Transport and connectivity
Access for everyone
Just as Ermine Fields is designed to be a natural extension of the existing community – respecting local heritage, landscape, and character – the site is also being designed to put convenience and sustainable travel first. It ensures smooth access for everyone and links residents to local amenities, creating a place where the community can truly thrive.
Local access and existing infrastructure
The site offers convenient walking and cycling access to amenities in both Stamford and Great Casterton. Furthermore, the site is next to existing bus stops on Old Great North Road, providing immediate access to public transport.
Active travel routes
Active travel enhancements and improvements
The site proposals include several measures to improve and expand active travel routes:
- Public Right of Way (PROW) and paths:
The existing Public Right of Way (bridleway) and informal permissive paths will be improved and have routes adjusted as required by the plans. - New signalised crossing:
A new signalised crossing will be built into the development’s access point. This will also enhance access to the existing active travel routes that pass through the site. - Local cycling and walking improvement plan (LCWIP) contributions:
The development will provide financial contributions toward Rutland County Council’s (RCC) LCWIP. These contributions will support proposed active travel improvements along Old Great North Road, including:- Signalising the junction with cycle early starts at Ryhall Road.
- We’re proposing a parallel crossing at Tolethorpe, with a short section of shared path on the opposite side. Alternatively, we’re considering a gateway feature to support a ‘Traffic in Village’ approach – a way of encouraging slower, more considerate driving by making it clear that vehicles are entering a residential area.
- Signalising the junction with a controlled crossing on all arms at Sidney Farm Lane.
- Wider local enhancements: Additional pedestrian and cycling enhancements are anticipated in the vicinity of the site and Stamford as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s (LCC) Stamford Transport Strategy.
Public transport provisions
Improvements for bus services
The proposals include specific improvements for bus services:
- New/improved bus stop:
Arrangements will be made for a new or improved bus stop on the southern side of the road as part of the new access. Currently, there is no marked stop at this location.
Traffic assessment
Future development
A comprehensive traffic study will be conducted as part of the planning process:
- Transport assessment (TA):
The TA will include an assessment of development generated traffic on the local highway network. This includes evaluating traffic travelling in the direction of the A1. - Accounting for other schemes:
The assessment will also consider the impact of potential nearby schemes, including the Exeter Fields Site. - Independence from planned infrastructure:
A key point is that the development will not rely on any planned infrastructure associated with any other planned local development schemes.
