About The Project

The project team including our internal and external consultants of architects, engineers, ecologists and engineers have spent the previous 8 months undertaking surveys and assessing the site’s characteristics to inform the draft 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 varied house types surrounded by public open space and enhanced habitats. Our sustainable ethos has also informed these proposals.

The Location (1 more Image)

Context Plan

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 will be accessed by a new priority junction from the A4 which with the required standard of visibility in both directions. Car parking on site will be provided in accordance with the Council’s standards, which will also make provision for visitor parking.

Site Assessment

What constraints and opportunities does the site have which have informed our proposals?

Topography

Gentle gradient, with a steady decline northwards away from A4.
Key local views running from south to north through the site.
Entrance of site in Pickwick Conservation Area

Drainage

The scheme will utilise Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) features wherever possible.
Permeable paving to private driveways will be introduced to assist with reducing surface water run off.
A rain garden will also feature at the entrance to the site to capture and clean surface water.
Surface water attenuation and storage will be in the form of a landscaped pond with below ground crates.
After the surface water has been attenuated on site, it will be released into the main surface water system at a rate agreed with the local authority and the adopting drainage authority.
These Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) features will create a sympathetic environment to live in and provide a suitable drainage solution for the site.
Existing on site drainage will be utilised for the disposal of foul drainage.

Ecology

The proposals will retain the existing trees including the mature trees such as ....
Existing hedgerows are to be retained and additional native hedge planted.
There is evidence of horseshoe and other bats as well, and further wildlife movement around the site perimeter. These shall be protected with dark bat corridors.
Opportunity for biodiversity support and habitat enhancement through the introduction of a variety of native shrubs and trees.

Movement

An improved vehicular access point from the A4 link road to be provided.
All parking provided on site.

Utilities

A new electric substation will be provided to the north east of the site.
Overhead power cables to be grounded and diverted.
No gas shall be used on site.

Access and Movement (Image?)

Pedestrian Routes

Road Layout

The proposals will seek to provide;

Clear street hierarchy within the site, prioritising pedestrians on shared surface lanes that extend from the principal street.
On-site parking for all residents, compliant with adoptable standards.
EV charging for all parking spaces.

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:

Integrated design of landscape and drainage plan to protect existing habitats and enhance biodiversity.
5m landscape buffer around the site perimeter to provide a wildlife-friendly corridor.
Sustainable drainage systems.
Drainage plan will reduce the site’s existing water run-off rate, even accounting for 100-year storm and climate change.
Bird and bat boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog highways will be provided throughout the development.
Variety of flowers, grasses, native shrubs and trees planted throughout:
Green verge with street trees will enhance the entrance.
Informal central green with cluster tree planting.
The scheme will utilise Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) features wherever possible.
Permeable paving to private driveways will be introduced to assist with reducing surface water run off.
A rain garden will also feature at the entrance to the site to capture and clean surface water.
Surface water attenuation and storage will be in the form of a landscaped pond with below ground crates.
After the surface water has been attenuated on site, it will be released into the main surface water system at a rate agreed with the local authority and the adopting drainage authority.
These Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) features will create a sympathetic environment to live in and provide a suitable drainage solution for the site.
Existing on site drainage will be utilised for the disposal of foul drainage.

Design & Materials

The materials have been carefully chosen using reconstituted stone and low maintenance cladding of tones and textures sympathetic to the surroundings.
Fabric-first approach to deliver Future Homes Standard with enhanced insulation and triple glazing.
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.
Ecology corridors provided with light levels kept below 0.5 LUX.

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 that will meet local needs whilst also making a modest contribution to the Council’s housing land supply deficit. The proposal will protect the amenity and privacy of existing neighbouring dwellings, and will enhance local biodiversity and will offer 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 September 1st

We will review all comments as we finalise our designs ahead of submitting a detailed planning application to Wiltshire Council.

Alternatively, email us with your thoughts / comments - eaststokeconsultation@acornpg.org

Link to Feedback Form