Transport planning consultancy for new Gilston Park Estate, Harlow

Challenge

SLR was commissioned by Places for People (PfP) to provide transport planning consultancy to support the proposed new 8,500 home Garden Town of Gilston Park, located north of Harlow in Essex. This is a sustainable development with a target of 60% model shift.

Two strategic highway access routes are proposed over the Stort Valley Flood Plain with pedestrian and cycle facilities forming a major component of the two crossing routes to encourage sustainable mobility and provide access between Harlow and Gilston Park.

The strategic infrastructure includes one upgraded and one new Stort Valley crossing, elevated above the flood plain level, inclusive of two rail bridges, a 230m viaduct, two watercourse bridges, a canal bridge and several cycle/footway bridges.

Solution

SLR worked very closely with the two highway authorities of Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council in developing and detailing the two applications to reach agreement on the solutions proposed. The two crossings received Detailed Planning Consent in 2022.

As lead design consultant, SLR is working closely with the residential delivery team delivering the first phase of residential development, with coordination of development service routing and also the adjacent strategic highway works in Harlow, being delivered by ECC.

SLR was commissioned to deliver the first phase of the strategic highway infrastructure, Phase 1A of the Central Stort Crossing, design commencing in late 2022 and due to complete mid 2024, with construction of Phase 1A to follow. Significant SuDS provision is included with particularly challenging design parameters to ensure SuDS remain operational during periods when the Stort Valley is operating as a flood plain.

Impact

A close working relationship has been established with the two LLFA teams and adopting highway authorities to ensure the SuDS will remain operational and well maintained following periods of flooding.