The main outer road ‘gateways’ are on the A386. Approaching from the north, the traveller gains an immediate and positive impression with Kelly College on the right and Riverside Court on the left; this impression is reinforced by successive buildings along the road into the town centre. On the southern approach, the urban edge is not so well defined and many of the buildings and commercial signs are far from distinctive. In the longer term, the use of planning conditions here may be able to restore a better sense of ‘gateway’ but, meanwhile, there are many young trees which provide valuable screening.

There are inner ‘gateways’ at Fitzford roundabout and Abbey Bridge. Both places are highly distinctive and the new housing being built by Abbey Bridge has been designed with this in mind.

For bus travellers, the architecture and setting of the bus station are very fitting and provide a good sense of ‘arrival’ in the town.