As our towns and cities grow and new developments emerge, there is an increasing demand for local planning authorities to secure the necessary infrastructure funding. In simple terms, Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is a legal mechanism. It allows local authorities to enter into agreements with developers to include conditions or contributions when granting planning permission. These are known as Section 106 agreements, and they can address various issues. One key aspect is enabling local authorities to secure financial contributions from developers. By leveraging Section 106 agreements, authorities can fund improvements in bus services, upgrade bus facilities, and provide bus stops with better amenities for passengers to encourage a shift towards public transport.
The Oaklands Grange housing development in St Albans presents a paradigm of sustainable transport planning. Deni Krevesic has taken up the position of Travel Plan Coordinator on behalf of the client (developer), facilitating collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council, engaging the local community, and the bus operator to develop a comprehensive strategy that aligns with environmental, economic, and social considerations for both existing and incoming residents. Thanks to a Section 106 agreement, the developer has pledged to fund a new bus service. This service is set to provide a vital connection from Oaklands Grange to Marshalswick, the St Albans City Railway Station, and the St Albans city centre. Furthermore, it facilitates an integrated transport link for residents, offering rail connections to employment and educational opportunities in London and Cambridge.
The S6 bus service, operated by Red Eagle, has been successfully running Monday through Saturday every 30-40 minutes, since 2019. Designed to bridge first-last mile to and from the railway station, the service has been expanded, following consultations with local residents, to include a much-welcomed route extension right into the heart of the city centre. Good collaboration with like-minded stakeholders, such as Hertfordshire County Council, has proved valuable, as they managed to enable integration into the current ticketing system, allowing passengers to conveniently access services from multiple operators using a single ticket. Contactless payment is also accepted through the collaborative Intalink Partnership between Hertfordshire County Council, forming an integral part of the St Albans BusNet, offering all-day use of local buses within a zone, including Harpenden and Hatfield, including Explorer Ticket for countywide group and individual bus travel. This service is seamlessly integrated into the Network Rail PlusBus scheme, allowing passengers unlimited access to a range of local bus services. With this comprehensive offering, commuters can effortlessly reach the Railway Stations, ensuring convenient and hassle-free journeys.
It is agreed that buses will have an accessible design, aiming to facilitate travel for individuals with limited mobility, that includes a manual fold-out wheelchair ramp and space for one wheelchair, along with clear destination displays on all sides. Enhanced safety is ensured with onboard CCTV, and the deployment of Euro V engines will help lower emissions and pollution.
The introduction of this new bus route is a benefit for future residents and the established local community, offering a reliable alternative to car travel. The goal is clear: to encourage more people to leave their cars behind when travelling to the railway station or city centre in St Albans. Financing bus services for new developments through Section 106 funding mechanisms presents a valuable opportunity to align land use and transport planning objectives, ensuring sustainable transport supports the growth of towns and cities. The successful collaboration between stakeholders, showcases the positive outcomes that can be achieved when developers, local authorities, and bus operators work together to provide valuable bus services, improve accessibility, and reduce reliance on cars.