utility and service screening and was able to report the challenges associated with utility connection, foul water drainage as part of the overall access advises.
Key Successes
• Working as a value-added partner with our services developed to suit the client outcomes.
• Services developed to cover client requirements avoiding supplementary consultant appointments.
• Developed a phased delivery plan with infrastructure negotiated by phase and to maintain a positive cash flow.