PROJECT SWIFT FARM PARK, ABINGDON

PROJECT

We were instructed to support the development of a Farm Park, Nature and Outdoor Activity Centre, known as Project Swift Farm Park. The site will provide a Farm Park, Nature and Outdoor Activity Centre, with ancillary facilities.

The proposals will concentrate on rural education whilst promoting a healthy lifestyle and will include educational and entertaining elements, combining learning with adventure and fun. The intention is to provide a mix of indoor and outdoor activities which will provide visitors with the opportunity to learn through interactive activities and play.

APPROACH

To support the planning application a Transport Assessment was prepared which had to consider both the phased build out of the attractions within the park along with the resulting increase in dwell time of visitors as more activities are provided. The effect of peak day visitor numbers also had to be taken into consideration given specific constraints on the local highway network.

To ensure the site access arrangements are suitable for the gradual increase in the number of visitors a phased approach was agreed, which would provide sufficient capacity to accommodate the build out and use of the park.

Discussions with Oxfordshire County Council also enabled the provision of land to facilitate an new off-road cycle route between Abingdon and Culham Science Park .

OUTCOME

Planning application was submitted June 2020.