WHAT ISSUES HAVE WE CONSIDERED?

Site context

The site is approximately 2.7 hectares in size and located on the western edge of Willersey. The northern boundary borders an agricultural field which is landscaped as an orchard. To the north west corner is a collection of industrial buildings, land used for outdoor storage of vehicles and agricultural buildings.

The site comprises species-poor, improved agricultural grassland. Boundaries are generally fences separating existing development or are open with scattered trees. Hedgerow borders the northern and north-eastern boundaries. The proposed development retains and protects all boundary hedgerow and mature trees.

The site is well connected to the local amenities of Willersey either via the public right of way which continues to the east into the village, navigating the adjacent residential estate and pedestrian footways, or via the Broadway Road to the south, which has a pavement along its northern side.

A public right of way runs from the north-western corner, along the northern and eastern boundaries, and off to the east onto Collin Close. It is proposed that this public right of way is rediverted through the site and improved as a result, with natural surveillance and enhanced walking surfaces.

The site is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) but is well enclosed and well-related to existing houses of Willersey, so is considered it would have minimal impact on the National Landscape.

The site is bounded to the east and south by homes. The site will be accessed through the residential development to the south (Folly View).

Design principles

Our key design principles are to:

• Create an attractive and sensitive development that respects the Cotswolds National Landscape and the amenity of neighbouring homes, whilst making efficient use of the land at an appropriate density.
• Retain the established green infrastructure, including a veteran tree in the north west corner of the site, ensuring that it remains as an important feature and backdrop for the site.
• Use materials and features to reflect the character of the area.
• Create a new public open space, accessible for all, which includes a play area, for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors to the site.
• Provide active frontages and natural surveillance over the public realm and pedestrian routes, including the rediverted public right of way.
• Deliver a mix of open market and affordable housing (with the exact mix to be determined)

The simple site layout has been designed to make efficient use of the land whilst retaining and respecting the key features of the site, including the boundary features and the adjoining development.

The homes have been carefully arranged to respond to vistas into and through the site, as well as providing views out over the proposed public open space. The green infrastructure includes new landscaping, an area for children’s play, an attenuation pond and a footpath connecting homes with the green space and site entrance.

Proposed site plan - click to enlarge

Landscape and open space

The proposals include a new orchard in proximity to the existing veteran tree in the north west corner of the site, and this space will remain as natural as possible using a mix of wildflower and taller grass.

The existing mature trees and hedgerows around the perimeter of the site (with the exception of one tree) will be retained and reinforced where necessary, providing a robust green backdrop for the proposed new homes.

A significant landscape buffer is proposed along the eastern and southern boundaries to protect the privacy and amenity of the existing homes, meaning that the proposed new homes will have little or no impact on the living conditions or amenities of neighbouring properties.

New tree and shrub planting have been incorporated throughout the proposed design to create an attractive residential setting and to ensure they can be properly managed and maintained.

The public open space area will contribute to the social element and integration of the new and existing communities. The open space also accommodates sustainable urban drainage in the form of a water attenuation pond, providing further interest and variety.

Ecology

The proposals include the retention and enhancement of existing boundary trees (bar one tree, which is proposed for removal to enable access) and hedgerows that will provide valuable commuting and foraging habitats. The proposed attenuation pond will also provide ecological benefits.

Drainage

Sustainable urban drainage is proposed in the way of a water attenuation pond in the north western part of the site. Further drainage measures will be incorporated as the design of the scheme progresses.