MASTERPLAN SUMMARY REPORT OCTOBER 2007 Contents

Home , Nacton, Sizewell, Suffolk Coastal, Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Martin

TRIMLEY ESTATE MASTERPLAN SUMMARY REPORT OCTOBER 2007 Contents

Executive summary

1.0. Introduction 1.1 The Council’s vision for Felixstowe 1.2 The Trimley Estates’ contribution to the Felixstowe vision 1.2.1 A brief history of the Trimley Estate 1.2.2 A vision for the Trimley Estate

2.0 Setting the scene: the planning context 2.1 Regional level - The East of England Plan 2.2 Sub-regional level – Haven Gateway 2.3 Local level – Suffolk Coastal DC Local Development Framework

3.0 The housing needs

4.0 The community needs 4.1 Education 4.2 Health 4.3 Shops and businesses 4.4 Sports grounds and play areas 4.5 Other community facilities 4.5.1 Community halls, sports clubs and social clubs 4.5.2 Places of worship 4.5.3 Public houses 4.5.4 Allotments

5.0 Access and movement The Team 5.1 Road network 5.2 Public transport Bidwells Planning 5.3 Cycle and pedestrian routes 5.4 Travel to work LDA Design Masterplanning, Landscape 5.5 Conclusion & Ecology 6.0 Built and natural environment WSP Transport & noise 6.1 Topography and hydrology 6.2 Landscape Royal Haskoning Drainage & utilities 6.2.1 Landscape designations 6.2.2 Landscape character Fulcrum Energy 6.3 Townscape and heritage 6.4 Ecology 6.4.1 Environmental designations 6.4.2 Protected species and species of conservation concern 6.4.3 Habitat surveys

7.0 The sustainable growth of Felixstowe 7.1 A comprehensive solution 7.1.1 Location and extent of proposed development 7.1.2 New community facilities 7.1.3 Accessibility 7.1.4 Landscape strategy 7.1.5 Biodiversity gains 7.1.6 Density and tenures 7.1.7 Employment 7.1.8 Energy strategy 7.1.9 Drainage and utilities 7.1.10 Expanding the tourism offer 7.2 Site speciﬁ c proposals 7.2.1 Walton 7.2.2 Trimley St Martin 7.2.3 Trimley St Mary

8.0 Deliverability 8.1 Land ownership 8.2 Phasing 8.3 Taking proposals forward through the planning process 8.4 Sustainability and design quality standards 8.5 Appropriate assessment

9.0 Conclusion

Appendix 1 - Sustainability Appraisal

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Suffolk Coastal District Council is In summary, the proposals include:  Biodiversity gains, landscape The development of land at Walton currently engaged in the preparation of improvements and community and the Trimleys would enable the a new Local Development Framework  Mixed use urban extension to woodland on the wider Estate for the implementation of more attractive public which will shape the future of the district Walton on land north and south of benefi t of both Felixstowe’s residents transport links and would encourage and guide the determination of planning the High Street. This consists of and its visitors. access between residential areas and applications. Part of this process around 655 new dwellings including the Port by non-car modes of travel. involves the identifi cation of sites for affordable housing; a ‘super-surgery’  Sustainable drainage systems, energy housing and employment provision as providing health services to the wider effi cient buildings and renewable The Trimley Estate masterplan well as the preparation of a long term community; an ‘Enterprise Centre’ energy generation across the represents a long term vision and vision for Felixstowe and the adjoining accommodating emerging and small development sites. commitment from the land owner to the communities of Trimley St Mary and existing businesses; new public open highest standards of sustainability and Trimley St Martin. spaces within easy walking distance  Enhanced transport provision design which we believe few landowners of both the Walton and Trimley including new bus service and on the peninsula can match. This vision covers objectives relating to St Mary residents; and improved upgraded pedestrian and cycle regeneration, the provision of community vehicular, cycle and pedestrian links to the Port; and environmental A series of national standards covering facilities, the balance between access to the Orwell High School improvements along High Street all aspects of design, such as the Code housing and employment provision, from the High Street. and High Road to reduce through for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM, public transport improvements, the traffi c and vehicle speeds, making Buildings for Life and Secured by Design diversifi cation of the economy and  Mixed use urban extension to Trimley walking and cycling safer and easier, are proposed to be adopted to ensure the development of the tourism offer, St Martin on land south-west, south especially between the villages and an exceptional quality of development amongst others. and south-east of the existing Orwell High School. which positively contributes to quality residential estate. This consists of life in the existing communities of This document explains how the Trimley of around 1,250 new dwellings Together, these proposals will generate Walton, Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Estate can contribute to the Council’s including affordable housing; a benefi ts for the wider community of Martin. vision for Felixstowe. Given its strategic dual-entry primary school and Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley St Mary and position directly adjacent to the town combined community hall; a local Trimley St Martin including additional and the Port, and extensive coverage, neighbourhood food store and a patronage for the existing businesses the Trimley Estate is ideally positioned parade of local services within easy on Walton High Street; a better balance to help Suffolk Coastal District Council reach from both Trimley St Martin and of employment and housing in the area deliver its vision. Trimley St Mary; and new parks and and associated reduction in commuting; sports facilities accessible to both affordable housing; and new community The Trimley Estate masterplan new and existing communities. infrastructure such as school, public is a comprehensive package of transport, parks and health facilities. proposals covering a range of land  Potential strategic port-related uses, community infrastructure and employment opportunities at Fagbury A sustainable mix of housing would environmental improvements. Road, directly adjacent to the Port be provided, with the aim of providing and existing employment uses, and a balance between homes and jobs at Innocence Farm, along the A14, locally. The package of proposals subject to on-going feasibility studies. contained in the masterplan would facilitate a reduction in commuting, both  Non port-related employment into and out of the town over the plan opportunities in redundant farm period and the longer term. buildings on the Estate including Great Street Farm to help diversify the The alternatives to residential local economy. development around Walton and the Trimleys are to develop land either to  Rural tourism facilities improving the north of the A14 or north of Candlet access to the Areas of Outstanding Road. Both of these options are Natural Beauty and Trimley Marshes. undesirable in terms of creating urban These include new walking loop sprawl unrelated to the existing built around the peninsula with associated development and adversely affecting picnic facilities and look out points the landscape setting of the town. Both on the Estate; new cycle routes; a options would result in development new tent campsite; farmers’ shop which is separated from the town centre in a redundant farm building; and by the barrier created by the road. potential new guest accommodation at Searsons Farm with visitor car parking, interpretation boards and signage.

1 01 INTRODUCTION

The Trimley Estate covers some 1.1 The Council’s vision for h) Has expanded the local employment 1,375 hectares (3,400 acres) of land Felixstowe base to provide a wider range and in and around Felixstowe and has for choice of employment types and sites generations been intrinsically linked to Felixstowe forms part of Suffolk Coastal together with enhanced education the town’s development. This mutual District. In February 2007, Suffolk and skills, alongside that provided by relationship has generated the Port of Coastal District Council published its an expanded Port function; Felixstowe, the largest container port in ‘Core Strategy – Issues and Options’ the UK, and main employer for the town planning document for consultation. This i) Has resolved issues of accessibility to and surrounding area. sets out the Council’s long term vision and from the Port and A14 including for Felixstowe Peninsula South, which the provision of facilities for lorries and Looking into the future, the Trimley comprises Felixstowe and the adjoining heavy goods vehicles; Estate has the potential to play a key role communities Trimley Saint Martin and once more in unlocking opportunities for Trimley Saint Mary, as an integrated area j) Has forged strong economic, social the growth of the town and its economy, that: and cultural links between the the protection of its natural environment communities and the Port for the and the strengthening of its local a) Has embraced the opportunities for benefi t of both; communities. regeneration, growth and change; k) Has developed its tourism role in Felixstowe is part of the Haven Gateway, b) Has retained the separate identities terms of services, facilities and one of 29 areas of the country identifi ed of the individual settlements and accommodation, which builds on the by the Government as strategic growth communities; qualities and facilities offered by the points where increased housing will be town of Felixstowe, creating strong combined with new jobs, town centre c) Has maintained and protected the links between the seafront and town regeneration and measures to improve high quality and variety of the built centre area and the qualities of the the quality of life and environment in an environment; surrounding natural environment; effort to address the national housing shortage and deliver sustainable d) Has provided additional housing to l) Has expanded the retail, service and communities for the future. accommodate the existing and some other facilities available within the town new population, by making maximum centre commensurate to meet the A comprehensive strategy is needed if use of brownfi eld opportunities prior needs of the whole population both Felixstowe is to absorb its share of the to creation of fully serviced new residential and visitor; and Haven Gateway growth. This will involve localities; new housing and new community m) As a priority is well defended from facilities on a scale which cannot solely e) Has maximised the opportunities risk of fl ooding and coastal erosion. be realised within the existing urban created by additional level of area. The purpose of this document is development to provide an extended The Council’s vision is the starting to explain how the Trimley Estate could comprehensive range and scale point of all proposals contained in this accommodate some of the growth of of facilities distributed between the document. As far as possible, the team Felixstowe over the next 20 years. settlements for the benefi t of the behind the Trimley Estate masterplan wider area and the older and newer has aimed to fi nd ways in which the This document has been prepared communities; Estate land could be used to help by LDA Design, a landscape and address the needs and aspirations of the masterplanning consultancy, for Trinity f) Provides a scale and range of housing wider Felixstowe community. College, the owners of the Trimley to meet the needs of the existing and Estate. LDA Design developed the future populations, to provide a more proposals in collaboration with planning sustainable balance between housing and property advisers Bidwells, and employment provision; and transport planners WSP, drainage and providing the opportunity to reduce utilities engineers Royal Haskoning and commuting; energy consultants Fulcrum. g) Has expanded the quality and availability of public transport provision between the settlements to improve access to jobs and other local services and facilities;

2 Extent of the Trimley Estate

VISION FOR FELIXSTOWE REGENERATION RETAIN THE SEPARATE IDENTITIES OF THE SETTLEMENTS PROTECT THE QUALITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HOUSING CREATE FULLY SERVICED NEW LOCALITIES PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF FACILITIES DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE SETTLEMENTS PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING REDRESS THE BALANCE BETWEEN HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT REDUCE COMMUTING EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROVISION EXPAND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT BASE DEVELOP TOURISM ROLE

3 01 INTRODUCTION

1.2 The Trimley Estate’s A substantial part of the Estate is within 1.2.2 A vision for the Trimley  The Estate can help Felixstowe deliver contribution to the an area of outstanding natural beauty. Estate improved health, education and In the past decade, over a quarter of community facilities by providing a Felixstowe vision a million trees and shrubs have been With its substantial land area and new primary school, a new surgery, planted as landscape improvement strategic location, the Trimley Estate new public open spaces and other to the Estate. This has been coupled can help Felixstowe deliver its long term services as may be required for 1.2.1 A brief history of the Trimley with improvements to the already vision. In particular, the Estate can make both the existing and the future Estate extensive public footpath network, a signifi cant contribution in the following populations. the implementation of a detailed ways: In 1933, Trinity College bought 1,536 ha management plan to rejuvenate the  The Estate can help Felixstowe (3,795 acres) in the parishes of Trimley Estate’s existing mature woodlands, and  The Estate includes Areas of expand its tourism role by providing St. Mary, Trimley St. Martin, Kirton and the establishment of the nature reserve Outstanding Natural Beauty which new walking circuits, visitor Walton, which formed part of the Orwell in 1998 and new inter-tidal bird feeding form the landscape setting for accommodation, visitor parking and Park Estate owned by Mr. Prettyman areas in 2000. Felixstowe and a rural playground facilities, interpretation, picnic areas and which was sold to meet death duty for its residents. These areas require and lookout points. liabilities. Following a community planning maintenance and enhancement exercise, Trinity College published a to continue to be an asset for the  The Estate can, in addition to The purchase was made as an long term vision for the Trimley Estate growing community and its visitors in identifying areas to support investment in the land’s potential for in March 2003. The vision was updated the long term. future port employment growth, farming and residential development. in December 2004 to refl ect feedback help Felixstowe diversify its local At that time only a small, poorly served from the local community. The current  The Estate includes natural habitats employment base by providing dock basin existed nearby and no one proposals are a continuation of the of European importance for wildlife. non port-related employment and could have foreseen that the most process of forward planning for the These require continued protection supporting new businesses in a new valuable land would be that which was Estate and engagement with the local and management and could become Enterprise Centre. later developed for cargo handling. authorities and community. a fundamental aspect of education, public awareness and sustainable Today the Trimley Estate extends to development objectives around approximately 1,375 ha (3,400 acres), Felixstowe. comprising 1 in-hand and 3 let farms extending to about 1,133 ha (2,800  The Estate includes areas which acres), 17 residential tenancies, about could accommodate growth of 212 ha (525 acres) of commercial estate suffi cient scale to create sustainable and dock, an 81 ha (200 acre) nature communities with their own facilities reserve and about 48 ha (120 acres) of whilst retaining the separate identities woodland. In addition there is a wide of the individual settlements of variety of other enterprises such as Walton, Trimley St Mary and Trimley riding stables, fi shing lakes, a rifl e range St Martin. and the Trimley branch line railway.  The Estate can help deliver improved links between the communities, the town centre and the Port. This could include public transport services, pedestrian and cycle links between the communities and the main shopping and employment areas.

4 Vision for the Trimley Estate

5 02 SETTING THE SCENE: THE PLANNING CONTEXT

2.1 Regional level - Policy H1 allocates a total 7,000 houses The projected increase in jobs is Following analysis of the responses to The East of England to be built between 2001 and 2021 to be facilitated by supporting the the Issues and Options consultation, within Suffolk Coastal District, excluding maintenance and appropriate expansion 1,620 houses are proposed to be Plan those houses (3,200) to be built within of the ports, maritime and related allocated in Felixstowe on green fi eld the part of the District forming the activities, and providing appropriate sites adjoining the existing built-up The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy, Ipswich Policy Area. sites, premises and infrastructure to area. This allocation takes into account incorporating the Secretary of State’s attract a diverse range of employment outstanding planning permissions proposed changes, has an overarching Of the 7,000 required houses, 2,560 to Strategic Employment Locations, for 180 dwellings in Felixstowe, and objective to achieve sustainable have been built since 2001, leaving including Felixstowe. Key priorities urban capacity sites for a further 300 development. This is expressed in the a further 4,440 to be built between for transport in the sub-region are to dwellings. spatial strategy policies, including SS1, 2006 and 2021 at an average rate of focus on the strategic infrastructure and which seeks to ensure that development 300 per annum. The sequence of services to and from the Haven Ports. The Issues and Options consultation ‘maximises the potential for people to development should be consistent with document did not identify any specifi c form more sustainable relationships the Spatial Strategy, and co-ordination 2.3 Local level – Suffolk need for allocation of additional port- between their homes, workplaces and with necessary transport and other Coastal DC Local related employment land in Felixstowe. other concentrations of regularly used infrastructure provision. However, a signifi cant level of comment services and facilities, and their means Development was made on this issue by public and of travel between them.’ 2.2 Sub-regional level – Framework private sector organisations involved in Haven Gateway operation of the port and associated The overall spatial strategy, expressed The Regional Spatial Strategy provides transport links. in policy SS2 is that Local Development The Haven Gateway sub region is a housing requirement for the District Documents should develop policies identifi ed in the Spatial Strategy of between 2001 and 2021 (excluding the In response to the representations which ensure that new development the draft RSS as a Priority Area for Ipswich fringe) of 7,000 houses, and made, we understand that Suffolk contributes towards the creation of Regeneration. LDDs should set out the Core Strategy Issues and Options Coastal District Council and other local more sustainable communities, and policies to tackle economic, social and document has sought views on the authorities and strategic bodies are to prioritise the re-use of previously environmental deprivation in these areas. distribution of those houses. intending to commission a study into this developed land in and around urban Policy E1 of the draft RSS sets an issue to inform the need for allocation of areas. This approach must also ensure indicative target for net jobs growth of Prior to the Issues and Options further employment land. an adequate supply of land, consistent 30,000 jobs between 2001 and 2021 document, a report on the issues facing with the achievement of a sustainable within the Suffolk part of the sub region. the Felixstowe peninsula and strategies pattern of growth and delivery of for the future of the peninsula was housing. The fi gure for the sub-region as a whole commissioned by Suffolk Coastal District is 50,000 jobs. Haven Gateway is Council and carried out by David Lock Draft employment policy E2 requires identifi ed in policy E3 as a Regionally Associates. This report concludes that, that sites of suffi cient range, quantity Strategic Employment Location. LDDs in Felixstowe, the level of employment and quality to cater for all relevant should identify readily serviceable provided by the port is out of balance employment sectors are provided at regionally strategic employment sites of with the amount of housing in the town, appropriate scales in urban areas. the quality and quantity required to meet with the result that there is a high level of These should be at locations which the needs of business. Development net in-commuting to the town. minimise commuting, and promote associated with port expansion at closer relationships between jobs and Felixstowe is specifi cally identifi ed. The town is also facing issues arising homes, and maximise potential use of from an ageing population and smaller public transport. The precise geographical extent of the household sizes. Younger people are Gateway is to be agreed between EERA moving away from the town. The report Draft housing policy H1 provides for and the local authorities concerned. identifi es various options for growth at least 508,000 additional dwellings The sub-region has substantial potential to address these issues. Scenario over the Plan period. The allocations to develop further as a major focus for 3 (Going for growth) recommends should be regarded as minimum targets economic development and growth, provision of up to 1,613 homes in to be achieved, rather than ceilings which is recognised in its identifi cation Felixstowe. This scenario would meet which should not be exceeded. To by the Government as a New Growth existing need and plan for medium term plan for continuous delivery of housing Point. growth. Scenario 4 (Sustainable long for at least 15 years from the date term growth) recommends provision of adoption, the fi rst round of Local The sub-regional strategy is to develop a of between 2,233 and 3,213 homes in Development Documents should make diverse economy and to regenerate the Felixstowe. This latter scenario factors in the assumption that the average annual sub-region. an element of extra housing to allow for rate of provision during the early years growth of the Port. after 2021 will be the same as for 2006 to 2021.

6 03 THE HOUSING NEEDS

The draft RSS states that affordable The Suffolk Coastal Local Housing housing will be required, to take into Assessment (2006) identifi es Felixstowe account local assessments of housing as a specifi c area of interest within need, housing market considerations the identifi ed Housing Market Area, and the Regional Housing Strategy. The which showed a good degree of self- RSS states an expectation that, overall, containment in terms of travel to work 35% of new housing will be affordable. and migration patterns. The Suffolk Coastal district has seen a high level of Suffolk Coastal District Council’s growth in its population over the last 20 Supplementary Planning Guidance years, and the population is expected to note on Affordable Housing states that continue to grow. 1 in 3 units will be affordable, and that the thresholds for requiring provision of The age structure of the population affordable housing are 3 units in villages shows that there are far fewer young (less than 3,000 population) and 6 families in the district than in England units in towns. In addition, ‘exception’ as a whole, with a disproportionately sites on the edges of villages will be high number of older persons living in considered for provision of affordable the district. However, University College housing. Suffolk is indirectly likely to lead to more of the young population being retained The Core Strategy Issues and Options in the area. The expansion of Felixstowe document presented 3 options for taking Port is identifi ed as establishing a forward affordable housing policy. The requirement for a large number of greatest level of support was expressed new homes in the area, together with for Option 2, which is to continue the transport improvements and more existing policy, with the additional economic diversity. proviso that small scale allocations of up to 12 units could be made on the edge The Local Housing Assessment states of Key Service Centres, where 2 out of 3 that house prices rose at a lower rate houses are affordable. The purpose of than for the rest of East Anglia between this policy is to encourage the provision 1999 and 2005, but nevertheless rose by of affordable housing within the villages, 125% over this period. 10.3% of Suffolk where there is an identifi ed need. Coastal’s established households were identifi ed as living in unsuitable housing. The Assessment states that the balance of housing requirements is for 19% social housing, 5% intermediate and 76% market housing. This balance was determined on the basis of affordability, assuming that the relationship between house prices and income remains constant. This illustrates that the level of affordable housing need shown by the Local Housing Assessment is below that identifi ed in the draft RSS for the East of England as a whole.

The housing development areas shown in the master plan will mirror the ﬁ ndings of the Housing Market Assessment in terms of providing an appropriate mix of housing to meet the existing and future housing market needs, to provide for a balanced community, and to ensure there is sufﬁ cient suitable housing available locally for workers at the Port. Affordable housing will be provided to the levels required by local and regional planning policies.

7 04 THE COMMUNITY NEEDS

4.1 Education Secondary Schools Primary Schools (5 & 10 minute walk catchment) Primary Schools There are two secondary schools Trimley St. Martin in Felixstowe, Orwell High School in Primary The existing communities at Trimley Walton and Deben High School in the Saint Martin, Trimley Saint Mary and centre of Felixstowe. Any new residential Walton are served by three primary development on the Trimley Estate schools: will give rise to the need for additional secondary school places to cater for the

 Trimley St Martin Primary with 210 future population. Trimley St. Mary pupils is located north of the A14, half Primary way between Trimley St Martin and Secondary schools in Suffolk are due Kingsfleet Primary Maidstone Infant Colneis Junior Kirton. A footbridge across the A14 to enter the Building Schools for the & Causton Junior School and a footpath along Kirton Road link Future programme in January 2008. Fairfield Infants School the community south of the road with Building Schools for the Future is Grange Community the school. a national programme designed to Primary transform secondary education. It is the  Trimley St Mary Primary has 366 biggest single government investment in pupils and is located in the heart of improving school buildings for over 50 Langer Primary Trimley St Mary on the High Road. years and aims to rebuild or renew every secondary school in the country over a  In Walton there are two schools, 10-15 year period. Maidstone Infant with 240 pupils and Causton Junior with 360 pupils. The Building Schools for the Future programme provides the opportunity for Any new residential development on the the Orwell High School to be enlarged Trimley Estate will give rise to the need to cater for the future population of for additional primary school places to Felixstowe and the Trimley Estate. Orwell cater for the future population. High School beneﬁ ts from extensive grounds capable of catering for an As the existing schools are either enlarged facility at or near capacity, a new purpose built primary school will be required to support any signiﬁ cant residential Secondary Schools (10 minute walk/cycle catchment) development.

A limited number of additional places could potentially be provided in an extended Causton Junior / Maidstone Infant schools, subject to approval by the education authority.

Orwell High School

Deben High School

8 4.2 Health Food shopping Doctors Sugeries (5 & 10 minute walk catchment) There are currently four GP surgeries The largest supermarkets in Felixstowe in Felixstowe: Walton Surgery on High are Morrisons (2,300 m2 gross fl oor Street, Central Surgery on Hamilton area) in the western part of Felixstowe Road, Haven Health on Grange Farm and Co-op Solar (1,970 m2 gross fl oor Avenue and Howard House on Orwell area) by Felixstowe train station. Two Road. There is also a newly refurbished smaller supermarkets, Tesco (475 m2 community hospital ‘Felixstowe General’ gross fl oor area) and Iceland (500 m2 on Constable Road. gross fl oor area) are located in the town centre. Walton High Road has two small The Suffolk Primary Care Trust is Co-op stores. Walton Surgery 301 High Street drafting a new strategic plan to inform Central Surgery future health provision in the county. Any residential development in Walton 201 Hamilton Road Haven Health Early discussions with the Trust indicate will be served by the existing food Grange Farm Avenue that a new facility may be needed in stores, the two Co-op stores being just a Howard House Felixstowe and that this could potentially short walk away. Orwell Road be located in Walton to serve both the existing Felixstowe residents and the The Trimleys are currently poorly served new Trimley Estate residents. by food stores, and residents either shop in Walton, Felixstowe, or Ipswich. With the exception of local provision, no 4.3 Shops and businesses sizeable food store is within easy reach by foot with the nearest facility, the small Businesses in Walton Co-op in Walton, approximately one km from the edge of Trimley St Mary and There are a number of shops and more than two km away from the edge businesses along the High Road through of Trimley St Martin. Walton that serve the local community. Most of the shops are clustered in Residential development in the Trimleys the centre of Walton between the two would increase the need for a local food pubs, The Half Moon and The Falcon. store. This is proposed to be limited to The range of shops and services is a neighbourhood store, serving only the typical of a local high street including local area. Food shopping hair dressers, take-away restaurants, a butchers, two small Co-op food stores, Potential for new businesses house furnishers and funeral services linked with the St Mary’s Church. Aside from the Port and Felixstowe town centre, there are few employment Businesses in the Trimleys opportunities in Walton and the Trimleys. If residential development is proposed in There are relatively few shops and either location, there is the opportunity businesses in Trimley St Martin and to include employment generating uses Co-op Trimley St Mary. Along the High Road as part of the land use proposals. This Co-op there is a garage in Trimley St Mary, a could take the form of small clusters of newsagent and post offi ce in the historic offi ces, workshops or business start-up Co-op Solar Morrisons core of the Trimleys and a butcher in units as may be required. Tesco Iceland Trimley St Martin. Within the Trimley St Mary estate there is a row of four shops including a newsagent, take away, hairdresser and an empty shop. This row of shops is located in the centre of the new estate, along the main spine road but does not appear to attract passing trade from the High Road.

9 04 THE COMMUNITY NEEDS

4.4 Sports grounds and Play Areas play areas Existing Play Areas

St Martins Green (LAP) Local Areas for Play (LAPs) Suffolk Coastal District Council Sports Ground (LEAP) 1 mins walking distance undertook an assessment of its from home (60m) children up to 6 years old current provision of play areas and no equipment required sports ground facilities in 2006. The min size 100sqm assessment was based on existing Equipped LAP population (2001 Census) and on the e Council’s adopted standards of 2.4 ha Local Equiped Areas for Play (LEAPs) playing space per 1,000 population, 5 mins walking distance including sports grounds (1.7 ha/ 1,000 Faulkners Way (West) (LAP) from home (240m) population) and children’s play areas (0.7 Faulkners Way (East) (LAP) children up to 8 years old Stennett Memorial Playing Field (LAP) min 5 items of play equip- ha/ 1,000 population). Faulkners Way (South) (LEAP) ment min size 400sqm

Trimley St Martin St Mary’s Close Tylers Green (LAP) Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAPs) 15 mins walk from home Based on the above standards, the (600m) assessment showed a small deﬁ cit (0.14 children up to 14 years old min 8 types of play equip- ha) of sports grounds in Trimley Saint Ataka Road (LAP) ment Walton Recreation Martin. The village beneﬁ ts from existing min size 1,000sqm Ground (LEAP) facilities around the Memorial Hall which There are no play areas of are in reasonable condition with the NEAP standard in Walton exception of the tennis court facilities or the Trimleys where the pavilion and the perimeter fencing require refurbishment. Seaton Road (LEAP)

There is only one local equipped play area (LEAP) serving Trimley St Martin located by the Sports Ground. St Martins Green, a small unequipped play area, is located in the eastern part of the village. Sports grounds (10 minutes walk catchment)

To meet the target of an equipped play area within 5 minutes walking distance St Martin’s Green 0.21 ha Play Areas from every dwelling, the assessment proposes two additional local equipped Sports Ground & Memorial Hall 1.63 ha play areas in the northern and south Squash courts western part of the village. Football pitch Tennis courts Bowling green One play area should be upgraded to include provision for teenagers and possibly a multi-purpose sports court. proposed green spaces Stennett Memorial Faulkeners Way 1.84 ha Playing Field 1.59 ha Basket ball court Trimley St Mary Primary School 0.9 ha

St Mary’s Close 0.1 ha Tylers Green 0.04 ha Eastward Ho! 9.4 ha

400 m walking distance

Walton Recreation Playing Orwell High School Field1.44 ha 10.19 ha

Seaton Road Recreation Field 1.58 ha School playing fields

Sports Grounds Trimley St Mary Community Halls, Sports and Social Clubs Based on the above standards, the assessment showed a deﬁ cit of 0.82 ha of sports grounds in Trimley Saint Trimley Sports & Memorial Hall Mary. Existing facilities include Stennett Social Club Squash courts Memorial Playing Field and Trimley St Football pitch Mary Primary School Grounds. Tennis court Bowling green Church of Trimley St Mary Most of the Trimley St Mary residents are Now used as a community within 10 minutes walking distance of a The Welcome Hall building with Church offices, badminton court, facilities for sports ground or public open space with playgroups the exception of the south eastern part of the village.

Trimley St Mary has one local equipped play area at Faulkners Way South. There are two other equipped play areas at Tylers Green and Stennett Memorial Playing Field, although these do not meet the Council’s standards.

There are three other local areas for St Mary’s Church Hall play without play equipment at St Felixstowe Traders & Mary’s Close, Faulkners Way (West) and Maidstone Hall Labour Club Faulkners Way (East). The assessment (MeSeaton RoadSeaton Roadmbers only) proposes that the play areas at Stennett Memorial Field and Faulkners Way (South) should be expanded and upgraded to act as neighbourhood equipped area of play (NEAP).

The play area at Tyler’s Green should be upgraded to LEAP standard and a new Places of worship equipped play area should be provided to serve the south eastern part of the Trimley Methodist Church village. The assessment also suggests the installation of a ﬁ ve-a-side goal on Faulkners Way (East) as a matter of priority.

Church of Trimley St Martin Church of Trimley St Mary - Closed, serves as community building

The Catholic Church of St Cecelia Trimley Free Church

Maidstone Road St Mary’s Church Baptist Church

Church

11 04 THE COMMUNITY NEEDS

Walton Public Houses Walton Recreation Playing Field and Seaton Road Recreation Field provide The Hand in Hand 3.02 ha sports grounds and Orwell High School has very large playing ﬁ elds covering an area of 10.19 ha.

The distribution of sports grounds in Walton is reasonable with only the western part more than 10 minutes The Three Mariners walk away from a green space. The assessment did not identify a deﬁ cit of sports facilities in Walton.

In Walton there are currently two local equipped play areas, in Seaton Road Recreation Ground and in Walton Recreation Ground, and an unequipped play area in Ataka Road. Equipment at Walton Recreation Ground is in need The Half Moon

of upgrading, including provision for The Falcon teenagers.

New play equipment has been installed at Seaton Road but some still requires attention. The assessment recommends upgrading Seaton Road and Walton Recreation Ground to NEAP standard, including provision for teenagers and possibly multi-purpose sports court.

Potential for new public open Allotments (10 minutes walk catchment) spaces and play areas

There is currently insufﬁ cient provision of play areas in the Trimleys and Walton.

The main issues are the general poor quality of the play equipment, the lack of play areas of NEAP standard, and the poor distribution of play areas which means that most homes in the Trimleys and Walton do not have a local equipped play area within ﬁ ve minutes walking distance.

Some of these issues can be alleviated by upgrading existing play areas. In Trimley St Martin and Walton there is a need to provide new play areas to serve the homes located beyond ﬁ ve minutes walking distance of the existing play areas. New development in Walton or the Trimleys could help deliver the missing facilities.

12 In addition to the play areas, a new park 4.5.2 Places of worship could be accommodated on the open land between Trimley St Mary and Dock The Trimleys and Walton are well Spur Road to help alleviate the defi cit of served by places of worship. There sports grounds in Trimley St Mary. Part are fi ve churches in the Trimleys: the of the land is of high landscape quality twin churches of Trimely St Martin and with a number of distinctive features and St Mary, where the Church of Trimley could be transformed into a local nature St Mary now serves as a community park. These features include the dense building; Trimley Methodist Church; hedgerows and mature oak tree, sloping The Catholic Church of St Cecelia and ground, ditch and railway arch. Trimley Free Church. In Walton there are three churches: St Mary’s Church Any new residential development on on High Road; Maidstone Road Baptist the Trimley Estate will have to provide Church and a Church on Seaton Road. additional public open space for the new residents in accordance with the A shared community hall could be used Council’s standards. for religious services if development created the need for additional places of worship. 4.5 Other community facilities 4.5.3 Public houses 4.5.1 Community halls, sports There are four public houses in the clubs and social clubs Trimleys and Walton along the High Road. The Hand in Hand is located in The Trimleys and Walton are well served Trimley St Martin and the Three Mariners by community halls, sports and social is located opposite the twin churches in clubs. Trimley St Martin has Trimley the historic core of the Trimleys. Sports and Social Club which provides squash courts, a football pitch, tennis Both public houses are listed buildings courts and bowling green. The Memorial that provide character to the villages. Hall, located adjacent to the sports and The Half Moon and The Falcon are social club provides space for functions located in Walton. and events. The Welcome Hall, serves both the Trimley villages and is located in 4.5.4 Allotments the historic core opposite the churches. The Church of Trimley St Mary is now There is good provision of allotment used as a community building with gardens around the Trimleys and Walton. church offi ces, badminton court and There are currently three allotment sites facilities for playgroups. around the Trimleys, with a total area of 3 ha, and two sites on the north eastern In Walton there are two halls, Maidstone edge of Walton, one large 5.4 ha site Hall and St Mary’s Church Hall. In across the A14 and a small 0.35 ha site addition the Felixstowe Trades and adjacent to Garrison Lane. Labour Club have a new building with a large car park for their members. Only a third of the allotment site adjacent to the Dock Spur Road is cultivated, The existing community halls are well indicating that the supply is greater used with busy schedules of activities. than the demand. However, allotment Any new residential development on the gardening may become more popular Trimley Estate will create the need for in the future, considering the growing additional or extended facilities. A new popularity of organically and locally shared hall could be provided as part grown fruit and vegetables and general of a new primary school if the current environmental awareness. facilities cannot be extended to cater for the new residents.

13 05 ACCESS AND MOVEMENT

5.1 Road network The A14 trunk road is a strategic route 5.2 Public transport 5.3 Cycle and pedestrian connecting the Port of Felixstowe routes The Walton and Trimley sites are with the rest of the UK. Although not Local bus services 75, 76 and 77 all bisected by the High Road (in Trimley) a motorway, the Highways Agency travel along the High Road / Street. and High Street (in Walton). This is regard the A14 as the highest status These services connect Ipswich and There are two strategic cycle routes in a single carriageway road of variable trunk road. As a result, they are likely Felixstowe and stop in several locations the area. Regional Route 41, also known carriageway (6m - 10m) and footway to apply strictly the policies set out in in Trimley St Martin, Trimley St Mary and as the Suffolk Coastal Route, runs widths (1.5m - 3.5m) throughout its their Circular 02 / 2007, restricting direct Walton. All of them travel to Felixstowe through Trimley St. Martin from Kirton length from Garrison Lane to the east access to the trunk road, take a close town centre. and beyond. It continues along the High of Walton to the western boundary of interest in traffi c impacts resulting from Road / Street before turning north along Trimley St Martin. The road continues development proposals and seek to The 75 service loops around the Grange Gulpher Road and passing under the westwards to join the A14 westbound encourage measures that reduce traffi c Farm and Cavendish Park areas of A154 Candlet Road to access the rural carriageway. generation from new developments. Felixstowe on a 30 minute frequency. landscape north of Felixstowe. They adopted this approach in respect Service 76 travels through the town National Route 51 runs from Oxford to There are numerous bus stops, crossing of the Felixstowe South Reconfi guration centre and continues to Old Felixstowe Colchester, passing through Felixstowe points and on-street parking areas along proposals, albeit when their Circular and operates every 60 minutes. Service en route. Within it, National Route 1 runs the High Road / Street. There are also 04/2001 applied. 77 has a 60 minute frequency serving from Fakenham to Harwich. Currently, several side road junctions along this the town centre then the Port via Langer the route runs along the High Road / length; most are simple priority junctions This section of the A14 carries about Road and Carr Road. The port area is Street, Maidstone Road, Grange Farm but there are also mini-roundabout 30,000 vehicles per day and some 35% relatively poorly served by bus; service Avenue and Langley Avenue. junctions at Faulkners Way and a normal of this traffi c is heavy goods vehicles. 75 also used to travel through the port- roundabout at the Link Road. There is some congestion and accident related employment areas but no longer There is a discontinuity in the route history at the A14 / A154 Candlet Road does so. before it joins Sea Road, Langer Road High Road / Street carries about 9,000 junction and some improvements are and View Point Road. Sustrans, who vehicles per day according to Suffolk proposed as a result of the FSR scheme. The southern boundary of the Trimleys manage the National Cycle Network, County Council data. About 700 The Trimley / Kirton junction (59), which and Walton is formed by the Ipswich to aspire to the route running along Station vehicles use High Road / Street in the connects the A14 to Trimley High Road, Felixstowe railway line. There is a station Road and Cordy’s Lane in Trimley St morning peak hour and approximately does not experience any signifi cant at Trimley St Mary (the station is simply Mary, through the Clickett Hill area, 900 vehicles do so in the evening peak congestion during peak periods. known as Trimley however) though the across the A14 Dock Spur road on the hour. Very few of the vehicles are heavy station building itself is boarded up and new footbridge to join back into Grange goods and initial analysis suggests The A14 Spur Road runs south from the no facilities, save limited car parking, Park Avenue. They also aim for it to that there is little through traffi c. Traffi c A14 / A154 roundabout to the Port. This are available. There are approximately run immediately north of the railway line fl ows along High Road / Street during is also a dual carriageway and carries hourly services between Ipswich and before joining back to the High Road weekdays are tidal; about 2/3rds of around 25,000 vehicles per day. The Felixstowe and all appear to call at west of Trimley St Martin and heading traffi c is westbound (towards Ipswich) Spur Road separates Trimley St Mary Trimley. We have no data on patronage west towards Levington. in the morning peak hour. The tidality and Walton but cannot be accessed from the station. However, few cars eastbound is less pronounced in the from either settlement. were parked during our numerous site There is an informal route from Cordy’s evening peak period. visits so we suspect patronage is low Lane at Searsons Farm heading east, and / or most users walk or cycle to the passing beneath the Port branch railway Although the entire length of High Road/ station from the Trimleys or Walton. line towards Clickett Hill and connecting Street is subject to a 30 mph speed into a paved route at Nicholas Road limit, the 85th percentile speed (that only The single tracks serving Felixstowe which joins Parker Avenue to serve the exceeded by 15% of vehicles) is around station and the Port respectively come Port and surrounding employment areas. 35 mph, indicating that there is a speed together at Trimley Station. To the The northern end of this route between issue along this route. However, this west, at present, the route is single Cordy’s Lane and Nicholas Road could does not result in excessive accidents – track to Ipswich. However, the FSR be paved and lit to create an attractive SCC data shows that there have been proposals include adding a second track cycle route between the Trimleys and no fatal or serious accidents but 17 slight from Trimley Station to a point west of the Port. Such a proposal would be accidents over the past 5 years. Levington Bridge, close to the A14 / A12 consistent with Sustrans aspirations for interchange. This additional 4.5 miles of National Route 51 described above. track, to be built on the south side of the existing, will increase capacity and train Existing cycle routes serve schools speeds and reduce barrier downtime at en route, including Orwell High and the Trimley level crossing. Causton Junior on Maidstone Road and Trimley St. Mary Primary on High Road. Regional Route 41 also passes Trimley St Martin Primary to the north of the A14. Sustrans would have designated these routes along these roads after reviewing local traffi c conditions, which they have considered to be favourable for cycling.

14 Access

Corridor for environmental improvement

Additional bus service to Town Centre

Cycle route to Port

Bus service to Port

5.4 Travel to work Looking at the major employment area, 5.5 Conclusion i.e. the Port, Census data shows that There is an imbalance between more than a third (35%) of employees Analysis of existing infrastructure and employment and housing in the area. live in Felixstowe. However, of these services, and local travel behaviour, Consequently, more than 6,300 people nearly two thirds (63%) drive to work suggests that the Trimley and Walton commute into Felixstowe to work from despite living within walking, cycling schemes should aim: outside the area. Additionally, 3,600 or bus distance. This fi gure may be in Felixstowe residents travel out each day part explained by the relatively poor bus  to increase the number of employees to work outside the area. This clearly services to the Port (especially outside living locally by providing more contributes signifi cantly to peak hour normal working hours) and defi cient houses to accommodate the growth traffi c volumes in the area. infrastructure that discourages walking of jobs in the Port and locally and cycling. Census data 2001 indicates that Trimley  improve cycle routes and bus services and Walton residents travel to work Some 10% of Port employees live in so that non-car travel becomes more primarily by car – 70% as a driver and the Trimleys and Walton but 78% of attractive another 7% as a passenger. A further these drive and a further 10% are car 15% in total either walk or cycle to work passengers, despite the proximity of  seek to link such initiatives into and 5% in total use public transport (bus home to work. Improved transport emerging Travel Plan initiatives being or rail). More than half (52%) of journeys infrastructure and services would enable developed by the Port as part of the to work are to Felixstowe including the the potential for increased non-car travel FSR scheme. Port and some 26% work in Ipswich, to be realised. Martlesham or Nacton. Encouragingly, some 10% work in the Trimleys, Walton or Kirton which means that there is good potential for increased walking and cycling to local jobs.

15 06 BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

6.1 Topography and hydrology Topography

The settlements of Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin are located on high ground on the relatively ﬂ at plateau that runs like a spine down the central part of the Felixstowe peninsula, at an elevation of 20 - 25 m AOD.

The land slopes steeply down on either side of the plateau to the marshes that fringe the River Deben Estuary to the east and the River Orwell Estuary to the west. Most of the fl at former marshland has been drained and is cultivated, with drainage ditches separating the fi elds. A number of small streams fl ow from the plateau down to the marshes including Kings Fleet fl owing north east towards the River Deben Estuary.

6.2 Landscape 6.2.1 Landscape designations

The estuary landscape east and west of Felixstowe is of signiﬁ cant landscape and cultural heritage value. The coastal marshes are designated as the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as Heritage Coast. Land at 25m AOD and above

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Land at 20 - 25m AOD (AONB) is a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the Land at 15 - 20m AOD nation’s interest to safeguard them. AONB is a designation underpinned Land at 10 - 15m AOD by national legislation and equal to a National Park - which offers a far greater level of protection than non-statutory Land at 5 - 10m AOD designations.

The Heritage Coast extends to cover part of the North Sea and is designed to protect the marine environment as well as the coastline. The Heritage Coast designation is ‘non statutory’.

16 Landscape designations

Heritage Coast

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

17 06 BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

6.2.2 Landscape Character Landscape character between the The land to the north of Church Lane The landscape south of Walton Hall is A14 and railway line is of lower landscape quality, with a of medium quality and consists of one There are three distinct landscape number of detracting features. The large arable fi eld. The fi eld is enclosed character types which relate closely The land contained by the A14 and the derelict poultry farm is a dominating by dense planting along the Dock Spur to the topography of the Felixstowe railway line is within the relatively fl at feature and the urban edge is Road and along the boundary to the peninsula: the plateau, the valley slopes Felixstowe Plateau character area. The unattractive with back gardens enclosed playing fi elds of Orwell High School. and the marshes. land use is predominantly open arable by tall fencing. There is woodland fi elds with some smaller horse paddocks planting along the A14 and tree To the south, a residential development The Plateau and allotment gardens enclosed by planting along the A14 link road, but the south of the railway line is a dominant hedgerows. The landscape between the vegetation does not provide the same feature which detracts from the quality The Plateau comprises the fl at elevated Trimleys and between Trimley St Mary level of enclosure as south of Church of the landscape. From the footpath land between the River Deben and and Walton is described in more detail Lane. There are views to the Trimley St running along the eastern edge of the River Orwell Valleys, generally lying below. Martin housing estate. fi eld there are views towards Walton Hall, above 20 m AOD. It is characterised by a listed building set in a large wooded large, open, intensively farmed arable Land between Trimley St Martin The smaller parcel of land between garden. fi elds with a generally poor hedgerow and Trimley St Mary Thurmans Lane and Trimley St Mary structure. There are a number of isolated is of medium to low landscape quality. The land north of High Road is a large farms and buildings and narrow country Along the High Road there is no clearly Views to the fi elds from Thurmans Lane arable fi eld of medium to low landscape lanes. This is a very simple, open perceived separation between Trimley are dominated by the jagged hard urban quality. There are no distinctive landscape with few features. St Martin and Trimley St Mary, as edge of the Trimley St Mary housing landscape features here apart from a the villages have developed as linear estate. However, the fi elds provide the listed building, the Toll House by High The Valley Slopes settlements along the main road. The setting for the historic lane and the listed Road. There are a number of detracting landscape to the south west of High buildings of Mill Farm. features including the abrupt urban edge The Valley Slopes character areas Road is predominantly open intensively of Walton, the rifl e range and adjacent cover the River Deben and River Orwell farmed arable fi elds with no hedgerows Land between Trimley St Mary stables which are in a state of disrepair. valley slopes and are characterised separating the fi elds. and Walton by undulating arable fi elds, wooded Summary valleys, tree belts and plantations. Dense woodland planting along the Trimley St Mary and Walton are clearly This landscape type has a higher level railway provides enclosure and blocks separated by the Dock Spur Road that Most of the land between the A14 and of complexity than the plateau and views to the surrounding landscape, provides access to Felixstowe Port. The railway line is of medium to low quality. contains a number of landscape features apart from the tall cranes in Felixstowe dual carriageway is in a 7.5 m cutting Development on land within this area such as streams, valleys and woodland. port that are visible in the far distance. with dense woodland planting on the will not lead to the loss of distinctive There are also a number of distinctive Smaller horse paddocks enclosed banks. The High Road crosses the Dock landscape of high quality. However, views across the marshes and rivers. by dense hedgerows are located by Spur Road over a level road bridge. two areas of land have been identifi ed Mushroom Farm and Great Street Farm. as being of medium to high quality: The Marshes The open land between Trimley St Mary the land between Thurmans Lane and The landscape is of medium to low and Walton comprises three separate Church Lane and between Trimley St The Marshes character areas are quality with few landscape features. Two parcels of land: the land west of Dock Mary and Dock Spur Road. The land defi ned as the area of land below 5m historic lanes, Gun Lane and Gaymer’s Spur Road, the land south of Walton Hall between Thurmans Lane and Church AOD and are characterised by relatively Lane provide access to the River Orwell and land north of the High Road. Lane provides the setting for a number large, fl at, open, arable fi elds; drainage Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. of listed buildings and the historic core ditches and marsh land. This landscape There are views to the twin churches of Land west of Dock Spur Road of the Trimleys and the land between is simple with open views and few Trimley St Martin and St Mary. Trimley St Mary and Dock Spur Road vertical features. From the marshes The land west of Dock Spur Road has a contains a number of distinctive there are long unobstructed views to the North of the High Road, between distinctive character and is of medium to landscape features. valley slopes. The Marshes is the most the historic lanes, Thurman’s Lane high landscape quality. Most of the land distinctive and sensitive landscape on and Church Lane, the landscape is is in use as horse paddocks, with Trimley the peninsula, protected by a number distinctive and provides the setting to a Estate workshop facilities located in the of environmental and landscape number of listed buildings, including the northern part. A small area is used for designations (See section 6.4 Ecology). Trimley Churches, Mill Farm and the Old allotment gardens. Rectory. The paddock closest to Trimley St There are many mature trees along Mary contains a number of attractive the lanes and in the large gardens landscape features and has a distinctive in this area and, together with the landform. It is the only sloping land woodland planting along the A14, they between the A14 and the railway line. provide a good sense of enclosure. The The land slopes steeply down to a atmosphere is tranquil despite proximity ditch by the edge of Trimley St Mary. to the A14 and views towards the Distinctive landscape features include soft urban edge are pleasant with the the dense hedgerows separating the attractive buildings providing interest. paddocks, the free standing mature oak tree, the ditches and the railway arch.

18 Landscape character

The Felixstowe Plateau

Trimley Felixstowe Marshes St. Martin

River Deben Trimley Valley Slope St. Mary

Trimley Marshes River Orwell Valley Slope Walton

Felixstowe

19 06 BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

6.3 Townscape and Relatively little development took place Listed buildings The Hand in Hand Public House is heritage in the Trimleys in the Victorian and located along the High Road and set Edwardian period, confi ned to a few There are a number of listed buildings in between terraced housing and detached Walton and Felixstowe terraces and semi-detached houses the Trimleys and Walton and many of the properties with an open fi eld opposite. along the High Road. In the interwar surrounding farm houses and buildings The pub sits in an urban setting which In medieval times, Walton was the period development was focused around are listed. When buildings are listed they would not be detrimentally affected main settlement of the Peninsula and Trimley St Mary station and the northern are placed on statutory lists of buildings by new development. If development Felixstowe was only a small fi shing part of Trimley St Martin. However, most of ‘special architectural or historic occurred on the open fi eld opposite the hamlet. At the end of the 19th century of the development in the Trimleys is interest’. pub, an area of open space could be Felixstowe grew rapidly and became from the post war period. located opposite the pub to retain the the main settlement due to the creation The locations of the listed buildings are green aspect currently afforded by the of the Port in 1886 and the boom In Trimley St Mary the estates south of shown on the drawing opposite. Most building. in seaside tourism. The centres of the High Road were built in the 1950’s of the listed buildings in the Trimleys are Felixstowe and Walton still have a strong and 1960’s and the estates north of clustered in the historic core around The Old Rectory, 2 & 2a Church Lane, Victorian and Edwardian character with High Road are from the 1980’s and the twin churches. These buildings are sits in a large and densely planted red brick terraces and semi-detached 1990’s. In Trimley St Martin relatively mostly contained within the historic lanes garden. Any development in the houses. recent suburban housing development is (Gun Lane, Gaymers lane, Thurmans immediate area surrounding the Old contained between the High Road and Lane and Church Lane). Rectory should respond sensitively to Signifi cant further expansion took the A14. the curtillage of the listed building and place in the post war period and this Trimley St Martin the rural character of Church Lane. is characterised by suburban estates Along the High Road the townscape of predominantly semi-detached and includes some Suffolk vernacular The listed buildings in Trimley St Martin detached houses. During this period buildings – white with black doors include 351 & 353 High Road, Hand Walton completely merged with and window frames; some red brick in Hand Public House and Longford Felixstowe. In spite of this, Walton has bungalows; some two storeys detached House, 287 High Road, in addition to a retained its separate identity with a busy and semi detached arts and crafts cluster of buildings in the historic core of high street with a range of shops, pubs houses; and some Victorian terraced the settlement. and restaurants. and semi-detached houses. The properties 351 & 353 High Road are The Port of Felixstowe and other related The development pattern of the Trimleys set between an open fi eld and terraced uses cover an extensive area of land by is distinctive. Unlike most settlements, housing on the opposite side of the High the mouth of the River Orwell. The Port where the historic core is located in Road and detached houses to the north. of Felixstowe is the main employer in the centre and surrounded by modern As such, the properties already sit in an the area and therefore of vital economic development, the historic core of the urban context and any development in importance to the town. Visually, the Trimleys is separated from the modern the immediate area surrounding these large cranes of the Port are dominating housing estates on either side. Because properties would have limited impact on features that can be seen from the A14 of this pattern of development, the their setting. and Trimley High Road. historic core has retained its landscape setting, with direct access to the Longford House, 287 High Road, is Trimley St Mary and Trimley St countryside along narrow historic lanes. surrounded by a large garden with a Martin dense hedgerow along the boundary, It is considered important to protect the and the garden is surrounded by Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin setting of this historic core and to retain paddocks with very dense hedgerows. are two parishes to the north west of the views of the church towers from the The paddocks surrounding the garden Felixstowe. Most of the historic buildings nearby fi elds. provide a buffer between the listed (pre 1905) are centred around the two property and the surrounding area. parish churches, Church of Trimley St Walton Mary and Church of Trimley St Martin, twin churches built side by side and Walton is more urban in character than sharing a grave yard. the Trimleys with a higher proportion of medium density Victorian terraced Historic maps show that a linear village housing and a large range of shops and initially developed around the churches. services on the High Street. Subsequent Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin development mainly consists of fi rst started developing as two separate suburban housing development from the settlements in the early 20th century. 1940’s to the 1960’s.

20 Listed Buildings Listed Buildings

1. 351 & 353 High Road 2. Hand in Hand (public house) 3. Longford House - 287 High Road 1 4. Eagle House - 203 High Road 2 5. Church of St. Martin 6. Church of St. Mary 7. The Three Mariners Public House 8. Street Farm House 23 3 9. 202 & 204 High Road 10. The Old Rectory 2 and 2a Church Lane 24 11. Mill Farmhouse & farm building, 38 Thurmans Lane 1 12. The Limes, 200 High Road 13. Trimley House 9 4 14. Mary Dains Almhouses, 94-104 even, 3 5 10 7 6 2 High Road 12 11 8 15. Walton Hall, 395 High Street 16. The Toll House, 362 High St. Walton 17. Smock Hill, High Street

13 18. 323 & 325 High Street 4 19. Farm Building 25 20. Grimston Hall 19 20 21. Cartlodge Barn 22. Searson’s Farmhouse 23. Capel Hall 24. Capel Hall Farmhouse 14 25. Candlet Farmhouse

Historic Lanes

1. Church Lane 16 15 2. Thurmans Lane 17 3. Gun Lane 18 4. Gaymers Lane

22 21

1889 OS Map - Trimley

21 1889 OS Map - Walton

Walton Historic lanes

There are many listed buildings in Walton There are four historic lanes that lead with most of them clustered around the from the historic core of the Trimleys to original core of the settlement, between the surrounding countryside: Church St Mary Church and Maidstone Road. Lane and Thurmans Lane leading north Outside of this area, the listed buildings east towards the A14 and Gaymers include Walton Hall, the Toll House and Lane and Gun Lane leading south west Smock Mill. towards the railway line. Gun Lane and Gaymers Lane are tracks while Walton Hall is a grand three story red Thurmans Lane and Church Lane are brick house, set in a large garden with surfaced with tarmac as these lanes a number of mature trees providing provide access to properties. screening and privacy. The house has retained a semi-rural setting, surrounded Thurmans Lane and Church Lane are by an arable fi eld to the east and south, enclosed by hedgerows and have banks by a number of stables to the west and on both sides, indicating that they are by the High Street and post-war stable of considerable age. Gaymers Lane is buildings to the north. Development partly enclosed by hedgerows while on the fi eld adjacent to the house will Gun Lane is an open track. All lanes change the setting from rural to urban. are marked on the OS map from 1890. These historic routes are of heritage The distinctive octagonal Toll House value and should be preserved. located on the northern side of High Road has a partly rural setting, although views out to the rear fi eld are blocked by the tall, dense hedgerow that encloses the house and garden. Across the road the context is urban with linear development extending up the High Road from Walton.

Smock Mill is located to the rear of a property on the southern side of High Street with views to the playing ﬁ elds of Orwell High School. The setting of the Smock Mill is now urban with buildings close by and a corrugated sheet metal shed built next to the Mill.

22 Smock Mill The Rectory St. Mary’s Church

St. Martin’s Church Toll House Walton Hall

323 & 325 High Street Allotments Mill Farm

Church Lane Thurmans Lane

Mushroom Farm Gaymers Lane Tollgate Stables

23 06 BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

6.4 Ecology The Orwell Estuary Site of Special Kings Fleet Suffolk Shingle Beaches Scientifi c Interest (SSSI) 6.4.1 Environmental designations This site is designated for its spring fed This site is located at the mouth of The Orwell estuary is designated for freshwater lake and the number of birds the River Deben estuary. It supports A variety of designated sites occur its populations of wintering wildfowl it supports in late summer. The site also vegetated shingle habitat. within and around the Trimley Estate. and waders, extensive mudfl ats and supports a diverse breeding bird, plant This site is over 4km from the nearest These include sites of international and saltmarsh habitats. and invertebrate assemblage. This site is proposed development site which is national importance, as well as sites of 1.8km from the Walton site and a drain Walton to the southwest. importance within the county or regional The Orwell SSSI shares the same that connects to the Kingfl eet stream context. boundary with the Stour and Orwell reaches a portion of the Trimley St Kirton Reservoir Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) Martin some 2.6km away. The sites of international and and Ramsar site when in any proximity This site is located 1.3km to the north national importance to the proposed development sites. The Morston Hall Wood of the Innocence Farm site. It is a site Trimley St Martin site is the closest with designated for is rich habitat mosaic The Deben Estuary Site of Special the designated area being situated some This is a mixed habitat site. The Loompit including wetlands, woodland and osier Scientifi c Interest (SSSI), Special 1,064m to the southwest beyond further Lake supports large concentrations of beds which support a good population Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site farmland and a small hill. ducks in winter. Other interest is found of heath spotted orchids and other in adjacent unimproved grassland, wildlife. The boundary of the SPA is coincident The Landguard Common SSSI saltmarsh and ancient woodland. The with the Deben SSSI boundary and site also supports water shrew, which is Paul’s Rough Ground includes all land above mean low water This site is located on Landguard point a Suffolk priority species in the Suffolk mark up to an inland boundary that on the south western tip of Felixstowe. Biological Action Plan. This site is also located to the north follows features such as the upper limit It is designated for the stabilised shingle of the Innocence Farm site though at of wetland habitat or the sea wall. habitat and the vegetation it supports. This area of woodland is approximately a further distance of 1.7km. Between Fagbury Road is the closest proposed 630m from the Innocence Farm site Paul’s rough ground and Innocence The site is designated because it development to this SSSI being located though the A14 and main railway line Farm is not only Kirton reservoir but also regularly hosts nationally important approximately 2.6 km to the northwest pass through the land between. farmland, areas of woodland and a road. numbers of avocet and dark-bellied with much of urban Felixstowe located This County Wildlife Site is designated brent goose. The site also supports between the two sites. Trimley Marshes for being a good example of unimproved nationally important numbers of wet meadow important in the county for shelduck, grey plover, black-tailed Sites of County Importance This site is located adjacent to the Orwell its botanical assemblage. godwit and redshank. Estuary. It is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust Eleven sites of county importance reserve comprising a number of recently Stratton Hall Wood The SSSI is designated for its are located in or around the Trimley created lagoons, marsh and grassland populations of over-wintering waders Estate. Although these sites are given supporting a wide range of birds. This site is also nearest to Innocence and wildfowl and also for its extensive non-statutory designations, they are The Trimley St Martin site is the closest Farm being situated beyond Morston and diverse saltmarsh communities. considered to be of interest at the proposed development site with the Hall Wood at a distance of 1.4km to the Several estuarine plants and county or even regional level and are designated area being situated some west. As for Morston Wood the A14 and invertebrates with a nationally restricted afforded protection under national and 1km to the southwest beyond further main railway line lie between Innocence distribution are also present. local planning policy. farmland and a small hill. Fagbury Road Farm and Stratton Hall wood. This site is also in the vicinity of the marshes is designated as ancient woodland The Deben Estuary is situated to the Egypt Wood being located 1.2km to the southeast. important within the county for its rich east of the proposed development sites biodiversity including a good botanical approximately 3.6km to the north east This site is a woodland supporting a Painters/Salters Woods assemblage and bird fauna with all three of the Walton site and 3.9km to the suite of plants characteristic of ancient woodpecker species breeding here. northeast of the Trimley St Martin site. woodland. This site is situated close to Trimley Marshes. It supports two small ancient Levington Lagoon The Stour and Orwell Estuaries Special The Walton site is around 590m from woodlands. This site is 980m from Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site this woodland and Trimley St Martin is Fagbury Cliff and 936m from Trimley St This site is a wetland mosaic including approximately 740m, both development Martin. Farmland and small roads are both freshwater and saline habitats. The site is designated because it sites being to the southwest and present between the woods and the It was primarily designated for its supports notable numbers of wintering northwest respectively. Between the development sites. importance to roosting waders and golden plover and internationally and woodland and the development sites is wildfowl that rest here at high tide during nationally important populations of farmland and the A14 or the A154. Martello Tower Site their autumn and winter migration. wintering dunlin, shelduck, dark bellied This site is over 2km to the west of the brent goose, redshank, grey plover, This site is located on the coastal edge Innocence Farm site. blacktailed godwit, turnstone, ringed of Felixstowe. It supports stinking plover, wigeon, knot, curlew, pintail, goosefoot, a nationally rare species. mute swan, goldeneye and scaup. Fagbury Road is the closest site to the Martello tower and it is located approximately 2.5km to the northwest from the designated area.

24 Environmental Designations

The Deben Estuary SSSI, SPA & Ramsar Site

Morston Hall Wood Kings Fleet

Egypt Wood Suffolk Shingle Beaches

Painter’s / Salters Woods

Trimley Marshes

The Stour & Orwell Estuaries SPA & Ramsar SIte

The Orwell Estuary SSSI

The Deben Estuary SSSI, SPA & Ramsar Site Landguard Common SSSI

Morston Hall Wood Kings Fleet Local Nature Reserve

SPA Egypt Wood Suffolk Shingle Beaches Ramsar Painter’s / Salters Woods

SSSI Trimley Marshes

The Stour & Orwell Estuaries SPA & Ramsar SIte

6.4.2 ProtectedThe Orwell Estuary species SSSI and  Yellow wagtail Notable/Locally scarce species Innocence Farm species of conservation concern  Nightingale  Ring ouzel  Whinchat There are records for the amber A data trawl of existing species records  Firecrest  Mossy stonecrop listed Birds of Conservation Concern, was requested from the Suffolk  Spotted ﬂ ycatcher  Sainfoin Redshank (Tringa Totanus) and Knot Biological Records Centre. The records  Skylark (Calidris Canuta) from within the site include all protected species, species Landguard Bullﬁ Common nch SSSI Trimley St Martin boundary. Other species recorded of conservation concern (Biodiversity within 1km of the site include: Action Plan (BAP) priority species, Local NatureNotable/Locally Reserve scarce species There is a record for Merlin (Falco species listed on Section 41 NERC Act Columbarius), and Lesser Snapdragon Protected species and Birds of Conservation Concern)  Whinchat (Misopates Orontium), from within the and locally scarce and notable species  Wheatear site. Merlin is a Schedule 1 bird species  Pipistrelle bat including Red Data Book species.  Sedge warbler and as such is afforded additional  Water vole Species found within the study sites and  Whitethroat protection to that given to all other wild  Badger within 1km of the sites are summarised birds under the Wildlife and Countryside below. The Walton site Act 1981 (as amended). Lesser Species of Conservation concern Snapdragon is listed as vulnerable on The Fagbury Road site There is one record for Barn Owl (Tyto the Vascular Plant Red Data List . Other  Brown hare Alba) from within the site. This is a species recorded within 1km of the site  Stag beetle There is one record for Brown Hare Schedule 1 bird species and as such include:  Swallow (Lepus Europaeus) from within the is afforded additional protection to that  Snipe site boundary. This is a UK BAP given to all other wild birds under the Protected species  Lapwing priority species, but remains relatively Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as widespread within the countryside amended). Other species recorded  Pipistrelle bat Notable/Locally scarce species although numbers have declined in within 1km of the site include:  Adder recent years. Other species found within  Badger  Corn spurry 1km of the site include: Protected species  Merlin  Corn marigold

Protected species  Pipistrelle bat Species of Conservation concern 6.4.3 Habitat surveys  Slow worm  Pipistrelle bat  Water vole  Brown hare Extended Phase one ecology surveys  Common lizard  Mediterranean gull  Stag beetle were conducted for the proposed  Slow worm  Common lizard  Redshank development sites. Full details of the  Water vole  Merlin  Snipe surveys are contained in a separate  Black redstart  Lapwing document. In summary the development Species of Conservation concern  Tree sparrow sites are generally of low value although Species of Conservation concern  Corn bunting they may support some valuable arable  Brown hare ﬂ ora, brown hare, reptiles and bats.  Stag beetle  Stag beetle Notable/Locally scarce species All of these features can be more than  Lapwing  Song thrush compensated through on site design  Snipe  Reed bunting  Corn spurry and enhancements within the Trimley  Redshank  Corn bunting  Corn marigold Estate.  Turtle dove

25 07 THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF FELIXSTOWE

7.1 A comprehensive In preparing the masterplan for the In looking for suitable greenfi eld sites, Development outside of the corridor solution Trimley Estate, it is this wider defi nition our analysis of the physical features of defi ned by the A14 / A154 road and the of sustainability which has informed the the Felixstowe peninsula demonstrates railway line would encroach into virgin proposals. that the most appropriate zone for land not yet touched by urbanisation and Suffolk Coastal District Council, in development is the area contained result in urban sprawl; it would create its Core Strategy Preferred Options The team’s comprehensive approach to between the A14 / A154 road and isolated communities severed from the document, allocates a signifi cant masterplanning extends over the entire the railway line. A number of reasons rest of the settlement by a busy road or share of the District’s housing growth Trimley Estate and beyond, and other underpin this conclusion: railway line; it would have a visual impact to Felixstowe and the Ipswich Fringe land ownerships have been included on the most precious landscapes of the area. The Council identifi es the need in the proposals in order to provide the  The area is not covered by any peninsula; and could also impact on the to provide some 1,920 new dwellings best possible form of development for landscape designation such as Area wildlife habitats of the two estuaries. This in Felixstowe in the 15 year plan period Felixstowe. of Outstanding Natural Beauty or should therefore be resisted. to cater for the natural growth of the Heritage Coast; population and to reduce commuting 7.1.1 Location and extent of Specifi cally, within the corridor defi ned associated with the substantial proposed development  The area is not covered by any by the railway and the A14 / A154 road, employment opportunities provided by environmental designation such as our analysis has identifi ed two sites the Port. The town of Felixstowe contains a Special Protection Area, Ramsar, Site which are considered the most suitable few small previously developed or of Special Scientifi c Interest or Local locations for mixed use, predominantly In order for the new dwellings not to ‘brownfi eld’ sites. It is Government’s Nature Reserve; residential development. The two sites undermine the sustainability of the policy to develop brownfi eld sites in are the area between the edge of Walton existing communities, it is important that preference to virgin land or ‘greenfi eld’  The area sits on the high ground and the A14 Port of Felixstowe Road, they are provided in the right location sites wherever possible. In as much as of the Felixstowe plateau which and the area south of Trimley Saint and accompanied by the necessary they are not constrained in ways which is of lower landscape value than Martin. The rationale behind these two infrastructure. This way, the growth would delay the delivery of housing, the the surrounding Valley Slopes and locations is as follows: of Felixstowe can add to the town’s brownfi eld sites of Felixstowe should Marshes; range of facilities rather than create an be re-developed as a matter of priority Walton additional burden on existing services. to help regenerate the town and make  The area is visually contained to the effi cient use of limited land resources. south by the railway and associated  The area is defi ned by man-made For the new development to be able to The District Council estimates that woodland planting, and to the features with the A14 Port of provide the range of services needed, around 300 new dwellings could be north by the A14 / A154 road and Felixstowe Road to the west, the A154 it should be concentrated in a few provided on previously used land in the associated embankments and Candlet Road to the north, the railway locations large enough to support a mix Felixstowe by 2024. This leaves some belts of woodland. Consequently, and residential development to the of uses including new schools, parks, 1,620 dwellings to be provided on development in this zone will not have south and the urban edge of Walton shops and community facilities, as greenfi eld sites. an adverse visual impact on the Areas to the east; may be required. The distribution of the of Outstanding Natural Beauty; housing requirement over a high number  The area can form a natural extension of small sites would be unlikely to result  The area is well served by road with to the urban area of Felixstowe and in the comprehensive provision of such vehicular access either onto the A14 Walton; facilities. or onto High Road in Trimley and High Street in Walton;  The area is well served by existing A policy of dispersion would also shops and facilities along the High work against the principles of  The area is well served by public Street which could cater for both the compact settlement and walkable transport with a number of services existing and future population; neighbourhoods which are a keystone running along Trimley High Road / of sustainable development and the Walton High Street and the potential  The area is contiguous with Orwell reduction of the reliance on car usage. for additional services along existing High School and could help deliver Sustainable development is however not routes; aspects of the renewal of the school, limited to the location of development such as providing improved vehicular, and the mix of land uses.  The area benefi ts from existing pedestrian and cycle access to the facilities in the communities of Trimley school campus; The creation of inclusive communities, St Martin, Trimley St Mary and Walton the provision of public transport, and can provide new facilities to  The area could provide housing in consideration for landscape and support these communities; close proximity to new employment townscape elements, the protection of opportunities at Blofi eld Park, and biodiversity, the diversifi cation of the  The area is within walking and cycling within walking and cycling distance of local economy, the potential to reduce distance of the Port of Felixstowe, the the town centre and the Port. energy use and produce energy from biggest employer in the area; renewable sources, and consideration to surface water drainage and fl ooding  The area does not contain woodlands, issues all have a part to play in the long streams or other features of high term sustainability of settlements. ecology value

26 Trimley St Martin 7.1.2 New community facilities New community facilities  The area is deﬁ ned by man-made Education features with the railway to the southwest, the A14 Road to the east, the Preliminary discussions indicate that urban edge of Trimley St Martin estate residential growth in the region of 1,620 to the north, Gun Lane and Church dwellings would give rise to the need Primary School   Park Park   Food Store Lane to the south; for a new dual entry primary school.  Local Services The new school should be located  The area wraps around two sides on the Trimley St Martin site. The of the Trimley St Martin estate, an existing school near Kirton could not Park   Enterprise Centre area which has existing community accommodate the new pupils. There is  Surgery facilities such as the Memorial Hall also some spare capacity in the existing and sports ground but lack shops schools in Felixstowe and Walton and services which could be provided which could cater for demand not by the new development; accommodated in the new school.

 The area has good vehicular access Given the forthcoming ‘Building Schools directly onto the A14 via the Link for the Future’ programme, it is likely Road; that the need for additional secondary school places associated with new  The existing Link Road / High development will be accommodated in Road roundabout has capacity for the reconfi gured Orwell High School. accommodating development south of the High Road without requiring a Health centre major reconfi guration; Preliminary discussions indicate that a  The area has low to medium quality new doctor surgery or health centre is landscape and excludes the higher likely to be needed and that this would quality landscape sandwiched be best located in Walton to serve the between the historic routes of Gun Trimleys, Walton and the wider needs of Lane, Church Lane, Thurmans Lane the peninsula. and Gaymers Lane. Shops Enterprise/incubator space Community Hall Both these sites were identifi ed Our assessment shows that the Walton Preliminary discussions indicate a need for development in the Felixstowe Our preliminary investigations show community is well served by existing for additional enterprise/incubator Peninsula Local Strategy report that the existing community halls are shops located primarily along the High space within the locality. A new facility (David Lock Associates, 2006). The well used with little surplus capacity to Street, including two small food stores. could be provided within the Walton report, commissioned by East of accommodate new demands. A new Any increase of population in Walton will site and this would link in well with any England Development Agency, English shared hall could be provided as part provide a boost to the local businesses redevelopment of Orwell High School Partnerships, Suffolk Coastal District of a new primary school if the current and it is therefore not deemed necessary and regeneration within the wider area. Council and Felixstowe Town Council, facilities cannot be extended to cater for to add more shops to cater for the future estimates that the Walton site could the new residents. This new hall could new residents. provide between 597 and 903 new serve a number of purposes and be dwellings, and that the Trimley St Martin used by faith groups if needed. Our assessment also shows that the site could deliver between 1,312 and Trimleys benefi t from few shops; the 1,519 new dwellings. current provision including a butcher (Sausage Shop) in Trimley St Martin, a post offi ce near the twin churches and a newsagent (Faulkeners Way) in Trimley St Mary. There are no primary food stores within the Trimley villages. Any increase of population in the Trimley villages will therefore result in additional trips to food stores in Walton, Felixstowe or Ipswich. Consequently, it is proposed that the residential development south of Trimley St Martin should contain a new neighbourhood food store and a parade of local services such as hair dresser, fl orist and dentist.

27 07 THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF FELIXSTOWE

7.1.3 Accessibility More limited vehicular access (for All of the Walton and Trimley sites will The higher proportion of car drivers maintenance and refuse collection) is provide good accessibility and proximity contributes to the existing peak hour The Walton and Trimley sites have good needed to the public open space site to local bus services on High Road / traffi c fl ows of 700 – 900 vph (AM and access to public transport services on the west side of the A14 Dock Spur Street which connect to Felixstowe town PM respectively) along the High Road 75, 76 and 77 between Ipswich and Road. Here a simple priority junction, centre. The sites are within easy cycling / Street. An 85th percentile speed of Felixstowe because these routes run broadly in the location of the existing distance of Trimley railway station. 35 mph, in a 30 mph speed limit, is a along High Road / Street. The site depth fi eld / allotment access, would suffi ce. The layouts will be such that walkable cause for concern. However, neither the is such that nearly all homes would neighbourhoods are created with links to volume nor speed has led to a signifi cant fall within 400m of the High Road / At Trimley St Martin, we expect that the local services and facilities. number or severity of accidents over Street and a convenient bus stop. The initial phase of housing north of High the last 5 years. All of the recorded internal layout would be permeable Road and east of Link Road, would be Transport Strategy accidents are of ‘slight’ severity with and connected, providing direct routes accessed primarily from Link Road. A none being serious or fatal. through and within the sites, including to new junction would be created about Earlier, we described the current bus stops. midway between Junction 59 and the imbalance between jobs and housing A small element of the High Road / Link Road roundabout. This junction in the Felixstowe area, which leads Street traffi c volume is through traffi c Such layouts also encourage walking, by could take either a ghost island or traffi c to excessive commuting. The between the A14 and Felixstowe providing direct routes between origins signalled form, pending discussion FSR scheme would create another although none of this is Port-related and destinations, such as local shops, with SCC. There is suffi cient frontage 1,500 jobs in the area, which would heavy goods vehicle traffi c. The through employment and schools. In particular, so that visibility splays could easily be exacerbate commuting unless new traffi c should be using the A14 and A154 we anticipate that travel to Orwell High accommodated. Here we expect SCC homes are provided in the area. The Candlet Road routes. These are more School from the Walton and Trimley sites to request that the highway engineering desire to reduce, or at least contain, suitable routes and offer signifi cantly could be largely by walking and cycling. design standards of DMRB are met. commuting forms part of SCDC’s vision quicker journey times than the High In poor weather, the local bus services for Felixstowe. This could in part be Road / Street, so should already be the along High Road / Street would provide A secondary highway access would be realised by building more homes in the preferred route. a reasonable alternative for Trimley created at 246 – 248 High Road, which peninsula. residents. are owned by Trinity College, so that In order to further discourage and the site was permeable. This would However, the location of these homes displace this through traffi c from the Highway access to the Walton sites be a simple priority junction where the will largely determine how their residents High Road / Street, vehicle speeds could be provided directly to Walton MfS visibility requirement would be travel. If they are located nearer to the should be reduced. An effective way of High Street. No detailed analysis appropriate and can be met without third Port, then there is a greater likelihood doing so would be to modify High Road has been done at this stage, but we party land acquisition. of travel by walking, cycling and bus. / Street to become a ‘street’ with a 20 anticipate that simple priority junctions Additionally, more residents in Walton mph speed limit rather than the existing or ghost island layouts would provide Pedestrian and cycle routes would also and the Trimleys would help to reinforce 30 mph limit. satisfactory access. We see no need be provided to Church Lane on the the viability of existing bus services 75, for more signifi cant roundabout or eastern boundary of the site. Again, the 76 and 77 and offer the prospect of The carriageway and available highway traffi c signalled junctions, though the aim is to provide a permeable site which enhanced frequencies. land both vary signifi cantly in width latter might prove a convenient way encourages walking and cycling for local through Walton and the Trimleys. At the of accommodating formal pedestrian journeys. More remote housing locations would east end, the carriageway is excessively and cycle crossing facilities. For the need to introduce entirely new bus wide at circa 10m and there is some proposed priority junctions, visibility To secure the second phase of services. These may not compete 15m or more of available highway land. splays could be provided in land either development south of the High Road directly with 75, 76 and 77 for To the north of the A14 link road, the already dedicated as highway or in and east of Mushroom Farm, a fourth passengers but they certainly would not carriageway and highway boundary are Trinity College’s ownership. arm of the Link Road roundabout reinforce and underpin these services in more constrained with typical widths would be created. Detailed design is the way that housing at Trimley St Martin of circa 6m and 10m respectively. We have yet to debate with SCC premature at this stage but preliminary and Walton could do. Between these two extremes, High the appropriate standards for such work suggests that this solution can be Road / Street has a variety of widths and junctions; the Manual for Streets achieved. This would provide vehicular The modal split of journeys to work for layouts. published in March 2007 would form access to the proposed food store, the 2001 Census data for the Trimley a suitable basis for design and would new primary school and recreational and Walton wards shows: certainly reduce the amount of ‘highway facilities. Additional housing would also engineering’ along the scheme frontages be accessed from the roundabout. Car Driver 70% to High Street. We anticipate that two Car Passenger 7% points of access would be provided to An additional point of access, probably Walk 15% both the sites north and south of High in the form of a simple priority junction, 7%] Street. The crossroads arrangement would be created to the north west Cycle shown on the conceptual layout would between Mill Lane and Mushroom Farm. 8%] conform to MfS principles but needs This would service the housing between Bus 4% discussion with SCC in due course. the High Road and railway line. Rail 1% Motorcycle 3% TOTAL 100%

28 Our proposal is to reduce the In addition, bus services to the Port are Conclusions carriageway width throughout to insuffi cient at present and usage is low. reduce speeds and through traffi c We anticipate introducing a bus service The proposals would provide volumes, whilst maintaining suffi cient that would be more direct and so more signifi cantly more local houses in width (minimum 5.5m) for existing and attractive to those working in the Port close proximity to the growth in jobs enhanced bus services to serve the and surrounding employment areas. expected as a result of the Felixstowe Trimleys and Walton. The reduction The aim would be to achieve a 15 minute South Reconfi guration. They would also in carriageway width offers potential frequency service during peak periods. provide local facilities such as a school, for formalising on-street parking leisure facilities and a new food store arrangements, providing the necessary Cycle routes to key destinations will for local residents to use. Such facilities numbers of pedestrian crossings to also be important in encouraging would reduce the need to travel greater encourage walking and providing this mode. Improved cycle facilities distances, usually by car, for shopping or either on-street mandatory cycle on High Street / Road would enable recreation. lanes or a 3m wide shared footway / school trips to Orwell High to be made cycleway alongside the carriageway as more confi dently. The route might also The small amount of employment appropriate. attract other children (say years 5 and proposed will also provide some 6) to cycle to the new primary school opportunity to work locally, reducing the These proposed changes to High Road proposed in the scheme. need to travel for work. / Street are entirely consistent with the Manual for Streets guidance published There is an informal cycle route via The transport strategy outlined above in March 2007. They would make Station Road and Cordy’s Lane in seeks to achieve a signifi cant reduction High Road / Street a more attractive Trimley St Mary towards the Port. While in travel by car, more walking and cycling environment for walking, cycling and this is surfaced and lit at the Port end and additional use of an enhanced bus using public transport and so encourage near Nicholas Road it is not surfaced service. The targeted modal split for the greater use of these non-car travel or lit between here and Cordy’s Lane. end of the plan period in 2021 would be: modes. The route seems well used in spring and summer but we suspect is not so Car driver 50% To encourage more use of bus services, popular in autumn and winter. If this Car passenger 10% we envisage an increased number of route were surfaced, and provided Walk ] 25% services. Currently there are a notional 4 with lighting at low level to refl ect the Cycle] buses / hr along High Street/ Road. All rural location, then it could form a more Bus 10% serve Felixstowe town centre (at Great attractive year-round cycle (and maybe Rail 2% Eastern Square) before travelling on to pedestrian) route for Port employees. Motorcycle 3% other areas including Old Felixstowe, These proposals are consistent with TOTAL 100% Grange Farm / Cavendish Park and the Sustrans aspirations to complete Port area. We envisage an increase to National Route 51 through the area. 6 buses / hr along High Street / Road in each direction, giving a notional 10 minute frequency for services between the Trimleys, Walton and Felixstowe town centre.

29 07 THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF FELIXSTOWE

7.1.4 Landscape strategy Green Infrastructure Strategy There is already a good network of The section passing through the footpaths and bridleways within the Trimley St Martin residential estate Public open space The Felixstowe Peninsula already offers a Trimley Estate which could be enhanced could be diverted to pass through the wide range of recreational opportunities by the addition of new links and the historic core of the Trimleys by the twin New residential development will in landscapes of outstanding quality and realignment of existing footpaths. New churches. Diverting the existing footpath need to provide public open space in ecological value. This natural heritage is links are proposed from Grimston Hall from its current route past Deben Lodge accordance with Suffolk Coastal District a great asset to the area to be protected directly down to Trimley Marshes and Farm and Brook Lane to a new footpath Council’s standards. These specify and nurtured to the benefi t of local along an east west alignment past along the upper reaches of King’s Fleet the provision of 1.7 hectares of sports residents and visitors, wildlife and the Painter’s/Salter’s Wood. A number to the A14 underpass by Thurmans grounds and 0.7 hectare of play areas wider environment. of existing footpaths run through or Lane would also be a considerable per 1,000 population. Based on an alongside tree belts. Moving the paths improvement to the route. average household size of 2.3 persons The land between the River Orwell and from the northern side of the tree belts to (2001 Census data for Suffolk), the the Trimleys adjacent to the Port of the southern side would allow currently A key element in the strategy to creation of 1,620 new dwellings will Felixstowe is predominantly within the hidden elevated panoramic views from encourage recreational use of the require the provision of some 9 hectares Trimley Estate. Landscape and access the footpaths across the AONB. landscape is to highlight the existing of public open space in total. improvements are deliverable within this and new visitor attractions through area and for this reason proposals are On the north eastern side of the Trimleys interpretation and signage. Some This should be distributed between the focused here. This area already contains a signifi cant improvement to access interpretation boards already exist, but Walton site and the Trimley St Martin a number of attractions including would be a new footpath together with there is scope to provide more with site in a way that is proportional to the panoramic views across the AONB, ecological and landscape enhancements information on wildlife, habitats and number of dwellings in each location. The Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve along the upper reaches of the Kings landscape features. There is also scope The District Council encourages the and Visitor Centre and Loompit Lake Fleet stream which would complete the to enhance footpath signage by showing dual use of educational and private and Levington Marina. The area also Kings Fleet Walk from the Trimleys to the distances to visitor attractions and sports facilities so part of the new sports contains ancient woodlands including Deben Estuary. The Kings Fleet is the colour coding routes. grounds could be shared by the new Morston Hall Woods and Painter’s/ largest and most important spring fed primary school and the community. Salter’s Wood, although at present water course fl owing from the Felixstowe The Estate features a number of access is limited. Plateau to the Deben Estuary. locations offering panoramic views Sustainable drainage systems and across the Orwell Estuary. These the creation of new ecology habitats The landscape strategy for the Trimley Although access for walkers is good, viewpoints are ideal resting places will form part of the design of the new Estate focuses on promoting recreational access for cyclists is currently restricted where the scenery can be enjoyed and public open spaces. The new parks use of the 640 hectare area west of to bridleways. Extending the cycle provide a destination point for walks into and play areas will be designed to be the Trimleys. Enhancing access and network by upgrading existing footpaths the countryside. The landscape strategy attractive, stimulating and safe, with promoting recreational activities in to bridleways creating a number of for the Trimley Estate proposes the good pedestrian connections towards this scenic landscape would be a circular routes of varying distance would establishment of small picnic areas by the surrounding areas so that they can signifi cant benefi t to the existing and improve access to the countryside each viewpoint. be enjoyed by the wider community. new communities of Felixstowe and the considerably. There may also be Trimleys. opportunities to integrate new cycle A small visitor car parking area is already Provision over and above the standard networks with improved access for farm provided at the end of Cordy’s Lane, will also be made to meet some of the Signifi cant landscape enhancements vehicles across the Estate. close to Searson’s Farm. If necessary, defi cit currently experienced by the have already been carried out in additional parking could be provided Trimley villages. this area together with mitigation The long distance Suffolk Coast and in this location in connection with measures for the Port expansion. Heaths footpath is split into two with new visitor facilities. There is also the This additional open space is proposed There is, however, still scope for further one route following the coast along potential to locate a tent campsite on the to be located on part of the open land improvements. the Felixstowe sea front, and the other plateau area screened by planting belts east of Trimley St Mary and could route crossing the Felixstowe Peninsula in the fi elds around Searson’s Farm. The include play equipment for children, The ecological issue of greatest via Trimley St Martin. The two paths existing two campsites in Felixstowe are park benches, picnic tables and other importance on the Felixstowe Peninsula rejoin by Loompit Lake. The two paths located in an urban setting. facilities to be agreed in consultation is protection and enhancement of form a circuit around the Felixstowe with the Local Authority, the parishes the estuarine habitats of international Peninsula that could be promoted as A campsite in a rural setting may appeal and the local residents. importance. Reducing contamination of the Felixstowe Loop. The total length of particularly to people with an interest in surface water entering the marshlands, the loop is approximately 20 km or 12.5 the natural qualities of the area including including nitrates from arable fi elds, is miles. A number of improvements could people walking or cycling along the therefore a key priority and proposals be made to this route to make it more Suffolk Coast and Heath Path or bird to improve watercourses, ponds and attractive. watchers visiting Trimley Marshes or the ditches within the Trimley Estate can Orwell Estuary. contribute to this aim.

30 Access to the Countryside

The Felixstowe Loop

Existing long distance footpath

New footpaths

Improvement of existing footpaths

Proposed cycle routes

7.1.5 Biodiversity gains Community woodland 7.1.6 Density and tenures The development will cater for the needs of a wide spectrum of the population PPS9 states that plan policies The Felixstowe Peninsula offers a range Residential densities in the new and offer affordable, as well as market should promote opportunities for the of landscapes, but lacks accessible development need to be sympathetic housing. The affordable housing element incorporation of benefi cial biodiversity woodland. There is potential to create to the local context whilst making will refl ect the local needs as spelt out and geological conservation features a community woodland south of the effi cient use of the land. The Felixstowe in the Suffolk Coastal Local Housing within the design of development and railway between Grimston Hall and Peninsula Local Strategy report (David Assessment (published February 2007) that plan policies and planning decisions Searson’s Farm. This area is on the Lock Associates, 2006) suggests that and could include housing for rent, should aim to maintain, and enhance, Felixstowe plateau characterised by densities of 30 to 50 dwellings per equity share and shared ownership, as restore or add to biodiversity and fl at open farmland and small scattered hectare are suitable on the greenfi eld required. geological conservation interests. woodlands. sites. Within this range, densities should refl ect the specifi c situation of each site. There are potentially excellent A woodland in this location would fi t opportunities for biodiversity gain in well with the existing landscape For the purpose of masterplanning the within the Trimley Estate site given the structure, linking woodland planting Trimley Estate, an average density of extensive green space proposed within along the railway line and the southern 40 dwellings per hectare is proposed. and between the proposed development fi eld boundary. Although the area is This allows for a mix of dwelling types areas and the proximity of land within within the AONB it does not have the including detached, semi-detached and the Trimley Estate to Internationally and same landscape quality as it is visually terraced properties. Nationally Designated sites. separated from the wider landscape by dense screen planting. This area is Within this average density, a lower Given the presence of the fairly recently also easily accessible from Felixstowe, density range can be used for the more created Trimley Marshes site there Walton, Trimley St Mary and Trimley St sensitive areas, such as the interface are also opportunities to learn from Martin and is located close to Searson’s of the Trimley St Martin development the experience of this Wildlife Trust Farm which has the potential to with the open land between Trimley St led project to guide the proposals for accommodate visitor facilities. Martin and Trimley St Mary, and higher larger-scale biodiversity gain in this area. densities can be used for the more Biodiversity gain could also be delivered A community woodland would not only urban parts of the sites, such as parts of through relatively minor additions to the be a valuable recreational resource but Walton near the High Street. fabric of built development (e.g. through could also be used by local schools for the provision of bird nesting and bat educational purposes. A new woodland Irrespective of these variations, the roosting opportunities). with the primary aim of providing new densities proposed can be delivered recreational opportunities for the local using mainly buildings of two storeys, community can also help reduce possibly with a few three storey buildings pressures on existing ancient woodland in key gateway or landmark locations. remnants which have high biodiversity value and are sensitive to disturbance. A further opportunity for establishing community woodland may exist on land known as Kirton Pits to the southeast of the A14 Trimley roundabout.

31 07 THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF FELIXSTOWE

7.1.7 Employment Employment Strategic employment sites Innocence Farm The Trimley Estate has the potential to provide sites for both strategic and non-strategic employment allocations. The former refers to sites of strategic importance for the economy of the eastern region and not just the Suffolk  School & local services Coastal area. Two potential locations for strategic employment were identiﬁ ed in  Great Street Farm the Core Strategy Issues and Options document: Adastral Park, Martlesham and the Port of Felixstowe.

Whilst a planning consent for a major Enterprise Centre reconﬁ guration has recently been given  to the Port of Felixstowe, a number of the Port operators have drawn the Council’s attention to the imminent Fagbury shortage of land for port-related uses such as container storage, warehousing and distribution, and lorry parking.

The draft RSS identifi es Felixstowe as a Regionally Strategic Employment Location, in recognition of its strategic role as a port and port-related employment uses. The approved Felixstowe South Reconfi guration will substantially increase the freight traffi c passing through Felixstowe from 3.15 million TEU’s per annum in 2002 to 5.6 million TEU’s per annum in 2014. This large increase in container traffi c through the port will greatly increase demand for port-related employment land close to the Port.

The major container shipping companies have identifi ed an urgent need for further land for container storage. Due to operational constraints this is best located in close proximity to the Port. There is an identifi ed need for lorry parking facilities in order to ease congestion on the dock access. There will also be an ongoing need for EEDA defi nes Strategic Employment A14. Proposals for these sites are still warehousing fl oorspace in connection sites as being ‘employment sites conceptual and additional studies are with the Port. capable of accommodating a user required to ascertain their viability. These requiring a plot of 10 hectares or more studies are on-going and their fi ndings The existing allocated employment or Special Users sites, e.g port or airport are not expected to be available before sites in Felixstowe are substantially related’. the Core Strategy Preferred Options developed, and there is inadequate land consultation due to start in November remaining within the allocated areas to In preparing the masterplan for the 2007. Key fi ndings will inform the Trimley allow for port-related employment land Trimley Estate, sites were identifi ed Estate masterplan as they emerge. provision up to 2021. which could help relieve the need for additional port-related uses. These are located at Fagbury Road (18 ha), adjacent to the Port and to existing container storage sites, and at Innocence Farm (54 ha), along the

32 Diversifi cation of the local fl orist, pharmacy, newsagent, amongst Potential technologies suitable for this  Source control – the control of run- economy others which could be clustered around site include solar hot water, photovoltaic off at or very near its sources. This a new local centre in Trimley St Martin. cells, ground thermal energy systems, includes using rainwater harvesting, The District Council’s Issues and Other jobs will be created in the new combined heat and power and biomass permeable pavements, green roofs Options paper summarises the local primary school and the new food store. boilers. and soak-aways, amongst others, employment situation as follows: Small scale offi ce and other uses could at the masterplanning and detailed also be located in redundant farm There is strong potential to include a design stages; “At its height, Felixstowe the buildings such as Great Street Farm, on community heat network and centralise resort was by far the largest the Trimley High Road. energy production to further improve  Site control – management of water employer in the town. Now it is effi ciency. from several sub-catchments. This not so. The Port is the largest 7.1.8 Energy strategy includes routeing water from roofs Development on the Trimley Estate and car parks to local swales and container Port in the UK and Energy conservation and the production offers unique opportunities in terms balancing ponds or wetlands to be the fi fth largest in Europe. It of energy from renewable sources of renewable energy production. The designed at the earliest stages of site dominates the town’s economy are central aspects of sustainable extensive nature of the Estate means planning. and use of land. development. The ‘Building a Greener that potential wind turbines could be Future – Towards Zero Carbon located away from existing and new The detailed drainage design will Although the signs are that the Port will Development’ consultation document dwellings, take advantage of favourable respond to site topography and soil continue to be successful it is a very (December 2006) sets out the local wind conditions and provide composition. Both the Walton and dynamic business operation controlled Government’s proposals to reduce a potentially signifi cant amount of the Trimley St Martin sites fall slightly by global markets and technological the carbon footprint of new housing renewable electricity. away from High Road / High Street and change. It is not good for the economy development in England and Wales, with the soils are largely sand and gravel. of a town to be so reliant on one activity. the aim of achieving zero carbon homes Another option is the introduction of Consequently, ground conditions This is compounded by the fact that by 2016. Non-residential buildings will energy crops on the Estate. These are likely to be permeable and it is the alternative activity – tourism – is in also be subject to increasing energy and could be utilised as a source of local, anticipated that the large majority decline.” sustainability standards. carbon neutral fuel from a sustainable of surface waters will be drained by source. With much of the proposed infi ltration. This goes on to state: Development on the Trimley Estate development sites sloping gently is likely to take place over a number towards the south, the potential for sun Detention areas located in the lower lying “To avoid an over-reliance on of years before and after the 2016 related technologies is also high. parts of the sites will cater for the more the Port, Felixstowe may need horizon for zero carbon development. extreme 1 in 100 year storm events. The to diversify its economy to offer Set against the Government’s 7.1.9 Drainage and utilities use of public open spaces coinciding new opportunities. To do this it proposed timeline for ratcheting up with the low points of the site could the sustainability standards of new Surface water drainage provide useful surface water detention may need a different and distinct homes, residential development on features whilst also providing recreation employment development away the Trimley Estate in the period from Sustainable water management facilities. from the Port. Non port-related 2010 to 2013 will need to achieve CO2 practices are an important component businesses fi nd it diffi cult to fi nd emission reduction of 25% against of sound development and we propose Utilities premises in Felixstowe and have current standards and development in adopting sustainable drainage systems located elsewhere.” the period from 2013 to 2016 will have to (SuDS) throughout the development Contact has been made with the achieve a reduction of 44%. sites. statutory providers to identify the existing The need to diversify the local economy telephony, power, water, gas and foul creates the requirement for non-port After 2016, residential development The SuDS approach is to “mimic as sewerage provision and the potential related employment provision. The will have to satisfy ‘net zero carbon’ closely as possible the natural drainage to cater for the proposed development. Trimley Estate is partly addressing criteria equivalent to 100% improvement from a site before development and Whilst new infrastructure such as new this issue through the development of over current CO2 emission levels plus to treat run-off to remove pollutants” sewerage pumping stations, emergency general employment opportunities at generation of electricity from renewable (ICPSDS, 2004). SuDS include a variety sewerage storage tanks and electric Blofi eld Park. sources for all appliances. of ways to ensure natural drainage sub-stations will be needed, the sites patterns are retained and if possible appear to present no extraordinary costs In addition, the estate can provide Achieving these targets will require improved to benefi t both water quality or barriers towards assembly. smaller scale employment opportunities a two pronged approach based on and biodiversity. These include: in close proximity to existing and new energy effi ciency and the production of residents. As part of the proposed energy from renewable sources. The  Prevention – the use of good site development, there is the potential to fi rst principle of energy effi ciency is to design and maintenance to prevent create an ‘Enterprise Centre’ which reduce demand. This can be achieved runoff and pollution. This includes would cater for emerging businesses. through an effi cient building envelope the minimisation of paved areas at We have indicated a potential site for this and energy effi cient appliances. The the masterplanning and detailed site centre along Walton’s High Street. remaining energy requirement can then design stages; be satisfi ed through low or zero carbon Additional jobs will also be created in technologies. the ancillary uses associated with the housing development. These will include jobs in local services such as dentist,

33 07 THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF FELIXSTOWE

7.1.10 Expanding the tourism offer Tourism Offer

In conjunction with green infrastructure Morston Hall proposals, the potential exists to use some of the redundant farm buildings on Marina the Trimley Estate to expand the range of tourist facilities in Felixstowe with a rural alternative to the seaside offer.

The Council’s Issues and Options Loompit Lake document states that farm conversion for tourist related activities, particularly Great Street Farm accommodation is considered appropriate if it takes the pressure Grimston Hall of second homes away from local communities. Diversifi cation proposals should be of economic and social Trimley Marshes benefi t to the local community without Searson’s Farm adversely affecting the environment, particularly in terms of traffi c. Visitor Centre A number of farms within the Trimley Estate including Grimston and Morston Hall, and Searson’s Farm feature interesting buildings in various state of decay which are redundant and have the potential to be converted to tourism related uses.

Finding a positive use for these buildings would ensure their long term protection and upkeep. Such conversion would work hand in hand with Suffolk Coast and Heaths’ proposals for enhanced walking routes around the peninsula and for the Trimley Estate proposals for new picnic, scenic routes and other visitor Landguard Fort facilities. & Nature Reserve

Searson’s Farm is ideally located at the end of Cordy’s Lane and only a short distance from Trimley St Mary Station. This is the main gateway to the landscape west of Felixstowe and the only visitor car park is located here. Due to its location Searson’s Farm is the most suitable of the redundant farms for conversion to visitor accommodation. The farm could potentially accommodate restaurant or tearoom. This would use a guest inn, visitor centre, toilets and a relatively small proportion of the farm café. The farm buildings and grounds complex and the remainder could be are attractive with the farm house and used for small scale employment uses two barns listed, increasing the potential such as ofﬁ ces or workshops. of conversion to tourism uses. In addition, the surrounding ﬁ elds include These redundant buildings could be a well screened plateau which could used to create a network of visitors’ accommodate a tent campsite in the facilities linked by footpaths and cycle summer period. routes.

Great Street Farm, in Trimley St Mary near the High Road, due to its high accessibility, has good potential for a farmers’ market and associated

34 Walton Illustrative Layout

A154 Candlet Road

High Road

High Str

eet

A14 Port of Felixstowe Road

Housing

Enterprise Centre

‘Super-Surgery’ North

7.2 Site specifi c proposals  The setting of the Toll House against  The separate identity of the  A new access road on the southern a backdrop of trees should be settlements of Trimley St Mary and side of the High Street, incorporating 7.2.1 Walton maintained; Walton should be preserved. The footpath and cycle link to school settlements are already clearly along the existing hedgerow; The proposed layout for the Walton site  The mature trees within the rifl e range physically separated by the A14 Port responds to a number of opportunities should be protected; of Felixstowe Road and this can  A linear park incorporating and constraints, as follows: be further emphasized through the sustainable drainage systems, tree  Residential development should creation of public open space. planting and footpaths along the A14  Opportunity to improve vehicular, be set back from the A14 Port of Port of Felixtsowe Road; cycle and pedestrian links to Orwell Felixstowe Road to minimise any The layout responds to the above site High School from the High Road; noise impact; specifi c conditions and features the  A new neighbourhood park west following: of the A14 Port of Felixstowe Road,  A good hedgerow lines the boundary  Positive building frontage should between Walton and Trimley St between the schools and the site be provided along the High Street  An Entreprise Centre (0.5 ha) and Mary. This would retain the existing and should be kept. The hedgerow’s in keeping with the character of the new surgery (0.3 ha) on the northern allotments and provide children’s valuable landscape and biodiversity street further east; side of the High Street, on either side play facilities, amenity space and benefi ts could be enhanced with of a new access road; biodiversity enhancements; additional planting;  Non-residential uses such as the Enterprise Centre and the surgery  On the southern side of the High  Pocket parks and toddlers play areas  The setting of Walton Hall should be should be located along the High Street, buildings set back from the located within the new residential protected, especially the main aspect Street so they are accessible to the road to respond to setting of Walton development; and from the High Street. This can be wider community; Hall; addressed with building setbacks and  Some 655 new dwellings east of the adequate landscape treatment;  Sustainable drainage systems A14 Port of Felixstowe Road. require infi ltration areas which can be accommodated in green spaces; and

35 Trimley St. Martin Illustrative Layout

A14

High

Road

Housing

Foodstore

Primary School

Local services North

7.2 Site specifi c proposals  A thick belt of planting along the so they are accessible to the wider  A primary school combined with railway line provides screening to the community; community hall (2.0 ha), a food store Trimley St Martin south-west; (0.7 ha) and a parade of local services  Sustainable drainage systems (0.2 ha) on the western side of the High  The proposed layout for the Trimley St  A thick belt of planting along the A14 require infi ltration areas which can be Road, creating a new local centre near Martin site responds to the following provides screening to the north-east. accommodated in green spaces in the the roundabout; opportunities and constraints: A public footpath lines this wooded lower lying parts of the site; and area and should be maintained;  A new green space next to the Old  A potential vehicular access point from  The separate identity of the Vicarage and a green corridor along the existing Link Road / High Road  The mature oak tree within Poultry settlements of Trimley St Mary and Church Lane to respond to setting of roundabout; Farm should be retained; Trimley St Martin should be preserved. the listed building; Whilst contiguous along the High  Existing public footpaths which should  Residential development should be set Road, the settlements are separated  A neighbourhood park next to the school, be maintained; back from the A14 Port of Felixstowe by open fi elds and paddocks on centrally located within this part of the Road to minimise any noise impact; either side of the High Road. This can development and providing children’s play  Existing hedgerows which should be be further emphasized through the facilities, sports pitches, amenity space incorporated into green spaces and  Positive building frontage should be sensitive treatment of development and biodiversity enhancements; corridors as much as possible; provided along the High Road but this facing onto these spaces. could be set back in front of the Hand  Pocket parks and toddlers play areas located  The setting of the Old Vicarage should in Hand pub to retain a green aspect; The layout responds to the above site within the new residential development; and be protected, especially the main specifi c conditions and features the aspect from Church Lane. This can be  Non-residential uses such as the following:  Some 1,250 new dwellings, 965 of which addressed with building setbacks and primary school, community hall, would be built in the 2009-2024 Local adequate landscape treatment. The local services and food store should Development Framework period and the hedgerow along Church Lane should be clustered around a local centre remaining 285 units could be built in the be retained and enhanced; and located near the High Road next plan period if required.

36 7.2.3 Trimley St Mary

No residential development is proposed in Trimley St Mary. The community would however beneﬁ t from the following proposals:

 Environmental improvements along the High Road including cycle lane, wider pavements, designated on- street parking spaces, improved bus shelters and reduced trafﬁ c speeds;

 Improved bus service along the High Road and new bus service to the Port;

 New neighbourhood park on vacant land between Trimley St Mary and Walton;

 Improved network of footpaths and cycle routes across the Trimley Estate and towards the Port;

 Look-out points, picnic areas and landscape improvements on the wider Estate; and

 Access to new food store, local services and neighbourhood park in Trimley St Martin.

37 08 DELIVERABILITY

8.1 Land ownership 8.3 Taking proposals 8.4 Sustainability and  All development proposals will be forward through the design quality accompanied by a Design and With many development proposals Access Statement outlining how of this scale, land assembly is often planning process standards the proposals have responded an issue that can affect deliverability to the local context and planning and timescales. However, the areas This masterplan document is submitted The Trimley Estate is committed to requirements. The Statement will also proposed for development in this for consideration under Suffolk Coastal the highest standards of design and outline the measures taken to achieve document are predominantly within the District Council’s Core Strategy and Site sustainability. To achieve this, the an environment that is accessible and single ownership of the Trimley Estate. Specifi c Allocations documents. Estate proposes to adhere to a set of appealing to all regardless of physical A small fraction of the land covered by nationally recognised standards and ability, age, gender or circumstance. the proposals is outside the ownership The key dates for progression of these principles, as follows. These draw of the Estate. These areas are mostly documents are in April 2008 (Core from English Partnerships’ adopted  All residential development will peripheral and incidental to the larger Strategy Submission and Site Specifi c standards. English Partnerships is the integrate tenures such that social proposals and would not delay or Allocations Preferred Options national regeneration agency helping housing and other affordable and hinder delivery. When third party land is consultation) and October/November the Government to support high quality low cost home ownership housing required to deliver the wider proposals, 2008 (Core Strategy EiP and Site sustainable growth in England. types are not differentiated by design, an agreement on the general direction of Specifi c Allocations Submission). quality or location within a site. the development and commitment of the  As a minimum, all buildings will owners is already in place. The Site Specifi c Allocations document comply with level 3 of the Code for 8.5 Appropriate Examination in Public is planned for July Sustainable Homes for dwellings and Assessment Tenants of the Trimley Estate whose land 2009. The Felixstowe Regeneration BREEAM Very Good for commercial is proposed for development include Area Action Plan has the same property. These standards will the Felixstowe Rifl e Club and stables timescale as the Site Specifi c Allocations be ratcheted up to satisfy the The proposed developments on the along Walton High Street. A long term document. Government’s goal for all new homes Trimley Estate will be fully assessed relocation plan will be put in place well to emit 25% less carbon by 2010, through the statutory Environmental in advance of any planning application The projected dates for adoption of the 44% less carbon by 2013 and for all Impact Assessment (EIA) process which for the development of the sites, should documents are May 2009 for the Core new homes to be ‘zero carbon’ from will consider the impacts of the scheme these be allocated for development by Strategy, and February 2010 for the Site 2016 onwards. on local ecology and designated sites. the Local Authority. Specifi c document and Area Action However, the local planning authority Plan.  All development proposals will as the competent authority will also 8.2 Phasing comply with Secured by Design need to consider the scheme in relation In addition to the above, we envisage principles which aim to create safe to the internationally designated sites With the objective of creating that there will be Planning Briefs to cover and secure environments. through the process of an Appropriate sustainable patterns of development, any major allocated site, which would Assessment (AA). The AA process is a the government generally advocates a be progressed in parallel with the Site  All residential development will requirement of the Habitats Directive, sequential approach to the allocation Specifi c Allocations document. comply with Building for Life Silver. which is brought into force in the UK of land for housing, giving fi rst priority The Building for Life standard is the through the Conservation Regulations to town centre and brownfi eld sites, Following the adoption of the Site national benchmark for well-designed 1994 (amended 2007). then to established residential areas Specifi c Allocations document and the housing and neighbourhoods in or to the expansion of existing adoption of a Planning Brief, an outline England. Appropriate Assessment is a separate settlements through urban extensions planning application would be submitted process to that followed by the and fi nally to freestanding settlements. for the fi rst phase of development on the  All development proposals will include EIA, although the information and Accordingly, we envisage a sequence Trimley Estate. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. assessment provided in the EIA of development for Felixstowe starting will inform the AA. The process of with the town centre brownfi eld sites and  A set percentage of all dwellings will undertaking an AA is clearly set out in moving outwards, fi rst to Walton and use modern construction techniques ODPM Circular 06/2005. subsequently to Trimley St Martin. that achieve signifi cant effi ciencies in terms of delivery and output. The competent authority will need to The proposals shown in this document determine through the AA process demonstrate that the Trimley Estate  A set percentage of all dwellings if the proposed developments are has the potential to deliver housing in will comply with Lifetime Homes likely to have an adverse or positive the long term and beyond the current standards. Lifetime Homes standards impact on the integrity of the housing requirement of the District which promote housing that is fl exible, internationally designated sites. If covers the period to 2024. In total, the adaptable and robust to changing the competent authority concludes Estate can deliver 1,905 new dwellings. social and demographic trends. that the development will have an Some 1,620 dwellings are required in Homes should be of a reasonable adverse effect or that the effects are the period to 2023, leaving around 285 size to allow adaptation and fl exible suffi ciently uncertain then the competent dwellings for the period beyond the use by owners throughout their authority could only determine to grant current plan period. lifetime regardless of physical ability. planning permission for the proposed development if they consider it to be of overriding importance and that there is no favourable alternative.

38 YEARS 1 to 5 YEARS 6 to 10 YEARS 11 to 15 BEYOND LDF (2009 - 2013) (2014 - 2018) (2019 - 2023) PERIOD (2024+)

TOWN CENTRE/ 300 dwellings BROWNFIELD SITES

TRIMLEY ESTATE/ 340 dwellings in 315 dwellings 640 dwellings in 285 dwellings in GREENFIELD Walton in Walton & 325 Trimley St. Martin Trimley St. Martin SITES dwellings in Trimley St. Martin

If the competent authority determines In addition given the SPAs have been (b) Non-physical disturbance that this is the case then compensation designated for wintering populations of If it is found that one or more of the measures would need to be considered birds including golden plover and dark Guidance from Natural England identifi es proposed development sites does and implemented to offset the identifi ed bellied brent geese consideration may changes in noise and visual disturbance. provide important supporting habitat impacts so as to maintain the integrity of need to be given to how these birds are These are unlikely to be signifi cant from then the loss of this habitat will need the internationally designated sites (these interacting with land outside the SPA the proposed developments themselves to be compensated through habitat include SPA, Ramsar and SSSI sites). boundary. For example at other estuary given their location away from the creation or enhancement elsewhere SPAs that supports these species estuaries within existing urban areas. close to the SPAs. Guidance provided by Natural England concern has been expressed recently However, Natural England may take a on maintaining the SPAs in favourable about protecting land outside the SPA view that a proportion of the additional If one or more of the sites is important condition identify a range of impacts that where these birds go to forage and roost residents in the area will wish to partake supporting habitat to the SPA and its may adversely affect the special interest at certain times of the winter. in recreational activities adjacent to loss is considered to adversely affect the of the SPAs. These include: the estuaries or in the form of boating integrity of the SPAs then this may place (a) Non-toxic contamination activity. This in turn may indirectly a serious constraint on development.  Physical loss of habitat within the SPA increase disturbance of the SPA from an However, our initial assessment  Physical damage of habitat Guidance from Natural England identifi es increased local population. This issue suggests that this is unlikely.  Non-physical disturbance changes in nutrient loading (e.g. would need to be discussed with Natural  Toxic contamination agricultural run-off, outfalls), changes in England and it may be that there are  Non-toxic contamination organic loading (e.g. outfalls), changes other controls such as the availability  Biological disturbance in turbidity (e.g. run-off) and changes in of moorings that dictate the level of salinity (e.g. outfalls) as examples of how recreational activity within the SPA which None of the proposed development the SPA could be affected by plans or can be controlled though other means. sites will directly affect the internationally projects indirectly. designated sites as they are all located (c) Impacts on supporting habitat away from the SPA boundary and as The proposed development sites have such there will be no physical loss of the potential to generate non-toxic Although no guidance on this potential habitat or physical damage resulting contaminants that could end up being impact has been provided by Natural from the operation of the sites once discharged into the estuaries. This issue England it is worth ensuring that it construction has been completed. could be readily addressed through is not considered an issue through As a result the only potential impacts good design of drainage from the site consultation with Natural England. are indirect and may include non- and treatment of any water discharging physical disturbance and non-toxic from the site before it enters the Even if Natural England do require this contamination. drainage system. potential impact to be considered then this can be addressed by undertaking consultation with local bird recorders to determine the known key foraging and roosting sites outside the SPA. If necessary appropriate survey work during the winter to determine if the proposed sites are being used to any signifi cant extent could also be undertaken.

39 09 CONCLUSION

This document puts forward a wide ranging set of proposals for Felixstowe and the Trimley Estate. These are underpinned by sound planning and sustainability principles which emphasise the need to fi rst, direct development in the right location to ensure a balance of homes and jobs, limit commuting and sustain existing communities; and second ensure that development is suitable for its context, benefi ts the local communities and makes effi cient use of resources such as water and energy.

It is our fi rm belief that the sites proposed for development in this document are the most sensible choices for Felixstowe. After the urban brownfi eld sites, the sites proposed for housing in Walton and Trimley St Martin make use of the least sensitive land on the peninsula in terms of landscape, agriculture, fl ooding, drainage and ecology. The sites proposed for port- related employment respond to the stringent requirements of port users for proximity and vehicular access. The other uses such as the Enterprise Centre, primary school, parks and health provision are proposed in locations that can best serve both the existing and new residents.

As a major land owner on the peninsula, the Trimley Estate has a long term interest in the quality and sustainability of the proposals and is committed to the highest standards of design. The Estate wants to continue to play a key role in the peninsula and looks forward to working in partnership with the Local Authority and the communities of Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin.

40 APPENDIX 1 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

41 Appendix 1: Trimley Estate - Sustainability Appraisal (based on SCDC’s Proposed Sustainability Appraisal criteria for site assessment in the Site Speciﬁ c Allocations document, February 2006) Impact key: ++ major positive, + minor positive, 0 no impact/neutral, - minor negative, -- major negative

Criteria Issues Appraisal of sites

Walton Trimley St. Martin

Core Appraisal Impact Comments Impact Comments

Development should preferably The Walton site is predominantly greenfi eld but The Trimley St Martin site is predominantly greenfi eld 1 occur on previously developed - includes some brownfi eld land (rifl e range and - but includes some brownfi eld land (Poultry Farm). Site type (brownfi eld) land. riding stables).

A predominantly greenﬁ eld (at least 75%) site located within existing physical boundaries will be considered unfavourable (-).

Development should occur in The proposed Settlement Hierarchy classifi es The proposed Settlement Hierarchy places Trimley 2 or near to identifi ed appropriate ++ Walton with Felixstowe in the Major Centre + St Martin in the Key Service Centre category. The Relationship settlements. category. Major Centres are defi ned as being appraisal criteria document states that a site will impact with settlement capable of development for strategic purpose. favourably if it is well related to a key service centre. hierarchy The RSS states that Walton therefore scores very highly under this Consequently, the Trimley St. Martin site scores highly development should be criteria. under this criteria. focused in major urban areas, market towns and thereafter key services centres.

A site will score very highly if it is either within or well related to a major urban area or market town. Development should be of a The proposed Settlement Hierarchy classiﬁ es The proposed Settlement Hierarchy places Trimley 3 scale which is appropriate to ++ Walton with Felixstowe in the Major Centre + St Martin in the Key Service Centre category with the Scale of the type of settlement in the category. Being a natural extension to an existing proviso that it is located within an area with potential development hierarchy. major urban area, the development at Walton can for mixed use development growth. The scale of be of a large scale. development proposed at Trimley St Martin provides Larger scale development is the critical mass required to support viable community considered most appropriate in facilities. major urban areas and market towns. Development should not Development in Walton will narrow the gap Development in Trimley Saint Martin will retain the 4 result in the coalescence of ++ between Trimley St Mary and Walton but it is ++ green gap between Trimley St Mary and Trimley Retain settlements. considered that sufﬁ cient separation is provided by St Martin and protect the separate identities of the settlement the A14 corridor: settlements. The proposals will not result in the character and “The combination of the A14 Dock Spur link road coalescence of the two villages. identity and the tree buffer zones either side of the road creates a ‘greenway’ route which clearly separates Walton / Felixstowe from the Trimleys.” David Lock report, 2005 In addition, the proposals keep the vacant site west of the Dock Spur road free of development and enhance it to provide needed public open space whilst also preserving the separate identity of Trimley St Mary. East of the A14, development will be set back behind a green corridor which will also add to the perception of separation.

Development should be located Development in Walton will benefi t from existing Development in Trimley Saint Martin will benefi t from 5 where it will benefi t from ++ local services (food stores, schools, surgery, bus ++ existing local services (community hall, pub, bus Access to key existing local services such service, community hall) and help make additional service) and will provide the critical mass needed to services as employment opportunities, facilities economically viable. support additional facilities such as primary school, public transport, primary food store, kids’ play facilities and surgery. These school, general shop, post new facilities will benefi t both the existing and the new offi ce, meeting place, doctor residents. and pub.

42 Development should be Development in Walton will benefi t from good Development in Trimley St Martin will benefi t from 6 located where it will benefi t ++ access to the main road network with direct access ++ good access to the main road network with access Access and from good access to the main to Walton High Street from which Felixstowe and to the High Road and Link Road, from which the A14 transport road network and to public the port can easily be reached via Garrison Lane eastbound and westbound and the A154 Candlet transport services and where and Langer Road. The westbound A14 would be Road can be reached, giving access to Ipswich and there is potential for improving reached by traveling along Trimley High Road. Woodbridge to the west and to Felixstowe, including other sustainable transport the port, to the east and south links (walking & cycling). Development in Walton will benefi t from public transport services 75, 76 and 77 running along Development in Trimley St Martin will benefi t from Walton High Street between Ipswich and various public transport services 75, 76 and 77 running along parts of Felixstowe and port employment areas. the High Road at a combined frequency of about 20 Services 173 and 174 along the High Street provide minutes to various areas of Felixstowe including the a service, albeit only daily, to Woodbridge. town centre and port employment areas. Services 173 and 174 along the High Road provide a service, albeit The Walton sites are also within cycling distance of only daily, to Woodbridge. the rail station at Trimley St Mary, from which there are hourly services to Ipswich. The Trimley sites are also within cycling distance of the rail station at Trimley St Mary, from which there are Development in Walton has the potential to reduce hourly services to Ipswich and Felixstowe. the number of workers commuting to Felixstowe daily (currently 80% as car drivers) by providing Development in Trimley has the potential to reduce houses within cycling distance (5km) of the main the number of workers commuting to Felixstowe daily employment sites, which are also served by public (currently 80% as car drivers) by providing houses transport services 75, 76 and 77 described above. within cycling distance (5km) of the main employment sites, which are also served by public transport Development in Walton will create a ‘walkable services 75, 76 and 77 described above. neighbourhood’ with local services within walking distance of the new dwellings. Development in Trimley St Martin will create a ‘walkable neighbourhood’ with local services within walking distance of the new dwellings.

Development should be located Development in Walton is adjacent to the northern Development in Trimley St Martin is well related to 7 where it will be well related ++ end of the General Employment Area associated + (within 10 km) existing or proposed employment Relationship to (within 10 km) existing with Felixstowe Port. This is the main employment provision, in particular the General Employment Area with local or proposed employment area in Felixstowe and the surrounding area. The associated with Felixstowe Port, as well as other economic provision. Development should development is also just over 1 km to the north of smaller B1 / B2 sites in Felixstowe. activity not result in the loss of an the B1 / B2 employment area off Langer Road and existing employment site. approximately 750 m from a B1 site at the junction Development in Trimley St Martin will not result in the of Undercliff Road and Garrison Lane. loss of an existing employment site.

Development in Walton will not result in the loss of an existing employment site. The riﬂ e range and the riding stables will be relocated within the Felixstowe peninsula.

Site specifi c Comments Comments assessment Development should not be The site in Walton is within 750 m of the Suffolk The site in Trimley St. Martin is adjacent to the Suffolk 8 detrimental to designated ++ Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural + Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Visual amenity landscapes, the visual amenity Beauty. As such, development in Walton will pay Beauty. As such, development in Trimley St Martin will and landscape of the local area or important due consideration to conserving and enhancing the pay due consideration to conserving and enhancing quality landscape features (TPOs, natural beauty of the landscape and countryside. the natural beauty of the landscape and countryside. ancient woodland, hedgerows). The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage will be will be important considerations in informing the important considerations in informing the development. development. Development in Trimley St Martin will have a minor Development in Walton will not result in negative impact on the visual amenity of the local area, impact on the visual amenity of the local area, the site being partly visually contained by existing the site being visually contained by existing development, the railway line, roads, trees and development, trees, roads, railway lines and hedgerows. roadside cuttings / embankments. There are two Tree Preservation Orders near Trimley St There are seven Tree Preservation Orders near Martin. These have all resulted from specifi c requests Trimley St Mary. These have all resulted from from individuals or developers of smaller plots. The specifi c requests from individuals or developers of development will retain mature trees and trees which smaller plots. The development will retain mature are signifi cant landscape features. trees and trees which are signifi cant landscape features. There is no ancient woodland within the site or its immediate vicinity. The nearest ancient woodland is There is no ancient woodland within the site near Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve, 1 km to the or its immediate vicinity. The nearest ancient south-west. woodland is near Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve, approximately 1.7 km to the west of Walton. There are hedgerows within the site and along some of the site boundaries. These will be retained and There are no hedgerows within the site. Where integrated in green corridors in the new development. hedgerows line the site boundaries, these will be retained and enhanced.

Development should Development in Walton will not result in negative Development in Trimley St Martin will not result in 9 not adversely impact on ++ impact on water supply thresholds provided ++ negative impact on water supply thresholds provided Hydrology, water supply thresholds. appropriate use of design and site features are appropriate use of design and site features are fl ooding and Development should not be employed including the use of SUDS. SUDS when employed including the use of SUDS. SUDS when erosion located in areas prone to employed correctly can protect and enhance employed correctly can protect and enhance ground fl ooding or in areas likely to ground water quality. water quality. suffer from fl uvial erosion processes. The Walton site is not prone to fl ooding or likely to The Trimley St Martin site is not prone to fl ooding or suffer from fl uvial erosion. likely to suffer from fl uvial erosion.

Development should not The Walton site does not contain identifi ed The Trimley St Martin site does not contain identifi ed 10 be located on an identifi ed ++ contaminated land nor is within 500m of a ++ contaminated land nor is within 500m of a potentially Contaminated contaminated land site or potentially contaminated site. contaminated site . land within 500m of a potentially contaminated site.

43 Development should not The site is within 1.5 km of the Stour and Orwell The site is within 1.8 km of the Stour and Orwell 11 adversely impact internationally, ++ Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA). ‘The Stour ++ Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA). ‘The Stour Biodiversity & nationally or locally designated and Orwell Estuaries is a wetland of international and Orwell Estuaries is a wetland of international geodiversity sites. Development should importance, comprising extensive mudfl ats, low importance, comprising extensive mudfl ats, low cliffs, not adversely impact statutory cliffs, saltmarsh and small areas of vegetated saltmarsh and small areas of vegetated shingle on the protected habitats or species. shingle on the lower reaches. It provides habitats lower reaches. It provides habitats for an important for an important assemblage of wetland birds in the assemblage of wetland birds in the non-breeding non-breeding season and supports internationally season and supports internationally important numbers important numbers of wintering and passage of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders. The wildfowl and waders. The site also holds several site also holds several nationally scarce plants and nationally scarce plants and British Red Data Book British Red Data Book invertebrates’ (JNCC, 1994). The invertebrates.’ (JNCC, 1994). The development will development will not adversely impact on the SPA. not adversely impact on the SPA. The site lies 3.5 km to the south west of the The site lies 3.5 km to the south west of the Deben Estuary SPA which supports nationally Deben Estuary SPA which supports nationally and internationally important fl ora and fauna. The and internationally important fl ora and fauna. The development will not adversely impact on this SPA. development will not adversely impact on this SPA. Extended Phase one ecology surveys were conducted Extended Phase one ecology surveys were for the proposed development sites. Full details of conducted for the proposed development sites. the surveys are contained in a separate document. Full details of the surveys are contained in a In summary the development sites are generally of separate document. In summary the development low value although they may support some valuable sites are generally of low value although they may arable fl ora, brown hare, reptiles and bats. All of these support some valuable arable fl ora, brown hare, features can be more than compensated through reptiles and bats. All of these features can be more on site design and enhancements within the Trimley than compensated through on site design and Estate. enhancements within the Trimley Estate. The development will avoid adverse impacts on The development will avoid adverse impacts on protected habitats and species, and where possible protected habitats and species, and where possible will enhance habitat networks in line with PPS9: will enhance habitat networks in line with PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. Biodiversity and Geological Conservation.

Development should not Development in Walton will not result in the loss Development in Trimley St Martin will not result in the 12 adversely impact on public ++ of public open space, play space, allotments, ++ loss of public open space, play space, allotments, Recreation open space, play space public rights of way or bridleways. Existing public public rights of way or bridleways. Existing public value or allotment provisions. footpaths and bridleways will be integrated in the footpaths and bridleways will be integrated in the Development should not design of the new development. design of the new development. adversely impact on public rights of way or bridleways. Development in Walton will provide new Development in Trimley St Martin will provide new recreational resources in the form of public open recreational resources in the form of public open space, play space, allotment, public footpaths and space, play space, allotment, public footpaths and cycleways/bridleways. cycleways/bridleways.

Development should not There are no conservation areas, Scheduled There are no conservation areas, Scheduled Ancient 13 adversely impact on identiﬁ ed + Ancient Monuments or known archaeological + Monuments or known archaeological sites within or Built form areas of heritage value such sites within or adjoining the Walton site. The site of adjoining the Trimley St Martin site. and heritage as conservation areas, ancient Walton Priory is roughly 500 m to the east of the features monument, listed buildings or site, but its setting would not be affected by the The Trimley St Martin site is contiguous with or in archaeological areas. development. the vicinity of a number of listed buildings including 351&353 High Road, Hand in Hand Public House, The Walton site is contiguous with or in the vicinity Longford House (287 High Road), Eagle House (203 of a number of listed buildings including Walton Hall High Road), Church of St Martin, Church of St Mary, (395 High Street) and Toll House (362 High Street) 202&204 High Road, The Old Rectory (2 & 2a Church and Smock Mill (High Street). Lane).

All these listed buildings have lost their original The majority of these listed buildings, including the two isolated setting and are currently in an urban churches and the rectory, are located in the planned setting, surrounded by existing development (riding ‘gap’ between the development in Trimley St Martin stables, riﬂ e range, housing). Given this, the new and Trimley St Mary. This gap will help protect the development will not adversely affect the setting of setting of these listed buildings. Other listed buildings the listed buildings. are set in the continuous urban fabric along High Road and as such, will not be negatively impacted by additional development.

Development should not The surrounding agricultural land is shown as The surrounding agricultural land is shown as Grade 14 result in loss of high quality -- mainly Grade 2 on the Provisional Agricultural Land - 2 on the Provisional Agricultural Land Classifi cation Agricultural land agricultural land. Classifi cation (Natural England, 2002). There is also (Natural England, 2002). Grade 2 is included in ‘the quality some Grade 1 in Walton between Candlet Road, best and most versatile agricultural land’ (PPS7 – the Port of Felixstowe Road and the High Street. Sustainable Development in Rural Areas). PPS 7 states These grades are included in ‘the best and most that poorer quality land (grades 3b, 4 and 5) should be versatile agricultural land’ (PPS7 – Sustainable considered for development in preference to that of a Development in Rural Areas). PPS 7 states that higher quality, except where this would be inconsistent poorer quality land (Grades 3b, 4 and 5) should be with other sustainability considerations. It is for Local considered for development in preference to higher Planning Authorities to weigh the presence of the quality, except where this would be inconsistent best and most versatile agricultural land against other with other sustainability considerations. It is for sustainability considerations. Local Planning Authorities to weigh the presence of the best and most versatile agricultural land against other sustainability considerations. Development should not The Walton site is not located within 1km of an The Trimley St Martin site is not located within 1km of 15 exacerbate air quality in ++ existing AQMA. The Report on the Updating and ++ an existing AQMA. The Report on the Updating and Proximity and identifi ed or potential Air Screening Assessment of Air Quality in the Suffolk Screening Assessment of Air Quality in the Suffolk impact to Quality Management Areas. District (Sept 2006) indicates that monitoring on District (Sept 2006) indicates that monitoring on sources of air Development should minimise receptors near the Port of Felixstowe would be receptors near the Port of Felixstowe would be ongoing pollution air quality pollution issues. ongoing through 2006 to determine whether an through 2006 to determine whether an AQMA might Development located within AQMA might need to be introduced. If introduced, need to be introduced. If introduced, this AQMA would 1km of an existing source of this AQMA would not be within 1km of the Walton not be within 1km of the Trimley Saint Martin site. air pollution will be considered site. unfavourable.

44 Noise sensitive developments Existing sources of noise include the A14 and the Existing sources of noise include the A14. The 16 (housing, hospital and schools) ++ A154. The development of the proposal will take ++ development of the proposal will take account Noise Proximity to should be located away from account Noise Exposure Categories for existing Exposure Categories for existing sources, as set out sources of noise existing sources of signifi cant sources, as set out in PPG24: Planning and Noise. in PPG24: Planning and Noise. A preliminary noise / light pollution noise. A preliminary noise assessment indicates that the assessment indicates that the site is likely to be located site is located within Noise Exposure Categories A within Noise Exposure Category A and B. Development Development should minimise and B. Full details of the surveys are contained in a is permissible in these categories. light pollution. separate document. Development is permissible in these categories. The proposal will minimise light pollution by developing a lighting strategy which follows best practice, The proposal will minimise light pollution by including: using fl at glass and ultra-low profi le full cut- developing a lighting strategy which follows best off light fi ttings for exterior use and in particular for all practice, including: using fl at glass and ultra-low street lighting; scheduling lighting so it is switched off profi le full cut-off light fi ttings for exterior use and in if there are times during hours of darkness that it is not particular for all street lighting; scheduling lighting needed; and preventing over-lighting, i.e. only using so it is switched off if there are times during hours the correct amount of lighting for the purpose required. of darkness that it is not needed; and preventing (Institute of Lighting Engineers, 2005) over-lighting, i.e. only using the correct amount of lighting for the purpose required. (Institute of Lighting Engineers, 2005)

Development should be The Walton site is essentially ﬂ at with no The Trimley St Martin site has a gentle gradient with 17 located where the height and ++ topographical feature which would constrain ++ no topographical feature which would constrain Topography shape of the land is suitable to development. development. develop upon.

Development should be The Walton site is sheltered from dominant wind by The Trimley St Martin site is sheltered from dominant 18 required to maximize energy ++ existing development and vegetation. ++ wind by the railway line and associated tree belts. Potential effi ciencies to be gained for energy from sustainable design and Development in Walton in the period from 2010 to Development in Trimley St Martin is likely to take e f fi c i e n c y construction. 2013 will need to achieve CO2 emission reduction place over a number of years before and after the of 25% against current standards and development 2016 horizon for zero carbon development. After Locations sheltered from wind in the period from 2013 to 2016 will have to achieve 2016, residential development will have to satisfy ‘net exposure are considered more a reduction of 44%. zero carbon’ criteria equivalent to 100% improvement suitable. over current CO2 emission levels plus generation of Potential technologies suitable for this site include electricity from renewable sources for all appliances. Locations with a south facing solar hot water, photovoltaic cells, ground thermal orientation to allow for solar energy systems, combined heat and power and Potential technologies suitable for this site include gains are considered more biomass boilers. There is strong potential to solar hot water, photovoltaic cells, ground thermal suitable. include a community heat network and to centralise energy systems, combined heat and power and energy production to further improve effi ciency. biomass boilers. There is strong potential to include a community heat network and centralise energy The proximity of the Walton site to the Orwell High / production to further improve effi ciency. Causton Junior / Maidstone Infant schools provides opportunities for community energy systems to serve both the cluster of schools and the new The wider Trimley Estate provides opportunities for dwellings. both on- and off-site renewable energy generation to support development on the Trimley St Martin site. The wider Trimley Estate provides opportunities for both on- and off-site renewable energy generation to support development on the Walton site.

Development should not It is considered that the development will not The site is unlikely to be used for future waste disposal 19 adversely impact on: ++ impact on the areas indicated (in the issues ++ or encapsulation and is not within a groundwater Other column) as the site is not currently designated for vulnerability zone. constraints Mineral consultation areas these uses nor is it likely to be zoned for mineral, waste, radon gas or nuclear requirements. The site There are no utility providers with surface connections Identiﬁ ed future waste sites is not within a groundwater vulnerability zone. crossing the site.

Groundwater vulnerability High voltage power cables do extend diagonally zones over the westernmost Walton Site.

Presence of major utilities across the site

Radon gas safeguarding zones

Sizewell nuclear plant safeguarding zones Development should be Proposed development in this area is to connect to Proposed development in this area is to connect to 20 located where there is sufﬁ cient ++ existing services and will provide additional draw ++ existing services and will provide additional draw down Availability of local infrastructure capacity for down from local capacity. from local capacity. utilities water supply and drainage. On site reuse of water for irrigation and possible On site reuse of water for irrigation and possible grey grey water re-use is proposed. SUDS will also water re-use is proposed. SUDS will also ensure offsite ensure offsite drainage impacts are minimal. drainage impacts are minimal.

Development should not be It is proposed that the Walton site will be developed It is proposed that the Trimley St Martin site will be 21 located where it will signifi cantly 0 in addition to brownfi eld sites in the town centre 0 developed in addition to brownfi eld sites in the town Possible add to the effect of existing and and the Trimley St Martin site. It is considered that centre and the Walton site. It is considered that cumulative proposed sites. the development will not compound the impact of the development will not compound the impact of impacts proposed sites. proposed sites.

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