Proposals

Reserved Matters Planning Application - Autumn 2017

The principle of residential development at the site was established by the granting of outline planning permission earlier this year. Detailed plans for the new homes now need to be agreed via what is known as a ‘reserved matters’ planning application. This will seek to agree details, such as the layout of the scheme, building designs, construction materials and landscaping. 

Pennyfarthing Homes’ is now progressing detailed proposals for a first phase of 43 homes, public open space, access and landscaping north of Edmondsham Road.

Pennyfarthing Homes has drafted proposals for the first phase of development, which is located on land to the north of Edmondsham Road. The plans comprise:

• A mix of 43 homes, ranging from 1 to 4 bedroom properties, including bungalows;
• 11 affordable rented homes and 4 shared ownership homes (35% affordable provision);
• 124 car parking spaces across the development, including 12 visitor spaces;
• Traditional, high-quality designs and materials;
• A majority of the proposed buildings are 2 storeys in height, however, a number of bungalows are also planned, as well as a 2.5 to 3 storey apartment building within the centre of the site; 
• Public open space and a Local Area for Play (LAP);
• Vehicular access from Edmondsham Road and footpath/cyclepath connections to existing rights of way; and
• The retention of existing mature trees and hedgerow, with comprehensive new planting also proposed across the development.

The design and layout respects the design parameters and principles established under the outline planning consent for the site. 

 

Wider Site Proposals 

Pennyfarthing Homes’ proposals for the wider site include: 

• Up to 230 new homes, including 80 affordable homes;
• A variety of accommodation, ranging from 1 and 2 bedroom flats, up to 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses, which will help to create a balanced community;
• Main vehicular access to the site via Edmondsham Road in accordance with allocation policy;
• Substantial provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) for recreational uses at the northern and southern ends of the site, incorporating a new circular walk, footpath links and varied habitats (wildflower meadows, wetland, woodland);
• New crossing point at Edmondsham Road to ensure connectivity between the northern and southern SANG areas;
• Provision of public open space and green corridors which make use of the existing mature trees and hedgerows on-site;
• Refurbishment and extension of the existing children’s play space at Eastworth Road, including an informal recreation area; and
• New tree and shrub planting across the site.

Open space and landscaping

A Landscape Masterplan has been prepared iteratively over several months alongside the Development Masterplan. The Landscape Masterplan has retained several of the key features of the site, in particular the mature trees and hedgerows.

It has also taken an opportunity to create high quality and well integrated formal and informal open space areas, including significant areas of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). The landscape design aims not only to integrate within the development but to the wider, existing residential area, providing recreational opportunities to new and existing residents. The development delivers a SANG strategy which has now been agreed with Natural England. The strategy has been integrated into the overall development masterplan.

Two areas of SANG are proposed, one north and one south, in order to maximise the accessibility to new and existing residents.

 

Design approach

Appearance

The design approach creates a neighbourhood with a locally distinctive architectural character that draws on the vernacular of some of the more traditional buildings within Verwood and the surrounding villages. The buildings of Eastworth Farm opposite the site are of particularly high architectural quality and elements from these and other buildings in the surrounding area will be used to help influence the architectural style of the development.

The proposed scheme aims to create a village character with a series of small village greens and tree-lined streets along the primary street. To the north, adjacent to Edmondsham Road, a farmyard style development reflects the rural character of Eastworth Farm opposite and the rural approach to Verwood along Edmondsham Road.

Materials

The palette of materials will be fully determined as part of a future reserved matters planning application, but is proposed to include the use of render and brick walls, and tile and slate roofs.

Housing Mix

The proposed housing mix includes a variety of accommodation, ranging from 1 and 2 bedroom flats, up to 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses which will help to create a balanced community.

Scale

The development will be predominantly 2 storeys in scale. Taller buildings, including some 3 storey flats and houses with attic rooms, will be arranged centrally within the site.

Secured by Design

Buildings are generally arranged to provide overlooking of streets, green spaces and public routes to provide natural surveillance and security.