ABOUT OUR PROPOSALS

 

Proposed Development

 

Our Vision is to create:

  • An environmentally led development.
  • A natural extension of development.
  • Well-connected green spaces through provision of new green corridors.
  • Provide a range of open market and affordable homes.
  • Homes that meet local need.

The proposed development has been formulated following a review of the Site opportunities and constraints, the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan Policy, surrounding local context and input from technical consultants. Based on this, OSP Architects have prepared a Site Layout Plan, which shows 224 no. dwellings together with associated open space, landscaping, parking and infrastructure.

Site Opportunities Plan

The Site Layout Plan includes:

  • Access to the north of the Site off Ashford Road in accordance with the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan Policy.
  • Provision of 224 no. dwellings (40% affordable), comprising 1 to 4 bed, in a mix of apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached and detached houses.
  • Two-storey traditional homes reflecting the local area's scale, forms and materials while incorporating modern, energy-efficient technologies resilient to climate change.
  • Retention of boundary vegetation and creation of new landscaping and ecological enhancements within the site, including the buffer to Dickley Wood Ancient Woodland.
  • Provision of public open space in accordance with the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan Policy, this includes allotments, play provision, amenity green space, outdoor sports pitches and semi-natural green space/landscaping within the site.
  • Footpath and cycleway links connecting the eastern edge of the site to Lenham.  
Illustrative Proposed Site Layout Plan

New homes to address an identified local need.

 

  • The proposal will provide a mix of market and affordable homes for first-time buyers and families. A range of property sizes will help meet local housing needs and create a mixed, balanced community.
  • The proposals include one to five-bedroom apartments and houses, with 40% provided as affordable in line with local planning policy.
Illustrative Proposed Street Scene

Access

 

  • The main access is proposed via a priority T-junction onto the A20 Ashford Road to the north of the Site. Pedestrian access will be achieved via footways provided as part of the vehicular site access, connecting to a proposed pedestrian crossing facility incorporating a central refuge island on the A20. This will facilitate safe pedestrian movement across the A20 and provide onward access to the existing footway network to the north, serving local facilities and destinations to the west of the Site.
  • Access to the south of the development will be via the infrastructure improvements already delivered through Phase 1 of the development.
  • The new access point has been designed by our appointed transport consultants to modern safety, capacity, and visibility standards.
  • Off the main road, at the entrance to the development, the proposed road will split into smaller streets and private driveways to give the Site a more open, village-like feel. The proposed layout is designed so vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians can move easily around the Site, with footpaths also providing accessible routes to the public green spaces.
  • Connections will be made, connecting to the existing footpaths to the east of the site in Byrant Way and Phase 1.

 

Drainage

 

  • The proposed drainage scheme for the development has been designed to take account of the existing site conditions, surface water run-off as a result of the development, and necessary allowance for climate change.
  • New drainage features are proposed in the form of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDs) to the south of the development to control surface water runoff from the site.

Landscape and Ecology

 

  • Preserving and enhancing local wildlife is a key consideration when we plan and build new developments.
  • Ecology surveys of the site have been undertaken to inform the proposals. Existing trees and vegetation will be retained, with removal limited primarily to where it is necessary to provide access into the Site.
  • New tree planting will be provided throughout the development, and homes will accommodate features such as bird and bat boxes.
  • The necessary 10% Biodiversity Net Gain will be provided, increasing the ecological value of the site. This will be delivered through the inclusion of new and more varied habitats which can support a wider range of ecology.  
  • The perimeter tree line will be retained to limit visual impact and development will be designed to respect the scale and character of the adjoining village.