2008 article - a bioregional approach: cowley road site study

Cowley Road Car Park

The Sustainable Built Environment: A Bioregional Approach

Group B

Maria Hajitheodosi

Rebecca Tomlinson

Alan Hughes

Andrea Schrader

Mark Waller-Gutierrez

Sue Brockbank

Shami Mendis

Tarak Prajapati

Cowley Road Car Park Bioregional Approach

The Sustainable Built Environment: A Bioregional Approach Group B

2

Page 0. Contents 2

1. Introduction 3

2. Climate 4 ! 2.1 Temperature, Rainfall & Flooding 5 ! 2.2 Wind & Sunshine 6 ! 2.3 Climate Snapshot 7 ! 2.4 Shading 8 ! 2.5 Existing Lux Levels 10 ! 2.6 Predicted Climate Change 11 ! 2.7 Conclusions 14

3. History 15 ! 3.1 Growth of City of Oxford 16 ! 3.2 Physical History of Site 17 ! 3.3 Town & Gown 18 ! 3.4 Work & Immigrants 19 ! 3.5 Diversity 20 ! 3.6 Comparison of Cowley Road from 1950 to Present Day 21 ! 3.7 Conclusions 22

4. Culture 23 ! 4.1 Ground Floor Land Use Analysis 24 ! 4.2 Land Use: Cowley Road 25 ! 4.3 Hospitality. Restaurant / Bar/ Cafe/ Club 26 ! 4.4 Vacant/ Under Development 28 ! 4.5 Religious Facilities 30 ! 4.6 Residential 32 ! 4.7 Shopping Facilities 33 ! 4.8 Services & Facilities 35 ! 4.9 Location Plan of Community Services Off Cowley Road 37 ! 4.10 Community Services Off Cowley Road 38 ! 4.11 The Colours of Cowley Road 40 ! 4.12 Cowley Road Carnival: A Metaphor of Local Culture 41 ! 4.13 Conclusions 42

5. Economy 43 ! 5.1 Distribution on of businesses in Cowley Road 44 ! 5.2 Analysis of shops 45 ! 5.3 Balance of food and other businesses 46 ! 5.4 Comparison of chain with local shops 47 ! 5.5 Pedestrian traffic by location and time of day 48 ! 5.6 Deliveries 49 ! 5.7 Conclusions 50

6. Transport 51 ! 6.1 Oxfordshire Transport Networks 52 ! 6.2 Local Transportation Networks 53 ! 6.3 Congestion 54 ! 6.4 Freight Routes 55 ! 6.5 Twenty Mile Speed Restrictions 56 ! 6.6 Bus Services in Oxford and Park and Ride 57 ! 6.7 Bus Frequency in Cowley Road and Adjoining Streets 58 ! 6.8 Cowley Road Sound Readings 59

Page ! 6.9 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Major City Centres 60 ! 6.10 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Supermarkets 61 ! 6.11 Car Parks in Oxford Centre 62 ! 6.12 Cycling in Oxford 63 ! 6.13 Road Safety 64 ! 6.14 Conclusions 65

7. Resources 66 ! 7.1 Geology 67 ! 7.2 Mineral Workings 1995 68 ! 7.3 Current Active Mineral Workings & Mineral Uses 69 ! 7.4 Natural Water Supply & Reservoir (Water Treatment) 70 ! 7.5 Ground Water 71 ! 7.6 Timber Supply & Sawmills 72 ! 7.7 Brickworks & Alluvial Clay 73 ! 7.8 Agriculture 74 ! 7.9 Fisheries 75 ! 7.10 Farmers Markets & ‘Pick Your Own’ 76 ! 7.11 Conclusions 77

8. Renewables 78 ! 8.1 ‘Energy from Waste’ 79 ! 8.2 Waste Recycling Centres 80 ! 8.3 Wind Energy 80 ! 8.4 Biomass 82 ! 8.5 Conclusions 83

9. Ecology 84 ! 9.1 Water, Flooding & Drainage 85 ! 9.2 Water & Sewerage Infrastructure 86 ! 9.3 Landscape 87 ! 9.4 Biodiversity 88 ! 9.5 Conclusions 91

10. Going Forwards 92 ! 10.1 Barton Matrix 93 ! 10.2 SPeAR Analysis 94 ! 10.3 Closing The Loop 98 ! 10.4 Facilities for the Community 99 ! 10.5 Proposed Biodiversity Strategy 100 ! 10.6 Getting to School 101 ! 10.7 Is the Car Park Necessary? 102 ! 10.8 The Peoples Wishes 103 ! 10.9 Code 5 104 ! 10.10 Going Forwards 105 ! 10.11 Scenario Solar Protection 106

11. Bibliography 107 ! Literature 107 ! Interviews 107 ! Web Sites 107

12. Appendix 108


Introduction

Bioregional ApproachIntroductionIntroduction

The Sustainable Built Environment: A Bioregional Approach Group B3

i)South East England

ii)Oxfordshire

iii)Oxford

iv)Cowley Road

v)The Site

Bioregions De ned

Fig. i- v (Google Earth, 2008)

The bioregional approach involves defi ning a ‘local area’, be that a geographic region like a river catchment area, or mountain range, or a politically defi ned area. The aim is to create a self-sustaining system similar to the analogy with natural ecosystems. According to this approach the idea is to create ‘closed loops’, where materials are used and reused in different ways within the same district. For example, trimmings from trees in city parks may be used to provide combined heat and power for an old people’s home, with the remaining ash used as a fertiliser.

In exploring the assets of the Cowley Road bioregion, we examined different scales; the climate and economic resources of the South-East differ, for example, from those of the North East region. Public services tend to operate at a town as well as at county level of which transport is a good example. Natural resources and habitats extend beyond the boundaries of the city. Delving into the history of the city revealed the special circumstances that have contributed to the unique character of Cowley Road and the way in which it is evolving. Old maps revealed that bricks were made on the site of the car park behind Tesco.

Extensive examination of the small triangle between Morrell Avenue, Cowley Road and Southfi eld Road revealed an especially rich social dimension, an essential part of any plan to redevelop the car park site. Bringing together all the resources that already exist, with the concept of creating self-sustaining closed loops, development plans can begin.



Climate

Bioregional ApproachClim

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2. Climate 2.1 Temperature, Rainfall & Flooding

2.2 Wind & Sunshine

2.3 Climate Snapshot

2.4 Shading

2.5 Exis" ng Lux Levels

2.6 Predicted Climate Change

2.7 Conclusions



Climate


ateClim

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Fig 1. Oxford Average Climatic Data (Met Offi ce)

Temperature

January is the coldest month with a mean minimum of 1.9°C and a mean maximum of 7.2 °C. July is usually the hottest month: mean minimum 12.8°C, mean maximum 22.3°C.

A continuous record of daily temperature and rainfalls has been kept at Oxford since 1815. There are also incomplete readings going back to 1740.

Rain & Precipitation

October and December are the wettest months with averages of 61.8 and 64.7mm of rain. Total average rainfall in Oxford is 642mm per year compared to Manchester which recieves 858mm and London (Kew) 508mm.

Snow is most frequent in late winter and early spring.

Usually the first frost occurs between 24th October and 8th November and can last until May.

Flooding

Fig. 3 demonstrates Oxfords risk of flooding. A substantial area of land is likely to be flooded if floods occur however the Cowley road car park is not at risk of flooding even in extreme cases.

Aver

age

Tem

pera

ture

/ °

C

Aver

age

Rain

fall

/mm

Fig. 3 Flood areas in Oxford (Environmental Agency)

Flooding from rivers or sea without defences

Extent of extreme fl ood


2.1 Temperature, Rainfall & Flooding

Fig 2. Rainfall & Temperature in Oxford



Climate


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(BWEA website)

Fig. 5 Cowley Road Wind data (BERR)

50

100

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250

0

50

January

February

March

April

May!

June

July

August

September

October

Novem

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Decem

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Fig. 6 Average Hours of Sunshine / Month in Oxford

Suns

hine

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Sunpath Diagram - Oxford

Sunshine

July is the sunniest month, with 205.5 hours of bright sunshine compared with 51.8 hours in December. Over a year Oxford recieves on average 1537.4 hrs of sunshine.

Wind

Fig. 4 demonstrates the wind strength over the UK. Data collected from the Windspeed database (BERR) shows that the wind available at 10m above the Cowley Road site is only 4.6m/s. This would be insufficient for using wind power. However there may be opportunity for using wind power in other areas within the region.

Sunpath Diagram

Fig.7 shows the path of the sun over Oxford. The green line shows the path of the sun at its highest angle on June 21st. The blue line shows the sun at its lowest angle on December 21st. The shaded yellow region demonstrates the annual variation of the sun’s path.

2.2 Wind & Sunshine

Fig. 4 Annual Mean wind speed

Fig. 7 Sunpath Diagram for Oxford



Climate


ateClim

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1. Cowley Rd. Car Park

2. South Park ( Top )

3. South Park ( Bottom )

4. Angle & Greyhound Meadow

5. The Plain Roundabout

6. Iffl ey Road7. Cowley Rd. Tesco Front8. Southfi eld Rd.

Observations:

In the Morning there was low cloud and some mist which later cleared. Clear skies with sun for the remainder of the day. Very little wind.

Locations of Data Collection:

Results

Overall we found as predicted that it was windier in more exposed areas; it was slightly warmer in built up areas due to the heat island effect; and it was generally noisier near the roads and quieter in the parks and meadows.

Data collected September 27th 200810:00 - 13.30

2.3 Climate Snapshot

Fig. 8 Snapshot of the Climate within 1km of the Car Park



Climate


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2.4 Shading

Summer:

Fig.9 shows the calculated sun path at fi ve times of the day on June 21st (Summer Solstice). The stills were extracted in increments of 3hrs between 6am and 6pm.

In both the current summer and winter scenarios, the model is describing the existing car park site, but also begins to visually express the shadows cast from certain neighbouring buildings and landscaping, including the lime trees running along the northern boundary.

The model will prove an invaluable tool for later sun path analysis of our individual proposals, highlighting the barriers and opportunities for both solar collection and passive solar gain.

Fig. 9 Shadow Study of the Site (Summer Solstice)

06.00 09.00 12.00

15.00 18.00



Climate


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Winter:

Fig. 10 shows the calculated sun path during the winter solstice (December 21st) between 10am and 2pm.

The signifi cant lime trees on the northern boundary will cast some shade onto the site. The adjacent buildings to the South (including Tesco) will also contribute to shading on the site. Both these factors will have effects on our design decisions for our developments, in particular the lower fl oors which are visually expressed the strongest in this existing model.

Fig. 10 Shadow Study of the Site (Winter Solstice)

10.00 12.00 14.00



Climate


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2.5 Exis" ng Lux Levels

Fig. 11. is a visual representation of the existing lux levels within the car park. It highlights the two central spot lights which illuminate the space.

The overall quality of the existing lighting is poor, with numerous dark antisocial corners.

Fig. 11 Car Park Lighting



Climate


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2.6 Predicted Climate Change

Mean Temperature Change

DEFRA has produced predicted climate change maps for both (existing) high carbon emissions and (signifi cantly reduced) low emmissions scenarios.Under all scenarios Oxfordshire is predicted to be more seriously affected than most other parts of the UK. Under the high emissions scenario a 4.5 oC increase in temperature is predicted in Oxfordshire by 2080.

Fig. 12 Predicted Mean Temperature Change in the UK (DEFRA)



Climate


ateClim

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Mean Winter Precipitation Change

Under most scenarios Oxfordshire is predicted to be more seriously affected than most other parts of the UK. In the emissions scenario 30% more winter rain is predicted in Oxfordshire by 2080.

Fig. 13 Predicted Mean Winter Precipitation Change in the UK (DEFRA)



Climate


ateClim

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Mean Summer Precipitation Change

Under most scenarios Oxfordshire is predicted to be more seriously affected than most other parts of the UK.

In the high emissions scenario 50% less summer rain is predicted in Oxfordshire by 2080.

Fig. 14 Mean Summer Precipitation Change in the UK (DEFRA)



Climate


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Climate Development Conclusions

1. The site has a moderate climate At present the demand for summer cooling will be low but there will be a con" nued demand for winter space hea" ng.

2. There is ample rainfall for collec" on

3. There is insu# cient wind for wind energy genera" on on site

4. There is su# cient sun from April to September for solar collec" on for solar water hea" ng and photovoltaic cells.

5. Passive solar gain in winter will be limited, especially on the southern half of the site and at near ground level.Passive solar gain may be feasible at higher levels and increasingly towards the northern point of the site.

6. Due to climate change the development must expect higher mean temperatures, we$ er winters and drier summers.

2.7 Conclusions


History

Bioregional ApproachH

istoryH

istory


3. History 3.1 Growth of City of Oxford

3.2 Physical History of Site

3.3 Town & Gown

3.4 Work & Immigrants

3.5 Diversity

3.6 Comparison of Cowley Road from 1950 to Present Day

3.7 Conclusions


History


istoryH

istory


Fig 15. Maps showing the growing city of Oxford from the 1500s to the present day (Sharp 1948)

The early settlement was centered on the river crossing ‘Oxford’. Further growth was spurred by the expansion of the university and the church in Oxford. Development has been restricted by the areas subjected to frequent fl ooding, hence the linear nature of the city spread. After World War 1 and 2 the motor industry in Cowley led to a big expansion of the city in the east

3.1 Growth of City of Oxford

Fig 16. Oxford in 2008.


History


istoryH

istory


3.2 Physical History of the Site

a b c

d ea) 1850-1900: - Brickfi eld clay tips

b) 1900-1920: - clay tips close down - residential development - school relocation transition - small developments within site boundary

c) 1950-1970: - new school site adjacent to site - development of road infrastructure - development increase within site boundary

d) 1970-1990: - development begins to clear within site boundary

e) 1996-Present: - all development within site boundary gone - car park for super market clearly established

Fig 17 a-e. Historical Maps of the Site Area (Digi-map ordinate survey, 2008)


History


istoryH

istory


Merton College 1838 JMW Turner

Cowley Road was not always the ethnically mixed area that it is today. It used to be a white working class suburb.

In the nineteenth century one of the key differences between East Oxford ‘Town’ and North ‘Gown’ was the fact that Oxford University did not hold ownership of the land in East Oxford.

The National Freehold Land Society was formed in 1849 to lessen Oxford University’s control of the land in Oxford. They purchased land in East Oxford, divided it into plots and sold them to tenants for 40 shillings.

Cowley Road and its side streets rapidly developed, having been purchased by private developers and building societies. One of the outcomes of the varied landowners was that each street had its own individual style and character.

3.3 Town and Gown


History


istoryH

istory


WorkThe Morris Motor Works opened in Cowley in 1913.(Bardsley, 2006) The expansion of the car industry provided a huge source of employment in the area of East Oxford, and many workers moved to the area to fi nd work in the new industry.

EthnicityThe 1950s and 1960s saw a large number of immigrants moving to Britain. The fi rst wave that came to East Oxford were from the Caribbean. The rapid post-war growth in manufacturing, including the car industry, led to severe labour shortages which attracted these new immigrants from the West Indies. The fi rst immigrants were mostly male adults. When they were settled their wives and children soon followed.

Asian migrants came to Oxford in the 1950s, mostly from Pakistan. They found work at the Bicester Ministry of Defence and at the paper mills in Wolvercote and Sandford.

At fi rst the car factory had an unoffi cial colour ban, so most migrants could only gain unskilled work there, if at all. This slowly got better with the intervention of the Oxford Committee for Racial Integration in 1969. (Skinner, 2005)

3.4. Work and Immigrants

Fig. 18 Cowley Road Workhouse (Graham ,1992)

Fig. 19 Car produced at Cowley Car Factory (Shatford ,1997)

Fig. 20 New Immigrants to the UK


History


istoryH

istory


Restaurants and food storesAs ethic communities fl ourished in East Oxford, local businesses and organisations for these communities also grew. Local stores had a range of more exotic produce, and ethnic restaurants. Restaurants such as Dil Dunia were on the increase and also provided employment.

ClubsVarious clubs emerged as well, such as the Caribbean Sunrise Club in 1973, and shortly after that the Roots club was established for young black teenagers.

PlaygroupsIn the early 1970s multi-racial playgroups were also established in response to the ethnic changes to the neighbourhood.

Places of WorshipDifferent nationalities also brought different beliefs and a mosque was founded in Bath Street, St Clements. The increase in the Asian population led to a demand for mosques with more being established. In 2005 the Oxford Central Mosque on Manzil way was opened.

3.5. Diversity

Fig. 21 The varied food brought to Cowley Road by immigrant communities


History


istoryH

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Fig.22 shows that in the 1950s Cowley Road had a very large number of clothes stores and food stores. There were also various shops with specialist services specifi cally from that era, such as television services to help residents set up what was then a new product.

50 years on we can see distinct changes in the variety and quantity of shops and buildings on the road. The biggest change has been in the number of restaurants, with 8 in 1959, and 49 in 2008. Mosques now exist on Cowley Road with the infl ux of muslims. New products have meant a new wave of buildings such as internet cafes and mobile phone shops.

Fig.22 also shows that the road is less conservative and more open-minded than it was in the 1950s with, for instance, 3 sex shops, a large number of charities and shops which provide alternative medicine now available on the road.

3.6. Comparison of Cowley Road from 1950 to the Present Day

Fig. 22 Shop types and other services in Cowley Road (1959 and 2008), (Skinner, 2005)


History


istoryH

istory


History Key Discoveries.

1. Local Geology detemined the local vernacular.

2.University divide caused offshoot of population towards East Oxford.

3. Car works and other manufacturing industries required cheap labour and as a consequence attracted immigrant workers.

4.Large infl ux of immigrants introduced new cultural facilities, products and attitudes.

3.7. Conclusions


Culture

Bioregional ApproachCultureCulture


4. Culture 4.1 Ground Floor Land Use Analysis

4.2 Land Use: Cowley Road

4.3 Cowley Road Land Use: Hospitality

4.4 Cowley Road Land Use: Vacant / Under Development

4.5 Cowley Road Land Use: Religious Facili" es

4.6 Cowley Road Land Use: Residen" al

4.7 Cowley Road Land Use: Shopping Facili" es

4.8 Cowley Road Land Use: Services

4.9 Loca" on Plan Of Community Services O% Cowley Road

4.10 Community Services O% Cowley Road

4.11 The Colours Of Cowley Road

4.12 Cowley Road Carnival: A metaphor Of Local Culture

4.13 Conclusions


Culture



Analysing ground fl oor land use of Cowley Road.To gain understanding of cultural diversity, social amenities and character of place.

4.1. Ground Floor Land Use Analysis.

Fig. 23 Current street frontage of Cowley Road


Culture



Ground Floor Land Uses. Cowley Road.

The ground fl oor land use of Cowley Road speaks volumes for its cultural diversity. Investigating the facilities available to the local community allows us to better understand how contemporary Cowley Road culture is sustained.

An analysis of this in Fig. 24, showed the great diversity in facilities, amenities and services that are needed to provide for such a wealth of ethnicities and classes of people.

Within this investigation, land use was classifi ed into six categories: Hospitality (restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs), Shopping Facilities, Residential, Services (anything that provides a service - as opposed to a product - for its customers), Development / Vacant and Religious Facility.

As expected, with the need to provide for such a broad range of individuals, the land use is very varied.

The fi ndings of each land use classifi cation and how they express contemporary Cowley Road culture, follow overleaf.

4.2. Land Use: Cowley Road.

Fig. 24 Land Use


Culture



4.3. Cowley Road Land Use: Hospitality. Restaurant / Bar / Cafe / Club.

Fig. 25 Hospitality


Culture



The broad range of eateries on Cowley Road shown in Fig. 25, has stemmed from the diversity in ethnicity within the local community. Locals have made business from their skills and expertise of the culinary styles of their country of origin. These businesses provide for those of similar nationality seeking a taste of home, an oasis in an otherwise traditional British city. These establishments also cater for those wishing to expose themselves to the food of cultures different to their own. Cowley Road has a reputation of providing authentic foreign cuisine (notably Rice Box, voted most authentic chinese food in Oxfordshire - The Oxford Mail. 2008).

The restaurants and bars of Cowley Road cater to all budgets. Restaurants such as The Excelsior offer large affordable meals and a good service indiscriminate to class or culture. Whilst more expensive foods can be found in the all organic restuarant Door 74, where stylish presentation of both food and interior cater more specifi cally to those who care to spend more, and feel pampered for it.

As restaurants cater for a broad clientele, the bars on Cowley Road provide a range of establishments to cater for all individuals and budgets. The City Arms, offers a loyalty card service to students providing them cheaper drinks. Because of this service, it has become a community in itself, whose regular and returning student custom provides a safe familiar environment much needed by students trying to settle in a new town.

Conclusions

The surveyed hospitality facilities give evidence to a diverse community, providing to both students, and individuals of a range of ethic and fi nancial backgrounds. These establishments help to sustain live local ethnic communities, and promote understanding to locals and visitors of the global range of cultures in Cowley Road.

Development Response

The ethincity range is already well provided for. The environment is accepting of different cultures, and therefore a multi-cultural facility would be welcomed in the area.


Culture



4.4. Cowley Road Land Use: Vacant / Under Development.

Fig. 26 Developing Properties


Culture



The vacant and developing properties on Cowley Road shown in Fig. 26 give indication to change, past and present. Restaurants such as Lan Kwai Fong and Jaipur, are examples of new businesses, promoting new interest in Cowley Road. The small amount of vacant properties indicate a thriving local economy, which can only benefi t local culture and morale.

Conclusions

Cowley Road is an environment in a constant state of fl ux. New developments give hope to increased interest in the area, which can enhance and benefi t awareness of local culture.


There is potential for development elsewhere on Cowley Road, as well as the site, therefore there is potential to further develop the local community and morale.


Culture



4.5. Cowley Road Land Use: Religious Facili" es.

Fig. 27 Religious Facilities


Culture



Fig. 27 shows that Cowley Road only has three key religious facilities for Methodist , the Church Of England, Catholics and those of Islamic faith. There are other faiths, less represented in the built environment, that are locally prevalent (presumed by evidence of its dynamic mix of ethnicities).

These facilities all offer additional community care and services to those of all faiths. Examples of this include the mosque-run soup kitchen for the homeless and the Methodist church giving free apples from its garden to passers-by at Harvest Festival. These centres provide an environment for local people to connect, socialise, and help each other.

Conclusions

These religious facilities function as good tools to sustain the local community and morale. Cowley Road has a broad range of religious beliefs, but are not all represented and catered for by the built environment.


There could be a need to represent these uncatered for religious beliefs. Findings also prove that such facilities - assisting local morale and community awareness - do function well on the Cowley Road (local people are aware and happy to help each other).


Culture



Fig. 28 shows the residential properties in the street which vary aesthetically along the road. Some are well maintained, whilst others seem neglected. It is presumed that the varied quality of these houses refl ects the diverse range of attitudes, personalities and fi nancial means of the local community.

4.6. Cowley Road Land Use: Residen" al.

Fig. 28 Residential


Culture



4.7. Cowley Road Land Use: Shopping Facili" es.

Fig. 29. Shopping Facilities.


Culture



Fig. 29 shows that Cowley Road offers a broad range of retail facilities to cater for the needs of its local community. There are facilities, such as specialist food stores, for various ethnicities and lifestyle choices, including the Traditional Chinese Remedy Store and Uhuru Wholefoods, which has been providing organic foods since the 1960s.

Discount produce stores aid the needs of poorer individuals whilst luxury goods, such as the exotic imported fl owers in Joe’s Florist and boutique clothing of Reign Clothing, cater to those with more extravagent tastes.

Conclusions

Retail facilities support the needs of the local community, making it possible for locals to predominantly sustain their lifestyle through produce bought in the Cowley Road bioregion.


Most shopping facilities (basic and luxury items) are already catered for.


Culture



4.8. Cowley Road Land Use:

Services & Facili" es

Fig. 30. Services And Facilities


Culture



Fig. 30 shows that there is a broad range of services and facilities available to sustain local community (e.g. Coin Wash Laundrette) and draw from surrounding catchment area (e.g. BSM Driving School). Similar to the fi ndings in retail, this proves that locals can possibly sustain their basic lifestyle through the facilities of the Cowley Road Bioregion.

There is a considerable wealth of healthcare facilities in this area, notably in mental health. Cowley Road is known for accepting cultural diversity in its local community (Skinner, A. 2007).

Conclusions

Services and facilities of Cowley Road further express cultural diversity and attitude of “social acceptance”, that Cowley Road is famous for.

Develpment Response

The development could take into account this liberal attitude to social and cultural differences in the local community.


Culture



4.9. Loca" on Plan Of Community Services O% Cowley Road.

Fig. 31. Community Services

Overview Of Community Services.

A more detailed analysis of the community services o% the Cowley Road suppor" ng local culture and society.


Culture



4.10. Community Services O% Cowley RoadAn overview of community services supporting local culture and society.

East Oxford Community Centre.

What? Community Centre / Venue. Service? A range of activities and services made available by the council and private organisations. These range from fi tness classes, playgroups, drama clubs, Chinese jewelry markets and a weekly sexual health clinic. The centre also plays host to a range of music nights including weekly folk performances, reggae and club djs and a monthly trance event. Who? Everyone. With focus on youth cultures.

Cowley Road Methodist Church.

What? Church and related facilities. Service? Religious services and activities. Community support. Who? Methodist community.

The Old Music Hall Ethical Centre.

What? Charity Collective run by Ethical Property. Service? A centre bringing charities, co-operatives, community and campaign groups together under one roof, where they can share skills and ideas. Groups in the centre benefi t from reasonable rents, fl exible tenancy terms and offi ce space and facilities to meet their needs. Who? Tenants working on a diverse range of issues such as climate change, development, refugee support, peace, women’s issues, alternative transport and the arts.

The Mill Mental Health Clinic.

What? Activity centre run by charitable organisation MIND. Service? Group activities and social services to encourage learning and social skills for the mentally disabled. Classes include painting sessions and craft workshops. Who? Membership available free to mentally ill of the local area.

East Oxford Lifelong Learning Centre.

What? All ages Community Centre. Service? Provides activities and classes for adults and youths. Union Street Youth Club, Face 2 Face (support network for parents with Down ’s syndrome children), New Start (adult education and guidance service), Community English School and a crèche run from the premises.


Culture



Oxford Central Mosque

What? Mosque and society. Service? Prayer groups and worship. Who? Muslim community.

Asian Cultural Centre.

What? Community centre. Service? Provides support to local Muslims such as housing and general advice, Muslim women’s lunch club and other activities, Oxford CAB advice session, Asian elders lunches and social clubs. Services for the local community include a homeopathic drop in centre and a soup kitchen for the homeless. Who? Muslims and local community.

East Oxford Health Centre.

What? NHS Health Care Facility. Service? Services include home care, clinicsfor diabetes, travel, hypertension and chidren’s health, Translators can be provided for patients of different ethnicity. Who? Local community.

St. Bartholomew’s Medical Centre.

What? NHS Health Care Facility.

Service? The practice offers a range of services from practioners including Practice Nurses, District Nurses, Health Visitors, Health Care Assistants, Midwives, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, a Drugs and Alcohol nurse, and a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor who can help with queries on benefi ts. Who? Local community.

Manzil Resource Centre.

What? Mental Health Services Service? Various support groups for patients with mental disabilities and their families. Notably the assessment, treatment, care planning for patients of over 65 years with mental health problems.Who? Early dementia patients.

Restore.

What? Mental Health Rehabilitation Project and Cafe. Service? Provides guidance to those with mental illness wishing to gain employment. Courses are available towards skills in horticulture, print, woodwork, computing, marketing and administration. Who? Mental health patients seeking rehabilitation.

East Oxford Action.

What? Local Based Community Driven Charity.Service? Consultancy working in Regeneration, skills development, place shaping, cultural events, business support and a range of other community supporting services. A people driven organization determined to better the local environment socially, economically and environmentally. Provides services such as support to black and minority ethnic communities, new business start-up and support, project planning, fundraising and tendering as well as the annual organizing of the Cowley Road Carnival. Who? Local businesses (new and current) and individuals with attention and support to minorities.


Culture



4.11. The Colours Of Cowley Road.

Fig. 32 Colours of Cowley Road

A vibrant pattern of colour in the facades of Cowley Road; A visual analysis.

Cowley Road has always been known for its vibrant aesthetic (Skinner, A. 2005). Contradictory to the stone facades of the town centre. Cowley Road is a visual renegade to the formal aesthetic of Oxfordshire. Colourful and proud, Cowley Road expresses it’s historical independence from the city centre.

When thinking of colour and Cowley Road, most notable is the graffi ti painted facades that dot the streetscape. Local graffi ti artists were commissioned to decorate many of the facades (predominantly on the eastern end) with images of the cultural heritage of it’s inhabitants and Cowley Road’s pride of place. Flyers on the vacant properties and street furniture also add colour and pattern to the street’s aesthetic. The old Futon shop – vacant since 2006 – has been an advertisement ‘hot spot’ for local events promoters. Front yards and landscaping, planted by council and proprietors, temper Cowley Road with vegetation and natural beauty. The Manzil Way Garden is the most notable green feature.

The shops themselves add to the visual dynamic of the road, with cluttered masses of merchandise spilling onto the pavement (Fred’s Discount Store and Jo Austin’s Florist are the most notable) and vibrant shop facades (notably Bead Games with its luminous array of fancy dress merchandise) further excite the passer-by.


Culture



4.12. Cowley Road Carnival: A metaphor Of Local Culture.

Fig. 33

Fig. 34 Cowley Road Carnival 2008

Fig. 33 The Carnival Map as distributed by the promoters East Oxford Action

Cowley Road at it’s fi nest.

“For the time being at least, Cowley Road is a successful and mostly harmonious mix of different ages, faiths and cultures. At a time when much is made about disharmony in communities, Cowley Road has a lot to celebrate. The carnival is a striking example of how it has changed from post-war austerity to multicultural creativity. Preparations for the carnival involve businesses, residents and community groups - people from all the various backgrounds represented in the area. It has several functions: to make money, to promote harmony in the community, and to have some fun. In that sense, it’s a microcosm of daily life on Cowley Road.”

(Skinner, 2005)

Cowley Road Carnival was created in 1987 by Carribean Focus. It started as a city-wide precession. Initially poorly organised, it was later reformed in 2001 by East Oxford Action as an event specifi c to Cowley Road. The carnival remains a tool to unite local ethnicities, promote businesses and celebrate Cowley Road’s lively, enigmatic culture.


Culture



4.13 Conclusions

Culture Key Discoveries.

Vibrant surroundings, and rich variety 1. of amenities, refl ect the eclectic local community.

There is a diverse range of cultures, 2. actively asserting their ethnicity.

There is currently a plethora of 3. community facilities directed towards supporting locals in need.

The Cowley Road Carnival, celebrates 4. the road’s cultural identity.


Economy

Economy

43

5. 1 Distribu" on of businesses in Cowley Road

5. 2 Analysis of shops

5. 3 Balance of food and other businesses

5. 4 Comparison of chain with local shops

5. 5 Pedestrian tra# c by loca" on and " me of day

5. 6 Deliveries

5. 7 Conclusions

5. Economy


Economy

Bioregional ApproachEconom

yEconom

y


Fig. 35 Location of businesses in the triangle of Morrell Avenue and Cowley Road

5. 1 Distribu" on of businesses in Cowley Road


Economy


yEconom

y


editinginsurancepost offi cedriving schoolelectronic gamessportsrobesstationaryphone repairtravel agentbanklight and soundfl oristpawn shoplaunderettekitchen and bathroomdiscount 5 unique shops

8 hair and beauty shops6 charities6 letting and estate agents4 IT/computer3 alternative medicine3 cycle shops3 sex shops2 betting shops2 dance venues2 clothes shops 2 video shops2 money shops2 newsagents2 music shops2 furniture shops2 chemists

5. 2 Analysis of shopsFig. 36 Shop types on Cowley Road

Fig. 37 Unique businesses on Cowley Road

49 restaurants and bars 16 food shops15 fast food shops

Apart from premises offering food and drink, there is a wide variety of shops and services in Cowley Road which should help to make the street sustainable (see Fig.36 and Fig. 37).These include 22 individual businesses, some of which are ‘quirky’, the sort of place that is rarely seen on any high street because of rental costs.

Even landowners have become enthusiastic about supporting unique local iniatives (Benjamin, 2008). The council are keen to increase daytime use of the street. (Benjamin 2008) Two recent additions, the coffee bars Costa and G and D, have become busy meeting places. The Greek propriators of the Exselsior are well known for offering a refuge to those who need it. (Parrack 2008)

The Ethical Company has become a centre for many community care organizations in the neighbourhood. There are also iniatives by those concerned with mental health.

At any time there are a number of empty premises, often because the owner has died. (Benjamin 2008) Just as the population changes, there is a turnover of businesses on the street.

Development Response; The intention, going forwards is to encourage more small businesses, both in Cowley Road itself and as live/work units on the streets around.

It is not likely that there would be enough people passing the proposed site for more shops, so other types of business would be more appropriate.

Live/work premises are traditional all over the world. In England the ‘corner shop’ was a familiar landmark until they were put out of business by supermarkets.

18 empty premises


Economy


yEconom

y


5. 3 Balance of food and other businesses

Fig. 38 Bars, Restaurants and Food Shops in Cowley Road

Fig 38 shows that Cowley Road has become a centre for lively cafes, bars and restaurants serving food of many national cuisines. It is popular with young people especially, although it also includes well-regarded restaurants that people travel from North Oxford to patronise. (CP)

However there is a risk of imbalance on the street;there are; 4 pubs 45 restaurants and bars 16 food shops 15 fast food outlets a total of 71 premises

this leaves; 74 other establishments 18 empty premises

In an economic downturn, the general public may have less disposable income. In this situation, eating out becomes a luxury and could affect the viability of the street.

Development Response; The Council do not want any more bars or restaurants (there is a 50% cap), and have refused planning permission to further applicants. (Benjamin 2008)The Council supports the evening atmosphere, but want to develop the daytime use of the street. (Benjamin 2008)


Economy


yEconom

y


5. 4 Comparison of chain with local shops

Two small successful chains have developed locally, bringing cafe culture to the streets of Oxford. These are the George and Delilah, ice cream bars. The other group comprises Kazbar, The Organic Burger Company, Baba, Coco, The Lemon Tree and The Grand Cafe.

Fig. 39 shows the proportion of chain shops compared with local shops in Cowley Road. It is Council policy that local businesses predominate; they do not want more national chains on Cowley Road. Planning permission is normally refused to such enterprises, though ‘Submarine’ moved in recently without permission. The Travis Perkins site has outline planning permission for fl ats and business units. (Benjamin 2008)

Local traders and landowners endorse this policy with enthusiasm and it has led to some interesting developments; the establishment of the Ethical Property Company on the old Blackwells site, the refurbishment of the Regal as a dance venue and the re-establishment of the Ultimate Picture Palace. (Benjamin 2008)

Each Saturday a farmer’s market takes place in the Asian Cultural centre. Entry is strictly restricted to local organic market gardeners. A mental health charity owns the Beehive where fresh food and fl owers are grown and sold in their cafe. (Benjamin 2008)

Pubs are rarely independent now and usually have managers; the publicans in the area are sympathetic to the local population. (Benjamin 2008)

Development Response; There are to be no further chain stores on Cowley Road.

Fig. 39 Chain Shops and Local Shops in Cowley Road


Economy


yEconom

y


Fig. 41 Number of pedestrians passing each of 4 points along Cowley Road during 24 hours Again there was a slow start, shops were busy

in the afternoon, but were also doing business in the evening when the restaurants were open; bars attracted groups later on. People moved between the dance and music venues and the fast food outlets from about 10pm until taxis took them home around 1am.

In the morning families walked to school and back again afterwards. By early evening the pub was fi lling up, followed by waves of mostly young people attracted to the Regal through the evening,who wandered in and out to the fast food premises; later there was a traffi c jam of taxis.

This branch of Tesco Metro is reputedly the busiest in the country. (CP) It was refered to by the head of the school as ‘our corner shop’. (Sue Widgery) Most people seem to leave on foot or by bicycle rather than by car.

The area around Tesco was the busiest section of the road, starting slowly in the morning, peaking around lunchtime, again around mid afternoon and in the early evening. The ATM machines were very busy. The popular Bullingdon attracted people in the evening and when everything else was closed, people went to the takeaway shops nearby.

Development Response; The central part of Cowley Road is the most busy with pedestrians throughout the day. Shops on the car park site might not have suffi cient custom to be viable.

5. 5 Pedestrian tra# c by loca" on and " me of day

Busy during the morning with school boys from Magdalen School; in the middle of the day with people going for lunch in the cafes, restaurants and pub; in the early evening people went to the pub, leaving fi nally about 11pm.

Fig. 40 The 4 Observation Points


Economy


yEconom

y


5. 6 Deliveries

Fig. 42 Deliveries

Small delivery vans park briefl y along the road.

Development Response; The streets immediately around the Cowley Road car park are particularly congested with large lorries going to Travis Parkins, Tesco and the Carling Academy. Sometimes they are queueing to unload.

Local residents would like the road to be less of a corridor and more of a community. (Benjamin 2008)

Large vehicles are more of a problem because of their size, and incompatibility with the volume of pedestrian and cycle traffi c.

There is a constant supply of goods to the small traders near Manzil Way. The loading bays serve their needs well.

Deliveries could be a problem; At present the Co-op, Travis Perkins and Tesco have early morning deliveries, around 7am, Tesco also has deliveries at night using large lorries.

Where possible, the pubs were supplied from side streets.Carling Academy frequently had large vans in the loading bay outside from early afternoon.

One suggestion has been that loads from large lorries could be split up in the Park and Ride car parks so that only smaller vans came into the city centre. (EB)


Economy


yEconom

y


It is desirable to include new work opportuni" es in the 1. development.These should probably not be shops.2. Nor food related.3. Nor part of a franchise or chain.4. Deliveries are already an issue in the area, and should be 5. minimised.The area is well-used by pedestrians and cyclists who are 6. likely to bene t from any social space created, as are the children at the local school.Local residents will bene t if tra# c is reduced and a 7. sense of place is created. One possibility would be to raise housing above an open space to be used by all.There is probably scope to cooperate with local 8. businesses; chip fat is already converted into fuel in the district and could be used to fuel pooled cars.Likewise Tesco roof space could be u" lised for market 9. gardening using waste heat from the air condi" oning/hea" ng units.

5. 7 Conclusions


Transport

Bioregional ApproachTransportTransport


6.1 Oxfordshire Transporta" on Networks

6.2 Local Transporta" on Networks

6.3 Conges" on

6.4 Freight Routes

6.5 Twenty Mph Speed Restric" ons

6.6 Bus Services in Oxford and Park and Ride

6.7 Bus Frequency in Cowley road and Adjoining Streets

6.8 Cowley Road Sound Readings

6.9 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Major City Centres

6.10 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Supermarkets

6.11 Car parks in Oxford Centre

6.12 Cycling in Oxford

6.13 Road Safety

6.14 Conclusions

6. Transport


Transport



Since the 1950s , there has been increasingly heavy demands placed on the Oxford road network. As the city’s economy grows further and its popularity with the tourists and scholars continues, the transport pressures it experiences will increase. Yet a consistent and sustained approach to the city such as providing by-passes has ensured the transportation problems such as heavy congestion have not hindered the growth or threatened its unique character and environment

Fig. 43 shows the transportation network in Oxfordshire county road network as well as important transport connections with the bordering counties. To the north there are connections to Northampton and Warwickshire, to the South: Wiltshire, Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham, to the West to Gloucestershire, and to the east connections to Buckinghamshire and fi nally in the south east of the country there are transport connections to London via the M40. The M40 is the only motorway which runs through Oxfordshire.

6.1 Oxfordshire Transporta" on Networks

Fig. 43 Map of Oxfordshire transportation networks(Oxford City Council, 2008)


Transport



Ring Roads

Fig. 44 shows Oxford’s main road network in relation to the site. The city of Oxford can be described as a city divided in two by the Magdalen Bridge. On the north side accommodating The world famous Oxford University and affl uent areas such as North Oxford and in the south diverse areas such as Cowley, Iffl ey and Headington. Traffi c fl ow over the Magdalen bridge is not effi cient for car travellers, yet there are good public transport systems and good cycling networks which connect both sides. Oxford City Council encourages commuters on private transport to use the ring road for access from one end of the city to another. The Oxford ring road is a very good system which connects the inner city to the outskirts of Oxford and beyond through the A40 and A34. Having this type of road network system for a small city like Oxford is very important. It fi lters unnecessary traffi c such as lorry and freight traffi c away from the city centre. Except during peak hours, the motor traffi c on the ring road fl ows very well. From the ring road to Oxford city centre the traffi c fl ow is via the A420 Botley Road, A420 Headington Road, A4158 Iffl ey Road, A4144 Abingdon Road, A4144 Woodstock Road, A4165 Banbury Road and fi nally the B480 through Cowley Road.

Railway stationOxford railway station provides another mode of transport for commuters to and from Oxford. There are frequent trains from the station to many parts of the country. The commuters can access many bus routes from just out side the station. The number 5 operated by Oxford Bus Company which travels via Cowley road to Blackbird Leys starts from Oxford railway station.

6.2 Local Transporta" on Networks

Fig. 44 Map of local transportation networks( Oxford City Council, 2008)

Oxford Rail Station

Oxford City Centre

Site


Transport



6.3 Conges" on

Fig. 45 Congestion (Oxford City Council, 2008)

Oxford has a very good public transportation system yet during the peak times of the day many roads in Oxfordshire experience longer delays. This is mainly due to growth of road traffi c and the fact that many people use private transportation in comparison to the existing public transportation modes such as buses.

•High ranked congestion problems in south Oxfordshire- A40 approach to Oxford.

•Medium ranked congestion problems in south Oxfordshire-A4130 western approach to Henly and A4155 Reading Road, Henly.

•Low ranked congestion problems in south Oxfordshire- A415 approach to Abingdon, A418 and A4129 approach to Thame, A418/A40 junction and A4074 south-eastern approach to Oxford.


Transport



6.4 Freight Routes

Fig. 46 The Oxfordshire lorry route map (Oxford City Council, 2008)

Fig.46 illustrates the main lorry routes which go through Oxfordshire in Blue and Green being the motorways and A roads. The other lorry access to Oxford is shown by the red routes. As shown most of the routes which lead toward the city centre are accessible by lorries and HGV’s. Yet Oxford city council is working with the drivers to programme these maps to satellite navigation systems so that drivers entering Oxford would be able to avoid certain unnecessary areas.


Transport



6.5 Twenty Mph Speed Restric" ons

Fig. 47 illustrates the 20 mph speed restrictions in Oxford city centre. The existing 20mph restrictions are illustrated in green and the 30mph restricted roads are illustrated in red. These are designed to prevent motorists driving fast through busy urban areas such as Cowley Road, Oxford High Street and Jericho. Oxford City Council has come up with proposals to introduce 20mph speed restrictions in all minor residential roads within the city.20mph speed limits will be associated with traffi c-calming measures which in combination should lead to a reduction in accidents. This will also encourage people to walk and cycle more within the city as well creating a pleasant environment.

Fig. 47 20 mile speed restrictions in Oxford (Oxford City Council, 2008)


Transport



These two Bus companies along with Park and Ride offer Oxford with good public transport services. Park and Ride in Oxford is one of the longest establishments of its kind. It was introduced to Oxford as an alternative to constructing new road networks to accommodate the growing traffi c. This also has restrained people from parking in the city centre. There are 5 Park and Ride Establishments in Oxford which is connected to the ring road. (Park and Ride Great Britain, 2000)Park and Ride buses:• 300 Redbridge to City Centre by Oxford Bus Company operates every 6-7 minutes on Mon- Sat and every 15 minutes on Sun.• 300 Pear Tree to City Centre by Oxford Bus Company operates every 6-7 minutes on Mon-Sat and every 15 minutes on Sun.• 400 Seacourt to City Centre by Oxford Bus Company operates every 10 minutes on Mon- Sat and every 15 minutes on Sun.• 400 Thornhill to City Centre by Oxford Bus Company operates every 10 minutes on Mon- Sat and every 15 minutes on Sun.• 500 Water Eaton to City Centre by Oxford Bus Company operates every 15 minutes on Mon-Sat• 600 Thornhill to City Centre by HR Transport operates every 20 minutes on Mon-Fri• 700 Water Eaton to John Radcliffe Hospital by RH Transport operates every 15 minutes on Mon- Fri• 800 Thornhill to John Radcliffe Hospital by HR Transport operates every 9 minutes on Mon-Fri

6.6 Bus Services in Oxford and Park and Ride

Oxford has a very effi cient bus service which is mainly operated by the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. These two companies have been providing service from Oxford to Heathrow and London. X70 the Airline from Oxford bus company operates from Oxford to Heathrow and back every 30 minute on all 7 days.X80 the Airline from Oxford Bus Company operates from Oxford to Gatwick and back every 60 minutes on all 7 days.X90 the London Victoria Express operates from Oxford to London and back every 15-20 minutes on all 7 days.

Fig. 48 Bus Services in Oxford and Park and Ride (Oxford City Council, 2008)

Oxford Bus CompanyStagecoach

Park and Ride

Other


Transport



Cowley Road5 Oxford Bus Company operates from Oxford • Rail station to Blackbirdleys via Cowley Road and back every 5-10 minutes on all 7 days.1 Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to Blackbird Leys via Cowley road and back every 5-10 minutes10 Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to John Radcliffe Hospital via Cowley Road every 12-15 minutes on Mon- Sat12 Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to Greater Leys via Cowley Road every hour on Mon- SatU10 Stagecoach operates from Oxford City • Centre to JR Hospital via Cowley, Wood farm and Headington every 40 minutes on all 7 days.U5 Stagecoach operates from Oxford to City • Centre to Marston via Cowley Road every 30 minutes on Mon- Sat.12 Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to Greater Leys via Cowley Road every hour on Mon- Sat12C Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to Blackbird Leys via Cowley Road 4 journeys a day on all 7 days.

Iffl ey Road4A Oxford Bus Company operates from Rose Hill • to Elms Rise via Iffl ey road and back every 20 minutes on all 7 days.3 Stagecoach operates from Rose Hill to Oxford • City Centre via Iffl ey road and back every 10 minutes on all 7 days.

Headington Road8 Oxford Bus Company operates from Barton to • Oxford via Headington Road and back every 6-12 minutes on all 7 days.7C Stagecoach operates from Oxford City Centre • to Barton Estate via Headington and back every 7-8 minutes on all 7 days.

6.7 Bus Frequency in Cowley road and Adjoining Streets

Fig. 49a Bus stop location on Cowley Road

Fig. 49b Bus Frequency in Cowley Road (Oxford City Council, 2008)

The site is very well served with several frequent bus services with the nearest stop less than 100m from the site.

Site

Site


Transport



Reading was measured every hour from 1.00am in the morning till 12.00pm midnight. These decibel readings were taken from four places on Cowley road. The fi rst being Cape of Good Hope, second being traffi c lights near Tesco, third near Manzil Way and fourthly the junction near Regal.

As illustrated in Fig. 50 and 51 there are many fl uctuations in noise levels throughout Cowley Road. These are mainly due to the motor traffi c stopping for a red light and then moving off and times slowing down at a crossing and then accelerating. According to the readings the most amount of fl uctuation in noise levels took place at Cape of Good Hope and Manzil Way. The reading taken near Tesco show fewer variables in sound levels.

6.8 Cowley Road Sound ReadingsFig. 50 Graph and Diagram Showing Noise Levels

recorded over a 24 hour period, 2008)

Fig. 51 Diagram Showing Noise Levels recorded over a 24 hour period, 2008

Cape of Good Hope

Tesco

Manzil Way

Regal


Transport



6.9 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Major City Centres

Fig 52. Bus, Walk Access to Major City Centres, (Oxford City Council 2008)

Fig 53. Car to Major City Centres (Oxford City Council 2008)

Fig. 52 show the bus and walk access of Oxfordshire in journey time. The lighter green illustrates the effi ciency of buses in Oxfordshire’s major city centre’s such as Oxford and Banbury. For example the journey time by bus from Tesco Cowley to city centre would take about 10-15 minutes and a bus journey from Witney to Oxford would take about and hour. Fig. 53 shows the car access to major cities in time. With a car the journey time can be less in comparison to walk/bus time. Never the less excessive use of car will result in heavy congestion in the major city centres.


Transport



6.10 Bus, Walk and Car Access to Supermakets

Fig. 54 Map of Bus and Walk access to major supermarkets, (Oxford City Council 2008)

Fig. 55 Map of Car access to major supermarkets, (Oxford City Council 2008)

Fig. 54 show roughly half of the population of Oxfordsire is within 30 minutes of bus journey of a supermarket. Fig. 55 shows car access is generally good to supermarkets depending upon the time of the day.


Transport



Oxford has many car parks for a small city but the City Council discourages people driving into the city centre. The biggest car park in Oxford is at Westgate Car Park (1210 spaces) and the smallest is St Leonard’s at the junction of Windmill Road (48 spaces). The site adjacent to Tesco provides 96 spaces.

6.11 Car parks in Oxford Centre

Fig. 56 Map of car parks in Oxford (Oxford City Council 2008)

Site


Transport



Fig. 57 shows cycling and walking routes in Oxfordshire and the city of Oxford are commonly used transportation modes. As a major historic city, concern about traffi c and road building were felt in Oxford ahead of much of the UK. The city had a “balanced transport policy’ by 1974, and has seen a major upsurge in cycle use since then”. (Tolley, 1997) New developments should build on this existing cycle and pedestrian activity. For example in Cowley Road there could be better integrated cycle routes. Oxford City Council could also provide more cycle parking and encourage people in Oxford to cycle to work with various cycling schemes. In Hammarby, Sweden this method is used very well, whereby people have easy access to pickup a bicycle from a place, ride it and drop it off in another place. Cyclox in Oxford is working with the local government to promote cycling in Oxfordshire as well as providing better cycle parking systems and working with the City Council to join up the city’s cycle route network to the main cycle routes in the country.

6.12 Cycling in Oxford

Fig. 57 Map of Cycle routes in Ox-ford (Oxford City Council 2008)

Site


Group B64


Transport



6.13 Road Safety

Fig. 58 Accident Hotspots

Fig. 59 Graph Showing all accident types

Fig. 60 Graph showing pedestrain accidents

Fig. 61 Graph showing bicycle accidents

See Fig.60 . Pedestrian accidents may even have risen because of the large increase between Chapel Street and Randolph Street. As is seen in the pedestrian survey, this section from Union Street almost to Divinity Road is the busiest part of the road.

See Fig. 61. By contrast cycling accidents have reduced overall except in Magdalen Road. The junction between Cowley Road and Magdalen Road is busy through much of the day, requiring an awkward turn across lanes of traffi c.

It is diffi cult to interpret the graph in Fig. 59 because no indication is given of the seriousness or number of

accidents involved.

There would appear to be a slight rise at Jeune Street and also between Union Street

and Chapel Street. This latter is the busiest part of the road.

It is also the area where large delivery lorries are

most frequent and the location of the only

car park. Unfortunately the school is located in

this area too.

A comparison of accident rates before and after the new pedestrian system was put in place


Transport



Transport Key Discoveries.

1. There is a frequent and well used bus service to Cowley Road and rest of the country.2. The service starts at around 5am and continues on weekends with a night service until almost 4am.3. There is unfortunately no direct connection to Park & Ride car parks.4. There are many cyclists who make good use of the bike racks and we should incorporate more bike racks on our site.5. Introducing pool cycling schemes to the site. 6. The Cycle track that goes in front of the school gate should be re-directed for safety. 7. There is no need to provide car parking for Tesco on site as motorists can easily go to the large Tesco at the end of the Cowley road. 8. Accident has risen but is less serious since the road system has changed. Traffi c and pedestrian congestion around the Tesco site needs to be addressed.9. The introduction of 20mph speed limits have been successful in Cowley Road and should be further extended.

6.14 Conclusions


Resources

Bioregional ApproachResourcesResources


7. Resources 7.1 Geology

7.2 Mineral Workings 1995

7.3 Current Ac" ve Mineral Workings & Mineral Uses

7.4 Natural Water Supply & Reservoir

7.5 Ground Water

7.6 Timber Supply & Sawmills

7.7 Brickworks & Alluvial Clay

7.8 Agriculture

7.9 Fisheries

7.10 Farmers Markets & ‘Pick Your Own’

7.11 Conclusions


Resources



Figure 62. Solid Geology of Oxfordshire. (OCC 1989) There are ve main geological zones in Oxfordshire:

1. The Cotswolds. This is mainly the northern third of Oxfordshire composed of Jurassic Ooli" c limestone. This is mixed with sandstons, clays and cornbrash. The top ooli" c sec" on has been stripped away in the upper areas of Evenload and Cherwell valleys which has formed lowlands of Lias clays.

2. Vale of Oxford. This are dips to the South East. The lower Ooli" c of the Cotswolds disappears beneath Oxford clay. This area is composed of clay vales with many streams and gentle slopes. This would provide a source of aluvial clay which is the best material for rammed earth construc" on.

(Rammed Earth Visitor Centre at the Eden Project)

3. The Oxford Heights. This is an area of higher ground, it is formed of limestones, calcareous grits and clays of the Corallian series.

4. The Gault Clay Vale. In the south and east the Corallian layer slides beneath a sec" on of Gault clay. This combines with Marlstone and Upper Greensand forming another low lying area of clay vales. These have a so& terrain and poor drainage.

5. The Chilterns. This is a hilly chalk landscape with thin soils and dry valleys. There are also deposits plateau drify and clay -with ints.

Materials found in Oxfordshire:

•Clay (Various)•Chalk•Sand•Limestone (Various types)

• Sandstone (Greensand & Corallian)

Clay Sandstone Chalk

Sand Limestone

7.1 Geology


ResourcesResources


• Sharp Sand & Gravel• So& sand• Limestone/chalk• Cement• Ironstone• Fuller Earth

Fig. 63. Ac" ve Mineral Workings in Oxfordshire

Sand and Gravel Processing Plant at Gill Mill near Ducklington

Limestone Working at Town Quarry Charlbury

Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (1996)

Radley Sand and Gravel Working

Fig. 64 Historic Quarries

Headington Quarry Wheatley Quarry

7.2 Mineral Workings 1995

Up to 1995 there were many quarries working minerals in Oxfordshire. This shows that these were previously quarries in Headington and Wheatly although these are now disused.


Resources



Mineral

Sharp sand and gravel

So& sand

Limestone

Chalk

Ironstone

Fullers Earth

Clay

Uses

Construc" on Industry, for concrete and road building.

Mortar and asphalt

As aggregate, building blocks, paving, stones, slates, argricultural lime

Cement industry, argricultural lime

Bulk ll in the construc" on industry

Lubricant and cooling agent in oil drilling and moulding processes

Lining land ll site, bulk ll in construc" on projects.

Occurrence in Oxfordshire

Main deposits in the Thames and Windrush valleys. Less extensive deposits in the valleys of the Cherwll, Evenlode, Ock and Thame. Plateau gravels occur in the Chilterns north or reading and east of Wallingford and also north of Bicester. A band running from Farringdon to Abingdon to the east of Oxford and in small outcrops north of the county.

Broad band from Broughton Poggs, through Charlbury and Stones eld to Stra$ on Audley. Also in a smaller band from Shrivenham to Oxford.

North Wessex Downs and in the Chilterns.

Occurs in thin ban of marlstone between Edge Hill and Wardington in the north and lower Heyford in the South.

Extracted at Baulking as calcium montmorillionite. Other reserves found to the west of Baulking and north of U# ngton

Underlies many of the sand and gravel areas in Oxfordshire.

Fig. 65 (OCC, 1993)

Mineral

Sharp sand and gravel

So& sand

Limestone

Chalk

Ironstone

Fullers Earth

Clay

Uses

Construc" on Industry,for concrete and roadbuilding.

Mortar and asphalt

As aggregate, buildingblocks, paving, stones,slates, argricultural lime

Cement industry, argricultural lime

Bulk ll in theconstruc" on industry

Lubricant and coolingagent in oil drilling and moulding processes

Lining land ll site,bulk ll in construc" onprojects.

Quarries s" ll in use

Disused Quarries

7.3 Current Ac" ve Mineral Workings & Mineral Uses

Fig. 66 shows the current mineral quarries currently working in Oxfordshire. It shows that approximately ve are now disused but the majority remain as working quarries.

Figure 65 demonstrates the uses of quarried minerals in Oxford. Many of these are used in the construc" on industry and would provide useful resources to the site. These are sharp sand and gravel, so& sand, limestone, chalk, ironstone and clay.

Fig. 66 Quarries in Oxfordshire (OCC, 1993)


Resources



8.5 miles away

Fig. 69 shows the loca" on of the water treatment works at Farmoor Resevoir. The works are only 8.5 miles from the site on the Cowley Road. There is an addi" onal resevoir planned in Abingdon as there is a water shortage in Oxford. It would therefore be bene cial for the site to collect its own rainwater.

7.4 Natural Water Supply & Reservoir (Water Treatment)

Fig. 67 shows the natural water courses in Oxfordshire. There are many water courses running near to our Cowley Road site including the Cherwell, Thames and smaller tributaries.

Fig. 68 shows that in 1993 the East Oxford area was supplied by water treatment works at Farmoor and Swinford. Oxford city in now supplied by just Farmoor.

Fig. 67 Natural Water Courses in Oxfordshire (OCC, 1993)

Fig. 68 Water Supply Zones in Oxfordshire 1993: Table 6.2 (OCC, 1993)

Fig. 69 Water Treatment Works at Farmoor

Fig. 70 Farmoor Resevoir in Rela" on to Site.


Resources



Groundwater is water that is stored underground in permeable rock called aquifers. Fig.71 shows the occurrance of the three main aquifers in England and Wales. These are chalk, sandstone and limestone.

From the geological inves" ga" on earlier it was found that a large part of Oxfordshire is formed from limestone and a large part is formed from chalk, both of which are aquifers.

Aquifers hold much more water than a normal reservoir. ‘Groundwater provides three-quarters of public water supplies in South East England’ (Environmental Agency, 2008).

OxfordHenley on Thames

Fig. 72 shows the ground water levels at Henley which is the closest source of data provided by the Environmental Agency to the site in Cowley. It shows that groundwater levels have decreased drama" cally since 2003/2004. As ‘groundwater provides about 75% of public water supply in South East England’ (Environmental Agency, 2008) and as the levels are low it is important to both conserve and collect any rainwater which arrives on the site.

The amount of groundwater is contantly varying and depends on weather and abstrac" on from the aquifers. Currently levels are below average due to dry winters.

Groundwater is vulnerable to pollu" on, this can from nitrates caused by fer" lisers, industry or other chemicals. It cannot be cleaned up once it has been polluted.

Fig. 72 Groundwater Levels at Henley on Thames 1992 - 2004 (Environmental Agency, 2008)

1992 1996 2000 2004

20

10

0

-10

-20

7.5 Ground Water

This diagram shows the ways in which ground water ows and also how it is o& en polluted.

Fig. 71 Main Aquifers in England & Wales (Environmental Agency, 2008)

Fig. 73 Groundwater Flows (www.eusfd.com, 2008)


ResourcesResources



Fig. 74 demonstrates the abundance of local woodland in the area surrounding the Cowley Site. In addi" on there are other resources of waste " mber from maintaining Oxford’s many parks and meadows. There is also a " mber recycling centre in Abingdon. Local sawmills at Swinbrook, Eynsham, Blenheim & Wallingford have also been iden" i ed.

Bagley Wood

YoulburyWood

Brasenose Wood

Shotover

Cli! on HeathLock Wood

StantonGreat Wood

Holly Wood

Holton Wood

Shabbingdon Wood

Boarstall Wood

Waterperry Wood

Blackwater Wood

StudleyWood

Woodeaton WoodWytham

Great Wood

Marley Wood

Tubney Wood

Appleton Lower Common

Appleton Upper Common

Cogges Wood

Eynsham Hall Park

PinsleyWood

BurleighWood

BladdonHeath

EynshamSawmill

Blenheim Palace Sawmill

Gibbsbrothers SawmillSwinbrook

Bensons SawmillWallingford

Abingdon Wood Recycling Centre

7.6 Timber Supply & Sawmills

Fig. 74 Timber Supply and Sawmills


Resources



Brickworks mainly located in this area

Rammed earth works best when made with alluvial clay. The upper valley of the Thames is made of a at basin of alluvial clay soil. Fig.76 shows that this alluvial clay can be found between Summertown and Radley. It is therefore a viable op" on to use rammed earth as one of the building materials for the Cowley Road site.sec" on showing

alluvium clay between Summer-town and Radley

The nearest brickworks s" ll in use are to the west of Oxford around Chesam, Bovingdon and Hemel Hempstead. This resource is found quite away from the city of Oxford and therefore not a very sustainable material. Reclaimed bricks could be used from demol-ished buildings if a supply were available. The Cowley site was originally a brickwork site and could provide a supply of clay if new bricks were to be made.

Rammed Earth

A Rammed Earth Building Making a Rammed Wall.

7.7 Brickworks & Alluvial Clay

Fig. 75 Brickworks in and around Oxfordshire

Fig. 76 Diagram Illustra" ng the height rela" onships, nomenclature & correla" on of the terrace deposits of the River Thames


Resources



•Farm types (number of holdings) •Hor" cultural Crops

658

Cereals

General!Cropping

Horticulture

Specialist Pigs51

105 36

72

56

504175

1368 Specialist!Pigs

Specialist!Poultry

Dairy

Grazing!Livestock

Mixed

Other

12.2

65 7

112.1

65.7

Peas!&!Beans

All!other!veg!&!salad

Crops!under!glass/plastic

Top!fruit

Small!fruit

10.2

138

68145 2525 925 Wheat

51697

5374782

19702

26568

5520

Winter!Barley

Spring!Barley

Oats

749154481968

381289

755374

Other!Cereals

Potatoes

•Arable Crops

66844 84834159525

91

6808 Cattle

Pigs

2167789

Sheep

Goats

Horses

Poultry

•Livestock

7.8 Agriculture

The pie chart above shows that a large propor" on of the arable crops comes from the produc" on of wheat. The graph shows there is 51697 hectares of wheat grown per year according to DEFRA’s informa" on. This would provide a large amount of straw which could be u" lised on site as a building material and possibly a fuel.

This charts show that there is a wide range of food stu% s produced in Oxfordshire thanks to the farming of livestock, hor" cultural crops and arable crops.

Fig. 77 Oxfordshire Agricultural Sta" s" cs


Resources



River Cherwell – Marston Coarse

Key Species: Mixed Coarse

River Thames – I' ey Lock Coarse shingKey Species: Barbel, Bream, Chub, Pike, Roach

7.9 Fisheries

Fig. 78 shows the loca" ons of sheries in the West area of the Thames, mostly located around Oxford. There are many sheries located near to our site the nearest being the River Cherwell and the Thames at I' ey Lock. These sheries provide a useful source of food locally to our site.

Fig. 78 Fishery Venues in the Thames West Area (Environmental Agency, 2008)

Fig. 79 Fishery Venues in Oxford (Environmental Agency, 2008)


Resources



Rectory Farm

Medley Manor Farm

Millets Farm Centre

Peachcro& Farm

Gloucester GreenMarket

HeadingtonFarmersMarket

East OxfordFarmersMarket

WolvercoteFarmersMarket

AbingdonFarmersMarket

WoodstockFarmersMarket

ThameFarmersMarket

WitneyFarmersMarket

DidcotFarmersMarket

Images from East Oxford Farmers Market

7.10 Farmers Markets & ‘Pick Your Own’

Fig. 80 shows the loca" on of farmers markets and ‘pick your own’ sites where you can buy locally produced food such as meat, vegetables, fruit, bread and dairy products. The nearest of these to our site is East Oxford Farmers Market o% Manzil Way. Although there are many opportuni" es to buy local food - these are not o& en used. Public awareness of these markets needs to be increased.

Fig. 80 Loca" on of Farmers Markets and ‘Pick Your Own’ Sites around Oxford


Resources



7.11 Conclusions

1. Many minerals available - Sharp sand, Gravel, So& Sand, Limestone, Chalk, Ironstone & Clay.

2. Rainwater needs to be collected on site due to an insu# cient water supply.

3. There is a large suppy of local " mber which could be u" lised.

4. There are no working brickworks in Oxfordshire so brick may be less suitable.

5. Rammed earth could be used as a construc" on method as there is a supply of alluvial clay.

6. There is a large variety of local food produced due to the farming of livestock, hor" culture, arable crops and local sheries.

7. There is a large supply of straw which could be u" lised due to the amount of wheat produced - as a building material or fuel.

8. There are many local farmers markets and ‘pick your own’ sites to buy local food.

Cowley Road Car Park Bioregional ApproachRenew

able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

78

8. 1 ‘Energy from Waste’

8. 2 Waste Recycling Centres

8. 3 Wind Energy

8. 4 Biomass

8. 5 Conclusions

8. Renewables



Renewable Energy

Bioregional ApproachRenew

able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

79

Introduc" on

‘Energy from waste’ involves a number of di% erent processes where household rubbish that is not recycled is burned at a high temperature in an industrial plant. These plants are designed to meet strict environmental controls and are heavily regulated to reduce pollu" on. These plants produce energy, including electricity which can be fed into the na" onal grid. This type of treatment is used in countries such as Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

Mechanical – biological treatment

Rubbish treated by mechanical sor" ng and and biological compos" ng:

• Most of the rubbish can be sorted for recycling using screens and magnets (mechanical) • The organic rubbish is broken down by compos" ng (biological).

The remaining rubbish, which cannot be recycled or composted, is then either burned or land lled. The rubbish is more stable (doesn’t break down) and therefore requires reduced management on a long-term basis. So although land ll would s" ll be used, the environmental impact is less and the cost in extra taxes is less. This type of treatment is used extensively in Germany, Italy and Austria and is becoming more popular in the UK.

Anaerobic diges" on

Anaerobic diges" on is similar to mechanical/biological treatment, but once the rubbish is mechanically broken up and sorted, the organic rubbish is digested, in plants found on sewage treatment works, to produce gas for energy.

In - vessel compos" ng

Garden waste is currently collected in many areas. This type of system could be used if Oxfordshire’s councils also collected kitchen organic rubbish. The materials collected would need to be composted in large indoor industrial plants.Con" nue to land ll:Currently it costs £32 in land ll tax for each tonne, and this is set to rise by £8 per year for the next two years.Oxfordshire county council has invited bids from companies to supply waste

treatment capaci" es to deal with residual waste that cannot be disposed of by re-use, recycling or compos" ng. All the bidders have proposed Energy from waste (EFW) involving incinera" on with energy recovery.

Procurement " metable:

At present recycling and compos" ng of Oxfordshire averages 38 per cent in 2006/07 and over 40 per cent in 2007/08. The Oxfordshire Waste Partnership has agreed a new Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Strategy which sets the following targets: reduce waste growth to 0 per cent per person by 2012 & increase recycling and compos" ng rates to 55 per cent by 2019/20.

8. 1 ‘Energy from Waste’

Fig. 81 Procurement Timetable, www.oxfordshire.gov.uk, 2008



Renewable Energy


able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

80

Loca" ons map of the Waste Recycling Centres:

1. Alkerton - Stra( ord Road, Alkerton, Nr Banbury, OX15 6HZ2. Ardley Fields- Brackley Road, Ardley, OX27 7PH3. Dean - Grove Lane, Chadlington, Nr Chipping Norton, OX7 3JY4. Dix - Linch Hill, Stanton Harcourt, OX29 5BB 5. Redbridge - Old Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4XG6. Drayton - Steventon Road, Drayton, Nr Abingdon, OX14 4LA7. Stanford in the Vale - Faringdon Road, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, SN7 8LD8. Oakley Wood - Henley Road, Crowmarsh, Nr Wallingford, OX10 6PW

Wind power involves harnessing the energy of moving air (wind), either on- or o% shore. The wind is created by the energy of the sun causing varia" ons in the temperature of air, which a% ects its density, forcing it to move. Wind power is already one of the most developed renewable technologies and, par" cularly onshore, is one of the cheapest per unit of electricity produced. (www.pfr.co.uk, 2008)

About the work of Oxford City Council:

Oxford City Council has been working with Partnerships for Renewables to inves" gate the poten" al for the development of small-scale wind energy developments (up to three wind turbines) on its land. The installa" on of even a single wind turbine would be a signi cant step forward for Oxford City Council’s Climate Change Ac" on Plan, genera" ng green electricity equivalent to the consump" on of over one thousand households. If the results of this more detailed work prove posi" ve, and it is decided to take one or more sites through to development and planning permission, Partnerships for Renewables and Oxford City Council will ensure that the local community are central to the development process. (www.oxfordshire.gov.uk)

8. 2 Waste Recycling Centres 8. 3 Wind Energy

Fig. 82 Loca" on of the Waste Recycling Centres In Oxford



Renewable Energy


able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

81

Loca" on:

Feasibility work is currently being carried out on four sites around the Oxford City Council area. The four sites currently being inves" gated are located at Brasenose/Horspath, Sandford Brake, Chilswell and Cu$ eslowe. More detailed work is being carried out to assess their suitability. The circles on the map contain areas owned by the City Council which are currently being reviewed by Partnerships for Renewables.Timeline:

It can take more than three years to design, consent and construct even the simplest commercial scale wind turbine. A typical project " meline is shown below.

Fig. 83 Map showing Proposed Wind Energy Developments in Oxfordshire

Fig. 84 Procurement Schedule of Commisioning Wind Power (www.pfr.co.uk, 2008)



Renewable Energy


able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

82

Wood as a Source of Renewable Energy:

• The wood should come from a sustainable source • The wood should be burned in a clean and e# cient appliance• The wood should be used close to source i.e. not transported over long distance

Many di# erent sources of fuel wood can be sustainable:

• wood from commercial planta" ons a& er the " mber has been felled and processed• waste wood from tree surgery; and wood from trees that have been grown in a coppice rota" on.

According to Bri" sh Biogen typical consump" on:

• 7 tonnes per year for a 3-bed house• 15 tonnes per year for a farmhouse• 150 tonnes for a Secondary school• 600 tonnes for a Residen" al College

(www.climatex.org, 2008)

8. 4 Biomass

Fig. 85 Biomass Cycle



Renewable Energy


able EnergyRenew

ableEnergy

83

8. 5 Conclusion

The sources of renewable energy for Cowley car park site 1. are energy from waste, green electricity from wind energy and biomass energy.

Redbridge - Old Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4XG is the 2. nearest centre for waste recycling from Cowley site which is 2 miles away from the site.

The nearest wind farm is 27 miles away from the Cowley 3. site. The green electricity generated by any wind turbines on Oxford City Council land will be supplied to the Council at a reduced rate, or fed into the Na" onal Grid to provide annual income for the Council to invest in projects across the city.

Onshore wind power is one of the most mature and cost-4. e% ec" ve renewable energy technologies. A single wind turbine of the type used by Partnerships for Renewable, installed in a good loca" on, generates on average the amount of electricity consumed by about 1,100 households. As this electricity is generated without burning fossil fuels, it displaces more than 2,200 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The nearest woodlands from Cowley site are Brasenose 5. Wood and Bagley wood.


EcologyEcology

84

9. 1 Water, Flooding & Drainage

9. 2 Water & Sewerage

9. 3 Landscape

9. 4 Biodiversity

9. 5 Conclusion

9. Ecology



Ecology

Bioregional ApproachEcologyEcology

85

Landscape and Biodiversity

The site’s loca" on Oxford, has a rich natural environment with landscapes of great natural beauty, including the Isis and Cherwell river corridors and large areas which are of local, na" onal or interna" onal importance for biodiversity. (Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

Watercourses

One of the most signi cant natural systems and landscape features in the Oxfordshire bioregion is the Thames Valley and its many tributaries.The city of Oxford is braided with watercourses that contribute to its special character. They include the Isis (also known as the Thames), the Cherwell, the Oxford Canal and a number of smaller ones. Much of this network of waterways has high visual, ecological and amenity value.

Development Response: The site does not abut a watercourse. The nearest is the River Cherwell at Angel and Greyhound Meadow (approximately 500m to the north west). The site is too small and cut o! from the natural river systems to provide a signi cant new watercourse but a modest rill water feature could be an appropriate landscape element re ec" ng the local character.

Flooding

Large areas of Oxford lie within the ood plains of the rivers Isis and Cherwell. The precise boundary of the ood plain cannot be precisely determined because each ood has di% erent characteris" cs. The changes that have occurred in the ood plain, both in Oxford and upstream, together with clima" c change, are likely to result in future oods having di% erent characteris" cs to those in the past. New developments should not take place where they would be subject to an unacceptable risk of ooding, or would signi cantly increase the risk of ooding elsewhere. (Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

Sustainable Drainage

Most built development involves crea" ng impermeable surfaces causing water to run o% rather than percolate into the ground. This can have a signi cant impact on ooding by increasing ows downstream, as well as crea" ng pollu" on,

damaging watercourse habitats and causing bank erosion. It can also have an adverse ecological impact on habitats that depend on the percola" on of ground water.(Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

Development Response: The development should seek to increase the amount of storm water a# enuated to reduce the current situa" on of rapid runo! from adjacent roofs and the tarmac car park surface which can lead to ash ooding. This could be done through a variety of sustainable drainage techniques both at roof level and at ground level. If possible, 100% of the total hard surfaces (roof and ground level) should be a# enuated for storm condi" ons.

Groundwater Flow

Development involving underground structures may adversely a% ect groundwater ow to springs, base ow to rivers, or both. This can have an adverse impact on wildlife habitats and cause local ooding. In such cases appropriate provision must be made to ensure that groundwater ow is not obstructed.(Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

Development Response: The development should inves" gate the poten" al problem of obstruc" ng groundwater ow to the River Cherwell before considering signi cant underground structures (e.g. a new underground car park).

Fig 86. Flooding in Botley Road area Oxford, July 2007

9. 1 Water, Flooding & Drainage



Ecology


86

Oxford Local Plan policy NE.14 - WATER AND SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE states:

9. 3 Landscape

The Oxfordshire bioregion is characterized by the existence of large numbers of small woods. These help to give the County its landscape quality while providing vital habitats. Trees also contribute a wide range of bene ts to the urban environment. Well chosen, appropriately sited and properly managed trees can signi cantly enhance the visual quality of the built environment. Trees form a signi cant and important part of Oxford’s townscape in many areas, while other parts of Oxford would be greatly enhanced by new tree plan" ng. They also provide important ecological and environmental bene ts. (Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

Oxford Local Plan policy NE.15 - LOSS OF TREES AND HEDGEROWS states (extract):

The site is bordered by a number of trees. On the southern side the majority of the trees are mature ornamental cherries. On the northern boundary, the majority of the trees are semi-mature limes (but with one ornamental cherry and a maple). Two ornamental cherries are on the eastern boundary. The cherries are near the end of their (rela" vely short) lifespan, one has died and several show signs of disease. Several are mal-formed with uneven crowns. They have only limited landscape value.The lime trees are in the main healthy and well formed. They are indigenous to the bioregion and could live at least another hundred years. These trees are approximately 40 years old and already form an important local landscape feature, together with lime trees of similar age on the adjacent school site. They are not currently protected by a Tree preserva" on Order.

There is a mixed ornamental hedge (mostly laurel) on the northern boundary. It is approximately 1m high and broken up with several gaps. This hedge has only moderate landscape value. Development Response: The ornamental cherries should be removed before they start to become further diseased. They should either be replaced by other trees, indigenous to the Oxfordshire bioregion or they should make way for development, making best use of the site.The hedge should probably be removed as part of a more comprehensive landscape improvement.The lime trees should be retained; protected during construc" on; and development should allow for the trees’ expected future growth.The opportuni" es for crea" ng new landscape areas will be limited on the ground oor. Roof level landscapes, providing a community resource or private gardens should be considered.

“Planning permission will only be granted for developments that would increase the demand for on and off-site service infrastructure where: a. sufficient capacity already exists; or b. extra capacity can be provided in time to serve the development that will ensure that the environment and the amenities of local residents are not adversely affected.”

“Planning permission will not be granted for development proposals which include the removal of trees, hedgerows and other valuable landscape features that form part of a development site, where this would have a significant adverse impact upon public amenity or ecological interest…..”

Fig. 87 Fully mature lime trees at Weston-birt Arboretum

9. 2 Water & Sewerage Infrastructure

Fig. 88 Lime trees on Cowley Site

Fig. 89 Cherry Trees on Cowley Site



Ecology


87

High Value (Lime)

Low Value (Cherry)

Dead or dying (Cherry)

Fig. 90 Trees on the Site

9. 4 Landscape

Dead Cherry Tree



Ecology


88

9. 4 Biodiversity

Oxford is probably unique among the ci" es of Britain in having such a concentra" on of high quality, ecologically important sites. It is especially important for its agriculturally unimproved wet meadows in the ood plains of the rivers Isis and Cherwell, and the na" onally rare fen habitat in the Lye Valley, which are important not only na" onally, but at a European level. English Nature has iden" ed Oxford and the surrounding area as a Prime Biodiversity Area as it considers that there is a par" cular opportunity to create links between the extensive areas of semi-natural habitat that already exist. (Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005)

A local Biodiversity Ac" on Plan for Oxfordshire has been produced which highlights seven important types of habitat: woodland; neutral meadows and pastures; chalk and limestone grassland; farmland; heathland; wetlands; and towns and villages.

Species and habitats for which ac" on plans have been prepared ( Oxfordshire’s Biodversity Ac" on Plan)



Ecology


89

Fig. 92 Biodiversity Ac" on Plan Priority Habitats in Oxfordshire (English Nature)

Oxford Local Plan policy NE.23 - HABITAT CREATION IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS states (extract):

Fig. 91 Sites of Special Scien" c Interest (SSSIs) in Oxfordshire (English Nature)



Ecology


90

Fig 94 shows the location of sites of special scientifi c interest (SSSI) and special areas of conservation (SAC) in the Oxford area.

Fig. 93 SSSI and SACs near the site



Ecology


91

9. 5 Conclusion

The development should minimize the impact on the exis" ng 1. water and sewerage system by reducing water consump" on via:

1. Water e# cient appliances and services in the nished 2. development

2. The recycling of greywater and or rainwater for appropriate uses 3. Where it is found that the exis" ng infrastructure s" ll requires upgrading, this will be undertaken.

The main biodiversity site assets are the lime trees which are 3. indigenous to the bioregion. As na" ve trees they are host to many associated species such as insects and birds. These assets need to be retained, protected and given space to develop further.

Although a rela" vely small site, where possible the development 4. should provide new habitats, such as wetland features to match the habitat types in the bioregion and par" cularly in the Oxford area. Extensive or intensive green roofs could provide an opportunity for these, including the possibility of heathland or meadow or grassland habitats par" cular to the bioregion.

The opportunity to provide a local community educa" onal 5. resource for local residents and the adjacent school should be explored.

Approved bat boxes should also be incorporated where possible6.

Conclusion


Going Forwards

Bioregional ApproachG

oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


10. Going Forwards 10.1 Barton Matrix10.2 SPeAR Analysis10.3 Closing the Loop10.4 Facili" es for the Ecological Conclusion10.5 Proposed Biodiversity Strategy10.6 Ge) ng To School10.7 Is The Car Park Necessary?10.8 The People’s Wishes10.9 Code 510.10 Going Forwards10.11 Scenario for Solar Protec" on


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


Fig. 94 Barton Matrix For The Existing Site.

Fig. 94 is a Matrix taken from Barton (2003)which assesses the development potential for the site using a wide range of sustainable development indicators. The conclusion is that the site is highly developable with an average development score of 3.2 or between green and blue.

10. 1 Barton Matrix

L


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


Fig. 95 shows the analysis of the existing site based on Arup’s SPeAR model for Site Analysis (ARUP, 2005). Although the site is in a very sustainable location it doesn’t perform well in any categories.Fig. 96 shows how Group B’s proposals might score. The proposals should result in a much more sustainable solution for the site.

Fig. 95 Existing Cowley Road Site. Fig. 96 Proposed Group B Development On Cowley Road Site.

10.2 Spear Analysis


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


EXISTING SITE SPEAR ANALYSIS

Welfare / Health

Not very safe – dark areas poorly lit – not providing any service apart from • un-used parking. Subject to cowley road noise and air pollution.

User Comfort / Satisfaction

Overpriced. Badly lit. Extremes of usage. Evidence of vandalism. •

Form And Space

Trees nice. Dominated by tarmac and cars. Restricted traffi c fl ow. No • CCTV or any other security measures.

Access

Good public transport and cycle links. Close to key facilities. Pedestrian • access good. Vehicular access restricted. Despite heavy pedestrian footfall – no segregated footway within car park.

Amenity

Some trees on site. Provides Parking. Recycling. Not an attractive • neighbour – ‘dodgy’ hangout, noise etc.

Inclusion

Only provides car parking. DDA accessible. Some Tactile Paving for visually • impaired. Site level and accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.

Social Benefi ts And Costs

Overpriced for car park users. Provides money for council which could • benefi t society. Doesn’t provide any facilities for non car uses. Attracts vandalism and ‘bad people’.

Transport

Don’t need to travel to site – within a residential area. Good public • transport.

Employment

Provides only one unskilled job for a large area.•

Competition

Only other car park is also council owned so no competition. Provides • some economic benefi t as people can park there to shop.

Viability

As car park is under used – potential for developing site.•

Waste Hierarchy

Recycling on site. Repairs when necessary. •

Land utilisation

Doesnt generate waste. Top soil removed to create car park • conditions.

Energy

No energy production on site. High energy fl oodlights all night • conventionally powered.

Water.

No rain water collection – v little storm water attenuation. No evidence • of fl ooding. Cars polluting water.

Materials

Using quarried materials. •

Transport

Car park – generating extra car traffi c.•

Design And Operation


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


Facilitating private car usage rather than public transport. It doesn’t make • any specifi c effort to reduce its environmental impact through its design.

Ecology And Cultural Heritage

Trees native semi-mature trees which provide some wildlife habitat. But no • value to cultural heritage.

Land Use.

Brownfi eld site since it was part of a clay pit in the nineteenth century or • earlier.

Air Quality

Next to busy road – near to South Park.•

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SPEAR ANALYSIS

SOCIETAL

Health And Welfare

Daylighting good.• Minimum of interior paints and fi nishes.• Providing private balconies and roof space.• Providing family homes and lifetime homes.•

User Comfort / Satisfaction

Above average internal dimensions (100 sq m) for family housing.• Good daylight levels.• Very low fuel and water bills.• Very near facilities.• Access to private and communal open space.•

Form And Space

Create new public space.• Buildings create enclosure around new space and respect existing street • form and scale.

Access

Very accessible site within 400m of key facilities.• Pedestrian access across the site will be improved.• Nearest bus stop is within 100m. • Public transport to city centre and out of the city. • Lifetime homes compliant enabling good wheel chair access.•

AmenityProviding new public space, limited private space and communal space.•

Inclusion 7

New dwellings designed for families but also lifetime homes compliant.• New public space for the whole community with easy disabled or buggy access.• Community gardens on the roof space.• New carnival viewing facility from Tesco’s roof.• New community offi ce space on ground fl oor provides fl exible facility for the • community.Community food shop and takeaway on ground fl oor to support local food • growing.

Social Benefi ts And Costs 6

Provides a new public space for passive recreation.• Provides much needed family housing.• 50 % affordable housing to comply with Council policy.• New community facilities on ground fl oor.• Code Level 5 between 10 and 50% more expensive than minimum standards • (building regulations) (A cost review of the Code for Sustainable Homes Report for English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation February 2007).

Transport

Encouraging public transport to the maximum by removing car park and by • providing more residents and employment which helps to make public transport more viable.Providing an economical car club for the community, including existing • residents.

Employment 6

Providing more employment through construction of development.•


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


Providing new jobs and community work space.•

Competition 5

Providing for an unfulfi lled need for a facility to sell locally-produced food. • Not competing directly with existing food shops in the area.Community offi ce is a shared facility not competing with any existing • services.

Viability 6

Will provide a substantial receipt for the Council from the sale of land for • development.Family housing is probably the highest appropriate land use value for the • site.The site is constrained in terms of what quantity of housing units can be • attained (space for trees, limits on mass and scale due to low rise residential environment).As an exemplar project it could provide a new local attraction for Cowley.•

Waste Hierarchy 7.

Recycling on site to be retained. • Sewage to be treated on site through a digester to reduce pressure on the • existing sewage infrastructure and to provide nutrients for the community gardens.

Land Utilisation 5.

Subsoil can be investigated as possible source for rammed earth building • material.Better use of site than car park.•

Energy 6.

Code Level 5 dwellings will be at least 100% less carbon emissions than minimum • standards (Building Regulations).Solar collection and biomass heating will make this a very low carbon • development.

Water 7.

Code Level 5 dwellings will be designed to use no more than 80 litres per •

person per day (compared with the national average of 150 l/p/day).Rain water collection via the green roofs.• All roofs and ground level surfaces to be 100% attenuated for storm water • (sustainable drainage systems) (green roofs and surface drainage to central ornamental pond).

Materials 6.

Development uses locally sourced materials where possible (e.g.rammed earth, • straw bales, sheep’s wool, waste cardboard and paper insulation) or materials with a high BRE Green Guide + rating.

Transport 7.

Car park removed, therefore removing generator of car traffi c.• New development ‘low car’ and therefore not generating extra car traffi c.• Car club fuelled through local takeaway shop waste oils.• Site already very accessible to facilities (within 400m) and frequent public • transport links (within 100m).

Design And Operation 6.

The development does make specifi c efforts to reduce its environmental impact • through its design. Code Level 5.

Ecology And Cultural Heritage 5.

Native semi-mature trees which provide some wildlife habitat retained.• New habitats created on site.• Introduction of a graffi tti brick wall to express local culture.•

Land Use 6.

Making good use of a brownfi eld site.•

Air Quality 6.

Removing the car park and therefore creating a very low car development which • reduces the air pollution on the site.General air pollution from Cowley Road traffi c to continue.• New planting and retained semi-mature trees help fi lter traffi c particulate • pollution.


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


Cowley Site

Recycling Land ll

CHP

Land

Biodigestor &waste water treatment

waste

wa

wter

diges"ble waste

biogas

Biosolids

Gardens / Allotments

local storm water

bio-based heat and power

Food from farming

Biofuel

10.3 Closing the Loop

Biosolids

sun (PV & solar thermal)

River

Strategies

Solar ThermalPhotovoltaicsBiomass FuelRainwater collec" onBiodigestorRecyclingNatural Ven" la" onWater Conserva" onLocal Materials

Street storm water

Puri ca" on

food

materials: sand, clay, limestone

Processing /Factory

/

greenhouses on tesco roof

heat

Food

Recycled products

Pond

local storm water

straw bale construc" on

sheeps wool insula" on

waste cardboard & paper for insula" on

recycled chip fat for car club cars

shops

Sheep’s woolStraw BalesRecycled Chip fat

Fig. 97 Industrial Ecology


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


10.4 Facili" es for the Community

Cowley Site

Strategies

• Shared o# ce space• Family Accommoda" on• Balconies for viewing carnival• Green space & allotments on Tesco Roof• Educa" on facility• Car Club

Local Community School ChildrenFamilies living on site

Shared O# ce Space (The Hub)

Exis" ng & Retained Facili" esProposed Facili" es

Family & Live-WorkAccomoda" on Recycling Primary School

SupermarketGreen space / Allotments &Educa" onal Gardening Facili" es(on Tesco Roof)

Neighbouring Houses / Flats

View balconies/pla( orm for Cowley Road Carnival

The idea is to include the local community and the neighbouring houses and ats as part of the new housing and facilites proposed on site.

Car Club

Fig. 98 Facilities for the Community


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


New pond on site

10.5 Proposed Biodiversity Strategy

Strategies

• Encourage protected species• Provide a new pond water habitat for plants & wildlife• Meadow area for wild owers/ animals/plants• Retain the semi-mature lime trees• Remove the cherry trees• Green roofs provide new habitats/ a$ ract target wildlife

Greenhouses on Tesco Roof & green roofs

Cowley Site

Great crested newts

Bats

Water Vole

Song Thrush

Avenue of Lime Trees

Exis" ng

Install bat houses

New trees & plants

Adders tongue

Wild Meadow Area (near to pond)

Proposed

Creeping marshwort

Snakeshead Fri" llary (wild ower)

Brown long-earred bat Noctule bat

Vegetables / Fruit (Greenhouses)

Shepherds Needle

Tower Mustard

Juniper

Fig. 99 Proposed Biodiversity Strategy


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


(Widgery, 2008)

10.6 Ge) ng To School

Fig. 100 Map of cycle routes blocking access to school


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


10.7 Is The Car Park Necessary?

Fig. 101 Graph showing traffi c fl ow of cars on the Cowley Road and the car park over 24 hours


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


1. Better bike provision is needed.

2. She likes balcony areas to view the Cowley Road Carnival.

3. The Council would like eco-friendly live-work units as an exemplar for other developments.

4. They think it would be possible to have a smaller underground car park

5. They would like to retain the vegetation

1. Piazza development without dense housing.

2. Sue Widgery would like to get rid of the cycle track as it goes in front of school gate. “It is an accident waiting to happen”.

3. Collins Street feels like a no-mans land.

1. Neighbours do not like the corridor aspect of Chapel Street. (Elise Benjamin)

2. Neighbours are not happy about eco-homes because they don’t want to lose the space. (Elise Benjamin)

3. There is controversy over parking in the area (Sue Widgery)

10.8 The People’s Wishes

School Councillor Community


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


1. Mixed use live work units-code 5.

ENERGY: 100% improvement on CO2 emissions

Passive solar gain & natural light maximised• V. High levels of insulation (straw bale) & air tightness• Use low/zero carbon energy (solar water; pv; biomass CHP)•

WATER: Predicted water use 80 litres/person/day

Most effi cient appliances and fi ttings• Rain water harvesting•

SURFACE WATER RUNOFF: Fully attenuate for storm water

All roofs fully attenuated (green roofs)• All ground surfaces drain to ornamental water feature•

MATERIALS: High percentage of A and A+ rated materials

Locally –sourced straw bale and timber frame• Recycled rammed-earth tyres foundations• Oxfordshire sheep’s wool insulation• Reclaimed brick and lime render exterior fi nish•

WASTE: Reduce waste and maximise future recycling

Re-use tarmac and sub base• Sewage digester for residents• Compost all organic waste for reuse on gardens•

10.9. Code 5

To achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes level 5 rating the development will need to score at least 84 points out 100. The analysis of Group B’s proposals for the site in table 2 of the Appendix is set against the credit criteria for the Code for Sustainable Homes. The analysis concludes that the proposed development should gain enough credits to achieve level 5 certifi cation. 92.06 points could be achieved, which leaves a realistic margin for some further lost credits while still achieving the 84 point threshold for Code 5.


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


1. Proposal to be specifi cally for families to provide a perceived local need while Lifetime Homes compliant with work space.

2. Building to be 3-4 storeys at a density of approx 50dph (12-13 units).

3. Two buildings allow central desire line and enclose new public space.

4. Constraints include future growth for lime trees & overshadowing.

5. Glazing on South elevation maximises natural light & passive solar gain.

6. Balconies & green roofs provide private and communal spaces. 7. Tesco roof for solar & rain water collection, green roofs, community food garden linked to school and views of carnival.

8. Green wall effect with planted climbers (ivy etc) on North wall.

9. Ground fl oor community work/offi ce space.

10. Car club cars run off Cowley Rd takeaway waste oil. Otherwise car-free.

11. Dedicated bike storage.

10.10 Going Forwards


Going Forwards


oing Forwards

Going

Forwards


10.11 Scenario for Solar Protection

Fig. 102 describes the potential future re-development of the buildings to the south of our site across the Cowley Road. With regard to solar protection, it is clear from this worst case scenario that a four storey (12 metre) development on the southern boundary would not adversely affect the area on top of the Tesco roof; currently a prime location for both photovoltaic and photo thermal panels for our proposed development. Planning offi ces at Oxford City Council were clear that buildings above 4 storeys would be very unlikely to receive planning permission at such a location.

Fig. 102 also highlights the extent of shadowing from the existing fl ats and supermarket onto a hyperthetical 3/4 storey development within the boundaries of our site. We will need to consider the adjacent forms when formulating our designs.

Fig. 102 Hypothetical Development Shadow Study


Bibliography

Bioregional ApproachBibliographyBibliography


11.1 Bibliography

Literature •

Adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 November 2005 • Arkwell, W.J. (1970) Oxford Stone. London: SR Publishers Ltd.• Graham, M (1992) Images of Victorian Oxford. Stroud: Alan Sutton.• OCC (1995) Oxfordshire’s Environment: Environmental Monitoring Report 1995. Oxford: OCC.• OCC (1996) Oxfordshire Minerals & Waste Local Plan. Oxford: OCC.• Oxfordshire County Council (2005), The Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2016, Oxfordshire County Council• Oxfordshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan• Sharp, T. (1948) Oxford Replanned. London: Architectural Press• Shatford, S. and Williams, T. (1997) The Changing Faces of St Clements and East Oxford• Sumbler, M.A. (1960) British Regional Geology: London & Thames Valley. London: British Geological Survey.• TAS Partnership Ltd (2000) Park and Ride Great Britain A Survey and Report Landor Publishing Ltd, London • Tolley, R ed. (1997) The Greening of Urban Transport (edition11) Wiley & Sons, Chichester•

Interviews

Charles Parrack (30th September 2008)• Elise Benjamin (9th October)• Sue Widgery (21st October)•

Websites (September -October 2008)

• www.climatex.org• www.cyclox.org• www.oxfordshirehighway.org/wps/portal/• www.pdr.org• www.bbowt.org.uk The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust • www.berr.gov.uk Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform – Wind speed data base. • www.bwea.com British Wind Energy Association• www.defra.gov.uk Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs• www.environment-agency.gov.uk Environmental Agency • www.metoffi ce.gov.uk Met Offi ce• www.oxford.gov.uk Oxford City Council• www.oxfordwoodrecycling.org.uk Oxford Wood Recycling Centre. • www.smithsbletchington.co.uk Smith & Bletchington Quarries.

Appendix CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES LEVEL 5 GENERAL The development will need to achieve credits across a wide range of issues. The full list of issues is shown in table x. Each issue is valued in credits. These credits are weighted differently in each category, giving a potential point scoring for each category as shown in table x. To achieve a level 5 rating the development will need to score at least

Summary of environmental impact categories, issues, credits and weighting

Code Categories

Available Credits

Category Weighting Factor

Energy and CO2 Emissions

Dwelling Emission Rate 15

Building Fabric 2

Internal Lighting 2

Drying Space 1

Energy Labelled White Goods 2

External Lighting 2

Low or Zero Carbon (LZC) Energy Technologies 2

Cycle Storage 2

Home Office 1

Category Total 29 36.40

Water

Indoor Potable Water Use 5

External Water Use 1


Materials

Environmental Impact of Materials 15

Responsible Sourcing of Materials – Basic Building Elements

6

Responsible Sourcing of Materials – Finishing Elements

3


Surface Water Run-off

Management of surface water run-off from developments

2

Flood Risk 2


Waste

Storage of non-recyclable waste and recyclable household waste

4

Construction Site Waste Management 2

Composting 1


Pollution

Global Warming Potential (GWP) of insulants 1

NOx Emissions 3


Health & Wellbeing

Daylighting 3

Sound Insulation 4

Private Space 1

Lifetime Homes 4


Management

Home User Guide 3

Considerate Constructors Scheme 2

Construction Site Impacts 2

Security 2


Ecology

Table 1 Table 2

ENERGY/CO2: 28 out of 29 credits equivalent to 35.28 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED

SCORE BIOREGIONAL OPTIONS DEVELOPMENT

RESPONSE Ene 1 % improvement of DER over TER

Credits are awarded based on the % improvement of the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) over the Target Emission Rate (TER) as calculated using SAP 2005. % Improvem. of DER over TER

Credits

Mandatory Levels

Code Level 5 mandatory 100% improvement 14 out of 15 credits

1. Biomass fuel for heating & hot water from within Oxfordshire (wood crops, management thinnings and waste from tree surgery within Oxford)

2. Solar water heating & pv cells for electricity from the site

3. Vertical piled ground source heat pump from below the site for heating & hot water

4. Passive solar gain reduces heating demand

5. Air source heat pumps could be considered for hot water.

6. Natural insulation options considered in Ene 2

! Biomass fuel supply may not be ideal as site quite constrained although site already subject to frequent Tesco delivery lorries.

! Potential for solar collection and passive solar gains demonstrated through shadow studies

! Geology below site should be suitable for heat pump

Ecological value of site 1

Ecological enhancement 1

Protection of ecological features 1

Change in ecological value of site

4

Building footprint

2


Total 104 100.00

10% 14% 18% 22% 25% 31% 37% 44% 52% 60% 69% 79% 89% 100% Zero carbon home

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

Ene 2 Building fabric

Credits are awarded based on the Heat Loss Parameter (HLP) for each dwelling, which is a factor of both insulation and air-tightness Criteria Heat Loss Parameter (HLP)

Credits

!1.30

1

!1.10 2

HLP less than 1.10 2 out of 2 credits

1. A straw bale house, when properly plastered outside with lime render and inside with cement stucco or wet plaster, will not offer many air leakage points, unlike drywall which often has gaps under the trim details. In straw bale construction, it is the plaster finish that is the air barrier. But as in conventional frame construction, airtight detailing must be followed to achieve air tightness. The insulation properties of straw bale are very high.

2. Houses built with rammed earth, hemp, or cob similarly are not prone to air leakage any more than conventional buildings. Poor thermal resistance so external walls require additional insulation

3. Cardboard (in cavity walls) or shredded

The use of locally sourced building materials should not make the achievement of these 2 credits impossible.

paper insulation (loft insulation) are recycled products which exhibit good thermal insulation properties. These could be sourced from local businesses.

4. sheep’s wool from Oxfordshire farms can be used in insulating loft spaces

Ene 3 Internal Lighting

Credits are awarded for the provision of fixed dedicated energy effi cient internal light fittings Credits

Where 40% of fi xed internal fittings are dedicated and energy effi cient. Where 75% of fixed internal fittings are dedicated and energy efficient.

1 2

Dedicated energy efficient light fittings throughout 2 out of 2 credits

N/A, unless local supplier of light fittings can be sourced (within Oxfordshire or within 50 miles of the site.

Dedicated energy efficient light fittings throughout

Ene 4 Drying space

Credits

Where space with posts and footings or fixings capable of holding 4m+ of drying line for 1–2 bed dwellings, and

1

Natural drying space for all dwellings 1 out of 1 credit

Use outside space where possible and appropriate. Use recycled steel for exterior drier posts

With limited ground floor exterior space, some outside drying could take place on balconies or roof gardens.

1 credit awarded for provision of natural drying

space

6m+ of drying line for 3+ bed dwellings, is provided for drying clothes. The space (internal or external) should be secure.

Ene 5 Energy labelled white goods

Credits are awarded where information is provided relating to the provision of energy efficient white goods

Credits

• A+ rated Fridges and freezers or fridge-freezers • Washing machines and dishwashers AND EITHER • Washer-dryers or tumble dryers have a B rating OR • Where not provided, information on the EU Energy Labelling Scheme is provided to each dwelling

1 1

All white goods supplied and A rated 2 out of 2 credits

N/A All white goods supplied and A rated

Ene 6 External lighting

Where all within the development is provided by dedicated energy efficient fittings Credits

All Space Lighting dedicated energy efficient fittings. All Security Lighting designed for energy efficiency All burglar security lights have: • max 150 W AND • Movement detecting control devices (PIR) AND • Daylight cut-off sensors All other security lighting: • Has dedicated energy efficient fittings AND • Is fitted with daylight cut-off sensors OR timers

1 1

All external lights to have the most energy efficient dedicated fittings 2 out of 2 credits

N/A All external lights to have the most energy efficient dedicated fittings

Ene 7 Low or zero carbon energy technologies

Credits are awarded based on the percentage reduction in total carbon emissions that result from using Low or Zero Carbon (LZC) Energy Technologies for each dwelling

At least 15% carbon reductions 2 out of 2 credits

See options 1-5 in Ene 1. No local CHP or district heating networks near the site.

Site too sheltered to provide viable continuous wind resource near building level. A minimum average speed of at least 5.5m/s is needed to make wind a viable option

The estimated annual mean wind speed (AMWS) at 10m height for the 1km square for the site is 4.6m/s (Segen). The actual

Development response as per Ene 1. Site too small to support new CHP or district heating

Credits

Where energy is supplied from local renewable or low carbon energy sources funded under the Low Carbon Building Programme (or similar), or is designed and installed in a manner endorsed by a feasibility study prepared by an independent energy specialist AND There is a 10 per cent reduction in carbon emissions as a result of this method of supply. OR There is a 15 per cent reduction in carbon emissions as a result of this method of supply.

1 2

AMWS will be reduced by several local factors including buildings, trees and the relative height of the turbine to the surrounding area.

Ene 8 Cycle provision

Credits are awarded where adequately sized, safe, secure, convenient and weatherproof cycle storage is provided for each dwelling Credits

Where either individual or communal cycle storage is provided that is adequate, safe, secure, convenient and weather-proof for the following number of cycles: 1 bedroom dwellings 1 cycle/2 dwellings 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings 1 cycle/ dwelling 4 bedrooms and above - 2

1

Full cycle storage to be provided 2 out of 2 credits

Need to link into good existing city cycle network

Either communal cycle storage on ground floor or private garden cycle sheds

cycles/dwelling OR Studios or 1 bedroom dwellings storage for 1 cycle/dwelling 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings 2 cycles/ dwelling 4 bedrooms and above 4 cycles/dwelling

2

Ene 9 Home office

Credits are awarded on the basis of the provision of space and services that enable a room to be used effectively as a home office. Credits

Where sufficient space and services have been provided which allow the occupants to set up a home office in a suitable quiet room.

1

All units to have an appropriate ho me office 1 out of 1 credit

N/A Larger units to have a dedicated study, smaller units a study area in an appropriate room.

WATER 6 out of 6 credits equivalent to 9.00 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Wat 1 Internal potable water consumption

Credits are awarded according to the predicted average water consumption calculated using the BRE Code Water Calculator

Water consumption (litres/person/day)

Credits MandatoryLevels

120 l/p/day 110 l/p/day 105 l/p/day 90 l/p/day 80 l/p/day

1 2 3 4 5

Levels 1 and 2 Levels 3 and 4 Levels 5 and 6

Code Level 5 mandatory 80 l/p/day 5 out of 5 credits

Rainwater harvesting can reduce consumption up to 50%

Water efficient appliances and fittings necessary as well as rainwater/grey water recycling systems.

Wat 2 External water use

1 credit awarded for providing a system to collect rainwater for use in irrigation Credits

An appropriately sized system for external/internal irrigation use has been provided to a dwelling with a garden, patio or communal garden space

1

Default Cases If no individual or communal garden spaces are specified or if only balconies are provided.

1

All private or communal gardens to have rainwater collected irrigation 1 out of 1 credit

Mean annual rainfall (1767-2004) in Oxford 643 mm. This annual rainfall will provide approximately 20,000 litres of water from 50 sq m of roof. (EA) This compares with the average household consumption of 55,000litres.

Examples of such systems include rainwater butts and central rainwater collection systems

MATERIALS 21 out of 24 credits equivalent to 6.30 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Mat 1 Environm. Impact of Materials

Between 1 and 15 credits are available depending on the Green Guide ratings (E to A+) and relative distributions of different materials across the five main elements of the building envelope.

The development to maximise the us of A and A+ materials 12 out of 15 credits

Rammed earth, sheep’s wool, hemp, cob cardboard and shredded paper not mentioned by the Green Guide but the BRE could give a view on how they should be rated. Straw bale rated as ‘A’ (it does not receive A+ due to the harmful environmental effects of intensive agriculture on the environment. Organically sourced bales would probably receive the top rating) Timber could be sourced within Oxfordshire.

Timber windows and doors; timber frame with a green insulation (if approved by BRE); locally-sourced timber shingle cladding (chestnut?); suspended timber floors. Aircrete blocks and/or concrete screed floors can be used if thermal mass required.

Mat 2 Responsible Sourcing of Materials

Credits

Where 80% of the assessed materials in the following Building Elements are responsibly sourced: a) Frame b) Ground floor c) Upper floors (including separating floors) d) Roof e) External walls f) Internal walls (including separating walls) g) Foundation/substructure (excluding sub-base materials)

1-6

All materials to be responsibly sourced 6 credits out of 6

All timber materials to be timber grown in the bioregion and from Oxfordshire saw mills with full certification. Re-used and recycled materials should be maximised. The main recyclable materials are the car park tarmac and sub base which can be incorporated into foundation materials. Some redundant brick walls could be crushed and used as a substrate for brown roofs. Sub soil likely to be clay, could be used for rammed earth walls

Local, certified timber; recycled, locally sourced materials where possible withy certification to ensure ethically sourced.

h) Staircase Additionally, 100% of any timber in these elements must be legally sourced

Mat 3 Responsible Sourcing of Finishing Materials

Credits

Where 80% of the assessed materials in the following Finishing Elements are responsibly sourced: a) Stair b) Window c) External & internal door d) Skirting e) Panelling f) Furniture g) Fascias h) Any other significant use Additionally, 100% of any timber in these elements must be legally sourced

1-3

All finishing materials to be responsibly sourced 3 credits out of 3

As per Mat 2 As per Mat 2

SURFACE WATER RUNOFF 4 out of 4 credits equivalent to 2.20 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Sur 1 Management of Surface Water Run-off from devs.

2 credits available for using sustainable drainage systems (SUDS)

2 out of 2 credits

The site is probably too small and urban for the use of swales etc but could incorporate an ornamental pond which could double as a holding pond. The use of green roofs as a SUDS element would enable the option of establishing locally compatible plant habitats.

Try to include pond to drain hard surfacing. Use green roofs where possible.

Sur 2 Flood Risk

Up to 2 credits are awarded where the assessed dwelling is located in an area of low annual flood probability

In Flood Risk Zone 1 so 2 out of 2 credits

In flood risk zone 1 None needed as 2 credits by default

SURFACE WATER RUNOFF 7 out of 7 credits equivalent to 6.40 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Was 1 Storage of non-recyclable waste and recyclable household waste

Storage and/or local authority collection will achieve 4 credits Credits

A Local Authority Collection Scheme Adequate storage for collection For blocks of flats, a private recycling scheme operator must be appointed to maintain bins and collect recyclable waste regularly

4

4 out of 4 credits

All organic matter (including kitchen food wate) could be composted in a high heat composter or wormery. The local sewerage system is at a fairly high capacity already. The site is too small to consider reed bed natural sewage waste systems but an on–site sewage digester could be considered.

Composting units, sewage digester. Separated bins incorporated in kitchens to enable easy collection of at least 3 different recyclable materials.

Was 2 Construction Site Waste Management

2 credits available for undertaking the following:

! 1 credit for producing a Site Waste Management Plan that include procedures and commitments for minimising waste generated on site

! 1 credit for a commitment and strategy to monitor, sort and recycle construction waste through a licensed contractor

2 out of 2 credits will be achievable if the SWMP and site waste monitoring/collection is put in place

The existing tarmac car park and sub base as well as the brick walls should be reused in the construction

Tarmac and sub base in foundations and crushed brick waste as part of green roof substrate.

Was 3 Composting

1 credit available for providing composting facilities or a Local Authority doorstep collection

1 out of 1 credit

Composting reduces the problems of organic waste going to landfill in Oxfordshire. Leachate a major problem, leading to eutrophication.

1 credit can easily be achieved if home composting and communal composting facilities are provided

POLLUTION 1 out of 4 credits equivalent to 0.70 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Pol 1 Global warming potential of insulants

1 credit available for using insulation (roof, walls, floor, hot water cylinder, pipes, etc.) with a global warming potential (GWP)<5

1 out of 1 credit easily achievable

All natural insulation products (sheep’s wool, cardboard, paper, straw bales etc) have a very low GWP

Use natural insulation products or other low GWP materials

Pol 2 NOx emissions

3 credits available for specifying boilers with NOx emissions, 40mg/kWh

0 to out 3 credits (depending on use of biomass)

Biomass systems generally do not meet this but CHP systems do (although the CHP engine needs to be taken into account). Ground or air source heat pump powered by photovoltaics will meet the above

If biomass the favoured option, these credits can be dropped here. If other low-carbon (and low NOx) technologies are chosen (ground source or air source heat pumps, solar water heating or CHP) the 3 credits should be achieved.

HEALTH & WELLBEING 11 out of 12 credits equivalent to 12.87 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Hea 1 Daylighting

Credits

Kitchens must achieve a minimum average daylight factor of at least 2% All living rooms, dining rooms and studies must achieve a minimum average daylight factor of at least 1.5% 80% of the working plane in each kitchen, living room, dining room and study must receive direct light from the sky

1 1 1

3 out of 3 credits

The southern part of the site is overshadowed by buildings to the immediate south. Medium-sized trees may cause some daylight obstruction to the north.

Design building(s) to maximise daylight with generous fenestration and avoidance of deep plan single aspect internal spaces.

Hea 2

4 credits available for a commitment to carry out a programme of pre-completion sound testing or building all elements to a Robust Detail that achieves an 8dB improvement over Approved Doc. Part E

3 out of 4 credits

The urban nature of the site means that reasonably high noise levels should be expected but also that the need for good sound insulation is increased.

It is likely that achieving an 8dB improvement may be difficult. Achieving a 5dB improvement may be more realistic (3 credits)

Hea 3 Private Space

1 credit available for provision of an outdoor “private” space that allows occupants to sit outside with wheelchair access (can include communal gardens, roof terraces, balconies, etc.)

1 out 1 credit

The site is relatively near to some large areas of open space but not to a children’s play area.

Balconies, roof gardens and ground floor communal spaces should be considered.

Hea 4 Lifetime Homes

4 credits are available for complying with all 16 Lifetime Homes design features.

4 out 4 credits

Oxford has a rising average age and lengthening age expectancy. People often wish to have the choice to adapt their homes to meet their changing circumstances

Low energy lift systems will probably need to be considered to enable lifetime

homes

MANAGEMENT 7 out of 7 credits equivalent to 10.00 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Man 1 Home User Guide

3 credits available for providing occupants with information on the environmental performance of the dwelling and information on local services (public transport, emergency services, etc.)

3 out 3 credits

The site is well served by public transport and all other important services are reasonably close, not necessitating private car transport

The information can be provided to encourage greener behaviour

Man 2 Considerate Constructors Scheme

2 credits available if the “Contractor” commits to comply with the requirements of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and achieves a score of at least 3 in each section with a total of at least 32

2 out of 2 credits

The site is surrounded by housing and buildings used by the public so contractor acting in a socially accountable manner is essential

A Considerate Constructors Scheme will be put in place requiring at least 32 points

Man 3 Construction Site Impacts

2 credits available if 4 or more of the following are achieved: ! Monitor and report CO2 or energy

consumption from on-site activities ! Monitor and report CO2 or energy

consumption arising from deliveries ! Monitor and report water

consumption by site activities ! Adopt best practice policies relating

to air (dust) pollution arising from site activities

! Adopt best practice policies relating to water pollution arising from site

2 out of 2 credits

Water pollution particularly relevant to the bioregion dominated by the Thames Valley. All timber likely to be certified and from Oxfordshire.

Full 2 credits achievable if a policy of monitoring of pollution, site energy & water use and recycling

activities ! 80% of site timber is reclaimed, re-

used or certified Man 4 Security

2 credits available for a commitment to work with the local Architectural Liaison Offi cer (ALO) and secure ‘Secured By Design’ approval

2 out of 2 credits

There is a perception of higher than average crime in this part of the city. A design which takes into account security issues will prove reassuring to future residents.

Work with Oxfordshire Police Authority ALO to ensure the development is ‘Secured by Design’

ECOLOGY 7 out of 9 credits equivalent to 9.31 points ISSUES CREDITS PROPOSED


RESPONSE Eco 1 Ecological value of site

1 credit available for developing land of low ecological value, report must be produced by a suitably qualified ecologist

0 out of 1 credit

Lime trees are the only elements of ecological value on the site.

none

Eco 2 Ecological Enhancement

1 credit available for designing in ecological features and to provide a positive enhancement to the site ecology Credits

Where a Suitably Qualified Ecologist has been appointed to recommend appropriate ecological features that will positively enhance the ecology of the site. AND Where the developer adopts all key recommendations and 30% of additional recommendations.

1

1 out of 1 credit

The bioregion and the Oxford area has a number of distinct wildlife habitats and locally endemic plant species (such as those found in water meadows or pasture land) and certain insects require certain plant species. These habitats could be replicated in green roofs.

Design landscape elements that meet the ecological requirements of this credit

Eco 3 Protection of Ecological Features

1 credit available for protecting and maintaining existing ecological features during the development process

1 out of 1 credit

The lime trees will need to be preserved. The ornamental cherry trees would not be counted as an ‘ecological feature ‘ by an ecologist

Maintain, protect and allow for the growth of the important lime trees. The ornamental cherry trees may be removed.

Eco 4 Change of Ecological Value of the Site

4 credits available for a change of ecological value of greater than 9 species. i.e. the planting of additional “wildlife planting” calculated on the average species prior to development against post development planting. .

4 out of 4 credits

The site is currently of very low ecological value (except for the lime trees). The establishment of an extra 9 native species should not be difficult (see Eco 2)

A detailed report from a suitably qualified ecologist will need to be produced prior to any development taking place on site and a detailed landscaping scheme/specification for the new proposals will need to be produced

Eco 5 Building Footprint

2 credits available for promoting the most efficient use of the proposed dwellings footprints to ensure that the available land is used to a premium. For flats 1 credit for 3 floors and 2 for at least 4 floors

1 out of 2 credits

This credit is to maximise the use of development land which reduces the need to develop green field sites in the Oxford area.

Building(s) between 2 and 4 storeys in height likely.

2008 article - a bioregional approach: cowley road site study

Documents

comparison of cowley

cowley road carnival

colours of cowley road

road safety

cowley road sound readings

car access

bus services

services facilities