DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

New build works to provide a MANAGEMENT BUILDING at COLEG CAMBRIA NORTHOP CAMPUS Holywell Road, Northop, , CH7 6AA

September 2016

Design Group , Architects Sedan House, Stanley Place, Chester, CH1 2LU 01244 329 356 [email protected] DGC REF:2000/5.1 CONTENTS

1. Project Contact Details 3

2. Introduction 3

3. DAS Overview 3

4. Location Analysis 4

5. Site Context and Movement 6

6. Proposed Massing and Form 7

7. Site Photos 7

8. Design Development 9

9. Character 9

10. Accessibility 10

11. Movement To, From and Within the Development 10

12. Environmental Sustainability 10

13. Safety 11

14. Relation to Planning Policy 12

15. Summary 13

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DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

1. Project Contact Details

Architect

Design Group Chester, Sedan House, Stanley Place, Chester, CH1 2LU 01244 329 356 [email protected]

Client

Coleg Cambria, Kelsterton Road, Connah’s Quay, , Flintshire, CH5 4BR

2. Introduction

Design Group Chester is a firm of architects based in Chester that specialises in education work. The firm has extensive relevant experience, carrying out a number of similar projects for Universities, Colleges and Schools, and has completed two previous phases of new build work on this campus.

The proposed Management building for Coleg Cambria is approx 1400m2 GIA two storey new build to consist of teaching spaces, meeting rooms, reception, central atrium, offices, with associated ancillary spaces, and surrounding landscaping and parking. The site comprises a total area of 0.31Ha, set within the grounds of Northop Campus.

Coleg Cambria currently provides this teaching facility over its many buildings and sites, and this presents issues in terms of staffing, student use and timetabling. Our client has identified the need for a purpose built facility on this site. This will enable the client to address current staffing, student and timetabling needs and provide this important teaching provision.

It also allows a further quality building to be added to the front of the campus; with a similar scale, orientation, layout and materials to the successful recent developments previously carried out within the campus, visible from Holywell Road.

3. DAS Overview

This design and access statement is a live document which sets out the design development process and summarises the proposal in terms of Form, Scale, Access, Layout, Landscaping and Sustainable Drainage Strategy.

Design Group Chester (DGC) architects were appointed by the client to prepare a proposal for a new build Management Building on the Northop campus. The development process included a thorough investigation of the site, access and context.

The site is currently predominantly grass, with an area of block paving in the south portion and bisected by a north-south footpath. It slopes steadily down from north-west to south- east.

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4. Location Analysis

The campus is located on Holywell Road. The Site is positioned 0.6 miles to the north-west of Northop, and 1 mile drive from A55 J33. Northop is a small village with a population of just over 3000 (2011 Census).

Within the village of Northop there are a range of community facilities, including shops, two pubs, a cricket club and a golf club.

There are regular bus services to Chester, Flint, Mold and Wrexham. There are also excellent road links via the A55 and A5119. The location is therefore easily accessible from North and NW England via the M53.

Location Map: Red Boundary

Previously the Welsh College of Horticulture and Northop College, it became part of Coleg Cambria in 2013. Coleg Cambria has invested in the campus, constructing new buildings and increasing the number of students on site.

The proposed development is located at the southern end of the campus adjacent to the main access road as shown in the image above. The land was previously developed, however it has now been cleared and is a combination of cut grass and hardstanding.

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Original College Building

Completed Phase 1

Completed Phase 2

OS Map, Licence Number 100022432

A number of locations were identified and considered as potential sites for the new building, however the location chosen has the following advantages:

 It follows the orientation of the two previous phases of development to this part of the campus and also follows the main pedestrian access path.  It uses previously developed land, of minor ecological significance.  It utilises an existing campus entrance from the main road and allows parking to be easily managed, whilst retaining the existing bus drop-off point and access to the equestrian centre.  The building will provide a ‘landmark building’ as a frontispiece to the campus, yet retaining the screening of the existing hedgerow and trees  It allows the construction of the new accommodation with minimum disruption to the campus. There is space for contractors’ compound and suitable access.  The building can be landscaped to link with existing landscaping and mature trees, whilst providing a link with the existing buildings and entrance.  Views to and from the existing buildings are not adversely affected by the new development.

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5. Site Context and Movement

The proposed location is the natural development of the campus, following on from Phase 1 and Phase 2, along Holywell Road. It has a strong established boundary condition with this main road, due to the bank which slopes down to the road, and the dense hedge planting at street level. The proposed building will therefore be visible from the road, although it is set back in line with the adjacent buildings.

The use of the material palette utilised in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 buildings: of vertical timber cladding, white render, and ‘zinc’ standing seam panel feature work ensure the new building is in keeping with its surroundings.

Good pedestrian links are provided between the proposed building and the existing buildings on site, and the existing pathway through the campus will be extended to the new building.

The limited existing parking available on site means there is a significant requirement for additional parking. The existing access road at the south of the site from Holywell Road is retained and a new car park created within the site area. Both standard and accessible parking spaces will be provided as part of the development.

A paved area adjacent to the new building will provide cycle storage for up to 20 bicycles, and as mentioned elsewhere, cycling will be actively encouraged.

The campus features an extensive selection of trees, and the ecology will be enhanced by the addition of new areas of varied planting as part of the completed development

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6. Proposal Massing and Form

The two storey building is very similar in mass and form to the adjacent buildings on the site, completed in 2010 - 2011. A double height atrium space at the entrance, follows the design and massing of previous phases of work, and this entrance leads to an atrium that runs along the length of the building.

Full height glazing is used extensively to the ground floor, providing views across the landscaped site. The first floor is generally timber clad, following on from the adjacent buildings. The toilet block and secondary stair blocks are rendered, and there are limited areas of rainscreen cladding as external treatment to meeting rooms and social areas. These latter areas also include “picture” windows to frame the noteworthy landscaping to the site and in the distance.

The roofscape features vented rooflights to provide natural ventilation and daylight, throughout the main space. By the use of internal glazed walls and mixed mode ventilation, borrowed daylight and ventilation will be brought to the teaching, office and meeting spaces that form the bulk of the accommodation. The roof will also feature PV cells. These cells will be set back from the roof edge, and will not generally be seen, particularly with the slope to the main road and the use of a nominal parapet wall.

7. Site Photos

Site Aerial Photo

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View across Site looking North

View along South-West (Holywell Road) Boundary of Site

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View South across Site towards Access Road Entrance from Holywell Road

8. Design Development

The building evolved to provide the client with a further ‘landmark building’ at the front of the site, and is part of the works which will enable the campus to grow as one of the foremost land based specialist colleges in the UK.

It is vital that the building should relate to the existing access as well as the layout of the existing buildings. It is also important to provide a new area of parking, as well as providing a community feel. All of which informed the building layout and orientation.

Through considerable consultation, various options were considered for the internal arrangements of the accommodation, as well as the building’s façade appearance.

The design principles are further considered as set out below.

9. Character

The new building is on the site of previously developed land, which is currently closely cut grass and hardcore, and with the addition of the screening provided by the existing planting, continues to safeguard the character of the area.

The layout of the new building is in line with the adjacent buildings and also maintains distance separation from the two recent phases of work along Holywell Road. By positioning the building away from the trees and retained buildings, open spaces and planted areas are provided, complementing the existing landscape and buildings. The continuation of the existing footpath links and maintaining these building lines, promotes a sense of cohesion.

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The new two-storey building is similar in scale and height to the existing two-storey buildings on site. The length of the building is also similar to the adjacent existing buildings, whilst the width allows economical use for teaching spaces served by a central atrium.

The new building also continues the material palette used in nearby buildings, and will provide a further quality building at this prominent end of the campus.

10. Accessibility

The new building will be designed in accordance with the Building Regulations, the Equality Act and the Coleg Cambria access plan for the campus.

The accommodation is on two storeys and a lift will be provided to allow vertical access to both levels. Level access will be provided to the entrance foyer, which features automatic sliding doors. Level egress will also be provided for emergency exit doors. A fire refuge will also be provided in a suitable location within the protected staircase on the first floor.

Disabled toilet facilities will be provided adjacent to the entrance foyer, and also on the first floor.

With regard to parking and access, the building will have new parking as shown on the drawings, including 4no. disabled parking bays near to the new main entrance.

11. Movement To, From and Within the Development

The location of the new building allows the existing main access from Holywell Road to be used. This access point currently serves the Equestrian Centre, coach drop off point and the lower part of the site. Access is also provided from the existing pedestrian path running South to this part of the site. Both will provide direct access to the new building

The pathway around the building allows free access to all sides.

The College operates mini busses picking up staff and students from around the local area. This significantly reduces the environmental impact and congestion within the site and within the village of Northop.

As part of the BREEAM requirements the client will provide an additional bike shelter area, and, together with use of the existing showering and changing facilities, the client will actively seek to encourage cycling as a means of travelling to and from the site.

12. Environmental Sustainability

The client, Coleg Cambria, holds the Green Dragon Environmental Management System Level 5, which is the highest level that can be awarded within the scheme. The Green Dragon scheme is managed by Groundworks Wales, supported by the Welsh Assembly and subjected to external auditing. The college has also won the Wales Business & Sustainability award for the Public Sector.

The College has environmental procedures in place and regards its responsibilities and commitment to a sustainable future as vitally important. Staff are in place to oversee this within each campus.

As part of the funding requirements, the building is to achieve an “Excellent” BREEAM rating (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), under BREEAM

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2014. This seeks to minimise the adverse effects of new buildings on the environment at global and local scales, whilst promoting healthy indoor conditions for the occupants.

As part of the BREEAM accreditation the building will achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions, at a level better than required under current regulations. Low zero carbon technologies will be employed as part of reducing the carbon footprint of the building, and these will include a renewable heating source, and PV (photo-voltaic) cells for the generation of power. These low zero carbon technologies (as set out above) will help maintain a lower energy demand from the building as the climate continues to change.

The building also features high efficient condensing boilers with low NOX levels. Each substantial energy use will be sub-metered and managed by a BMS (Building Management System), to ensure most efficient use. Lighting is zoned to allow separate user-control of specific areas, and features intelligent controls.

The building will also be well insulated, thereby reducing demand for additional heating and cooling. The provision of natural light to most areas, via the use of curtain walling and rooflights to the central atrium, will also reduce the energy demand.

Water consumption for the new building will be reduced by using efficient sanitaryware, controlled flow rates, and water leak detection. More efficient use will also be encouraged by the use of a water meter.

The building during construction and thereafter will be subject to environmental controls and procedures which will be closely monitored and audited to ensure waste is reduced, reused and recycled and the energy consumption remains as low possible. All waste will be disposed of via a waste management plan which will be agreed with the Principal Contractor prior to construction, and the Contractor will be required to sign the site up to the Considerate Constructor’s scheme. Energy use will also be monitored, and any unreasonable demands will be investigated.

As part of the BREEAM funding requirements the Ecologists have developed proposals to maintain or enhance the existing natural habitat. As part of this, wildlife friendly species will be planted as part of core curriculum studies. The landscaping proposals will involve the expertise of the staff and students of the Welsh College of Horticulture, as well as meeting the criteria established by the Ecologist.

The presence of Great Crested Newts has been established in a nearby pond and the Ecologists’ RAM (Reasonable Avoidance Measures) report is included in this planning application to ensure that the development can be progressed without detriment to their habitat.

13. Community Safety

The main entrance to the new building is situated to the north eastern end, and provides a clear entrance to the new area of parking, in front of the building, as well as providing a clear entrance from the existing pedestrian path, through the campus. This is in line with earlier phases of work on this part of the campus. This clear landscaped gathering point in front of the building allows the comings and goings at the point to be monitored from within the site.

The only other external doors are an emergency escape door from the escape stair on the south west corner and louvre door serving the plant room. Security concerns that would arise with multiple entrances are therefore minimised.

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The new building is contained completely within the existing campus, and is some distance from boundaries to neighbouring properties. It therefore does not represent any conflict between land uses.

The building features a pathway around the building, which serves predominantly for maintenance purposes. This will be illuminated in accordance with current guidelines to encourage a safe environment around the building. The building has also been set away from the existing trees, thereby giving clear space to allow surveillance.

14. Policy

The new development is in line with the following relevant policies in the Flintshire Unitary Development Plan

STR1 – New development As set out above, the new development - Is sited within an existing college campus, on previously developed land - Incorporates high standards of design, which are appropriate to the building, site and locality - Creates a safe, healthy and secure environment - Has regard to physical and natural environmental considerations - Has regard to community identity and social cohesion - Minimises pollution to air, water and land

GEN1 – General requirements for development As set out above, the new development - harmonises with the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, scale, design, layout, use of space, materials, external appearances and landscaping - takes account of personal and community safety - Does not have an unacceptably harmful effect on wildlife or other landscape features - Does not affect the safety and amenity of nearby residents and community - Provides suitable access for cyclists, pedestrians, persons with disabilities and vehicles

GEN3 – Development outside Settlement Boundaries As set out above, the new development - Is an appropriate rural use/development, particularly given that the site is located within the main campus of the college, where there is existing built development

GEN5 – Green barriers As set out above, the new development - Is an appropriate rural use/development, particularly given that the site is located within the main campus of the college, where there is existing built development

D1 – Design quality As set out above, the new development - Meets this requirement

D3 – Building Design As set out above, the new development - Is of a high standard of design, form, scale and materials - Adds to the quality and distinctiveness of the local area

D4 – Landscaping As set out above, the new development

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- Meets this requirement

CF2 – Development of New Facilities As set out above, the new development - Meets this requirement

EWP2 – Energy Efficiency in New Development As set out above, the new development - Meets this requirement

EWP3 – Renewable Energy in New Development As set out above, the new development - Meets this requirement

15. Summary

 It is a sympathetic addition to the previous phases of work fronting Holywell Road, in terms of scale, orientation, mass and materials

 The new building provides another frontispiece to the campus on this previously developed site

 The building assists the local economic development, and also the development of Coleg Cambria in this important land based teaching campus

 There will be benefit to the students enhancing their learning in a modern, dedicated facility

 The proposals pay due regard to planning policy

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