Julia Wallace,
Masterplanning
Project Manager introduced the item informing
members that the Design Code is an important tool which will be a
rolling guide for the Otterpool design.
It is a unique opportunity for the Council as the landowner and
planning authority to get it right.
The work around the Design Code
will take place in stages, the first on the strategic code with the
other phases to follow.
Sue Rowlands and Evelyn
Wong, Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design Ltd presented members
with the following:
- what makes
a good Design Code – design quality, co-ordinated
development, streets and site-wide issues. All of which form a tool
for developers and officers.
- examples
of what works and what doesn’t work – Northstowe and Chilmington Green
- key
lessons on what works well within these examples and what can be
taken from them.
The importance of this design
code is that it has clear instructions, clear and concise
information through design, colour and tables and not too
wordy.
Comments related to the design
code were answered by Tibbalds; several
comments noted below related to wider matters associated with the
planning application and will be for the planning committee to
consider.
Members commented on the
following:
- Will the code adapt
to changes along the way in respect of climate change issues,
heating/energy efficiencies and be flexible to make the necessary
changes and not set things in stone at the start.
- Transport links with
the M20
- Railway station on
site.
- Look at other sites
which are already completed for inspiration and ideas ie Kingshill,
Poundbury.
- Net Zero Carbon
– must be made clear from the start. Members noted that the
best sustainable standards should be met following specialist
advice which is being sought. A briefing note will be presented to
members in due course.
- Need to ensure that
the local community needs are met ie
medical, schools, roads and skyline.
- Need to achieve a
sustainable development.
- Bio-diversity –
achieve and encourage as much as possible within the site. Produce
a strategy for how this can be delivered.
- House designs –
good local models, materials and design. Farrells have undertaken a study into local
building designing which will be referred to in the design
code.
Sue Rowlands advised members
that there are 4 steps to develop a Design Code:
- Develop
character
- Develop
rules
- Test the
rules
- Produce the final
Design Code.
Within these 4 steps officers
will look at the topography of the site, characteristics of the
site, heritage features, transport links, flora and fauna, housing
and what is the public face of Otterpool.
Officers must look closely at
the transport links already there and how they will become part of
the development, particularly in respect of the A20 which is
already heavily used. Creating a network of streets, not only for
cars but cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Additional comments made by
members as follows:
- Community engagement
– must continue throughout the process
- Wetlands – as
above must provide this
- Railway station
– a positive to the site
- Ancient
woodland/Roman villa – keep sight of heritage already
there
- Infrastructure/digital infrastructure/housing waiting
lists
- Employment land
within the site – this will be covered through each stage of
the design
- Attractive
environment to live and work in
- Energy Strategy
– identified ground source heat pumps important for
Otterpool Park
The next steps:
- Finalise the Design
Code structure.
- Tibbalds to produce a draft Code
for members and officers to discuss through a number of workshops.
(September)
- Update the draft Code
in consultation with officers which will then form the final
strategic design and phase 1 detailed code. (End of the
year)