History of site

This site was predominantly used agricultural land situated on the urban fringe of Bishops Cleeve.  It comprised of several medium scale agricultural fields associated with Dean Farm and was previously managed as a grazing pasture. The site was promoted through the planning process and identified as a suitable location to meet local housing need.

The project

The site had the benefit of Outline Planning Permission when The Noble Consultancy were engaged and instructed to prepare and submit a Reserved Matters planning application. The first stage was for feasibility sketches to be prepared by the design team for the first 160 houses in this development.

The design process

Using the client’s house type range, hand-drawn feasibility sketches were prepared which followed the Parameter Plans approved at outline stage.  These sketches were aligned to the principles of each character area as set out within the Design Principles document.

Particular consideration was given to how buildings responded to character areas and street hierarchy and the placement of key focal buildings played a central role in the preparation of detailed layout and elevational proposals.

Generally, a landscape-led approach was taken with the layout, with a particular emphasis on the green infrastructure framework. The site’s existing framework of hedgerows and public rights of way formed the basis for a network of green corridors which accommodate pedestrian and cycle routes, link up the pockets of green open space within the development.

A fabric-first approach was applied to building design which focused on maximising the performance of the building materials and reduce carbon emissions.  Secondly, a conscious effort was made in regard to building orientated to maximise benefit from passive solar gain with the addition of solar panels provided on all dwellings.

Project challenges

This project proved to be very straightforward including a very positively received Planning Application which was approved within the permitted timelines.

Conclusion

The designs were unique with respect to the individual house type elevation designs derived from the client’s house types. In addition, the site layout design demonstrated how the open spaces could be integrated into the built form to give the appearance of a less dense layout.