A VISION FOR WATERMILL BRIDGE

MAY 2021 THE RIVER

‘A SILVER STREAM ...; HEALTH, PLEASURE, AND REFRESHMENT ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT QUALIFY THIS SPRING; NO DEBAUCH, OR INTOXICATION, ARISES FROM ITS SOURCE’

MRS MONTAGU, POET 1783 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Bewley Homes are preparing to submit a planning application for a new residential community on land at Common Farm, that will be refered to as ‘Watermill Bridge’. Watermill Bridge is located to the south of Newbury between the suburb of and the A34 dual carriageway. It abuts the hamlets of and Wash Water.

At Watermill Bridge, Bewley have the opportunity to develop a unique residential community, which is closely connected to the existing community, by working with the existing natural environment on the Site– the silver flow of the River Enborne, the statuesque trees, the green open space – to create a healthy and socially sustainable community for all, where people care for one another and the landscape.

This document sets out the vision for Watermill Bridge; the emerging constraints and opportunities of the site; and the masterplan concept.

ABOUT BEWLEY HOMES

Since 1991, Bewley Homes has been creating stunning developments which in turn form exciting new communities. SITE LOCATION - LABEL ARIAL Each street scene, open space or play area has been designed to open up the possibility of lifelong friendships with neighbours and giving families an environment in which they can relax and thrive. Bewley think carefully about each location and how their homes will settle into the surrounding area.

Watermill Bridge has provided Bewley Homes with an exciting opportunity to create an exemplar low carbon residential community embedded into the natural environment which is fit for the future and where residents feel proud to live.

SITE LOCATION

WATERMILL BRIDGE | DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT 3 VISION

INTRODUCTION ESSENCE PRINCIPLES

This emerging vision will provide design guidance for the As places fell silent in the quiet of lockdown, nature returned Watermill Bridge will be a place where people will want to live, development of Watermill Bridge; a place where people will to our lives and brought with it its immense capacity to restore. work and visit. want to live, play and work. The natural world became the nourishing soil of our souls as we re-made the connection to the natural world through The following four guiding principles have been developed At the heart of every good place is a clear essence; the shared birdsong, through walking and with time to watch the seasons through place narrative workshops to help shape how the 21st ethos that drives all we do. This inspires the vision which is the move through the year as we were constrained in our homes. century community will come forward. ‘why’ that sets the purpose and direction of the place. From The elements of the natural world; the flora and the fauna, the vision we develop a set of principles to inform ‘how’ we became visible and present everyday companions to us all. Home apply this vision across different aspects of the place. Finally, At the heart of Watermill Bridge are the unique physical When thinking about home we want to make it an easy place our placemaking themes are there to inspire us as ‘what’ this elements of the River Enborne running through the site, the to belong where we build a community spirit through sharing means in practice as we develop the masterplan. mature trees that give a stature to the river and stream courses and caring for the place we live. It will be a place that has and the Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty on its doorstep a homely feeling for multi-generational and cultural social The following pages set out our vision for Watermill Bridge beyond the A34. Combined these elements give the place its interactions together. framed around the essence of the place, the vision and the spirit, its essence, its soul. placemaking principles and the placemaking themes that Imagine the outside coming through to the inside of the house, inform the masterplan development. a welcoming community where gardens shared by all provide VISION views of nature from every home.

At Watermill Bridge our vision is of a place that nurtures our Work health, refreshes our minds and invigorates our souls. The When thinking about work we want to provide space to think opportunity to work with the natural elements that give the and to work, to meet like minds and new minds set within place its spirit will allow us to create a place where we care for natural settings. nature, it cares for us, and we care for each other. Imagine co-working in a natural setting or in your garden Our vision for this place will: studio, using energy efficient buildings with super-fast PLACEMAKING THEMES broadband; just a short walk away. • respect the existing landscape and its spirit; Pleasure PRINCIPLES • bring us closer together using that spirit to inform the When thinking about pleasure we want to expect the sense of the place we create to connect all ages through unexpected, to feed all the generations who live there and VISION nature providing a comprehensive landscape framework for to make it a happy place by turning the mundane into the humans and animals; magical, by enhancing those moments of connection with nature and by offering a multitude of experiences outdoors that • provide an opportunity to see nature in action through a will mix the generations with spaces for all to come together. ESSENCE range of habitats and programmes centred around them; Imagine playing in the river or walking on boardwalks that • a place for the future where homes are designed for longer cross SUDS basins and wetland meadows and planting rich lifespans and differing lifestyles; in species providing biodiverse corridors running through the development to link the public realm and communal spaces. • a place that draws us into another world where life takes on a different pace and the natural world enchants you. Planet When thinking about planet we want future generations to be able to grow, to make the most of the landscape and to make a home for all forms of life. The immersion in the landscape at Watermill Bridge for all ages will nurture ownership and stewardship and encourage a deep appreciation of the natural realm. GUIDING THEMES Imagine not needing a car to get to work, walking edible and sociable streets where drainage channels capture surface water runoff to irrigate the planting on your journey to a super farm as opposed to the supermarket.

4 WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT PLACEMAKING THEMES 1 2

INTRODUCTION 1) A STRONG SENSE OF PLACE

The masterplan for Watermill Bridge will establish the design The vision set out above will underpin the unique local identity parameters based upon the vision. It will be focused around of the place which draws from its landscape, its architecture, five key themes as follows: street types and building heights. A strong sense of place and connection to that place will provide residents with a sense of • Creating a strong sense of place; identity, pride and belonging.

• Placing landscape at the forefront of the masterplan; Watermill Bridge will be a unique place with a rich landscape heritage. It will have a distinct and unique sense of place which • Using design to influence both the look and the function of will be local to its context. the place in keeping with its context; It will be inspired by the historic context of its landscape and • Prioritising active and environmentally friendly travel and, we will translate this into a place which is suitable for the 21st century.

• Creating a forward thinking place which is guided by 3 technological advances to enhance the residents’ way of life We will draw on its unique landscape character to create and allows spaces to be adaptable and resilient to climate individual places which are rooted within their setting. The key change. neighbourhood centre and community facilities will contribute to a strong sense of community.

The village will also benefit from community-led stewardship, with ownership and management of public assets and important spaces being led by the community.

This will allow the future residents at Watermill Bridge to shape the future of their community, and to create a place which they are proud to live in.

A FORWARD A STRONG 2) LANDSCAPE THINKING SENSE OF PLACE PLACE Watermill Bridge will be a landscape led development.

The key existing natural elements, such as the River Enborne DESIGN and its banks, the mature trees, the hedgerows, and the SUSTAINABLE riverbanks, will be preserved within a development which co- 4 1 LOCAL PRODUCE MOVEMENT exists with nature. 2 COMMUNITY GARDENS LANDSCAPE It will respect the existing wildlife and natural habitats, and 3 NATURAL PLAY sustainably manage water on the site through sustainable 4 WILDFLOWER GRASSLAND drainage and wetlands.

The existing and newly created green spaces will embrace the topography, existing trees and vegetation, wet spaces including wetlands, ponds and swales, and the biodiversity they contain will flow through Watermill Bridge connecting the open spaces to be enjoyed by the people who live, play and work there. PLACEMAKING THEMES A range of habitats, both existing and developed, will provide woodland, woodland edge, open land and meadow landscapes across the site weaving community allotments, orchards and rain gardens together.

WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT 5 PLACEMAKING THEMES

3) DESIGN 4) SUSTAINABLE MOVEMENT 5) A FORWARD THINKING PLACE

Design describes the way that buildings and places are Sustainable movement refers to the modes of transportation A forward thinking development is a place which looks to planned to influence the way that they look and function. within the site and to other places, and will prioritise active and the future to create a place which is guided by technological environmentally friendly travel. advances to enhance the residents’ way of life and allow Watermill Bridge will draw from the character of the villages spaces to be adaptable and resilient to climate change. around to inform and support its development with its own The development will encourage healthy lifestyles and well- unique design and character that builds upon and highlights being, and help create an inclusive community. As such, Watermill Bridge will be a forward-thinking development. It the existing landscape features present within it. sustainable transport is one of the key considerations for the will integrate some of the latest innovation and technology to development. create a sustainable and environmentally friendly place with This theme refers not just to the way that the place looks, but longevity for future generations. also to the way that the place functions. As well as providing Walking, cycling and public transportation should be the main up to 350 new homes the development will provide community modes of transportation used by the residents, while car travel Watermill Bridge will be a development which produces very facilities and new public spaces to create a self-sustaining should only be occasional, and make use of car clubs and low levels of carbon, minimises energy use and supports community. electric vehicles. renewable energy. High quality materials, innovative building design and smart control systems will help to manage energy Each of these spaces, and the relationships, edges and The street network will need to provide safe and accessible use sustainably across the development. spaces between them, will need to be carefully designed footpaths and cycle lanes which will encourage active travel. to create a balanced and sustainable place. The way that Additionally, public transport should be efficient with bus stops The development will also facilitate intergenerational living and buildings look will draw upon their functions and uses, as within short walking distances to homes. will include homes which are suitable for all stages of peoples’ well as drawing on the qualities of their setting as one of lives. Basingstoke’s villages. The proposed road network will establish a sustainable hierarchy of transport modes and will identify a set of All aspects of the development will need to contribute to The design of Watermill Bridge will create functional, beautiful, movement and transportation considerations, including street creating a forward thinking place, through sustainable building and locally distinctive spaces which accommodate the needs widths and parking strategies. design, land uses, and sustainable movement. of all users. A transport network which prioritizes active travel and provides high quality public transportation should be provided from the 1 DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS EXISTING AND NEW onset of the delivery stages in order to establish sustainable LANDSCAPE FEATURES travel patterns amongst the first residents. 2 SUSTAINABLE MOVEMENT 3 DESIGN INFORMED BY LOCAL CHARACTER 4 HOME WORKING AND SHARED OFFICE SPACE

1 2 3 4

6 WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT WATERMILL BRIDGE - OUR PLACE

VISION SUMMARY

Watermill Bridge will be a thriving new development which offers a landscaped setting, with sustainable transport connections, a self-sustaining population, and modern energy- efficient homes.

It will be an exemplar for creating self-contained housing developments.

At the same time it will need to create a sense of place and reflect its specific context.

It will sit within the borough of Basingstoke which is a borough of villages, and will continue the borough’s historic settlement pattern by drawing from the character of local villages to create a place which is rooted within its setting and landscapes.

It is a place where the local natural environment is valued, protected and shapes people’s lives.

A strong landscape structure built from historic foundations is woven with communal spaces, open space, natural play space and sustainable drainage systems.

Community facilities are central and well-integrated creating a place with a soul that will become an exemplar of healthy and sustainable living.

A place for all ages, not your place or my place, our Place.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE VISION FOR WATERMILL BRIDGE

WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT 7 EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

INTRODUCTION

A detailed understanding of the site’s constraints and opportunities is being established through analysis and surveys. Studies include: flood risk and drainage; transport; ecology; archaeology and heritage; arboriculture; landscape and visual; and noise.

CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Watermill Bridge provides an exciting opportunity to provide new homes within a strong landscape framework drawn from the River Enborne, the trees and the wider landscape to the south west. The opportunities and constraints are summarised below and shown on the plan opposite.

• Up to 350 market and affordable new homes including live/ work homes to help meet local need. • Redevelopment of the existing farmyard to provide new homes and mixed-use facilities which could include a farm shop, children’s nursery, meeting rooms and office space. • The site’s location on the A343 Andover Road and A34 provides excellent transport links. Sustainable transport opportunities include the provision of walkable facilities within the site; enhancements to Andover Road for cyclists; existing and enhanced bus services on Andover Road and the Washwater road; and e-bike hire and dedicated parking for EV car club vehicles. • Integration and enhancement of the site’s existing assets which include the River Enbourne and mature trees. Development will be required to be outside of flood zones and provide appropriate buffers to rivers, trees and tree belts. • The provision of new public open spaces alongside the watercourses including new public footpaths, amenity space, play space and wetland including habitat creation and enhancements for wildlife. OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS • Locate development within areas of low ecological value and integrate important hedgerow trees into the scheme to LEGEND help establish a mature landscape from the outset. DAYTIME EXTERNAL NOISE ABOVE • Retain the public footpath that crosses the site to connect SITE BOUNDARY PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY CATEGORY C TREE RPA 55DBA - APPROPORIATE NOISE MITIGATION LIKELY TO BE REQUIRED the existing and new communities and provide opportunities for recreational walks in the wider countryside. 5M CONTOUR EXISTING FARM HOUSE FLUVIAL FLOOD RISK AREA POTENTIAL SITE ACCESS POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT DIRECTION OF FALL MODERN FARM BUILDINGS LOCATION OF HISTORIC MILL POND OF MODERN FARMYARD

AREA OF OUTSTANDING LOW VOLTAGE POWER LINE 20M WOODLAND BUFFER POTENTIAL RESIDENTIAL NATURAL BEAUTY DEVELOPMENT

WATERBODY TREES AND HEDGEROW 20M MAIN RIVER BUFFER POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE ROAD CATEGORY A TREE RPA A34 CORRIDOR * POTENTIAL SUDS LOCATION BUS STOP CATEGORY B TREE RPA

8 WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT MASTERPLAN CONCEPT

INTRODUCTION THE GREEN

The constraints and opportunties identified on the plan below Using the existing green infrastructure, in tandem with the blue lead to three fundamental elements that will underpin the the scheme will be developed to comprise a range of elements scheme - The Blue, The Green and the Grey. to include:

• natural and semi-natural greenspaces • woodland and scrub • grassland and meadow • wetland habitat • open and running water • green corridors • community gardens and food production • cycle paths and footpaths • rainwater gardens and swales.

Green infrastructure will be strategically planned as part of both the site and linked to the wider network as they thread between and through the built environment and connect to the wider rural hinterland. The focus of both the green and the blue infrastructure will be to establish a natural environment to: • support services including photosynthesis, nutrient and water recycling all fundamental to sustaining life; • regulate the environment through natural processes to improve air quality, climate regulation, water regulation and THE BLUE purification, disease and pest regulation and pollination;and • cultural benefits of a closer connection to nature that will The flood plain on the site will be carefully shaped and the increase and support improved mental health and wellbeing natural variations in water levels will be utilised to create through education, cognitive development, reflection, vibrant “near river area” habitats, with wetland and wet recreation and aesthetic experience that raises the quality woodland as key features increasing species and habitat of life. CONCEPT DIAGRAM biodiversity. THE GREY The natural beauty of the River Enborne will be made available to new and existing residents through incorporation of open LEGEND The final element is based on the curation of the built form space into the riverbank design. This multifunctional approach within the site, informed by the blue and green infrastructure to use of land will allow nature, and the public, to share space SITE BOUNDARY THE GREY running through it. in a safe and practical manner; DEVELOPMENT PARCELS The development parcels will be connected through a series MATURE TREES Water runoff from the development and its surroundings will STREETS of treed streets and green corridors that reinforce the green be treated as a key resource on the site. Local recycling of THE BLUE infrastructure across the site. WETLAND, MEADOWS AND WET WOODLAND BUILT FRONTAGES rainwater, and water flowing onto the site from the south, ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIVER ENBORNE will assist in watering green spaces during long hot summer months. This will reduce the burden on the domestic potable Watermill Bridge will provide a range of mixed tenure housing, COMMUNITY NODES THE GREEN water-system and thereby reduce the development’s carbon home office space and community facilities to promote an PARKLAND, GREEN CORRIDORS AND footprint. inclusive community. COMMUNITY FOOD PRODUCTION The integration of water in a natural environment will have a Underlying all of this is the aspiration to produce a low carbon strong and positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of development that provides an exemplar for development in the community. the borough going forward as we move towards the 2050 Zero Carbon target.

WATERMILL BRIDGE | VISION STATEMENT 9 LENTEN HOUSE 16 LENTEN STREET ALTON GU34 1HG

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