The Village

Key Principles

  • Delivering public transport upfront

Details

Following Section 106 negotiations, Linden Homes agreed to the early delivery of public transport by buying and running a bus service for five years to encourage the reduction of car usage across the new development at the Village in Caterham.

The bus service was set up after 50 homes were constructed. The route provided a link between the development, the station and the town centre.

The service was purchased by Linden Homes for £490,000 (the cost after revenue was taken into account) and the sides of the bus were used to promote Linden Homes and the barracks site. During the first week the service provided approximately 500 individual trips daily. ‘Running buses on the hour and on the half hour made the running times more memorable’.

Contributions towards the running of the bus were included in the village’s management fees and to encourage the use of the facility residents, visitors and businesses were provided with travel vouchers. These fees applied to all residents regardless of whether they used the services and contributions were tied to the covenants of properties and the release of the freehold on the sale of individual properties.

The Linden Homes funding ended in September 2005. However, due to the strong demand for the service, the shortfall has been picked up by the County Council.

Other Information

  • Location: Caterham - on - the - Hill
  • Project Team: Developer: Linden Homes South East Masterplanner: John Thompson and Partners Architect: John Thompson and Partners
  • Contact: www.metrobus.co.uk

Case Study Images

Mixed use buildings at The Village.The bus connects The Village with the station and town centreLandscaping makes good use of existing feature.Historic buildings have been adapted to provide new homes at The Village.Children play facilities are well integrated into The Village.
Mixed use buildings at The Village.

Mixed use buildings at The Village.