Landscape Led Design & Connectivity
Landscape-led Design
A walkover and Landscape and Visual Appraisal have been carried out on the site and in the surrounding area to establish key constraints and opportunities to inform the Masterplan.
The Masterplan has evolved to ensure the proposed built form is well integrated into the receiving landscape context. Key views, particularly those from the internal Public Right of Way (PRoW) looking north, have been retained, whilst existing boundary hedgerows are being reinforced and supplemented with additional tree planting to enhance habitat connectivity.
Built form has been designed to be set-back from the northern edge. This has created an area of public space, preserving a visual connection with the landscape to the north and providing a local area for play. Public access has been maintained through the incorporation of the existing PRoW into the scheme, with vehicular access positioned away from both the PRoW and the adjacent Conservation Area to protect its quieter, rural character.
Landscape proposals have been designed in with consideration to potential biodiversity enhancements and public open space opportunities, to ensure a high-quality development which is policy compliant with regards to both public open space and Biodiversity Net-Gain.
Site Access and Connectivity
Vehicular access to the site will be achieved via Mill Street, in the form of a priority T-junction. The access has been designed to accommodate all necessary vehicle types and will include measures to support safe and convenient movements for pedestrians and cyclists.
The access will incorporate provision for active travel and footways will connect into the existing pedestrian infrastructure on Mill Street. The design and location of the access, including any associated off-site works, will be confirmed through the Outline planning application.
A further pedestrian access will be provided via the existing public footpath that enters the site at its northern boundary.
The access arrangements will ensure connectivity between the site and existing sustainable transport networks, including existing footway provision within the town and neighbouring Public Rights of Way (PRoW). This will maximise the opportunities for use of sustainable modes of transport for travel to the range of facilities and services within the wider village, all of which are within walking distance, and to neighbouring bus stops that provide access to services to Leamington Spa and Southam.
Details of the internal road layout and parking provision will be developed at the Reserved Matters stage and will be in line with all relevant local and national design standards.