DOCSLIB.ORG

Watermead Regeneration Corridor Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Watermead Regeneration Corridor Report Watermead Regeneration Corridor Regeneration Framework Prepared for Charnwood Borough Council November 2016 Alan Baxter Watermead Regeneration Corridor Regeneration Framework Prepared for Charnwood Borough Council November 2016 Contents Introduction to the Framework Part 1: Constraints and Opportunities Part 2: Framework Proposals 1.0 Location .....................................................................................................3 9.0 Stakeholder Consultation Summary .........................................49 2.0 Regeneration Context ..........................................................................6 10.0 Watermead 2031 .............................................................................55 3.0 Landscape and Townscape Appraisal ....................................... 13 11.0 Opening Up the Country Park ....................................................57 4.0 Movement and Connectivity ......................................................... 31 12.0 Turning Thurmaston Around......................................................65 5.0 Property Market Appraisal .............................................................. 34 13.0 Waterfront Development .............................................................73 6.0 Flood Risk .............................................................................................. 37 14.0 Connecting It All Up .......................................................................82 7.0 Delivery Considerations ................................................................... 40 15.0 Action Plan and Next Steps .........................................................87 8.0 Summary SWOT Analysis ................................................................. 45 Appendices ..................................................................................................93 Country Parks – Management Approaches: Case Studies .......................94 Economic Appraisals ................................................................................................97 Alan Baxter Introduction to the Framework Background to the Study The Action Plan is intended to be a ‘live’ document which can be Key fi ndings periodically updated to re ect progress in delivering the objectives Alan Baxter, together with GL Hearn and TEP, were commissioned of Policy CS21. by Charnwood Borough Council in 2016 to develop a Regeneration Vision Statement Framework and Action Plan for the Watermead Regeneration In addition the Framework: “In 2031, Watermead Country Park North is a vibrant Corridor. Country Park with a range of easily accessible leisure • provides design guidance to support Charnwood Borough Council and educational facilities at the heart of the thriving The Corridor is identi ed in the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy in securing high quality development on key sites; communities of Thurmaston, Birstall, Wanlip and Syston. Policy CS21 as a strategic development area with the potential to • will be used as evidence to inform the preparation of future local deliver mixed use development at the interface between Thurmaston planning policy documents. The park is a protected natural area, rich in biodiversity and Watermead Country Park North. It is an exciting opportunity and forms part of the Soar Valley’s wider blue/green to deliver lasting bene ts for the surrounding communities, wider Structure of the Framework network linking to Watermead Country Park South. It is a Charnwood and Leicestershire. The Regeneration Framework is structured in two parts: valuable resource for Leicester and wider Leicestershire. The Regeneration Framework is primarily focussed on the relationship between Watermead Country Park – a network of Part 1: Constraints and Opportunities, summarises the context within Thurmaston Village Centre is revitalised and a gateway lakes, woodlands and nature reserves created from gravel workings which the Regeneration Framework has been developed, identifying to the Country Park. New employment and leisure along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal – and the surrounding constraints and opportunities. developments have enhanced the quality and character settlements. The old village centre of Thurmaston is a key area for of the Regeneration Corridor and support its long term regeneration with sites at the interface with the Country Park having Part 2: Framework Proposals, sets out a Vision for the Watermead economic and social success.” potential for redevelopment to reinvigorate the historic centre and Regeneration Area in 2031 and four thematic project areas with associated project opportunities. improve access and use of the park. This vision statement captures the essence of how the Regeneration The themes of the Framework have been developed in collaboration Corridor and Country Park should evolve over the coming years. Its Role of the Framework with stakeholders including two workshops in June and July 2016 themes are re ective of the core strategy objectives, the Framework which are summarised in section 9.0. analysis and consultation to date. The Framework is a high level and initial piece of work, setting out a Vision for the Regeneration Corridor and guidance on a broad range Project opportunities relating to each theme are described in Regeneration Corridor Steering Group of project opportunities which are to be taken forward in the short, sections 10.0 to 14.0. They range from public realm improvements The rst action is to establish a Watermead Regeneration Corridor medium and longer term. and ecological enhancements to development opportunities and working group / steering group led by Charnwood Borough Council community / cultural events. The supporting Action Plan identi es likely timescales, delivery and including project partners to oversee and progress the project agents, funding opportunities and costs for individual opportunities A commentary on delivery and business case considerations is opportunities identi ed. where known. It recommends the next steps to take each project provided for key projects. forward e.g. detailed design, feasibility and technical testing alongside further consultation with landowners, stakeholders and The report concludes with the project Action Plan in section 15.0. the local community. Linked Regeneration Themes N The Framework identi es four project themes for the Regeneration Corridor re ecting the Framework’s baseline analysis and stakeholder consultation ndings and supporting the objectives of Core Strategy Policy CS21. The themes are strongly interlinked, recognising that investment in the Country Park and Business Parks will act as a catalyst to support inward investment and regeneration at Thurmaston Village Centre and vice versa: 1. Opening up the Country Park Watermead Country Park North sits at the heart of the Regeneration Corridor and forms part of a wider green/blue habitat corridor following the route of River Soar and Grand Union Canal. The park is a major asset to the area and has considerable potential for enhancement to encourage greater patronage by local residents and visitors from the wide region. There is an opportunity to strengthen connections with Watermead Country Park South and establish new management arrangements across these sites to deliver improvements to the Country Park as a whole. 2. Turning Thurmaston Around Focused on the regeneration of the historic centre of Thurmaston Village through public realm improvements and redevelopment of poor quality buildings to open up connections to the Country Park and revitalise Melton Road as a focus for the local community. 3. Waterfront development There is an opportunity for high quality mixed use development to create an attractive edge to the Country Park and support the development objectives of Core Strategy Policy CS21 at: 3a Bridge Business Park / Pinfold Industrial Estate 3b Watermead Business Park phase 2 and 3 4. Connecting it all up Focused on improving connections (walking, cycling, public transport) between WCPN and WCPS, the surrounding communities and employment areas. The Framework proposes new surface level crossings of the A607 to support a shift in character away from Linked regeneration themes ‘highway’ to ‘street’ and connect western and eastern Thurmaston. Part 1: Constraints and Opportunities Syston Wanlip Watermead Country Park North Birstall Thurmaston Watermead Country Park South Figure 1.1 Aerial Photo of Watermead Regeneration Corridor (red line shows study boundary) 2 Watermead Regeneration Corridor, Regeneration Framework / November 2016 Alan Baxter 1.0 Location 1.1 Strategic Location The Watermead Regeneration Corridor is located in the borough of Charnwood, immediately north of the administrative boundary with Leicester City Council. The study area lies between the towns of Thurmaston, Birstall, Wanlip and Syston, approximately three miles north of Leicester City Centre, the area itself stretching another two miles north. Although for the purpose of this study the boundary of the corridor is limited to the land within the borough of Charnwood with Watermead Country Park North at its heart, in reality the Watermead area operates as part of a wider network of green spaces which follow the River Soar into the heart of Leicester City forming a Green Wedge within the Leicester Principal Urban Area. Figure 1.2 Watermead Location Alan Baxter Watermead Regeneration Corridor, Regeneration Framework / November 2016 3 Watermead Country Park North is one of a number of visitor destinations on the banks
Load more

Recommended publications
  • OLDER PERSONS BOOKLET 2011AW.Indd
    Older Persons’ Community Information Leicestershire and Rutland 2011/2012 Friendship Dignity Choice Independence Wellbeing Value Events planned in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in 2011. Recognition Directory of Information and Services for Older People. Leicestershire County and Rutland Thank you With thanks to all partner organisations involved in making September Older Persons’ Month 2011 a success: NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland – particularly for the major funding of the printing of this booklet Communities in Partnership (CiP) – for co-ordinating the project Leicestershire County Council – for co-funding the project Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland – particularly for acting as the host for the launch in Leicester NHS Leicester City and Leicester City Council - for close partnership working University Hospitals of Leicester Rutland County Council Blaby District Council Melton Borough Council Charnwood Borough Council North West Leicestershire District Council Harborough District Council Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Voluntary Actions in Blaby, Charnwood, North-West Leics, South Leicestershire, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, Oadby and Wigston and Rutland The Older People’s Engagement Network (OPEN) The Co-operative Group (Membership) The following for their generous support: Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council, Ashby Woulds Parish Council, Fleckney Parish Council, NHS Retirement Fellowship With special thanks to those who worked on the planning committee and the launch sub-group.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposed Mineral Allocation Site on Land Off Pincet Lane, North Kilworth, Leicestershire
    Landscape and Visual Appraisal for: Proposed Mineral Allocation Site on Land off Pincet Lane, North Kilworth, Leicestershire Report Reference: CE - NK-0945-RP01a- FINAL 26 August 2015 Produced by Crestwood Environmental Ltd. Crestwood Report Reference: CE - NK-0945-RP01a- FINAL: Issued Version Date Written / Updated by: Checked & Authorised by: Status Produced Katherine Webster Karl Jones Draft v1 17-08-15 (Landscape Architect) (Director) Katherine Webster Karl Jones Final 18-08-15 (Landscape Architect) (Director) Katherine Webster Karl Jones Final Rev A 26-08-15 (Landscape Architect) (Director) This report has been prepared in good faith, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, based on information provided or known available at the time of its preparation and within the scope of work agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. The report is provided for the sole use of the named client and is confidential to them and their professional advisors. No responsibility is accepted to others. Crestwood Environmental Ltd. Units 1 and 2 Nightingale Place Pendeford Business Park Wolverhampton West Midlands WV9 5HF Tel: 01902 824 037 Email: [email protected] Web: www.crestwoodenvironmental.co.uk Landscape and Visual Appraisal Proposed Quarry at Pincet Lane, North Kilworth CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 2 1.1 SITE
    [Show full text]
  • Older Persons' Booklet 2011
    Older Persons’ Community Information Leicestershire and Rutland 2011/2012 Friendship Dignity Choice Independence Wellbeing Value Events planned in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in 2011. Recognition Directory of Information and Services for Older People. Leicestershire County and Rutland Thank you Welcome to Older Persons’ Month 2011 With thanks to all partner organisations involved in making The first Older Persons’ Month was in September 2002 and proved to be such September Older Persons’ Month 2011 a success: a popular and productive initiative that it was agreed to establish this as an annual event. NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland – particularly for the major funding of The theme this year is ‘Independence, Wellbeing, Community’. All of the the printing of this booklet activities listed in this booklet aim to promote positive messages about later life, Communities in Partnership (CiP) – for co-ordinating the project to encourage everyone approaching and past retirement age to keep active and Leicestershire County Council – for co-funding the project healthy, and to give information about services and activities which are available. Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland – particularly for acting as the host for the launch in Leicester Activities and events include the involvement of a wide range of local NHS Leicester City and Leicester City Council - for close partnership working organisations working together – including the local NHS Primary Care Trusts, University Hospitals of Leicester Adults and Communities Department, Borough and District Councils, Voluntary Rutland County Council Sector Organisations, Adult Education, Library Services, Emergency Services, Blaby District Council Community Groups, local commercial interests and local older people. Melton Borough Council Charnwood Borough Council You are welcome to attend any of the events listed.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage 220 Q4 2015
    www.loughboroughnats.org No. 220 1 October - 31 December 2015 Editorial Panel: Helen Ikin, Steve Woodward, Jim Graham. Hon. Secretary: Sue Graham, 5 Lychgate Close, Cropston, Leics. LE7 7HU (0116-2366474) CLASSIFIED RECORDS The original records from which Heritage is compiled will no longer be archived at the Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Records Centre, County Hall. The committee is looking for a new home for them. MAMMALS Several members have sent in Hedgehog sightings this quarter, one was reported to HB by a gardener in Spinney Hill Park in November, the first there for several years; SFW had fresh droppings in his Groby garden on 11 October; one was photographed in the garden on a trail camera on 23 & 24 October, and one was crossing a road in Groby on 1 November about 9 pm. PJD had droppings in her Quorn garden on 13 and 27 October, TB had one sleeping in her hedgehog house in Quorn but it was not in hibernation as it was not always in the house IN THIS EDITION and was seen in the garden in the first week of January. HI had one in her Woodhouse garden – CLASSIFIED RECORDS snapped by a trail camera on the night of 5 October. A small one and a larger one, who Ÿ Mammals Page 1 weighed in at 640 g, came for food several nights Ÿ between early October and 12 November. A Birds Page 2 neighbour in Woodhouse had one or two different Ÿ ones visiting her garden. Hedgehogs seem to have Reptiles, Amphibians & Fish Page 5 been late going into hibernation – the weather was mild in late autumn.
    [Show full text]
  • Leicester's Green Infrastructure Strategy
    LEICESTER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 2015-2025 EVIDENCE BASE, ACTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1 | P a g e FOREWORD This framework sets out the strategic vision for our green sites in Leicester and the ways in which they can be created, managed and maintained to provide maximum benefits to the people who live, work or visit Leicester. The actions are supported by an evidence base of data and information which recognise and prioritise key areas where resources can be focussed to develop high quality green infrastructure (GI) into our new and existing communities. By placing the framework within the planning system it is possible to provide the key tools needed to secure these areas and design them to provide multi- functional green space. Improvements to established green space and creating new sites to surround built development will provide an accessible and natural green network. These areas will be capable of supporting a range of functions which include landscaping/public amenity, recreation, flood control, safer access routes, cooler areas to combat predicted climate change and places for wildlife. These functions give rise to a range of environmental and quality of life benefits which include providing attractive and distinctive places to live, work and play; improving public health, facilitating access and encouraging sustainable transport as well as offering an environment to support wildlife. Placing a monetary value on these benefits is difficult, but many have potential to deliver significant economic value by increasing the attractiveness of a neighbourhood for businesses and employers, encouraging tourism and associated revenue, reducing health care costs and maintenance or clean-up costs from flooding.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage 217 Q1 2015
    No. 217 1 January - 31 March 2015 Editorial Panel: Helen Ikin, Steve Woodward, Jim Graham. Hon. Sec. Sue Graham, 5 Lychgate Close, Cropston, Leicester. LE7 7HU. Tel: 0116-2366474 A View From The Armchair To live and grow up in a house with a lovely garden is a real privilege. For a naturalist it can provide hours of fun and a realisation that even in an area that we consider familiar there is still much to learn. My father built the house in Quorn in Leicestershire in the early 1950s after demolishing three small cottages that were initially on the site. My parents and sister moved into the house on its completion in 1955. I was born in the house a year later. My father was, and still is, a keen naturalist and during my childhood he held a ringing licence and ringed birds in our garden. Birds have now been ringed in the garden for 60 years and this has provided us with a wealth of information. The garden which is some 80 feet long and 40 feet wide, borders onto a mixed woodland called Kaye’s Plantation. I started bird ringing in 1974 and, after attaining my C-permit a short time later, started to use a mist net in the garden which added to the variety of birds ringed. Since we started we have caught some 57 species some of which have taken us by surprise including: Common Gull, Kingfisher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Firecrest. The fourth Siskin I had ever caught in the garden in April 1976 IN THIS EDITION was wearing a Russian ring! It had been ringed near Liepaya in Latvia in October the previous year.
    [Show full text]
  • Walks Around Coalville and Ashby De La Zouch
    Walks around Coalville and Ashby de la Zouch Thu 17 Sep, Ghost Walk, 7.30pm-9pm 2 miles, Grading: Easy Access Grace Dieu is steeped in history and renowned as one of the most haunted places in Leics. During the walk there will be a talk on local phenomenon and spiritual activity. Bring cameras, torches, and wear suitable footwear. Over 14s only, all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking Essential. Maximum of 15 people. Contact: 01530 454606 Daytime only. Cost: £3.00 payable to walk leader on evening. Meeting: The Bulls Head Public House Car Park, Thringstone. Toilets. Organised by: NW Leicestershire District Council Sun 20 Sep, Nordic Walking ‘Learn the Basics’, 9.30am-12 noon or 2pm 3 miles (optional 6.5 miles), Grading: Leisurely Learn the basics of Nordic Walking. Following a break for refreshments (bring your own or these can be purchased) participants can continue to complete a 6.5 mile circuit. Families with children over 13 welcome. Booking Essential. Limited places. Contact: 01530 273366/07887 678367 Answerphone. Cost: FREE. Meeting: Moira Furnace Use upper car park by café/amenities. Toilets, Bring lunch, Bring Binoculars, Families welcome, Come by bus. Organised by: Synergy Proactive Sun 20 Sep, Staunton Harold Old Tracks New Trails, 10.30am-2pm 6.5 miles, Grading: Moderate The walk will include a section of the Ticknall tramway at Heath End, continuing through South Wood onto the Ivanhoe Way passing ancient fishponds and a deer park. The return is on new surfaced cycleways through the Jaguar walnut plantations. Contact: 0116 2812970 Answerphone.
    [Show full text]
  • Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan (Final Report)
    Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan (Final Report) Sustainability Appraisal Report September, 2018 REVISION SCHEDULE Rev Date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by 1 September Interim SA Report for Leicester and Ian McCluskey Ian McCluskey Alan Houghton 2017 Leicestershire Strategic Planning Group Principal Sustainability Principal Sustainability Regional Director (Alternatives assessment findings) Consultant Consultant Matthew Stopforth Planning Consultant 2 January, Draft SA Report Ian McCluskey Mark Fessey Alan Houghton 2018 Principal Sustainability Principal Consultant Regional Director Consultant 3 February 2nd, Final SA Report Ian McCluskey Mark Fessey Alan Houghton 2018 Principal Sustainability Principal Consultant Regional Director Consultant 4 September Updated SA Report for Strategic Planning Ian McCluskey Ian McCluskey Frank Hayes 12th Group review Principal Sustainability Principal Sustainability Associate Director 2018 Consultant Consultant 5 September Final SA Report Ian McCluskey Ian McCluskey Frank Hayes 26th Principal Sustainability Principal Sustainability Associate Director Consultant Consultant Table of contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Scoping .............................................................................................................................................. 8 3 Description of the options ...............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage 211 Q3 2013
    No. 211 1 July - 30 September 2013 Editorial Panel: Helen Ikin, Steve Woodward, Jim Graham. Hon. Sec. Judy Johnson, 27 Sandalwood Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3PR (01509-214711) IVY Hedera helix - A PLANT FOR ALL SEASONS Ivy, our only evergreen native climbing plant, is well known to butterfly enthusiasts as being the second generation food plant of the Holly Blue larvae but I suspect far fewer appreciate its importance to large numbers of moth species such as The Chestnut, Dark Chestnut, Dark Sword-grass, Tawny Pinion, Green-brindled Crescent, The Satellite and Red-line Quaker. It is also one of two main larval food plants of an attractive little geometer moth, the Yellow-barred Brindle, whose other main food plant is the Holly - like the Holly Blue! Ivy also provides important winter hibernating cover for The Brimstone, The Peacock and numerous other insect species. It gives protection to hibernating insects and roosting birds in the worst of the winter's weather when the countryside becomes a wind-swept, hostile place to all living organisms and when decent shelter can make all the difference between life and death to creatures fighting to stay alive and doing their best to avoid being blown into oblivion! Like many another conservation-minded person, I guess, I went through a phase in my life when I thought that Ivy growing on trees was a bad thing and should therefore be prevented by cutting IN THIS EDITION CLASSIFIED RECORDS Ÿ Mammals Page 2 Ÿ Birds Page 3 Ÿ Reptiles and Amphibians Page 7 Ÿ Fish Page 8 Ÿ Butterflies Page 9 Ivy © Stephen Woodward Ÿ Moths Page 13 through the stems - how dangerous a little Ÿ Beetles Page 15 knowledge can be! With the passage of time and more knowledge, I now realise that Ivy is Ÿ Other Insects Page 18 ecologically one of our most important native plant Ÿ species and often more important than some of Plants and Ferns Page 22 the tree species up which it climbs for support.
    [Show full text]
  • Car Park Season Tickets Application Form
    COUNTRY PARKS CAR PARK SEASON TICKETS APPLICATION FORM Please read the accompanying Information Sheet before completing this form Title : …………………… Name : ......................................................................................... Postal Address : ................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................... Post Code :....................................... Telephone No. : (STD) ................................................ No. :.............................................................. Email ……………………………………………………..@………………………………………….. Details of Cars in the household likely to use the Season Ticket: (1) Registration No.: ......................................... Make ............................................................. Model : ........................................................... Colour :........................................................... (2) Registration No.: ......................................... Make :............................................................ Model : ........................................................... Colour ............................................................ (3) Registration No.: ......................................... Make :............................................................ Model : .......................................................... Colour.............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Action Plan 2013-2014 the Partners
    Leicester’s Biodiversity Action Plan 2013-2014 The Partners 2 The Plan 2013-2014 A vision for conserving wildlife and creating Longhorn cattle graze were extended. This green space in an urban environment has improved floral diversity and new species of been in place for over 20 years commencing lichens and molluscs were identified for the first with the Leicester Ecology Strategy in 1989. time in the City. This Biodiversity Action Plan continues to support this legacy by setting out a strategy Information gathering and advice on planning to identify real targets and objectives for the applications have fed into our objectives for next City Council and partners who are responsible year. As schemes come on stream at several for safeguarding this environment and species of the schools within the Building Schools for particularly associated with the City and its the Future programme ponds, meadows and surrounds. woodlands will be created and provide outdoor classrooms as well as havens for wildlife for This Plan informs on the great achievements of future generations. 2012-13, some of which are highlighted in the report and provide examples of how green space The combination of both short and long-term has been enhanced with the help of volunteers aims, working in partnership and encouraging to make areas more attractive to visit as well local residents and volunteers to be involved and as opportunities to support the wildlife and see take positive action to safeguard the green space it up close. Public events such as the Bioblitz for wildlife is central to achieving the aims and at Evington Park were a resounding success objectives of the Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 2 - Site Assessments
    Appendix 2 - Site Assessments Basis of Date of Survey SHLAA alternative Landscape Overview of ecological value/ Enhancement SHLAA Site Location (where Site Description Ecological Connectivity Rating Site Ref evidence (where Comments risks from development Opportunities applicable) applicable) PSE107 Beacon View Farm Quorn 09/08/2018 PSI in floodplain loss of grassland B employment site PSE210 Part of North of Leicester SUE x within PSH210 dwelling with glasshouses, hard standing. Overgrown garden to rear with self set Links to linear woodland along PSE233 Nursery Granite Way 01/09/2018 C birch willow and understorey of brambles Granite Way and nettles (etc) Dominated by arable land but with some Adjacent to M1 habitat corridor and lower with some important features on PSE24 East of Fairway Road Shepshed Aug-18 X X grassland a hedgerow network and broad B woodland site and immediately adjacent laeaved plantation bare ground forming part of existing Queniborough brook runs adjacent- PSE343 The Burrows Queniborough x aerial images industrial estate. Areas of rank grassland B requirement to buffer and scrub to south retention and buffering of ditch, Dominated by arable land and bisected PSE345 Derby Road Dishley Aug-18 X X X mititgation should ebe acheivable on B by a wet ditch site Industrial site with area of mown Including adequate buffers to adjacent Adjacent to 2 LWSs- Dishley PSE356 Derby Road Dishley Aug-18 x x grassland and tall ruderal/ rank grassland LWSs should be adequate to mitigate B Grange and Black Brook on west side any on site losses Tall ruderal habitat within larger grassland/arable land parcel.
    [Show full text]