Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 1

CHAPEL

L PILL PILL E P

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0 2

R E

B C

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D T R N A E FT M CO TE NCEPT STA THE VISION �� 1 PILL EL INTRODUCTION ��3 P

A 1

Introduction Planning Context 0 2

Strategic Opportunity The Site R E

B Design Approach And Philosophy C M

O N .

D T R N A E CONTEXT ASSESSMENT ��21 FT M CO TE NCEPT STA Context Assessment Local Character Visual Assessment Sneyd Park Historic Context Shirehampton Transport and Movement Pill Facilities and Services Easton-in-Gordano Landscape Character Stoke Bishop Site Sea Mills SITE ANALYSIS ��55 Site Constraints Statutory Designations Site Opportunities Landscape Constraints & Opportunities CONCEPT MASTERPLAN ��65 Design Concept Rail, bus and bike Land Use Park and Ride Illustrative masterplan Landscape Concept Access and Movement Avon Water Park

Clients: Alvis Brothers & Mr. A Hill

PLACEMAKING �� 83 th Issue Date: 4 November 2011 Placemaking Character Areas Document Status: Draft Scale and Density New Parkland Revision: -

Author: Various

CONCLUSIONS �� 99 Checked by: KP

Conclusions Authorised by JdH/SP Page 1

Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 1

The Vision T hIS draft Development Brief provides a framework for the delivery of the following vision at Pill. “The development of land at Pill will provide for a sustainable new garden neighbourhood which benefits from sustainable transport links to Bristol, provides for local food production and seeks to improve and restore the landscape setting of the area and provide for a multifunctional green infrastructure network.”

Sustainable new “Garden Sustainable Transport Local Food Production Landscape setting Multifunctional Green Neighbourhood” links to Bristol • Provision of allotments, protected and restored Infrastructure Network • A sustainable form of development • New rail link to Bristol Temple community gardens and private • Original parkland setting of • Connects to existing network based around a new train station. Meads with a new station within gardens for food production. Leigh Court restored. of green spaces 800 metres of most new dwellings. • Attractive and functional • Integrated strategy for food production • Extended recreational green edge • Incorporates ecology, landscape, housing layout based on the • Direct access to a sustrans route which based on vegetable growing, to Bristol through the creation of sport, play, sustainable drainage principles of ‘garden cities’ provides for a direct 20 minute car free fishing and livestock keeping. a community park next to Leigh and food production. cycle route to Bristol City Centre. Court/Leigh Wood which would • Incorporates sustainable • Potential expansion of existing extend recreational and amenity drainage techniques • New and enhanced bus community food production green space for Bristolians. services to Bristol. activities in the area • Encourages trips by bike, bus and train • The proposed development will be • New proposed Park and Ride facility well integrated in the landscape.

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Shirehampton

Pill Introduction

A369

Ttehe Si

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Chapter 1 Introduction

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I nTRODUCTION T hIS DrAFT Concept Statement sets out a vision and draft development concept for a proposed sustainable urban extension to the west of Bristol, focussed around the existing settlements of Pill, Easton-in-Gordano and Ham Green. The vision for the development which is set out at the front of this statement seeks to deliver a sustainable, integrated and holistic development which complements the distinctive character of the surrounding area and provides for an attractive and distinctive place to live and work.

The purpose of the statement is to • A character assessment of distinctive is presented in a series of plans and demonstrate how the development of this places which are characteristic of the explanatory text relating to masterplan area could provide for a sustainable urban local area and has informed initial strategies for movement, landscape, green extension to Bristol which would include principles for layout and appearance. infrastructure, density and phasing. a wide range of benefits for both the new Section 3: Site Analysis This section also includes a set of strategic community and the existing residents of This section presents the results of various principles and strategies to accompany the Pill and Bristol. technical studies and assessments of the masterplan. site, including topography, landscape, Document Structure Section 5: Place-making ecology, access and movement through This section will set out principles for The document is structured as follows: the site. the design, character, appearance and Section 2: Context Section 4: Masterplan and layout of the development. The purpose Assessment Development Principles is to demonstrate how a high quality and This sets out: This section draws on the findings out attractive place that draws on the distinct • The historic context of the in Sections 2 and 3 and on the Vision character of Pill and Bristol will be set out at the start of the development delivered. site and the surroundings. Right: to present a strategic masterplan for the Section 6: Conclusion • Transport connections proposed development. The masterplan Plan showing the This section sets out a summary of the will demonstrate how it responds to the location of the site • The landscape context in terms of main findings and explains how the design landscape and environmental context, in relation to existing character, topography and views principles and masterplan will deliver the the existing movement network, the settlements at Pill, vision set out at the start of the document. • Local facilities; and green infrastructure network and Easton-in-Gordano existing infrastructure. The masterplan and Ham Green

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The Site

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S trATEGIC Opportunity Teh site is strategically very well placed to create a high quality, integrated and sustainable new neighbourhood. The diagram on the opposite page summarises the strategic location and opportunities for connection.

Urban Context Rail of the traffic using this route originates The proposed development would offer A recent bid by North Somerset Council in Portishead (approximately 5 miles to an opportunity to create improvements to Located 5 miles from Bristol City Centre to the Regional Growth Fund re-open the west of the site) and from the M5 the alignment and design of the route to and in close proximity to the existing the Portishead to Ashton line for public Motorway. There is an opportunity to further encourage its use. built-up area of Bristol to the north of the use was unsuccessful and alternative provide a new Park and Ride facility River, the site has an urban context. sources of funding will need to be found. at the junction of the M5 and A369 as Extension of Bristol’s The existing settlements of Pill, Easton- Development at Chapel Pill could help illustrated on the plan opposite which Green Spaces in-Gordano and Ham Green are fund this objective. Part of the proposals would remove some of the long distance The site is immediately adjacent to Leigh immediately adjacent to the site. There is include the re-opening of the station at commuter traffic. This could free up the Woods, which together with Ashton an opportunity to connect directly to the Pill, which would be within a 15 minute A369 for more efficient public transport Court provide a very popular green residential and employment areas within walk of much of the site and within a 25 movements. Existing bus services could recreational resource for Bristolians. these settlements to create a balanced, minute walk of all of it. be diverted through the new development The proposed development provides an mixed-use sustainable community. to provide for efficient connectivity to The availability of a direct passenger rail opportunity to extend this green corridor Bristol. Sustainable Transport service into Bristol taking less than 15 by creating new public parkland in the minutes provides a real, cost-effective Sustrans cycle route 33 area that historically formed the setting of Connections alternative to using the car and this could The popular Sustrans route 33 runs Leigh Court House. provide the basis for a truly sustainable through the site and offers an attractive, Strategically, the site offers a real form of development. direct and car-free route into Bristol City opportunity to provide convenient, direct Centre. A journey by bike form the site and sustainable connections to Bristol A369 bus route to the centre of Bristol takes less than 25 City Centre. The site is immediately adjacent to the minutes making cycling to work in Bristol A369, one of the main strategic vehicle a real option for new residents. routes into Bristol from the west. Much

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P lANNING Context

Planning Policy National Guidance Replacement Local Emerging Core Strategy • CS13 – Scale of new housing; The development plan in this location The following Planning Policy Statements Plan (March 2007) Relevant policies of the emerging Core • CS14 – Distribution of new housing; consists of the RS, adopted Joint Structure and Planning Policy Guidance is relevant: Relevant Policies of the Adopted Local Strategy Publication Draft (February • CS15 – Mixed and balanced Plan for the former Avon Area and the 2011) relevant to the application include: • PPS3: Housing Plan include: communities; Adopted Replacement North Somerset • CS1 – Addressing climate Local Plan – March 2007. • PPS4: Planning for Sustainable • GDP/1 – Location for Development • CS16 – Affordable Housing; change and carbon reduction; Economic Growth; The emerging Core Strategy has reached • GDP/3 – Promoting Good Design • CS19 – Strategic Gaps; • CS2 – Sustainable Design an advanced stage. The Core Strategy • PPG13: Transport contains the and Sustainable Construction. and Construction; • CS20 – supporting a Examination is scheduled for November Governments advice on transport • H/2 – Proposed sites for new successful economy; 2011. The Publication Draft (February and land use planning and promotes residential development. • CS3 – Environmental 2011) of the Core Strategy is therefore a sustainable transport choices. Impacts and FRA; • CS27 – Sport, recreation and material consideration and is considered • H/3 – Residential densities. community facilities; • CS5 – Landscape and below. The Core Strategy once adopted Joint Replacement • CF/1 - Contributions and Historic Environment; • CS33 – Countryside; will set out future strategic objectives, Structure Plan community facilities • CS34 – Infrastructure Delivery strategies and policies for conservation • CS10 – Transport and Movement; Applicable policies within the Structure and Development Contributions. and development in North Somerset up • T/6 - maximum parking requirements; Plan are: • CS11 – Parking; to 2026. • T/10 - Safety, traffic and infrastructure This document is intended to inform the • Policy 1 – Sustainable development; associated with development. Examination currently considering the submitted core strategy document. • Policy 30 – Employment; • Policy 33 – Housing requirement; and • Policy 35 – Design and Density of Housing.

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This area performed well in a strategic Green Belt review of all locations around Bristol to accommodate growth.

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Ttehe Si Teh site is located approximately 5 miles to the west of Bristol and 5 miles east of Portishead. The southern boundary of the site is formed by the A369 and the northern boundary by the River Avon and the existing settlements of Ham Green, Pill and Easton-in-Gordano.

Site Description The topography associated with the entire site rises from the River Avon The site covers an area of approximately in the north at approximately 8 metres 90 hectares and may be described as above Ordinance Datum (AOD) in the comprising two distinct character areas eastern area of the Site accommodating divided by Pill Road. an elevated farm yard in the centre of this The western part of the site, west of Pill portion of the site towards the wooded Road has a different character than the horizon of Paradise Bottom and Oak eastern part of the site. Wood. The western area of the Site rises gently from the southern edge of Pill The western part of the Site is formed reaching an elevation of approximately 45 of small to medium-sized fields with metres AOD at its highest point. hedgerows defining field boundaries and is always seen in the context of or is The southern boundary of the site is perceived to be associated with the urban defined by Pill Road (A369) and the settlement beyond, partly due to the views eastern edge is formed by the Leigh obtained from the busy A369 and several Woods. In the eastern part of the site, PROW that cross this part of the Site. the northern boundary is defined by the sustrans cycle route which follows the The eastern part of the Site has a more River Avon. In the western part of the open character. There are limited site, the northern and western boundaries footpaths in this area. It has natural visual are formed by the existing built up areas and physical containment resulting from of Pill and Easton-in-Gordano. the topographical variation and the strong tree belt along the disused railway line.

Above: The site in context

Right: Aerial photograph of the site

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River Avon

Pill

Ham Green Chapel Pill Farm

Easton-in-Gordano

St. Katerines Secondary School

Markham Farm

Pill Road A369

Markham Brook

Leigh Court

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Shirehampton

Pill

A369

View from the West This view shows how the site is well- A series of fields defined by mature Gordano. The existing Pill allotments related to the Bristol urban area and to hedgerows gives this area a distinct provide an opportunity to extend the settlements of Pill and Easton-in- character. There is an opportunity to local food production into the new Gordano. In the foreground is the existing create a distinctive semi-rural character development as a key element to its urban edge of Easton-in-Gordano formed in this part of the development which character and sense of place. by the backs of low density suburban will reinforce the character of Easton-in- housing.

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Sea Mills

Ham Green

St. Katherines Secondary School

St Katherines School and Ham Green This view shows existing recent housing Residential development on the site The photograph shows the screening and employment development at Ham would be within walking distance of effect of the mature planting following the Green as well as St Katherine’s Secondary both the employment area and the railway line. School. school providing for a sustainable form of development with a strong sense of community.

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Pill

Shirehampton

Chapel Pill Farm

View from the East This view of the site from the east shows There is an opportunity to bring large The photograph shows how the potential how there is potential to develop the areas of existing farmland into use as development would benefit from the lower lying areas of the site to reflect the public open space and to landscape these connectivity by bus, (via the A369), rail pattern of development to the north of the to improve the appearance and character and bike. River Avon. of the area.

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Pill

Leigh Court

Chapel Pill Farm

Setting of Leigh Court This view shows the potential to provide an appropriate landscape setting to Leigh Court on part of the site. Currently featureless agricultural landscape could be replaced with an accessible landscaped parkland.

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Shirehampton

Pill

Easton-in-Gordano

A369

View North This view shows the site in the context of It also shows how the land to the south of major industrial and employment areas to Pill has the potential for radial expansion the west and north of the site. where new housing would be within walking distance of the existing shops, services and facilities in Pill.

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Sea Mills

Shirehampton

Leigh Court

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Dsigne Approach And Philosophy Teh design approach is to create a new distinctive and sustainable extension to Bristol that will bring benefits to the local area in terms of new housing provision, the restoration of landscape features, integration with (and connection to) existing uses and movement corridors, supporting the delivery of new infrastructure and the creation of new employment opportunities.

The vision seeks to provide a sustainable • Make a positive contribution to the extension to the west of Bristol that is well character of the area and provide served by a range of sustainable transport enhancement of the existing landscape modes including direct rail and cycle • Self-sufficiency through routes. local food production and the The diagram on the opposite page integration with existing and new demonstrates how site-specific measures employment and local services. incorporated within the design approach • Respond to and reflect the distinct can contribute to creating a sustainable character of Pill, Easton-in-Gordano community. Key themes to the approach and the suburbs of Bristol are: These key themes have guided the • The creation of a sense of community design process to create a responsive and that builds on existing communities sensitive masterplan. The design process in Pill and Easton-in-Gordano has included a comprehensive assessment • An integrated transport strategy of the context and the site and the findings that builds on the strategic have informed a series of strategies and location of the site and seeks to principles which seek to deliver the Right: Diagram minimise the use of the car vision set out at the start of this concept based on the “Egan statement. Wheel of Sustainable Development

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Context Assessment

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Chapter 2 Context Assessment

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Cnteo xt Assessment In order to ensure that a responsive masterplan is created, a comprehensive assessment of the context within which the site sits has been undertaken. The results of this assessment are set out in this section.

Topography The plan on the opposite page shows the well as on the northern side of the river) topography of the site and its context. has been at similar topographic levels to the site. It is also possible to see how It shows how the site is on the lower existing development has responded to slopes of the river valley. Most of the site the topography with roads following the being between 20 and 40 AOD. contours. The plan demonstrates how much of the It is important that any development of existing development in the area (in Pill, the site should respond to and reflect Easton-in-Gordano and Ham Green as these existing characteristics.

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Section AA

Section BB

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V iSUAL Assessment Teh site is in a location that is well contained by topography and vegetation and views of the site are therefore limited to localised near and middle distance views.

The following visual assessment looks at the eastern and western areas of the site separately. Western Area Views of the entire Site from the west are curtailed by intervening built form. Views from the south are limited to partial and open near distance views from the A369, with views of the western part of the Site obtained across an open agricultural landscape with a noticeable fall in topography towards the Markham Brook. (see photographs 1 -3)

Plan showing location of photographs

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Photograph 1

Photograph 2

Photograph 3

Photograph 4

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Eastern Area Views towards the eastern part of the site from the south are more limited with views obtained from the vicinity of St Katherine’s School along Pill Road.(see photograph 4) Views from the north are restricted to elevated glimpsed views from the A4, in particular the degraded viewing platform opposite the northern tip of the site and the Golf Course at Shirehampton Park. Properties and roads north of the A4 also obtain views towards the northern section of the eastern part of the site. (see photographs 5 and 6) Views from the east are restricted to transient glimpsed views whilst travelling along the A4 and potentially residential properties in Sneyd Park. (see photograph 7) Longer distance views are not available due to intervening topographical variation and vegetation/ built forms.

Plan showing location of photographs

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Photograph 5

Photograph 6

Photograph 7

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H iSTORIC Context Teh plan of the site in 1903 on the opposite page shows how the south eastern part of the site originally formed part of the parkland setting for Leigh Court. At this time Pill was a small settlement focussed on the railway station comprising a mixture of commercial and residential uses.

The settlement of Pill dates form the area to the north of Leigh Court, within 1500s and its existence is due to its the site forms part of an ‘Historic Park’ strategic location on the river Avon. designation. It appears that this area, Historically, boatmen based in Pill would which is not in agricultural use was cleared pilot ships into Bristol harbour. Easton in at some point in history to create easily Gordano has a long history dating back to managed fields. at least 1085. Relevance to Proposals Both villages remained relatively small until the 1960s when suburban residential The history of the site and the immediate development led to their expansion and context is relevant to the proposals in the coalescence. following ways: The railway line from Bristol Temple • There is an opportunity to re-introduce Meads to Portishead was built in the the parkland setting of Leigh Court 1860s and passed right through Pill, many to provide a new large area of public houses were demolished to make way for open space connecting to Leigh Woods the line. • The expansion and coalescence of the Leigh Manor originally dates from before historic settlements of Pill and Easton- 1100 but was re-built as Leigh Court in in-Gordano in the 1960s and 70s has 1811. Humphry Repton prepared a ‘Red led to a weakening of the character and Book’ setting out plans for the landscape distinctiveness of each. The proposed of the estate in 1814. It was opened as development provides an opportunity a mental hospital in 1917 and was in to reinforce the distinctiveness various similar uses until 1985 when it between the two villages through was turned into a school and then office the creation of character areas that use. From the 1950s various parcels of reflect and respect the local context. the estate were sold and in 1988 the estate was split into several ownerships. The

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The site in 1903. Pill is a small contained mixed-use settlement focussed on the train station, yet to be extended to the south. Specimen trees and woodland groups are visible in the park to the north of Leigh Court, within the site.

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T rANSPORT and Movement Teh site is in a location that benefits from good existing transport connections by bus, cycle and potentially rail. A summary of these existing connections is set out over the following pages.

Bus Services and Reopening of the Proposals are in place to reopen the For the do-minimum option with only a within 5km of the site which would Portishead to Aston line for public use, station at Portishead 622,000 passengers enable residents to cycle to work in these Connectivity Portishead Train Line but North Somerset Council has recently are forecast annually. With the addition of locations. Existing bus services connect Portishead A train line between Royal Portbury been unsuccessful with a bid for £43.3m stations at Pill and Ashton Gate a demand National Cycle Network Route 41 runs with Bristol, via Pill. Two of the services Docks and Ashton runs along the to the Regional Growth Fund round 2 to of 860,000 passengers are predicted along the northern boundary of the site pass through Pill village and one remains northern boundary of the site. This line assist with the project, and is looking for annually, 144,000 from Pill and 96,000 along the south of the River Avon. This on the A369. is currently only used for freight trains alternative funds. Development at Chapel from Aston Gate. This also assumes route is a traffic free cycle route between serving the docks. Pill could help fund this objective. a passenger demand of around 250 Journey times from Pill are approximately Bristol and Pill. The cycle route connects passengers in the morning peak. 20 minutes both to central Bristol to the Historically the train line included A number of options for the line have to the cycleway over the M5 Avonmouth north east and Portishead to the west. intermediate stations at Pill and Ashton been put forward. The do-minimum Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge via local minor roads thus linking Gate and continued west to Portishead. option would be to reopen the line with Shirehampton and Pill. Signed on and off- During the day Monday to Saturday three The tracks between Pill and Portishead services stopping at Portishead and Bristol Route Connectivity road cycle routes are also provided from buses an hour operate in each direction have been removed however the land has Temple Meads only. A further option Pedestrian routes are provided from Pill to Portishead. past Pill. In the evening and on Sunday an not been reused. The previous station at allows for the reopening of the Pill and the existing residential areas in Pill to hourly bus service is provided. Regional Cycle Network Route 10 Pill is to the north of the village centre. Ashton Gate train stations. The new the village centre. A number of public continues south from Pill on local roads stations would have capacity for four car footpaths are provided across the western and through Portbury to Clevedon and trains to stop. Bus Frequencies site with connections to the existing beyond. North the route continues along An hourly service is proposed. To footways through the residential areas. the route of the NCNR 41 across the Service Route Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday enable a half hourly service additional Walking offers the greatest potential Avonmouth Bridge. No. Day Eve Day Eve Day Eve infrastructure is required as it is not to reduce car journeys under 2km and 357 Portishead - Bristol 60 - 60 - - - possible to fit two trains per hour on the cycling for journeys below 5km. Existing Right: Plan 358 Portishead – Bristol 60 - 60 - - - line as the majority is single line. The and proposed local facilities would be showing the via Pill journey time would be around 20 minutes within 2km of the site enabling residents strategic movement 359 Portishead – Bristol 60 60 60 60 60 60 from Portishead to Bristol. to walk to shops, education, and services. opportunities in via Pill Portishead and Avonmouth are also the context

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“D eVELOPMENT at Pill could help deliver the reopening of the Portishead to Bristol rail line”

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F aCILITIES and Services D eVELOPMENT of the site will provide new local facilities, employment and recreational opportunities. In addition the development will benefit from facilities available within the parish of Pill, Easton in Gordano and Ham Green.

Retail/Leisure Employment Facility/Amenity Actual distance from Acceptable distance (as set Service from centre of site out in the book Shaping Leisure facilities in the immediate area • Green grocers, There are two main business parks within Neighbourhoods, 2003) include St. Katherine’s Sports Centre and the parish. Eden Park is situated to the • Guest House, Crockerne School swimming pool, which north of the site on the site of the former WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD is available for use to the public. Pill • Estate Agents, Ham Green Hospital. Local Centre 780m 800m community centre also offers a number • Hairdresser, The Old Brewery business park is located Primary School proposed 530m 700m of leisure and recreational groups and centrally within Pill to the north of the within site activities. • Veterinary services western part of the site. Health Centre 890m 900m There are a number of public houses • Restaurants and takeaways. Public House 500m 800m The facilities and services of Pill together within walking distance of the site There is also a large doctors surgery with the educational establishments offer Post Office 780m 800m including the Rudgleigh Inn situated on located on the main road through the a number of employment opportunities. Community Centre 780m 800m the A469 Martcombe Road. village. Further extensive facilities are Leisure Centre 950m 1,300m located approximately 5 kilometres to the Open Space Local Shops and services are located to EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD west of the centre of the site within the the north of the western part of the site There are a number of existing public town of Portishead. Local Centre Proposed within site 800m and to the east of the eastern part of the open spaces surrounding the site. These Primary School Proposed within site 700m site. These shops and facilities consist of include Watchhouse Hill Park, a 10 Education Health Centre 700m 900m the following, hectare park with wild meadow, large Crockerne Church of England Primary Public House 900m 800m • Library open space for informal recreational School lies close to the northern activities, two sports pitches and a multi- Post Office 1,200m 800m • Co-operative supermarket, boundary of the western part of the site. use games area. St. Katherine’s School Community Centre 1,200m 900m St. Katherine’s Secondary School is • Post Office, also has sports areas for community hire. Leisure Centre 900m 1,200m situated adjacent to the eastern part of the Small doorstep parks providing both • Dentist, site. Both schools are easily accessible by informal and equipped play for children • Pharmacy, foot, cycle, vehicle or public bus. are located throughout the parish.

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Right: View to south east from Chapel Pill Farm

L anDSCAPE Character Te h SiTE is not subject to any sensitive landscape designations such as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Area of Great Landscape Value or National Park.

National The landscape strategy for the Avon and the integration of settlement Rolling Valley Farmland seeks to into the landscape for instance by At the national scale, the Site straddles strengthen the positive landscape ensuring that new building is sensitive the border between JCA 106: Severn and features, such as the parkland and belts to the historic parkland pattern. Avon Vales to the west and JCA 118: of woodland, whilst enhancing areas that • Promote preparation of Village Bristol-Avon Valleys to the east. This break the continuity of the landscape, Design Statements for Pill and identifies a transition between the broad such as the visually intrusive edge of Easton in Gordano within the open river valley and dispersed settlement Pill and the impact of the A369. Key context of the landscape character associated with villages following the River Landscape Guidelines with relevance to assessment with particular regard Severn from the more settled undulating the Site include: landscape encompassing Bristol which to minimising the impact of the rises towards the Cotswolds in the east • Consider opportunities for grassland, urban edge of the settlements. woodland and wetland habitat and the Mendip Hills to the south. • There should be a presumption against creation, particularly in areas arable in areas of archaeological which are marginal for farming. District landscapes defined by earthworks At the district scale, the landscape was • Consider the restoration of the and areas of historic parkland. assessed within the North Somerset historic pattern of parkland trees. Character Assessment which identifies the • Limit village infill and ribbon entirety of the Site within Character Area development, and where development J6: Avon Rolling Valley Farmland. This does take place encourage sensitive landscape encompasses the settlement use of materials and quality of design of Pill and extends between the 60 metre contour line to the south and the margins of the River Avon to the north.

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Seit Teh western part of the site, west of Ham Green has a different character than the eastern part of the site. Character of Western Area be associated with the urban settlement beyond, partly due to the views obtained The western part of the Site is formed of from the busy A369 and several PROW small to medium fields with hedgerows that cross this part of the Site. Plan showing location of photographs defining field boundaries and is always seen in the context of or is perceived to

Photograph 8

Photograph 9

Photograph 10

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Photograph 11

Photograph 12

Photograph 13

Photograph 14

Photograph 15

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Character of Eastern Area The topography associated with the entire Site rises from the River Avon The eastern part of the Site is perceived to in the north at approximately 8 metres be more rural and remote due to the lack Above Ordinance Datum (AOD) in the of footpaths in this area in addition to the eastern area of the Site accommodating natural visual and physical containment an elevated farm yard in the centre of this resulting from the topographical variation portion of the site towards the wooded and the strong tree belt along the disused horizon of Paradise Bottom and Oak railway line. Wood. The western area of the Site rises gently from the southern edge of Pill reaching an elevation of approximately 45 metres AOD at its highest point. Plan showing location of photographs

Photograph 16

Photograph 17

Photograph 18

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Photograph 19

Photograph 20 Photograph 21

Photograph 22

Photograph 23

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Lcalo Character It is important that the character of the development responds appropriately to the distinctive character of Bristol and its suburbs and provides a distinct and innovative design response that creates a strong character and sense of place.

In order to achieve the above objective, Analysis of these elements and how they five character areas have been selected have contributed to creating a strong sense for study. They have been chosen for of character for the Bristol as a whole will evidence of distinct character features provide important contextual references which are informed by the following to inform the proposals. The character elements: areas are listed below and identified on the page opposite: • Urban form 1. Sneyd Park • Built / plot form 2. Shirehampton • Car parking 3. Pill • Open Spaces 4. Easton-in-Gordano • Details and materials 5. Stoke Bishop 6. Sea Mills

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2 6

3 1 4

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Sneyd Park Se n yd PaRK is located to the north west of Bristol city centre and is a prosperous suburb comprising mostly large detached properties within green leafy streets.

Urban Form Open Spaces • Long gently winding roads • Informal open space and pitches are located on Durdham Downs • Residential properties are set back with large front gardens. Details and Materials • Properties mainly detached • There is a mix of building materials set in large plots including render, brick and stone. Built/Plot Form • The predominant roofing materials are clay tiles and concrete tiles • Predominantly two storeys with on more modern buildings. occasional three storey buildings in prominent positions. • Windows are varied; timber casements, sliding sash and bay windows are • Mostly large detached and semi- typical of period properties. detached with some terraces • There are a large number of • Most properties have front trees in front gardens creating gardens of at least 4m a leafy environment • Low brick walls with hedges above are common boundary treatments Key Design Influences Car Parking • The following characteristics of this area could be used to influence • Parking is predominantly on- the design of the masterplan; plot with garages and driveways • On plot or on street parking to the side of properties • Detached and semi-detached • There is some on-street parking houses with large front gardens

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Shirehampton S hIREHAMPTON is located to the far western edge of Bristol close to the M5 and the river Avon. The area is largely typical of 1920s suburban development with mostly low density semi-detached houses.

Urban Form Car Parking Details and Materials • Linear form with smaller streets • Parking is mainly on plot or on street. • Buildings are finished in a radiating from the main road. mixture of brick and render • Some properties have garages to • Properties along the main street the side or the rear of the property • The predominant roofing form a continuous frontage with materials are clay tiles. facilities such as local shop or Open Spaces • Windows are varied with timber pub located at key junctions. • Open space is located at key focal casements or sliding sash being • Properties away from the main points within the village such as predominant, with some bay windows road have a regular building line junctions off the main road particularly on terraced properties. and are set back from the road. • Open space is generally well Key Design Influences Built/Plot Form overlooked with properties fronting the space on most sides • The following characteristics of • Predominantly two storey this area will be used to influence • School facilities and church yards also with some 2.5 storey the design of the masterplan; provide open space for the community. • A variety of house types, with terraces • Regular building line along the main road and detached and • Front gardens with low boundary walls semi-detached properties elsewhere • Parking on plot or on street • Away from the main street properties have front gardens between 2 -4m with • Mix of house types low brick boundary walls and hedges • Open space and facilities located at key junction off the main routes when possible

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 46 Page 47

Pill P iLL is a village located to the west of Bristol and to the south of the River Avon. Historically is was a port for ships arriving in Bristol and the village is centred around a small harbour.

Urban Form • There are a variety of house types Details and Materials with three storey located along • Linear main street with smaller the main road and predominantly • There is a mix of building streets radiating off two storey everywhere else. materials, brick is the predominant material with some render. • Facilities and retail uses located • Properties have small front within a pedestrianised precinct gardens between 2 - 4m • Clay tiles are the predominant roofing next to the main movement material with some instances of slate route through the village Car Parking • Windows are varied with timber • Lower density development towards • Parking is located on plot or on street casements, sliding sash and bay the edge of the village with higher windows typical of the period • There is a small car park on density close to the historic centre properties, while UPVC is common Heywood road by the shops in more modern houses. Built/Plot Form Open Spaces Key Design Influences • Building on the main street and • Informal spaces can be found at in the historic core generally • Continuous frontage along main junctions of roads or other focal directly abut the highway and have street with properties directly points creating a focal space either a largely continuous frontage abutting the pavement grassed or with hard landscaping. • Lower densities towards the edge of the settlement

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E naSTON-i -Gordano E naSTON-i -Gordano is a small village that is located to the south west of Pill, the boundary with Pill has been blurred as a result of development in the 1950s and 1960s but the village retains a distinct character.

Urban Form Open Spaces • Linear main street with smaller • There are informal open spaces streets radiating off at junctions and formal pitches located just off the main street. • Irregular building line Built/Plot Form Details and Materials • There is a mix of building materials, • Buildings generally have an render is the predominant material irregular building line with some brick and stone. • There is a wide pavement that • Tiles are the predominant roofing can accommodate outdoor material with some instances of slate seating in some areas • Windows are varied with timber • There are a variety of house types, casements, sliding sash and bay predominantly two storey. windows typical of the period • Properties have large front gardens properties, while UPVC is common and are set well back from the road in more modern houses. Car Parking Key Design Influences • Parking is located on plot or on street • Large front gardens • Irregular building line

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S tOKE Bishop S tOKE BiSHOP is located to the west of Bristol close to Sneyd Park, it is a typical 1920s suburb.

Urban Form Details and Materials • Linear streets radiating • There is a mix of building from a main route materials, render is the predominant material with some brick. Built/Plot Form • Tiles are the predominant roofing • House types are mostly semi- material with some instances of slate detached set in large plots • Windows are varied with timber • Properties have medium front casements, sliding sash and bay gardens between 2 - 4m windows typical of the period properties, while UPVC is common Car Parking in more modern houses. • Parking is located on plot or on street Key Design Influences Open Spaces • Semi-detached properties • Large parks are located away from the • Front gardens main street with housing fronting on. • On-plot parking

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Sa e MiLLS Sa e MiLLS is located to the west of Bristol along the River Avon, at this point the city begins to open out and become less dense. The area is an early example of an Ebenezer Howard Garden Suburb. The area was designated a conservation area in 1981.

Urban Form Car Parking • Windows are simple casements with some instances of bay windows • Formal structure of streets, • Parking is predominantly on-plot with a clear hierarchy with garages and driveways to • Formal tree planting along verges the side and front of properties gives a green and open feel • Residential properties are set back with large front gardens and green • There is also on-street parking • Buildings are of a uniform verges on either side of the road architectural style Open Spaces • Properties mainly semi- Key Design Influences detached set in large plots • Informal open space is located along the River Trym in a linear park • The following characteristics of • Streets orientated to maximise views this area will be used to influence • Formal playing fields are located the design of the masterplan; Built/Plot Form along the River Avon and within the residential areas • On plot or on street parking • Predominantly two storeys with occasional three storey buildings • Allotments are located in the • Detached and semi-detached in prominent positions. middle of large blocks houses with large front gardens • Mostly semi-detached Details and Materials • Low boundary walls with some terraces. • Provision of allotments • The predominant building material • Most properties have front is render with some brick, • Street Hierarchy gardens of between 2 – 4m • The predominantly roofing • Half brick and render • Low brick walls with hedges above materials are clay pantiles. are common boundary treatments • Bay Windows

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Site Analysis

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Chapter 3 Site Analysis

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Se it ConSTRAINTS A comprehensive analysis of the site has been undertaken and the findings have been evaluated to identify key constraints and opportunities relevant to the development of the site. This will ensure that the development is as responsive to the site as possible and will help enable delivering a development with a strong sense of place.

The existing development constraints are There is a linear pond to the north of the to the top north eastern corner abutting the River Avon and part of it is liable to integrate and provide new cycle routes summarised here as follows: site which is used for fishing. River Avon. The land on the west of flood. Areas near the fishing lake and within the site. the site is generally levelled with gentle Markham Brook Woodlands are also • Land use and features It is important that the development There is potential for a new Rail halt and slope towards north. There are few high identified within the flood plain. responds sensitively and appropriately re-use of the currently disused Historic • Topography points on the north and north east of site. to these existing land designations and Due to the agricultural nature of the Pill and Ham Green train stations. These higher points are visually exposed • Flood Risk & Drainage public rights of way so that their character area there is a limited physical drainage but also provide views across the site and is protected. These existing features will infrastructure with surface water typically Heritage & Archaeology • Access & Movement surrounding settings of Leigh woods. provide useful cues for the character and running towards these identified site There are number of listed buildings • Landscape & Ecology form of the development. There are hedgerows with few mature features. around the area of search, their setting trees along public rights of way to the • Landscape Visual Assessment The existing woodland setting, historic will be an important consideration in the west of the site. There are also occasional Access & Movement: buildings and their setting, watercourses masterplanning process Land Use & Features mature trees to the east of the site, part of A number of Public Rights of Way, a and riverfront in the surrounding context The historic Leigh court within Leigh the historic settings of Leigh woods. Sustrans route and a historic Rail line cuts The plan on the opposite shows a number provides an opportunity for connections Woods is listed and currently identified as through the site. The masterplan should of existing land uses and designations and integrate with the proposed green a registered parks and garden within LDF. Flood Risk & Drainage seek to retain them and incorporate new on the site. These include the area of infrastructure. The masterplan will consider its historic The landscape to the west of the site is connections into the strategic transport registered park and garden and a number setting and restore with planting wherever There are also small local centres and defined by Markham woodlands with strategy. of existing public rights of way. possible. shops and services at Pill and employment land gently sloping towards north. The There are a number of public rights of Markham Brook Woodland, which a areas at Ham Green. woodlands run from south to north There are no archaeological sites or way along field boundaries with planting Site of Special Scientific Interest and through the centre of the site. The flood monuments within the area of search. Topography on the west of the site connecting to Pill a Wildlife Site runs south-north in the plain associated with the woodlands village in the north. These routes will be centre of site The site forms a ‘Dumbbell shape’ with shown in the plan is well contained within retained and integrated further with new roughly two equal halves on either side of it and as such poses no flood risk to the There is a historic railway route currently direct connections to Pill town centre. used for freight only, running through the Markham Brook Woodland which runs greater area. The north eastern edge abuts north west of the site. south- north in the centre. A sustrans route passes through north of the site and there is an opportunity to The topography on the east of the site is undulating with further steep slopes

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 58 Page 59

Seit Opportunities Teh future development opportunities are summarised here.

Topography The setting of Leigh Court and Leigh Access & Movement Woods will be respected through There is an opportunity for future landscaped view corridors. There is an opportunity to incorporate development to use the natural new bus links through the new topography and intrinsic values Markham Brook Woodlands will be development via Cross Lane which and deliver a unique and distinct integrated by introducing new green links further connects to existing bus routes on neighbourhood. to the west. Pill Road. Landscape & Ecology New planting along A369 Martcombe Existing Public Rights of Way to the Road will soften views of the development west will be retained and new pedestrian The south-eastern part of the site is within from SSSI and Wildlife setting to the cycle links will be introduced to the east designated historic Parks and Garden south of A369. connecting to Chapel Hill Lane and the area, there is an opportunity to restore A number of public right of ways and existing employment park and enhance the historic settings of this important hedgerow/vegetation will area. There is an opportunity to improve the be retained and integrated within the traffic flow at the intersection of A369 There is an opportunity to introduce development. Martcombe Road and Pill Road by a new strategic recreational facility to Retained trees and vegetation, including introducing a new roundabout further the north east of the site enhancing the those with TPOs where possible and north. historic setting and access to the River. desirable will add maturity and vitality to Development in this location could also There is an opportunity to introduce new the development. help deliver the desired Portishead to green corridors along Rail line providing a There is an opportunity for slow food Bristol rail link. buffer to noise from Rail movement. production by extending existing allotment area to the North West corner of site and to build on the success of Leigh Court Farm organic food production.

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S tATUTORy Designations S tATUTORy Designations on the site are summarised here.

There are a number of statutory Conservation Areas Sustrans National designations both within the site and in the immediate context that are relevant The eastern boundary of the site which Cycle Network to the development proposals. These follows the banks of the River Avon forms Sustrans Cycle Route 41 which connects are identified on the plan opposite and the edge to a number of conservation Portishead and Bristol via a mostly summarised below. areas which cover the river, parts of off-road direct route, runs east-west to Shirehampton, Sea Mills and Stoke the north of the site. Part of the route Registered Park/Garden Bishop. runs through the site in the east before The eastern part of the site forms part The character of these conservation areas following the river bank towards Bristol. of the original Country Estate of Leigh and any key views from them towards the This route provides the potential for Court and is a Registered Park/Garden. site will need to be considered as part of direct bike journies of 25 minutes from Although there do not appear to be any of the design process. the site into Bristol city Centre along the original landscape fetures within this Public Rights of Way car-free routes. Access to it for cyclists area it is important that any development should therefore be maximised and any respects and protects the setting of Leigh There are a number of public rights of potential to make the route more direct or Court. way crossing the site, especially in the area attractive to cyclists should be explored. to the south of Pill. These routes which Listed Buildings provide for direct pedestrian movement There are a number of listed buildings to the centre of Pill will be protected in the local context. The most important and incorporated into the development of which is Leigh Court, which is visible wherever possible. from some parts of the site. The setting This existing network of routes will of this and other listed buildings will provide a structure for the movement need to be carefully considered as part of network of pedestrians and cyclists. developing a concept for the development of the site.

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L anDSCAPE Constraints & Opportunities A lTHOUGH the site does not have any specific landscape designations other than the area within the Registered Park and Garden it is important that any development respects the landscape setting and character of the context. The plan on the opposite page identifies key opportunities and constraints relating to landscape and visual impact issues.

An initial visual assessment has been Both of these areas would be suitable for south of the railway on the eastern side of carried out which has identified areas of medium to high density development (35- the site and the area immediately to the high, medium and low visual constraint. 45 dwellings per hectare). north of the railway line. Both of these These areas are identified on the plan areas could also be screened by advanced The plan also identifies areas of medium opposite. Areas of low visual constraint landscape planting to provide a softened landscape/visual, constraint where lower include the western end of the site which residential edge. density development (25-35 dph) with contains a number of mature hedgerows additional advanced planting would be Areas of high landscape /visual constraint which provide effective screening to suitable. include the area to the north of Leigh the fields, which combined with the Court as well as the northern peninsula topography create an area that is visually These areas include the main area in the which is visible from the conservation well–contained. There is also a linear western part of the site to the south of areas to the north of the site. Potential parcel of land which runs east-west south Pill which is visible from local views to strategic green corridors are also identified of St. Katherine’s Secondary School and the south. The plan shows how advanced on the plan. the Railway line which is also visually well- planting along the A369 could be used to contained by a combination of topography provide screening of this edge. and existing landscape features (such as Other areas of medium landscape/visual the planting along the railway corridor). constraint include the higher slopes to the

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Maintain setting along river and protect visual amenity of northern peninsula

Conserve the integrity of hedgerows where possible

Reintroduce parkland character within Repton landscape

Reinforce legible open space corridor along Markham Brook

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Concept Masterplan

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Chapter 4 Concept Masterplan

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Design Concept Teh diagram on the opposite page summarises the strategic design concept for the proposals. The strategic concept seeks to meet three key objectives:

1. Maximise connectivity 2. Provide for an 3. Create an extension to Bristol City Centre extension to Pill which to the existing public via, bus, train and bike will enhance and revitalise parks, woods and spaces The proposals seek to minimise the the existing local centre. along the southern edge use of the private car by (a) providing The existing settlement of Pill has a local of the River Avon. for ‘containment’ through provision centre comprising a range of shops and of a balanced mix of employment and The proposed development offers businesses. The settlement is relatively the opportunity to create new publicly residential uses and (b) providing a choice small (about 2,000 people). Nearby of non-car transport modes including a accessible parkland and woods which settlements of Easton-in Gordano would connect to existing areas of public direct cycle route, bus route and potential and Ham Green have populations rail connection. open space at Leigh Woods and Ashton of approximately 1,300 and 1,750 Court and be easily accessible from the respectively). Sustrans route. The new spaces could Any proposed development should include parkland in the area to the north maximise connectivity to existing facilities of Leigh Court to improve its setting as and services to enhance their vitality and well as new active parks and areas of viability. woodland, which are characteristic of the area.

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Railway Line

Proposed new station

Restored Parkland

Strategic green corridor of recreational spaces

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Ldan Use Te h LaND Use Plan on the opposite page is based on the strategic concept set out on the previous page.

It shows the creation of two new West Neighbourhood residential neighbourhoods: one focussed on the existing settlement of Pill and one This neighbourhood would provide to the east of St. Katherine’s Secondary for a sustainable extension to Pill of School. approximately 1300 dwellings. The intention would be to reinforce and The proposals seek to provide for a support the existing local centre and balanced community providing new other services and facilities in Pill through employment opportunities as well as maximising connections to the existing residential. settlement. A new 2-plan entry primary The Concept Masterplan provides for the school is proposed together with a small following quantum’s of land use: local shop. • Residential: 90 hectares East Neighbourhood • 2 2-Form entry primary This neighbourhood would provide schools (2.2 hectares each) a new community of about 2000 • An extension to the existing dwellings together with a 2-form entry secondary school primary school and 4 hectares of new employment. • Employment uses: 4.5 hectares • Public Open Space: Over 120 hectares (including 100 hectares of new parkland).

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 70 Page 71

I lLUSTRATIVE masterplan The illustrative masterplan presented here shows how a sensitive and appropriate form of development could be provided on the site, which reflects and respects local character as well as creating a new place with a strong identity and sense of place.

The form, character and layout of the buildings, routes and spaces are informed by the distinctive characteristics of the site such as the topography and landscape as well as identified in the character appraisal in Chapter 3. Over the following pages, the various elements of this illustrative masterplan are explained and in Chapter 5, the principles and concepts for ‘place-making’ are set out.

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Access and Movement P oTENTIAL access points for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The A369 passes to the south of Pill and Vehicular access to the western area Bus accessibility could be improved connects junction 19 of the M5 motorway could be from a number of locations. to nearby employment destinations of to the west and Bristol to the north east. Cross Lane to the north provides the central Bristol, Avonmouth, Portishead Pill Road meets the A369 at a priority most suitable vehicular access position. and Nailsea. The potential to increase the junction to the south east of the village. A number of public rights of way proposed capacity on the Portishead train This road continues north with the cross the western site. These would be line can also be reviewed. eastern part of the site to the east through retained with the existing connections to Park and Ride the centre of the village. the adjacent residential areas retained. In order to provide a viable park and ride Many of these links are on desire lines to To the south west St George’s Hill meets scheme bus frequencies should be at least nearby bus stops, the village centre and the A369 at a further priority junction. St every 15 minutes. Bus priority on routes Crockerne C of E primary school. Georges Hill continues north to the south also is an incentive to use the park and of Easton in Gordano and on to Pill. The Proposed Transport ride. St Georges Hill junction with the A369 Parking space for 400-500 cars are is to be signalised as part of the current Access Strategy required to have a commercially viable improvement works along the A369 and As part of the proposals the A369 could site. However very few park and ride sites at the M5 junction 19 to the south. be realigned in the vicinity of existing Pill Road junction. The A369 would continue operate without at least some public or Vehicular access to the eastern area north to a roundabout within the site area developer subsidy. would be from Pill Road to the south of instead of continuing down Haberfield Park and ride sites should be visible and St Katherine’s School. Pedestrian access Hill. From the roundabout, access to the buses used branded. Visible sites would also be on to Pill Road with further Pill would be to the north and the A369 market themselves. pedestrian route potential to the north would continue across a bridge across A site has been identified for a Park west of the site to Macrae Road. Markham Bottom towards Markham and Ride which could attract drivers Farm. coming from the motorway network and Portishead. And walk and ride for residents of Easton-in-Gordano, Pill and Portbury.

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 74 Page 75

Rl ai , bus and bike Teh A369 passes to the south of Pill and connects junction 19 of the M5 motorway to the west and Bristol to the north east. Pill Road meets the A369 at a priority junction to the south east of the village. This road continues north with the eastern part of the site to the east through the centre of the village.

To the south west St George’s Hill meets Vehicular access to the western area the A369 at a further priority junction. St could be from a number of locations. Georges Hill continues north to the south Cross Lane to the north provides the of Easton in Gordano and on to Pill. The most suitable vehicular access position. St Georges Hill junction with the A369 A number of public rights of way is to be signalised as part of the current cross the western site. These would be improvement works along the A369 and retained with the existing connections to at the M5 junction 19 to the south. the adjacent residential areas retained. Many of these links are on desire lines to Vehicular access to the eastern area nearby bus stops, the village centre and would be from Pill Road to the south of Crockerne C of E primary school. St Katherine’s School. Pedestrian access would also be on to Pill Road with further A park and cycle facility could be pedestrian route potential to the north provided close to the existing cycle path west of the site to Macrae Road. with a car park and cycle lockers etc. This would encourage commuting to Bristol by bike.

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 76 Page 77

Pkar and Ride A new park and ride facility is proposed on land next to Junction 19 of the M5, which would serve to reduce the amount of traffic using the A369. This measure would, together with other strategic transport improvements and strategies, minimise the amount of traffic using the A369.

Right: concept of The proposed park and ride facility is proposed park located to the east of Portbury. To the and ride facility north the site is bounded by the M5 and to the east is Gordano services and the A369. The site is approximately 5 hectares and could accommodate approximately 1300 parking spaces, access would be provided from High Street.

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Junction 19

Proposed new Park and Ride facility

A369

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L anDSCAPE Concept T hIS drawing illustrates the landscape and green infrastructure concept for the masterplan. It shows how an integrated and connected network would include a wide range of functions and uses.

The ‘top tier’ of these green uses would include the new areas of public parkland adjacent to Leigh Court, and on the peninsula next to the river. The green corridors would include areas for community food production in the form of allotments, community gardens and potential extensions to existing community facilities such as at Leigh Court Farm. Green links along existing public rights of way and existing hedges create connections for ecology as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Page 80 Page 81

Right: The Avon Water Park proposals would provide for direct and efficient ferry transportation from the site and from a park and ride facility into Bristol City Centre. Aon v WaTER Park Or u proposals for Chapel Pill would relate very well to proposals for the Avon Water Park, considered in the past. The following information is taken from a draft proposal put together by a group of professional advisors in Bristol in 2002.

The Avon Water Park proposals included a. The attraction of the waterside The proposals could offer a range of the construction of a deep-water lock pedestrian and cycle routes would grow opportunities for the area around the of a similar scale to the existing lock at dramatically, as would the setting of the site including the opportunity to enhance Cumberland Basin, which would provide historic Clifton Suspension Bridge flood control to the urban areas and the for the retention of the river water opportunity for new marina developments b. The lock gates at Cumberland Basin at a constant level along the Avon to along the Avon. The scheme would also will become superfluous and the scheme Avonmouth. complement the sustainable transport will offer an uninterrupted waterway to strategy for Chapel Pill, providing an The proposals would preserve tidal access enable water buses to run between park opportunity for a water transport system for shipping and pleasure craft and it has and ride facilities at Avonmouth and the from a park and ride facility. The use been suggested that a relief road bridge City Centre of ferries would provide a fast, efficient and new rail link between Avonmouth c. Guidance on flood levels in the Avon and sustainable link into the heart of the and Portbury. from the EIA has recently been updated city. It has been suggested that the Avon The Vision presented at that time stated to take account of global warming, higher Water Park could become a tourist and tidal surges and run off from up stream. recreational attraction of international “Not only will the proposal establish a This places large areas of the City Centre standing providing for a range of water huge water park for water sports, pleasure at risk. The scheme can incorporate sport facilities. craft and water borne transportation but defences which will significantly reduce the environmental enhancement will The proposed development at Chapel Pill such risks. encourage urban regeneration throughout could contribute financially to providing a the length of the park d. The benefits to greater Bristol in the scheme such as the Avon Water Park context of tourism, sport, recreation and Above: Detailed design leisure would be enormous” of the proposed barrage prepared at the time

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Right: Yellow line indicating approximate location of potential barrage

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Placemaking

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Chapter 5 Placemaking

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Pacemakingl It is important that the proposed Whilst the two proposed neighbourhoods development responds to and reflects the will each have a distinct sense of character of Pill, Easton-in-Gordano and community, there will be character the distinctive parts of Bristol’s suburbs. differences within each. For example, in This will ensure that the development is the West Neighbourhood, two distinct visually integrated with the area. character areas will seek to reinforce the differences in character between Easton- A series of distinct character areas in-Gordano and Pill. This provides are proposed, which draw on the an opportunity to reinforce the special characteristics of the different parts of qualities of both of these places. the site (in terms of topography, views, landscape features and existing built form) as well as on the findings of the character assessment set out in Chapter 2.

Section AA

Section BB

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Illustrative masterplan

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S cALE and Density Teh scale and density of the development will vary across the site to ensure that the potential for a sustainable form of development is maximised and that the development responds appropriately to landscape and topographical constraints.

The proposed strategies for scale and edges of the neighbourhood to soften the density are presented on the two plans visual impact and to create an appropriate here. interface with existing residential areas. The density plan shows how generally The arrangement of heights follows higher densities are concentrated in a similar pattern as density with taller the central parts of the two proposed buildings along main routes and within neighbourhoods and along proposed more contained central parts of the public transport corridors to maximise neighbourhoods. the potential patronage of bus services. Lower densities are proposed along the

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C hARACTER Areas F oUR distinct character areas are proposed which seek to respond to both the distinct qualities of various parts of the site as well as the character of existing settlements and suburb in the locality.

The plan on the opposite page defines the boundaries of the four proposed character areas. They are:

• Gordano Green • Village Quarter • Leigh Park Edge • Leigh Park Core Principles for each of these areas relating to urban form, plot form, car parking and plot structure.

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Leigh Park Edge

Leigh Park Core

Gordano Green

Village Quarter

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Right: View of the village square in the Village Quarter. Architecture reflects gable projections evident in Pill and brick, render and timber detailing reflects the local character.

Potential employment area

New primary school

Shop

Play area

Village Quarter The “Village Quarter” forms the heart of Character Principles the Pill Garden Neighbourhood. It will • To maximise connectivity be well connected to Pill village and will with Pill village. support existing services and facilities. • To create a character that This character area will include a new reflects that of Pill. 2-form entry primary school, a small local shop around a new village focal space. • To provide a network of green routes and spaces. The character of this area draws on the distinctive character of Pill. A radial street pattern and triangular block structure reflects the block structure in Pill.

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Bus link to Pill Gordano Green Proposed new allotments This character area seeks to build on the existing mature hedgerows in this part of the site together with the semi-rural character of Easton-in-Gordano to create a distinctive, low density character area around a central linear area of open space. A network of green spaces and corridors and a new area of allotments extend from the existing allotments and along Green corridor the existing public rights of way. Existing and new informal tree and hedge planting contribute to the rural character.

Character Principles Hedgerows retained • To create an appropriate transition with an edge to Easton-in-Gordano. • To create a character that reflects that of Easton-in-Gordano. • To provide for local food production by extending the existing popular Pill allotment facility. • The character reference for this area is Easton-in-Gordano.

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Play area

New sports pitches

Proposed new primary school

Leigh Park Edge Chapel Pill Green is a low density semi- Character Principles rural area on the land to the north of • To reflect the character of low the railway. Large, detached houses set density “leafy” suburbs in Bristol. Employment uses within a landscape of linear tree planting, • To create a soft landscaped edge to the and areas of woodland to soften the northern boundary along the river. visual impact. The character of this area would draw on that of high quality “leafy” • To provide landscaped parks, suburbs in Bristol such as Sneyd Park spaces and sport facilities within and Stoke Bishop. Wide, three lined the green infrastructure network. streets together with spacious green areas • Development to follow the contours. and an active park and sports pitches would give this area a special character. A 2-form entry primary school could be provided in this area in an accessible location close to the railway bridge.

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Railway line

Local centre

Proposed orchard Proposed drainage features / ponds

Existing woodland retained Leigh Park Core This character area forms the heart of Character Principles the eastern neighbourhood. It will have • To create a distinctive a distinct green character which draws formal green character. on the high quality landscape setting as • To reflect the Garden City Movement. well as precedents from Bristol’s suburbs. The block structure and arrangement • To provide for views to the reflects the principles of the Garden City surrounding landscape. Movement with a radial and symmetrical • To provide an appropriate edge street pattern and formal leafy streets. to the proposed new parkland. A community orchard is proposed as part of the network of green spaces as well as a community park in the centre of the residential area.

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View of the central green space and localVew icentre in Leigh of Park L Core.o Acal radial Centre street pattern following desire lines. The landscape corridor following the railway line provides a green backdrop.

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N ew PaRKLAND T hERE is an opportunity to create new significant areas of parkland on the eastern part of the site which is adjacent to and well connected with Leigh Woods.

The drawing on the opposite page New footpaths and cycle paths following shows a concept for the new areas of the contours of the park would connect parkland. The area of parkland near with Leigh Woods and the Sustrans Cycle Leigh Court would be designed to provide Route which runs along the banks of the an appropriate setting for the historic river. building. It could include formal tree To the north of railway an ‘active park’ of lined routes as well as specimen trees and a different character is proposed. Here, small areas of woodland. Sustainable woodland groups along the northern Drainage Features could be integrated as boundary define and enclose a new park ornamental lakes within this landscape. which could include play areas, informal The concept shows a new potential food open space and sports facilities. production area close to Leigh Court Farm (an existing community organic vegetable producer).

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New woodland groups

Play area

Footpath connection under bridge

Footpath following contours

Proposed drainage ponds

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Conclusions

Pll i ViLLAGE

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Chapter 5 C onclUSIONS

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C onCLUSIONS T hIS draft Concept Statement has set out a vision and set of strategies and principles for the creation of a new sustainable urban extension to Bristol, focussed on the existing settlement of Pill.

The Concept Statement has demonstrated with streets and places that reflect the Landscape setting that a high quality, responsive and local area as well as many of the principles sustainable development is achievable. of garden cities such as the provision of Protected and Restored The proposals will provide for two front gardens, accessible parking near the The proposals include concepts, ideas compact ‘walkable’ neighbourhoods each front of the dwelling and a green setting and illustrations of how the former with its own school and local space. The for housing. parkland setting of Leigh Court could be proposals will connect to and support restored and opened to the public as a existing retail and employment uses in Sustainable Transport new recreational resource for Bristolians. Pill, Easton-in-Gordano and Ham Green. Links to Bristol This would connect with Leigh Woods and Ashton Court to provide a significant The Concept shows how the district The masterplan and strategies Park of city-wide significance. character and qualities of the local demonstrate how the strategic transport area and of the Bristol area could opportunities could be maximised to Multi-Functional Green be appropriately reflected in the encourage direct journeys to Bristol city development so that it makes a positive centre by bicycle, bus and train. Infrastructure Network contribution to the area. The masterplan and strategies show how Local Food Production The Concept Statement has demonstrated an integrated, multi-functional network of how the Vision set out at the front of this The concept and vision are based green routes, spaces and places could be document will be delivered. A summary on providing for a high degree of provided. Functions could include play, of how the main vision objections will be self sufficiency and containment with sport, recreation, ecological corridors, met is set out below. opportunities for local food production strategic landscaping, drainage and food integrated at all levels of the design production. Together these spaces and Sustainable new ‘Garden approach. Large community growing functions will create a development of a Neighbourhood’ areas, which could build on existing distinctive character and appearance. local community food production The illustrative masterplan and character organisations. The existing Pill allotments areas show how an attractive and could be extended and new orchards sustainable form of development which and community gardens could also be combines generous green spaces and provided. opportunities for local food production

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Chapel Pill - Draft Concept Statement - November 2011 Barton Willmore Design Limited James deHavilland - Partner 101 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6PU Tel: 0117 929 9677 Fax: 0117 929 4569