FORD ECO-TOWN: Impact on Bognor is key to plan

That was one of the verdicts of the challenge panel of experts set up by Ms Flint to examine eco-town proposals around the country.

The panel's final report says the Ford proposal has to assess the effect of any eco-town on the surrounding area because the development has to have a positive impact on the wider regeneration strategy for Bognor and Littlehampton in line with Arun District Council's policies.

There is also the need to provide a clear employment strategy for Ford, as jobs will be key in attracting people to the town, which could start to be occupied in 2012, and reducing residents' need to commute.

The proposed eco-town's travel plan also needs to be developed to consider where demand for travel will arise for both jobs and leisure.

An examination has to be made to influence behaviour change to encourage residents to ditch their cars and switch to the relocated Ford railway station, with its links to London, Brighton and Portsmouth.

Evidence was needed as well to back the promoters' claim that 70 per cent of trips to the site will be local and clarify that includes links to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis.

Many internal journeys should be walkable, particularly in the early stages of the development, the panel states.

But it is recognised there will be a growing need for high-quality bus or personal rapid transit provision for access to the station for commuters, given the peripheral position of the new station.

The development of a comprehensive set of cycle routes is promising and will help connect the development to existing villages.

It needs to link to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis via a segregated cycle lane on the A259.

The panel warns, however, that if the Arundel bypass goes ahead independently of this scheme, then it will change the proportion of Ford's residents likely to commute by car and undermine any attempt to make this development zero carbon.

As it is, each resident's carbon footprint should be reduced from a national average of 12 tonnes a person each year to two tonnes.

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