Landscape and Visual Impact 

• Existing trees, hedgerows and boundary vegetation will be kept where possible and new trees, shrubs and rich planting will be added to keep the area’s wooded feel and improve wildlife connections

• The northern edge of the site will include the existing vegetation, new landscaping and a shallow grassed drainage basin, creating a green, multifunctional edge to the development

• The basin, which has been moved from the north east corner, is intended as a predominantly dry landscape feature. The gentle slope means the area can be used as informal open space when it’s dry, while still working as a drainage feature when needed (see below plan)

• Terraces, structured planting and community food-growing beds will create a distinct garden setting around Devonport House, contrasting with the naturalistic landscape character towards the eastern edge of the site (see below plan)

• The main communal open space is along the western edge, combining informal recreation, children’s and youth play, community orchard and food-growing opportunities, seating and pedestrian routes within the existing mature trees (see below plan)

• The detailed arrangement of play, paths and landscape features will be developed through Reserved Matters Application Stage

Pedestrian and Vehicle Access 

• It is proposed to widen the existing narrow access within the boundaries of the site to provide a wider access for pedestrians and vehicles 

• This in turn will provide space for two cars to pass with care, while providing a pseudo footway (i.e. footway level with the carriageway in contrasting surface colour), so that pedestrians and cyclists may use a greater width when the access road is quiet. When there is traffic present, there is then a clear area for drivers and non-drivers

• Queen Charlotte Lane is a local example of how this pseudo footway could work

• The change of use from a large office, with over 180 parking spaces, to a residential development will also result in fewer vehicle trips to and from the site. This will improve use of the access road for pedestrians and cyclists

• The site already has a secondary pedestrian access which provides access to local footpaths towards the town centre and recreational routes

• There’s an opportunity for a future connection to the proposed active-travel route along the A4, subject to further design considerations and approvals

• The developer is prepared to make a financial contribution to improve the existing bus stops closest to the site on Durley Hill and will work closely with the Local Planning Authority  and highways department to improve road safety