Sustainable Development

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The following case study critiques Upton’s vision to establish a sustainable community through implementing comprehensive sustainable strategy. The urban periphery development is thought to demonstrate superior execution of sustainable principles in development (Jackson 2007). As a parallel, the report focuses on the development of Upton’s design code and demonstrates how large -scale mix-use developments can incorporate sustainable practice and principles of urban growth. Site Context Upton is a 44-ha greenfield site forming part of Northampton’s ‘South West District’, a fundamental area of strategic economic and population expansion situated south west of the central core. The area is accessible via the A45 and A43 main roads and via junctions 15A and 16 of the M1 motorway. Roads bound the site from the north and east, while Upton Country Park is situated to the south of the site, which includes the flood plain of the River Nene. The site boundary is indicated below: Upton’s premise is a mix-use development providing a complete cross section of dwelling types supported by economic opportunity and social infrastructure. The site was assembled through English partnerships, which were granted outline planning permission for Upton in 1997 (Community and Local Government 2007). The scheme aims to deliver 1,382 homes by its completion in 2013 (Clark 2010). Engaging the community was an important aspect of the schemes development process. In 2001, English Partnerships (EP) collaborated with Northampton Borough Council, the Prince’s Foundation and EDAW, an urban design consultancy, to establish the Upton Working Group to apply the Upton project. Several revised additions of the Upton Urban Framework Plan followed through ‘Enquiry... ... middle of paper ... ...o suggest that occupation exists, providing a paradox for a scheme intended initially for its ‘walkability’. Unfortunately, it appears that residents are required to drive out of the development for essential amenities and services. Originally, plans for Upton aspired to establish a network of streets that would provide a connection into existing developments. Conversely, residents who inhabit these conventionally designed cul-de-sac developments may object to through traffic connections within the Upton scheme. In regards to public transport accessibility, the scheme is currently served by low floor busses which appear detached from the housing developments at a five minute walk away. This will have possible implications for residents with mobility and visual impairments, particularly as there is a general deficiency of tactile paving at key pedestrian crossings.

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