Technical Details
The proposed development has been informed by various supporting technical information.
Highways
Vehicular access to the Site is to be provided via the B4084.
The road hierarchy within the Site will be designed to provide a legible and permeable framework for development as well as manage traffic speeds of 15-20mph via traffic calming measures.
Sustainable travel will be prioritised, with walking and cycling encouraged via attractive active travel corridor links throughout the Site, the wider Abbotswood Ridge neighbourhood, and adjoining neighbourhoods. The site will also facilitate direct links to Worcestershire Parkway Station and the new town centre. This will be provided via a dedicated traffic free high-quality sustainable travel corridor; which will provide suitable pedestrian / cycle route provision.
Public transport will also be accessible with bus stops provided along the B4084, with significant strategic infrastructure improvements to be delivered by the Council. A bus priority route will be taken through the Site to link with the wider neighbourhood and Wychavon Town.
Flood Risk and Drainage
The Site is located within Flood Zone 1, which is deemed to have less than 1 in 100 years annual probability of river or sea flooding in any year.
Whilst the north western corner of the site has a high probability of surface water flooding, this will form part of the Site's wider green and blue infrastructure strategy, incorporating sustainable urban drainage features, landscaping and areas of open space. This will also offer additional recreational and ecological value to the Site.
Landscape and Visual Appraisal
A Landscape and Visual Appraisal has informed the proposals for the Site having regard to the delivery of the wider Wychavon Town allocation. Mature hedgerows and trees at the Site boundaries are to be retained and further enhanced as part of the development, ensuring the backdrop of a mature tree‐scape is strengthened.
The development will deliver 40% Green Infrastructure, comprising of a significant area of public open space, including both formal and informal area.
A Green Corridor will be provided through the site with pedestrian and cycle links connecting with the adjoining neighbourhoods, as well as the railway station and new town centre to the north. Thnis will provide access to excellent recreational opportunities for residents, as well as clear health and well being benefits.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Ecological Surveys
The Site is dominated largely by arable land, with a smaller grassland, ruderal and scrub field to the west of the Site, separated by a mature hedgerow and narrow watercourse. Whilst habitats on-site are generally of low ecological value, existing mature hedgerows and trees present important habitats on-site.
The Site is located near to several designated sites, including Cooksholme Meadows SSSI to the southwest of the Site, beyond the railway line. The proposed drainage strategy in particular has been carefully designed to ensure that development of the Site does not impact on habitats within Cooksholme Meadows SSSI, whilst also creating wet habitats of enhanced ecological value within the Site.
A number of protected species survey work has been completed in support of the proposals. These comprise bat activity surveys, as well as reptile and great crested newt surveys.
The development proposals have been designed sensitively to avoid impacts on important ecological features, with proposed residential development located in areas of lower ecological value.
Green buffers will be provided at the parameters of the Site as part of a carefully considered landscape strategy, framing the Site and providing corridors for wildlife, including suitable dispersal habitats for bats. Greenspace will also provide habitat enhancements and valuable habitat creation, including ponds, wildflower meadow and mixed scrub, as well as additional hedgerow and tree planting, replacing low value arable land.
Air Quality
An Air Quality Assessment will support the planning application, ensuring a high quality residential environment for both existing and future residents. Consideration has also been given to the protection of ecological habitats in close proximity to the Site. Acceptable air quality levels at both the construction and operational phases of the development will be achieved, where necessary, via appropriate mitigation measures.
Heritage
An Archaeological and Heritage Assessment will accompany the proposals. There are however no designated or non-designated heritage assets which are identified as having the potential to be adversely affected by the site’s development.
Noise
A Noise Impact Assessment will support the proposed development.
Whilst the adjoining road and rail activity will result in potential noise impacts these will be capable of mitigation through on site measures, including the introduction of landscaping and the careful use of built form to shield homes from noise.
The proposed Illustrative Framework Masterplan has been designed with the most sensitive area to noise at the north west proposed as public open space. Vegetation will be retained along the northern boundary of the railway line and the proposed homes set back from the edges of the Site.