In creating our emerging proposals for the sites, we have considered the following as Key Design Principles, which run through both schemes:
Richborough have conducted a thorough appraisal of the existing conditions of the local transport network, and the impacts a development such as this could create. Ellistown is considered a sustainable location for new homes, reflected in the emerging allocation status of both sites, and benefits from good levels of walking, cycling and public transport provision.
Access to both sites is proposed from Midland Road via new priority-controlled T-junctions designed in accordance with the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide. For all accesses, appropriate footways will be provided as well as the new recreational routes which will be incorporated through the proposed schemes.
The planning applications will be accompanied by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment which will, amongst other things, consider the impacts of the proposals upon the operation of off-site junctions cumulatively with other recently completed developments. This will help to understand whether improvements are needed to the local highway network to address impacts of the proposed developments.
Both sites are located outside of areas at risk of flooding from rivers and sea and within Flood Zone 1. The proposals would include attenuation basins, the purpose of which would be to hold surface water run-off from the development proposals and discharge it at greenfield rates. This means that the amount of water running off from both sites would be no more than the current rates, as an undeveloped field. This will ensure that flood risk is not increased elsewhere as part of the proposed development.
Both sites have been assessed in respect of heritage and archaeology. In respect of built heritage, there are no designated heritage assets within either site and there are no Scheduled Monuments assessed as sensitive to the proposed development outside of either site.
With regards to archaeology, geophysical surveys have been undertaken with limited anomalies identified. Further discussions with Leicester County Council’s Archaeology Officers will be undertaken following submission of the planning applications to ensure any further investigation requested is completed.
Richborough has undertaken a variety of surveys on the Site to establish its baseline ecology value and in order to shape the proposals. The main features of ecology interest on-site are existing field hedges and trees given the farmed nature of both sites.
The masterplanning exercise has been informed by the principle of retaining existing trees and hedgerows wherever possible. Only a limited amount of hedgerow loss will occur to allow for internal access and substantial new tree and other planting will occur throughout both sites.
As part of the ecology work detailed surveys have been carried out as part of formulating the development proposals and will be submitted alongside the planning application. The development will also include mitigation and enhancement measures to provide a benefit to those species which may be found locally, which will include bat and bird nesting boxes, hedgehog houses, and wildflower planting. As a result of these measures, and the extensive diverse planting across the site, the development will deliver at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. This will ensure a significant improvement in the biodiversity over and above its existing condition.