LAND AT WESTBURY SAILING LAKE, WESTBURY

DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT DECEMBER 2015 Consultancy Team

Focus On Design – Masterplanning Alder King – Planning Consultants and Urban Design

AWP – Highway Infrastructure, Heritage Assessment Transportation, Drainage

Tyler Grange – Landscape and Visual Noise Consultants Impact, Ecology and Arboriculture.

LAND AT WESTBURY SAILING LAKE, WESTBURY Design and Access Statement Project Number 0562 0562 0562 produced by On behalf of Revisions - - A SQUARE BAY Document Status Draft Final Final Focus On Design The Old Brewery, Date 10/11/2015 12/17/2015 25/02/2016 Lodway, Pill, Author PC PC PC Bristol, Checked by JS JS PC BS20 0DH Proof Read by JS JS PC

ii ii LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement Contents

Executive Summary 3

1 Introduction 5 4 Involvement 31

1.1 Purpose of this Document 6 4.1 Public Consultation 32 1.2 Planning Context 7 4.2 Design Evolution 34

2 Assessment 9 5 Design Proposals 37

2.1 Site Location 10 5.1 Vision and Objectives 38 2.2 Historic Context 12 5.2 Masterplan 40 2.3 Connections and Movement 14 5.3 Amount 42 2.4 Local Facilities 15 5.4 Building Heights 44 2.5 Site Assessment 16 5.5 Access and Movement 46 2.6 Summary of Constraints and Opportunities 22 5.6 Green Infrastructure 54 5.7 Sustainability 58 3 Local Character 25 5.8 Phasing Strategy 60

3.1 Overview 26 6 Appearance 61 3.2 Urban Form and Streetscape 27 3.3 Open Spaces 28 6.1 Character Areas 62 3.4 Built Form 29 6.2 West Wilts Youth Association Sailing 66 3.5 Materials and Details 30

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 1 Bratton White Horse, Westbury

2 2 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement This Design and Access Statement has been prepared to support an Outline Planning Executive Summary Application for residential development Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury on behalf of Square Bay, Residential and Mixed Use Property Developers. The application includes full details for the relocation of the Sailing club house to the north of the lake.

This statement provides a summary of the extensive design process that has culminated in a high quality development for a sustainable new community. The proposals for this site provide up to 300 homes and recreational opportunities for future residents and existing neighbours.

The Development site has been allocated for housing within the Core Strategy and since the allocation, the team has worked hard to propose a comprehensive design solution for the application site. It will deliver key objectives set out by relevant design guidance, current policies and stakeholders. It represents a positive response to community involvement.

The proposals are the result of a team working closely together from a broad range of specialist disciplines, with public and stakeholders consultation enabling a clear understanding of the site and its context.

The following pages will describe the analysis of the site and surrounding area which has been used to form a comprehensive and detailed masterplan and associated design strategies. These will inform future reserved matters submissions.

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 3 Westbury Sailing Lake

4 4 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement 1 Introduction

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 5 1.1 Purpose of this Document

This Design and Access Statement The Statement includes the following Section 6 Appearance and Layout – forms part of the Outline Planning sections: Provides principles and illustrative Application for land at Westbury examples for the appearance and Sailing Lake, Westbury. It sets out Section 1 Introduction – Information layout of the site that provide the background to the project, about the purpose and structure of the guidance for future reserved matters summarises the extensive design Statement, and background and policy applications. process and considerations that have context to the application. been taken into account in developing the Illustrative Masterplan and design Section 2 Assessment – Describes the principles. contextual and physical site issues.

This document, as well as setting Section 3 Local Character – Describes out the background of the project, the settlement patterns, building identifies the development design typologies, architectural details and strategies for land use, density, access, materials found in the locality. scale and green infrastructure, as well as providing guidance for future Section 4 Involvement – Illustrates reserved matters applications. the process of design evolution undertaken, including response to The structure and content of this public consultation feedback. Design and Access Statement has been produced in accordance with Section 5 Design – Describes the The Town and Country Planning design proposals that support the (Development Management Masterplan. Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and Planning Practice Guidance.

6 6 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement 1.2 Planning Context

Outline Planning Permission with all planning authority and the developer, The proposed development meets This proposal complies with the matters reserved aside from access, is and should be delivered in accordance the key objectives as set out in the development plan policies and enables sought on land adjacent to Westbury with the development template. planning policy to provide a mix of the sustainable delivery of a long Sailing Lake for the erection of up to The development proposals have up to 300 new homes, including open term strategic housing site. A detailed 300 dwellings, public open space, been informed by all of the above. market and affordable housing of planning justification having regard highways infrastructure, relocation of Specifically, community engagement mixed tenure. A concept masterplan to the relevant planning policies sailing club and associated works. Full has taken place through public has been produced to accompany is provided in the accompanying details of the Sailing Club element are consultation and the local planning this application, which demonstrates Planning Statement. included within this hybrid application authority have been fundamentally the quantum of development and to allow progression of this element. involved in design development an indicative site layout. The actual For more information refer to Planning through the pre-application process. layout will be defined through the Assessment, Alder King, Planning The site comprises a long standing Please refer to the Planning Statement submission of reserved matters other Consultants. commitment for strategic housing for a detailed planning policy review. than for the Sailing Club proposals development in Westbury and was which are provided in detail. As previously allocated for housing in the In addition to the above, a Joint required by the Core Strategy, the former West Wiltshire District Local Planning Statement produced by The proposals will enable the provision Plan in 2004. The site is now allocated Homes and Communities Agency of a bridge linking the Mane Way as a strategic housing allocation in (HCA) and Wiltshire Council assisted spur across Westbury Avoiding Line the Wiltshire Core Strategy, adopted in formulating the proposals for this forming a route through the site to January 2015. The Core Strategy outline planning application. The link with Station Road. In addition, forms the principal document used HCA were the previous site owners the requirement to relocate the by the council to determine planning and prior to the sale of the site, the sailing club has been met placing a applications. The allocation provides statement was prepared to set out key new facility to the north of the lake. an in principle acceptability of housing objectives for the site to assist in its The application provides for the development on the site. As per delivery. Further commentary on this is protection of the county wildlife site the core strategy policies, strategic provided in the Planning Statement. and improvements to ecology, as well allocations will be brought forward as the provision of public open space through a master planning process in the form of children’s play areas and agreed between the community, local recreational facilities.

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 7 Biss Brook running through western areas of the site

8 8 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement 2 Assessment

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 9 2.1 Site Location

The site is located to the north west rail line. There is a large fishing pond and Area of Archaeological interest of Westbury town centre, and is situated to the western edge which located to the north west. In addition, positioned between a predominantly currently sits partially within the site there are long range views towards industrial area (North Acre Industrial boundary. The White Horse which is located Park and Brook Lane Industrial Estate) There are a number of important approximately 3km to the east. The to the north and a residential area to features within the locality including; site falls within the Heywood Rolling the south and east, separated by two a Scheduled Ancient Monument Clay Lowland Character Area as rail lines. described within the West Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment The total area of the site is 21.94ha (2007). and is split into two distinct areas. The main site is located to the south of Westbury Station and to the west of Station Road. It comprises a large sailing lake, woodland, green fields and a number of ponds located to the north east. The largest part of the site comprises arable land which is centrally position. The site also Oldfield Road with the railway sidings includes a large sailing lake in the east, via an at-grade crossing over the rail woodland, green fields in the west and line. a number of ponds. Part of the site is also designated as a County Wildlife A smaller site located to the west, is Westbury Location Plan Site (Westbury Lakes CWS). Biss Brook separated from the main site by one runs north-south through the western of two rail lines which run through end of the site. the area, although a connection is provided by a small tunnel under the The arable central part of the site has a public footpath crosses the site towards its centre which connects

1010 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement SITE LOCATION PLAN N

oach Station Road ppr A on ti ta S Westbury Station

Brook Lane

Oldfield Road

Mane Way

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 11 2.2 Historic Context

The town of Westbury, in Wiltshire is Site’s Context a small town that lies not far from its famous White Horse hill-carving at the A review of historical maps shows that western extremity of Salisbury Plain. the site was initially open agricultural land with an ironstone quarry located Westbury was an important centre in in the north. This quarry supplied, via the production of high-quality cloths a tram line, the Westbury Iron Works for which the west of England was located north of the current site renowned throughout the world. boundary. Further quarrying activity The town prospered as a result until was noted in the surrounding area, the the mid 19th century when more closest adjacent to the western site cheaply produced lower grade cloths boundary. The quarry in the north of from northern England provided the site was noted to be disused circa competition. 1904 with the area then occupied by a lake and ponds. The railway brought economic benefits to the town in its own right . The direct To the north of the site was Westbury line from London to Westbury and Station with the Wilts, Somerset and onto Taunton was not built until 1901. Weymouth Railway line running along

The pattern of employment in Westbury has changed considerably in the last hundred years. The traditional industries of woollen manufacturing, gloving and iron ore production have been replaced by light engineering on the West Wilts Trading Estate and the Blue Circle Cement Works.

1890s - Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Source: Wiltshire Community History Website Westbury Railway Station

1212 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement 1890 1904 1941 the north boundary of the site from 1887 to the present day. The rail land to the north of the site also occupied at various stages by a goods yard, engine shed and coal yard. Another branch of the railway line had been developed by 1941 located parallel to the southern boundary of the site. The engine shed is displayed as disused by 1974 and a coal yard was situated in place of the goods shed until 1986.

In 1970 the Westbury Ironworks was redeveloped into a depot with the area to the north-west developed a Brook Lane Industrial Estate.

Residential areas around the site only started to emerge in the 1940’s, with a large extension along the southern boundary by the 1970’s. This area has subsequently been developed further and residential development north of the railway line opposite the site entrance was constructed in the early 2000s.

1977-1988 1989 2014

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 13 2.3 Connections and Movement

Movement Plan 2.3.1 Vehicular Movement N Station Road is located along the northern eastern boundary and provides the main vehicular access into the site approximately 0.6miles (1Km) from the town centre. This route connects the site to the north to the Wiltshire Trading Estate, the A350 towards Trowbridge in the north and Warmisnter in the south. Westbury Avoiding Line the WEST 16. These routes connect The key larger settlements within the site to the wider contryside. close proximity to Westbury include 500m 1000m 1500m Trowbridge (4.1 miles); Frome (5.7 miles); Bath (11.5 miles); Chippenham 2.3.3 Public Transport (13.5 miles); Bristol (21.8 km); Salisbury (22.0 miles) and Yeovil (28.5 miles). Bus services run along Station Road and Oldfield Road with bus stops within walking distance from the site. 2.3.2 Pedestrian and Cycle The Westbury Railway Station lies Movement within 500 metres from the north of the site. The rail network from Site Boundary The site enjoys a good network of Westbury connects to Taunton and A Road public rights of way. To the northeast Weymouth to the southwest, Bristol to Main Road runs the WEST 15 which runs through the North and London to the East. Secondary Road the site from the level crossing at Important Local Road Oldfield Road running along the Access to the station is via Station Bus Stop northern boundary to the west. An Road. Additional pedestrian and cycle Railway Line additional right of way, runs along the links should be made available through Public Right of Way southern boundary of the railway line, the site. Watercourses

1414 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement 2.4 Local Facilities

Local Facilities Plan The site is located in an accessible position in the northwest of Westbury. The Town Centre can be reached N within around 15 minutes’ walk and features all of the usual town centre amenities such as retail, leisure and health facilities. Westbury C of E Primary School can also be accessed within around 12 minutes on foot. The Railway Inn Public House The proposed development is within 200m of the Brook Lane Industrial Estate and further north the Northacre Industrial Park, which provides job 500m 1000m 1500m opportunities. There are further employment opportunities within and around Westbury itself.

There are several recreation grounds in close proximity to the site providing Recreation facilities at Oldfield Road equipped areas for children and sport pitches within walking distances. A Road Site Boundary Main Road The site is therefore in a sustainable Town Centre Secondary Road location from a planning perspective. Employment Area Important Local Road

Schools Bus Stop

Hospital Railway Line

Retail Public Right of Way

Recreation Grounds Watercourses

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 15 2.5 Site Assessment

Small Pond

2.5.1 Terrain and Topography 2.5.2 Arboricultural Trees and hedgerows of merit are to Assessment be safeguarded where appropriate The Site is currently ‘greenfield’ and and the indicative layout has been informed by the resultant shadowing, predominantly in agricultural use. A BS5837 tree and hedgerow survey canopy and root protection area There is a sailing lake to the north east has been undertaken to ascertain the constraints derived from the survey of the Site (designated as a Westbury existing baseline arboricultural context findings to ensure that suitable Lakes County Wildlife Site). West Wilts of the site. Such work has been development offsets can be Youth Sailing Association uses the lake undertaken at the earliest stage of the implemented in relation to retained and has a club house within the site. design process to provide technical Public Right of Way trees. The proposals include the relocation of input into the proposed scheme and this facility. to inform the initial development At this outline stage a principal design parameters. objective has been the protection The site slopes from its highest point, of the best mature tree stock and 66m AOD in the centre of the site Vegetation consists of linear tracts management enhancements to the towards the north down to 58m AOD of defunct hedgerows and scattered north eastern boundary woodland along Station Road. The land form open grown high canopy trees with parcel. Such measures, coupled with slopes down to the south down to dense woodland occupies the north the strengthening of areas of weaker 60m AOD. eastern reaches of the site. Dense Green Infrastructure with the provision screening belts are present to the of new street trees, public open Public Right of Way northern reaches of the site with space planting, new wetland features, several over-mature and declining hedgerows and garden vegetation, Crack Willow trees present across the will help to safeguard and augment western central reaches of the site. Biss Brook the established landscape framework Existing trees and hedgerows are in a on and surrounding the site. state of naturalised decline, typical of There are opportunities for the urban fringe context, with tracts improvements to safeguard the long of scrub, Ivy cladding, standing and term contribution of existing trees hanging deadwood. and woodland with on-going canopy management and thinning to maintain light penetration, reduce canopy South-western areas of the site

1616 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement Westbury Station Former railway club house Ingleside House Westbury Sailing Lake

Recent Development

Public Right of Way Public House

Biss Brook Sailing Club

Public Right Public Right Path through of Way of Way Long views to the White Horse the woods Existing access road and back fences

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 17 conflicts and understorey coppicing to extended Phase 1 habitat surveys, develop a more varied age structure as well as consultation with Melanie Site Boundary and assist with the progression of a Dodd (Ecologist at Wiltshire Council) well-structured canopy layer. Dead in order to agree the scope of further A Arable (A) wood and arisings from management surveys required. Broad-leaved Woodland (BW) can also be retained as habitat piles Building and hibernacula. The extended Phase 1 habitat survey Defunct Hedgerow determined that the site comprises of Dense Scrub (DS) Whilst the scheme parameters will the Westbury Lake, South Lake County Hardstanding seek to retain trees of merit, the Wildlife Site (CWS) in the north, arable Hedgerow findings of the BS5837 Tree Quality fields in the centre and semi-improved I Improved Grassland Survey have been used to inform the grassland fields, in the west, grazed by Marshy Grassland MG supporting landscape mitigation and sheep. A number of trees, hedgerows Mature Tree

enhancement strategy to compensate and waterbodies are also present No Access

for any required tree losses. A robust throughout the site. River

tree protection strategy can also Rough Grassland

be prepared in accordance with The site provides opportunities Scattered Scrub BS5837:2012 as a matter of detailed for badgers; various bat species SI Semi improved Grassland design. commuting and foraging, including Standing Water SW greater horseshoe; breeding birds; a Tall Ruderal number of key invertebrate species; 2.5.3 Ecology and Nature Tree With Bat Roost Potential

Conservation Wet Ditch (WD)

Willow Carr Context and Site Assessment

The ecological assessment of the 0 0.01 m N site was undertaken by Tyler Grange during the 2015 survey season. The Project Station Road, Westbury scope of the assessment and likely Drawing Title Habitat Features Scale As Shown (Approximate) zone of influence of the proposed Drawing No. 2409/P06 Date April 2015

development was determined by Checked SC means of an initial data search and

Lion House, Rowcroft, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3BY T: 01453 765 500 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk

LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and AccessTyler StatementGrange LLP 1818 © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2014. Licence number 0100031673 common reptile species in the field scattered trees, watercourses and Wessex Water has identified the margins, including slow worm, grass waterbodies and woodland, as far SSE, Wales & West Utilities and existing 375mm diameter foul sewer snake and common lizard; and water as possible; Wessex Water have all been consulted located in Station Road at the junction vole in a number of the watercourses. • Retention and creation of regarding the proposed development with Slag Lane as a suitable point One survey is ongoing for dormouse, functional habitat corridors, within at Westbury Sailing Lake. of connection for foul drainage. although this species is currently suitable habitat buffers and with SSE has confirmed that it would not Alternatively, in order to achieve a apparently absent from the site. Great an appropriate lighting strategy, foresee any difficulties in supplying more local connection, WW have crested newts have been confirmed to to allow continued movement electricity to 300 domestic residences. confirmed that the existing 300mm be absent from the site. of foraging and commuting bats They have also provided a plan to diameter foul sewer beneath Station across the site; and divert the existing 11kV & 33kV Road could be upgraded between Opportunities and Constraints • Retention or recreation of suitable overhead lines underground as part of the site access and Slag Lane to habitat for protected or notable that process. It has also been added accommodate the projected foul Advice on potential opportunities and species confirmed to be present on that substation sites would be required flows. constraints of future development the site, including bats, reptiles and within the development site, and these has been provided throughout water vole. would be incorporated into the layout It has been established that due to the masterplan design process as at Reserved Matters stage. the topography of the site a gravity well as consideration of necessary foul sewer will be practicable for For more information refer to avoidance, mitigation, compensation Wales & West Utilities have confirmed the northern catchment only. A new Landscape and Visual Assessment, and enhancement measures to be that there is capacity in the existing adoptable pumping station will Tyler Grange. incorporated within the proposed gas supply network feeding the area therefore be required to transfer development, in order to comply with to supply the development site. It sewerage flows associated with relevant legislation and planning policy 2.5.4 Drainage and Services has put forward a proposal for a southern catchment as far as the relating the ecology and biodiversity. connection from a main on Station northern catchment gravity sewer. The developable area of the site, and Approach which would lead along the BT do not usually provide comment Important issues discussed include: all roads surrounding the site, are new site access road. at outline planning stage, but it is located within ‘Flood Risk Zone 1 – not anticipated that there would be • Retention, protection and Low Risk’ from fluvial flooding. This Wessex Water’s suggested strategy any special considerations for the enhancement of the CWS in the means that the site is not at risk of for supplying potable water to the site site barring a connection to existing north of the site, as far as possible; flooding from fluvial sources and that would involve a new connection from telecoms networks. • Retention, protection and access and egress for motorised and the existing trunk mains at the western enhancement of the most non-motorised vehicles will not be end of the site, and it has been For more information refer to Flood ecologically valuable habitats affected during flood events up to the confirmed that this approach would Risk Assessment, AWP. on the site, namely hedgerows, 1 in 1000 year return period. provide capacity for 300 dwellings.

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 19 Site Boundary

Height AOD (m)

183 and above

138

93

48

4 and below

2.5.5 Heritage Assessment contains known remnant earthworks associated with a former post- There are no designated heritage medieval water meadow system. assets within, or within particular The area in which these earthworks proximity to the proposed are located is also to be retained as Source: The plan has been modelled using GIS computer development site. No designated green space, and their significance software (QGIS) and Ordnance Survey Terrain 5 data, and as such does not take into account built heritage assets will, therefore, will therefore not be harmed by form or vegetation present within the landscape. be harmed by the proposed the proposed development. The

development. significance of both sets of earthworks 0 1km

in the south-western end of the site Project Station Road, Westbury, Wiltshire Newly identified non-designated may, in fact, be enhanced by their Drawing Title Plan 1: Topography Scale As Shown (Approximate) Drawing No. 2409/P01a earthworks in the south-western end maintenance under the proposals, Date June 2015 Checked DM/AW of the proposed development site and by the introduction of improved

Lion House, Rowcroft, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3BY Tyler Grange LLP T: 01453 765 500 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk are likely to comprise the remains of a access, which would promote their © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015. Licence number 0100031673 building platform and associated ditch appreciation amongst both the local community and visitors. Appropriate Site Boundary (possibly a hollow way) of probable 117 Urban Area medieval/post-medieval origin. The use of signage might also be beneficial National Character Areas (NCA): area in which these earthworks are in this regard. NCA Boundary Line 117 NCA 117 - Avon Vales

located is to be retained as green NCA 132 - Salisbury Plain and West 132 Wiltshire Downs space, and so their significance will Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2005): not be harmed by the proposed 3A - Salisbury Plain West (High Chalk Plain) 2.5.6 Landscape and Visual 6A - Warminster Terrace (Greensand Terrace)

development. 7A - Longleat Stourhead Greensand Hills Assessment 11C (Wooded Greensand Hills) 11C - Trowbridge Rolling Clay Lowland (Rolling Clay Lowland)

West Wiltshire District Landscape Character Should it be desirable to develop Assessment (2007): Existing Landscape of the Site and in this area, however, then further E3 - North Bradley Rolling Clay Lowland its Environs E8 - Heywood Rolling Clay Lowland investigation would be required, F3 - Chapmanslade Greensand Hills e.g.geophysical survey, in order to G2 - Westbury Greensand and Chalk Railway corridors to the west, south Terrace better establish the nature and level H1 - Bratton Chalk Downland Edge H2 - Bishopstrow and Codford Down and partially to the north dominate Chalk Downland Edge of significance of the earthworks, site boundaries. Westbury railway I1 - Salisbury Plain West Chalk Downland including the presence of any station lies immediately to the 0 1km associated buried archaeological 3A north. In addition, a railway line on 7A Project Station Road, Westbury, Wiltshire remains. embankment bisects the site, creating Drawing Title Plan 3: Published Landscape Character Scale As Shown (Approximate) 6A Drawing No. 2409/P03a two unevenly sized parts, the smaller Date June 2015 The south-western end of the Checked DM/TRS to the west more rural in character, 132

proposed development site also Lion House, Rowcroft, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3BY Tyler Grange LLP T: 01453 765 500 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk the larger to the east more urban in © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015. Licence number 0100031673 context.

2020 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement The site contains a mix of land cover Rolling Clay Lowland and Landscape Wider views from the west are limited 2.5.7 Noise Assessment and land use that includes agricultural Character Area E8: Heywood Rolling due to the undulating topography land, woodland, marsh land and a Clay Lowland. and intervening vegetation. There A noise and vibration survey has been sailing and fishing lake that is used for are elevated views of the site from undertaken at the site and daytime recreation and wildlife. Based on fieldwork, it is clear that the the south east (near to the Westbury and night-time noise levels have been site is influenced by the rail network White Horse) however it is seen within determined. There are public rights of way both and the adjacent settlement of the context of built form of Westbury within, and along the boundary of Westbury. and West Wiltshire trading estate. A degree of mitigation may be the site with a pedestrian crossing necessary for plots closest to the over the railway line on the southern The lake and its wooded setting The Westbury White Horse hill figure, railway line. Where gardens in this boundary that connects it to adjacent and fringes are dominant landscape located within the Salisbury Plain, is area of the site are located towards residential areas. features on the site and to the west a key feature in views and some are the railway line, such the buildings are the influence of the floodplain in afforded from the site; however these set further back, noise levels may be The southern and eastern boundaries the landscape is noted. The more views are limited to the western edge controlled to within the BS 8233 upper of the site relate to the residential agricultural areas have an irregular of the site. guideline value by way of purpose- settlement edge of Westbury, while field pattern of small to medium built screening to the site/garden the northern and western boundaries sized fields with boundaries that are There are no national or local boundary. relate to industrial and rail related delineated by mature hedgerows and landscape designations attributed use. Land towards the west is trees. However, the hedgerow network to the site and it is allocated for Typically, where the site and railway undeveloped. is incomplete and poorly maintained in residential development within the line are broadly at grade screening places. Wiltshire Core Strategy (2015). Its height of no more than 1.8m will be Landscape Character – National, context is urban fringe in a location adequate. This will also be adequate County/District, Local Visual Context adjacent to built development on where the railway line is at a lower multiple sides within Westbury. As a level than the site, and it is likely At a regional level the site lies within The site is visually well contained by result it would share the built context that where this level difference is National Character Area 117: Avon woodland to the north east, the built of the settlement without introducing substantial no additional screening will Vales. At a County level, within form of Westbury to the south east, incongruous elements into the be required. the Wiltshire Landscape Character railway embankments associated landscape. The site benefits from Assessment (LCA), the site lies within with the railway corridors and West visual containment formed by existing It has been determined that vibration Landscape Character Type 11: Rolling Wiltshire Trading Estate to the development, mature vegetation, levels are well below the threshold clay Lowland and Landscape Character north east. This limits the possibility the dominant rail network and the level. Area 11C: Trowbridge Rolling Clay of obtaining not only close and wider gently undulating topography Lowland. At a District level, within intermediate views of the site but of the area which means that it is not For more information refer to Noise the West Wiltshire LCA, the site lies also long views including those from prominent in views. and Vibration Assessment, Hepworth within Landscape Character Type E: the escarpment of Salisbury Plain. Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Consultants.

Land at Westbury Sailing Lake, Westbury - Design and Access Statement 21 2.6 Summary of Constraints and Opportunities

A comprehensive constraints and opportunities plan has been prepared, in Landscape and Ecology response to the site appraisal and in order to inform subsequent development/ design proposals. • Where appropriate, retain and enhance the existing good quality hedgerows around the site to maintain the landscape character and provide ecological Access and Circulation corridors. • There are a number of important habitats on site, including the County • Primary vehicular access is to be gained via Station Road. Wildlife Site, and the proposals must retain and enhance existing habitats • Provide a Link Road through the site to facilitate a connection with Station where practicable, including the creation of linkages with surrounding Road and Mane Way. wildlife assets. • Provision of off-road cycle route along the Link Road. • Include high quality open spaces for recreation and biodiversity. In • Design allowance for a bridge over the railway line. complying with Wiltshire Council standards the following provision includes: • Retention of public right of way through the site and its access points into amenity space, allotments, natural spaces, equipped play areas and the site. provision for teenagers. • Potential to provide a pedestrian and cycle link to Westbury Railway Station. • Provide boundary screening planting to filter unattractive views of the • Consideration to noise from trains passing along the southern boundary and railway and West Wiltshire Trading Estate. railway sidings to be considered. • Capitalise on attractive views to the White Horse and escarpment of Salisbury Plain. Local Facilities Flood Risk and Drainage • Provide links to community facilities that are easily accessible to existing and new residents. • Some areas to the west of the site are at risk of flooding and built • Provide recreation opportunities through the site following Wiltshire Council development on these sections should be avoided. open space provision standards. • Consideration of low lying areas for attenuation ponds as part of a • Facilitate the re-location of the Sailing Club within the site. sustainable drainage strategy. • Provision of allocated parking for fishermen close to sailing lake. • Works at the entrance of the site will require earthworks around the lake. Any land take should be mitigated.

2222 LandStation at Road,Westbury Westbury Sailing - Lake,Design Westbury and Access - Design Statement and Access Statement