About The Project
The project team including our internal and external consultants of architects, engineers, ecologists and engineers have spent the previous 12 months assessing the site’s characteristics to determine the proposals.
We started by assessing the opportunities and constraints and then began to create a built form that sits within the surroundings to finally create a more defined masterplan of differing house types surrounded by public open space and enhanced habitats. Our sustainable ethos has also informed these proposals.
The Location
Context Plan
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The site is in a well-connected location benefiting from a variety of services, facilities and public transport within walking distance. The proposals will seek to introduce a new vehicular access and a separate pedestrian route.
The site can be accessed remotely off the existing link road, the site is self-sufficient having minimal impact on the surroundings and existing residents.
Site Assessment
What constraints and opportunities does the site have which have informed our proposals?
Topography
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Gentle gradient, with a steady decline northwards (towards the A3088) of 1:14.
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Key local views running from south to north through the site.
Drainage
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Opportunity to integrate drainage and landscape plans to offer new wet habitats through swales, reed beds and a basin.
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Improved control of water runoff into the nearby Brook. Proposals will capture water (from roads, hardstanding and roofs), naturally filter it via swales and reed beds, store it in a wet basin and then slowly release it into the Brook once heavy rain subsides. Therefore, creating a betterment to the volume of water flowing down stream.
Ecology
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The site is an existing arable field which has low ecological value due to a number of reasons including; low habitat diversity, frequent disturbance from regular ploughing and harvesting, and limited variance in resident species.
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The proposals will retain the existing trees including the mature trees such as the Oak, Sycamore, Ash and Field Maple.
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Existing hedgerows are to be retained and additional native hedge planted.
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There is evidence of horseshoe and other bats as well as dormice using the site, and further wildlife movement around the site perimeter.
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Opportunity for biodiversity support and habitat enhancement through the introduction of a variety of native shrubs and trees.
Movement
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The farm track to the north is to be retained to provide access to surrounding fields, and separated by new fence and thorny hedge for public safety.
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Existing footpaths to the east and south of the site lead to local amenities.
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A new vehicular access point from the A3088 link road to be provided.
Utilities
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A new electric substation will be provided to the north east of the site.
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Overhead power cables to be grounded and diverted.
Access and Movement
Pedestrian Routes
Road Layout
The proposals will seek to provide;
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Clear street hierarchy within the site, prioritising pedestrians on shared surface lanes that extend from the principal street.
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Main road leading to the site to be reduced to 30mph. Visibility splays (160m), lighting, signage, and road markings used will show and optimise the safety of the new pedestrian crossing point.
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On-site parking for all residents, compliant with adoptable standards.
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EV charging for all parking spaces.
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New footpath to the south will link with the existing footpath and a dedicated pedestrian crossover will connect the site access to the existing footpath to the east leading to local facilities within the town.
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Farm track to be retained with a new hedge border for resident safety.
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A main vehicular access/egress will be created on the eastern boundary with appropriate traffic calming and safety measures. Our Highways consultant will advise on traffic calming speed reduction measures and footpath crossing.
Landscape, Ecology, & Drainage
The proposals will seek to enhance the ecological environment and drainage of the site, as well as views within and through it, with a range of design features:
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No trees are to be removed as part of the proposals.
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Integrated design of landscape and drainage plan to protect existing habitats and enhance biodiversity.
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5m landscape buffer around the site perimeter to provide a wildlife-friendly corridor.
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Provision of 0.24ha (2,400 m2) of informal open space. (There is an opportunity to suggest what facilities you would like in this space in the feedback form).
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Integrated drainage swale and attenuation pond will provide permanent moist habitat .
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Drainage plan will reduce the site’s existing water run-off rate, even accounting for 100-year storm and climate change.
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Farm track to be retained with a new hedge border for habitat enhancement.
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Bird and bat boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog highways will be provided throughout the development.
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Variety of flowers, grasses, native shrubs and trees planted throughout:
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Incidental verge and tree planting to soften the streetscape.
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Green verge with street trees will enhance the entrance.
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Informal central green with cluster tree planting.
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An embankment with trees to the rear of the gardens and pockets of cluster tree planting will filter long range views across the site.
Design & Materials
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The materials have been carefully chosen using brick, reconstituted stone and low maintenance cladding of tones and textures sympathetic to the surroundings.
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Fabric-first approach to deliver Future Homes Standard with enhanced insulation and triple glazing.
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Sustainable technologies including Air Source Heat Pumps for heating and hot water, low energy lighting and appliances, low water usage sanitary ware and solar PV panels.
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Ecology corridors provided with light levels kept below 0.5 LUX.
The Masterplan
In response to our assessment, we are proposing the following.
Please provide your comments on the feedback form found at the bottom of this page
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Circa 60 homes including 35% affordable, of which the majority will be social rented.
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Design-led sustainable homes built to Future Homes Standard (building regulations which aim to make new homes highly energy efficient and zero-carbon ready) including electric charging points and triple glazing.
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A range of 1-4 house and apartments; in a range of tenures and budgets including starter homes.
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0.6 acres (2,400sqm) of public open space to be a combination of wildflower meadow and mown paths.
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Enhanced habitats to exceed ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ requirements.
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Integrated drainage system to improve the site’s flood resilience.
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Density and layout sympathetic to the local surroundings, views and heritage.
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Brick, stone and timber cladding carefully chosen in tones and textures sympathetic to the surroundings.
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Path links to enhance local pedestrian/cyclist safety.
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Commitment of Section 106 developer contributions to support local services, such as doctors, schools and other local facilities .
Summary & Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time to view our proposals.
We hope you agree that this sensitive, sustainable and high-quality design will deliver a much-needed mix of housing for local residents, while enhancing local biodiversity and offering benefits to the local community.
Feedback Form
Your views are important to us. Click on the button below to complete the feedback form
(opens in a separate window).
Please fill out the feedback form by midday Friday 11th April.
We will review all comments as we finalise our designs ahead of submitting a detailed planning application to Somerset Council before Easter.
Alternatively, email us with your thoughts / comments - eaststokeconsultation@acornpg.org