Hill of Ardbeck

Proposed Development

The proposed development, as outlined in our Local Development Plan bid, was somewhat vague in terms of design and numbers of houses, but identified the primary principles of developing housing in the dip on the centre of the site, with retention and management of woodland areas, along with improvements to the remainder of the site to create a public parkland area, with paths and play areas. This is aimed to providide a useable amenity area for a range of agegroups, offering facilities for play for children, along with paths for walkers and dog walkers, making the most of fantastic panoramic views from the high parts of the site.

The plan includes 60 houses, ranging from two to 4 bedrooms, in a mix of terraced units, semi-detached and detched houses. 25% of the development will be affordable housing.

Please click the image on the left to download a pdf version of the drawing, which offers greater detail.

Even at this scale, however, it is clear to see the small proportion of the site that is proposed for development, as opposed to the large areas of retained woodland and public open space. Comparing this proposal with the existing rough ground, suitable only for the most athletic of walkers, clearly shows a marked improvement in provision of useable public open space. Indeed, in terms of biodiversity and wildlife habitats, the proposals will create an improvement over the existing situation. A detailed ecological appraisal of the site has been carried out in this regard.

It is important to ensure that the delivery of the proposed development secures the community benefits as well as the housing, and as such a considerable level of detail has been prepared with regard to the landscaping proposals, along with the two play areas identified on the plan. The equipment for the play areas has been chosen carefully to provide for a range of agegroups, and be of a high quality. It is a common criticism that developers offer a play area and the site ends up with a nodding duck and a swing for example, and contributes little real benefit. In this case, the provision of a public open space area for recreation for all agre groups is central to the development, and we are therefore seeking to make it clear from the outset the kind of quality we are proposing.

There are two seperate play areas identified, shown on the plans below. Please click the images to see a detailed version of the plans. Area 1 is shown on the left, and area 2 on the right. In principle, area 1 would be more appropraite for slightly younger children than area 2, and seperating them in this way will ideally give rise to a more comfortable and safer environment for both age groups.

 

 

In terms of equipment, the posters below show what is proposed. Again, please click on the images to see a larger, more detailed plan.

 

 

We believe that this level of detail and commitment to providing a high quality area of public open space is appropriate for the site. Should you consider there to be scope for anything different, please do not hesitate to contact us to let us know your thoughts. This is a two way process, and we are entirely committed to listening to feedback from the community.