Outline housing development secured at appeal

A Design Rationale Document was created.  This is read as an extension of the Design and Access Statement, which formed part of the original Planning Application. The design document set out clearly how the proposal would add to the character, quality and amenity of the environment.

To demonstrate the viability of the proposal, several key design criteria were further developed and set out in the document:

Response to the Site
Site constraints raised concerns as to how the development would work with the steep gradient of the site, views and adjacent residential properties and building lines.

The proposal includes a maisonette type development to the corner of the site. This would create an attractive ‘entrance’ feature to the site, adding life and interest to this location. Generally house groups would have a slightly staggered footprint. This, along with a stepped roofline, would help to break up the façade line and add texture to the street pattern. Materials will reference the local vernacular of the area.

Landscaping
Landscape concerns addressed included: how the development works with existing retained trees to the rear of the site and links to the Parkland beyond; and how landscaping opportunities to the front of properties create private amenity space as well as creating an attractive street frontage. There is opportunity to include street trees between parking bays, so as to soften he street scene.

The introduction of further planting and an attenuation pond would increase bio-diversity on the site. The overall development would vastly increase the amount of soft landscaping from the current condition.

Parking
The concern here, was how parking could be designed to create a safe yet attractive feature that would allow adequate provision. The proposal locates parking to the front of the properties, so it would be well over-looked and therefore naturally feel secure. Within the body of the site, parking arrangements, landscaping and associated pathways would create a ‘homezone’ type environment, where the needs of all users are considered.