The delivery of a successful village extension in Essex

We secured planning permission for 150 dwellings in Lawford, in Tendring District, Essex, back in 2013.

This scheme is now nearing completion, images can be viewed here. This project is a great example of collaborative planning and the benefits such an approach can achieve.

A Design-led Approach

The site has a unique context, being located at the edge of an existing village and in close proximity to the boundary of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a number of high-quality historic buildings. The existing settlement edge also suffered from poor boundary treatment. As such, the proposed scheme required a well-considered and appropriate design strategy to ensure integration into the existing settlement and local context and improve the setting of the village. This was achieved by establishing different character areas within the clearly defined development framework, to reflect the context of that part of the site for example, the site fringes were characterised by spacious lower density, with interspersed grassland and landscaping.

The Importance of Public Consultation

The public and key local stakeholders were actively involved in the planning process from an early stage in the planning process. Community engagement involved community stakeholder meetings, group discussions, ‘open house’ events and collaborative workshop sessions with the Parish and District Council. This approach shaped the emerging proposals and importantly identified the local community benefits that could be delivered in conjunction with the residential element, which included:

• The increase in size of the adjacent school playing field to give the school an ‘on site’ compliant size playing field for the benefit of all the pupils.

• The ‘levelling up’ of the existing adjacent High School playing field, providing resurfaced grass pitches to significantly improve the school’s sports facilities.

• The provision of a Multi User Games Area for all weather use for use by both school, and the community outside of school hours.

• A dedicated coach park for the school, to allow a safe and convenient drop-off and pick-up of school pupils, which would reduce congestion and disturbance in the local area.

• A significant area of open space, a fully equipped play area and natural areas to increase biodiversity.

• A new network of footpaths and cycleways to connect existing and new residents to the local train station and key services.

• The delivery of affordable housing specifically for young local people.

In this case, effective community engagement established what was needed at the local level and what could reasonably be delivered by development.  The outcome is a successful extension to this settlement that has greatly enhanced the setting of the area, and integrated successfully with the existing built-up area and the existing community.

A Unique Affordable Housing Concept

A key element of this project was the manner in which the affordable housing was delivered. The public consultation established that the priority for this settlement was the provision of good quality housing available for ‘young local people’ with a connection to the village, at affordable rents. A housing trust was formed to provide the houses for rent under a ‘local lettings plan’. The trust is being run by members of Tendring District Council, the Parish Council and local people in collaboration with each other.

Masterplanning

Masterplanning is an integral part of the planning process. It is not just about site layout but is about successful place-making where movement, use of space, social interaction and functionality combine, with minimal environmental impact to create a sustainable living place. ADP is passionate about designing high-quality places through a holistic architectural, design and planning approach. Some of our core services include:

• Masterplans and Development Frameworks

• Detailed Site layouts

• Design Codes and Guides

• Design and Access Statements

• Public Realm Strategies

If your project requires architectural or planning support input then please don’t hesitate to contact our team via mail@adpltd.co.uk.

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