'Pedshed' Principles

In ConnectedCities new development takes place only within 1 km radius of a railway station, which gives a maximum walking distance of 1200 metres or 12-15 minutes.

These walkable areas are called pedsheds.

15 Minute Neighoburhoods are laid out according to 9 'pedshed' principles which apply to all. Their effect is seen most clearly in new green towns created from greenfield sites. But where the pedshed was already developed they are retrofitted into the existing urban fabric.


Any motorway or main road passing through the pedshed is separated from the development by noise-screening earth barriers which are part of the green infrastructure network. The nearest junctions lie outside the pedshed.


existing features

As well as a railway line, there will always be pre-existing buildings, rivers, woods, etc. The important ones are protected and enhanced.

Pedshed centre

The core is a pedestrian area which is the focus of public transport, retail, educational, health, community and commercial facilities. In a new green town this is the town centre; in a hub or sister town it’s a district centre.

green areas

Greenery and water are integral with the built environment. A green infrastructure network permeates the pedshed, with green corridors between the villages converging on a central park and meeting place.

protected walkways

All areas have covered or protected routes for pedestrians and small traffic (bicycles, electric scooters, etc) which are the easiest and quickest routes to the center. 

high density mixed use

The inner area is mixed use, high density and pedestrian priority, with limited vehicle access, as in the traditional centre of York or Canterbury.

Vehicle routes

Traffic does not pass through the centre, but uses other bridges over or under the railway on a circular route on which a PRT/bus service links the villages to each other and the pedshed centre. In family housing areas vehicles use pedestrian-friendly roads without extraneous traffic.

employment 

The areas either side of the rail line are employment uses. Warehousing and manufacturing may have sidings with direct rail access.

family housing 

Family housing is medium density, low rise in pedestrian priority villages with protected walkways, greens and play areas.

high streets and community

There are higher density developments on the bus/PRT route with flats, mixed-use houses and community uses. Spiritual nourishment, meeting places and community cohesion are integral to the life of the community and embrace both green and urban areas.