Sketchley Brook Welcome

In considering its forward planning priorities for the next 15-20 years Hinckley The Core Strategy sets the scene for the prospect of a comprehensive and Bosworth Borough Council has prepared a “Core Strategy” which was mixed use scheme on a site of about 45 hectares of land between Ashby Canal and Hinckley railway station centred around Sketchley Brook from adopted in its final form in December 2009 following a Public Examination. which it takes it name.

This is an important well-located area of land in close proximity both to strategic access from the M69/A5 as well as Hinckley town centre. It has an interesting mixture of existing assets, derelict land and prospective regenerative advantages.

Based firmly on the Borough Council’s policies and priorities together with ongoing dialogue with key participants such as the Environment Agency, Highways Agency and County Council, a draft Masterplan has been produced. In addition a set of shared objectives have been agreed;

+ to improve the environment through sensitive development, retaining and restoring natural features

+ to create a linear park along the Sketchley Brook Corridor as part of the Borough Council’s proposed “strategic access corridor” linking Ashby Canal to Burbage Common Before + to provide a viable range of new homes

+ to provide a range of employment uses and premises, creating up to 2000 jobs

+ to promote public transport, cycling and walking and to limit access and movement by car

+ to make the ground safe for development and to improve drainage in the area

+ to provide new services and facilities as a focal point at Rugby Road

+ to improve the Rugby Road area around the park

+ to agree long-term maintenance and management responsibilities for key elements of the public realm including;

- the Rugby Road Park A significant opportunity exists - the Rugby Road Corridor to transform this area in a - the Sketchley Brook Park and Corridor - the Ashby Canal Park successful and sustainable way. - the Ashby Wharf and Water Activities Training Centre

Proposed About Goodman - who are we? Goodman is an integrated property group that owns, develops and manages industrial and business space globally. Goodman primarily invests in business parks, office parks, industrial estates and distribution centres. It also has a strong record in delivering mixed use proposals incorporating new and improved infrastructure and facilities. Sketchley BrookSite and Setting 01

The “Nelson Burgess” site

A former major employer which significantly reduced its

Ashby Canal activities over the last decade or so and relocated much of the operations overseas. The site has been cleared Jericho Farm and is available for redevelopment as part of a comprehensive scheme. Undeveloped land surrounded by urban uses lying between Ashby Canal, the Leicester-Birmingham rail Railway Station line, Sketchley Brook and sewage works and the employment uses served by Brookfield Road. The “Johnson’s” site and landholdings

This longstanding Burbage based employer (previously Woodland Sketchley’s) has rationalised its activities and has established a new facility at Logix Park. Newly planted - implemented in conjunction with the development at Logix Park. Ashby Canal The extensive ‘old’ site has now been demolished and A5 is ready for new beneficial uses. The Johnson estate

Sketchley Brook Rugby Road also included; Existing stretch with established planting - the brook + two lagoons previously associated with the cleaning disappears into a culvert under the former operations and allocated for development for Johnsons site. employment purposes under Policy EMP3 of the 2001 Local Plan Logix Park (formerly known as Grass Plots) + the Rugby Road Park which is managed and Now fully developed for mixed employment uses maintained by Burbage Parish Council incorporating good quality built form and landscaping. Access arrangements allow for the development of the Ashby Canal + the former Hinckley Wharf off Ashby Canal and adjoining Jericho Farm area as required by adjacent flooded clay pit (the former brick works) longstanding Local Plan Policy and the “Grass Plots A5 incorporating Hinckley Boat Club, Sea Cadets, Planning Brief”. Hinckley Water Activities Training Centre and a fishing club (see site edged blue). Sketchley BrookThe Borough Council’s “Core Strategy” 02

Over the last 5 years or so Hinckley and Bosworth What then does the Core Strategy say specifically about Burbage and what does its Borough Council has been preparing a Core Strategy policies propose? which provides the framework for planning and Against the background of the above studies the Core Strategy says; development decisions during the period “4.23 Existing areas of undeveloped land along the railway line and down to Ashby Canal provide an opportunity to connect the urban areas and south Hinckley to Burbage Common and the surrounding countryside, providing both recreational and environmental to 2026. benefits.

4.24 In functional terms, Burbage acts largely as an extension to the Hinckley urban area, with the northern part of the village being within The Core Strategy has been informed, close proximity to Hinckley railway station and the town centre. Development in this area therefore provides an important opportunity progressed and refined through a full set to support Hinckleyʼs role as a sub-regional centre, whilst recognising that Burbage is a settlement in its own right with individual characteristics and needs” of documents and consultation exercises. During 2009 an independent Inspector Policy 4 of the Core Strategy is entitled; held a Public Examination to listen to “Development in Burbage” representations. In November 2009 he and proposes (as relevant to the Sketchley Brook scheme); submitted his final report to the Borough Council. “To address the small pockets of deprivation in Burbage, support + address the existing deficiencies in the quality, quantity and the Burbage local centre and support Hinckleyʼs role as Sub- accessibility of green space and play provision Regional Centre, the Council will: The Borough Council adopted the Core Strategy in its + deliver the strategic green infrastructure network detailed in Policy + allocate land for the development of a minimum of 295 new 206. To achieve this, strategic interventions involving the Sketchley final form in December 2009 - the first of its kind to be residential dwellings, focused primarily to the north of Burbage, Brook Corridor and Burbage Allotments will be implemented adjacent to the Hinckley settlement boundary to support the produced in the whole of the East Midlands. Hinckley Sub-Regional Centre. In particular the Council will seek + deliver safe, high quality cycling routes as detailed in Policy 55with to diversify the existing housing stock to cater for a range of particular focus on routes to Burbage local centre and schools, house types as supported by Policy 151 and Policy 162 existing and proposed residential and employment areas, Now that the Core Strategy has been finalised it can be community and leisure facilities, the Hinckley town centre, railway + allocate land for the development of 10 hectares of B8 station and bus station and into the countryside to provide an used to guide the location and detail of proposals for employment land3 and 4 hectares of B2 employment land4 alternative to car travel and encourage physical exercise adjacent to the railway line as an extension to Logix Park. A development and regeneration. proportion of the B2 employment should be for start up +require development to be of the highest environmental businesses as supported by the Burbage Parish Plan standards in line with Policy 24”7

What are the Borough Council’s Planning Priorities as set out in its Core Strategy? + ensure there is a range of employment opportunities within 1 Policy 15: Affordable Housing Burbage and in close proximity to Hinckley 2 Policy 16: Housing Density, Mix and Design 3 The Borough Council’s Vision for the Borough, guided by its Community Plan is; land for storage and distribution premises + require transport improvements in line with Policy 55 4 land for industrial premises 5 Policy 5: Transport Infrastructure in the Sub-Regional Centre “… one of keeping and improving whatʼs good about the area and embracing the positive things that development can bring, 6 Policy 20: Green Infrastructure helping the entire Boroughʼs communities share in the good quality of life it offers” To ensure development contributes to Burbageʼs character and 7 Policy 24: Sustainable Design and Technology sense of place and that the villageʼs infrastructure can accommodate the new development, the Council will: The priorities are; + “A Green Infrastructure Strategy Strategic Green Infrastructure Map for Hinckley and Bosworth” was + to focus on the potential of the main urban area re-using commissioned by the Borough “brownfield” land wherever possible Council in 2008. It proposes “strategic access routes” in order + to provide a linked network of “green infrastructure” which to improve recreation and Has the Borough Council given any other guidelines about this location and the sort of secures improvements to recreation, access to open space and biodiversity assets in the Borough. increased biodiversity One such route is relevant to the scheme and improvements that it would wish to see? Sketchley Brook proposals in + to provide sufficient good quality employment land and premises particular; In tandem with progressing its Core Strategy the Borough Council has also published for consultation in the right location both for businesses and the workforce a “draft preferred options report” entitled;

+ to provide a range of new housing close to jobs and facilities “Site Allocations and Generic Development Control Policies” “An important and strategic potential route bisects the two towns of + to reduce the reliance on car travel and to promote public Hinckley and Burbage. This route would enable access from the transport, cycling and walking wherever possible centre of the town to either of the areaʼs major recreational assets This draft document also examined the potential of this part of +“asmall retail element” of the Ashby Canal and Burbage Common. Improvements to this Burbage and identified it as a “preferred option” for mixed use + to encourage high quality design in order to enhance settlement route would also have a beneficial effect on the wildlife in and development. It says; +thearea to the east of Rugby Road should be sensitively identity and the environment around these towns, providing a natural corridor which compliments developed to ensure a “positive gateway development” that which already exists alongside the railway” “The preferred options are based on maximising the use of + to provide the appropriate social and physical infrastructure to +“aLocal Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) should be provided to the serve new development previously developed land. A section of Greenfield Land has been identified as part of a mixed use scheme which was west of Rugby Road alongside open space” The Core Strategy is based on a full range of studies and strategies preferable to other Greenfield sites as it forms a natural infill between Logix Park and Brookfield Road employment area and + “improvements should be made to Rugby Road to improve but three are of special reference; Southern Green Infrastructure Zone Map The Sketchley Brook corridor is seen as a key area of potential; does not have a significant impact on the surrounding area” vehicular / pedestrian / cycle movements as well as environmental enhancements including tree planting” + requires about 9000 the East Midlands Regional Plan (2009) “The east of Burbage is well served by Burbage Common and In supporting that view the Borough Council suggested that it additional homes to be provided in the Borough during the period woodlands but in the west of the town there is very little to offer anticipated a comprehensive and co-ordinated scheme which + “improvements to the Rugby Road/Bridge Road 2006-2026 of which 5000 still need to be identified (about 4000 in terms of biodiversity and recreational interest in a natural includes the following; recreation ground” can be regarded as existing commitments). The majority of these setting - several parcels of land exist along the brookʼs route have either been built or have to be provided in and around what that are currently in poor or unmanaged condition; bringing this + “two access points; + “the re-introduction of Sketchley Brook as a green corridor is called the Hinckley Sub-Regional Centre (Hinckley, Burbage, land under suitable management will increase not only including walking and cycling provision that links into the Earl Shilton, Barwell) with a target of 40% of dwellings on biodiversity of the corridor but also the attractiveness and value one entrance point should be obtained off Rugby Road and Hinckley town centre and rail station” previously developed land of the route to the communities which it will serve” one off the existing Logix Park Service Road. There should be no vehicular through road between these two access points + “provision of a pedestrian bridge across the Ashby Canal to + the Leicester and Leicestershire Employment Land Study (except for buses) to minimise the impact onto Rugby Road” allow the extension of footpaths along Sketchley Brook” (2008) was commissioned by the Joint Leicestershire Authorities to advise on the requirements for and preferred location of +anetwork of cycle and pedestrian routes should be provided + “protection and enhancement of access into the countryside employment land and premises over the coming years. For across the site connecting the employment land to other uses to the south of the site” Hinckley and Bosworth two employment land priorities were identified to serve; + “Sketchley Brook Corridor should be protected and enhanced + “protection and improvement to the Hinckley Wharf Lake for to increase not only the biodiversity of the Corridor but the recreation and wildlife” - the M69 linked regional road based distribution market attractiveness and value of this route to the communities which it serves - as part of wider access and green space - the local business-based market provision including access to Ashby Canal” Panel 3:Layout 1 15/3/10 09:58 Page 1

Sketchley Brook Towards a Masterplan 03

How then are the Borough Council’s priorities and policies translated into proposals for the site? 1 : Assets, Constraints and Opportunities

+ fulfilling the expectations of the Borough Council’s Core Strategy (quotations below from the Borough Council’s Core Strategy documents)

Existing employment areas including “two access poin ts will provide access to the “The Community on Sketchley Brook; where work, life and play are brought together” Logix Park - currently not integrated or site. One entrance point should be obtaine d well-connected with the population off Rugby Road and one off the exis ting Logi x served. Park Service Road”

“As part of the mixed-use development, the scheme should provide 10 hectares of storage and distribution (B8 Use Class) “strategic access to A5/M69” and 4 hectares of general industrial (B2 Use Class) employment.”

“Any development should reflect the type and mix of housing that will meet the Local access from Rugby Road needs of people living and working in Burbage”

The Facility Hub “There could also be “There should be no vehicular through roa d a small retail element to the scheme” (exc ep t for bu ses) be tween the se two acc ess poin ts to minimi se impa ct on to Rugb y Road ”

“Careful consideration should be given Railway Line and Station to the biodiversity of the area. ”

“A network of cycle and pedestrian routes Structural planting to rail corridor should be provided across the site connectin g the employment land to other uses” and “protection and enhancement of access int o the countryside to the south of the site”

Water Reclamation Works “The Green Infrastructure Study identifies Sketchley Brook as a key green corridor an d this is reflected in the proposal and within Policy 4 of the Core Strateg y. The Green Infrastructure Study also highlights the nee d “Improvements should be made to Rugby to link up to Ashby Canal” Road to improve vehicular/pedestrian/cycle movement; alongside this improvements should be made to the local environment “Sketchley Brook Corridor should be (e.g. tree planting)” protected and enhanced to increase not onl y the biodiversity of the corrido r, but also the attractiveness and value of the route to the “There is a shortfall of open space to the comm uni tie s whi ch it serv es. Thi s app rai sal west of Rugby Road and therefore a Local will form an integral part of a wider access Equipped Area of Play should be provided and green space project and will improve as par t of the scheme alongside open spa ce access to Ashby Canal” provision, that meets the needs of the wide r community”

“The area to the east of Rugby Road shoul d “Protection and improvement to the Hinckle y be sensitively developed to ensure a positiv e Wharf Lake for recreation and wildlife” gateway and improvements to the Rugby Road recreation ground. Th e impact that any development may have on Rugb y Road /Br idge Road open spa ce shoul d be sensitively considered to ensure there is limited impact on existing open space” Canalside enhancement/park and “provision of a pede str ian bridge acr oss the As hb y Cana l to allow the extension of footpaths along “The following improvement can be secured . Sketchley Brook” The re-introduction of Sketchley Brook as a green corridor including walking and cyclin g provision that links into the Hinckley Town Established “ Area of Separation” Centre and rail station” (local plan policy NE4) M 69 Sketchley BrookTowards a Masterplan 04

2 : Green Infrastructure and Landscape Framework Canal side proposals Sketchley Brook west proposals Sketchley Brook corridor east proposals Gateway and Park proposals

More open yet filtered views towards the offices and smaller employment units Tree planting to screen and filter views to the larger building units. Small scale groups and pockets of native tree and Balancing pond designed to maximise wetland interest and shrub planting biodiversity objectives. Native hedgerow and Existing and proposed wet woodland / scrub habitat. tree planting to the roadside verge. Reed bed habitat (Environment Agency priority). Native tree and shrub planting to screen and Filtered views to and from the offices over the landscape and filter views towards the wetland proposals. larger employment units.

Proposed canal bridge with pedestrian and cycle access.

Direct footway / cycleway link to the proposed offices and employment development.

Proposed canalside moorings (detailed extent to be determined) to indicate new seating, information boards etc.

Reed bed habitat (Environment Agency priority).

Tree planting to screen and filter views to the larger building units. Transport Interchange and Raised footway / cycleway across reed bed and open water. controlled access point

Footway / cycleway crossing and connection to the Sketchley Brook corridor. Seating and information/ interpretation board Potential Raised path/cycleway moorings or boardwalk Unit Existing grassland/meadow conserved

Proposed footway/ Canal cycleway set Proposed intermittent within a relatively open tree planning (eg. corridor alongside the crack willow) to the Sketchley Brook edge of the brook.

+ Establish rural-urban connections (particularly east-west) to provide landscape, + Reinforce the character of the Sketchley Brook Corridor through sympathetic + Provide pedestrian and cycle connections, most notably along the east-west + Beyond the proposed primary green corridors and spaces, establish a hierarchy access and biodiversity links between Ashby Canal and the settlement area landscape treatment and biodiversity enhancement measures - proposals Sketchley Brook and encompass a bridge connection to the existing towpath of connected smaller-scale spaces within the built development (particularly surrounding Rugby Road. The built up area immediately west of Rugby Road carefully considered alongside drainage priorities and Environment and the wider network of rights of way the housing and facilities areas) providing for play, informal open space and has been, until now, largely impenetrable in terms of these opportunities and Agency guidelines seating areas forms a considerable barrier to any green corridors or “fingers” + Enhance the wetland and waterside environment on the eastern side of the + Create a robust framework and setting for the built development proposals, Ashby Canal as part of an integrated and sustainable design approach, that particularly for the employment proposals in the western part of the site would also satisfy surface water drainage and flood attenuation matters

3 : Movement 4 : Economy 5 : New Homes and Enterprise + The Sketchley Brook site is well located + The Borough Council’s objective is to in close proximity to Hinckley Town ensure a range of sustainable locations, Centre, the rail and bus stations + The Borough Council’s Core Strategy tenures and house types emphasises the need for a continuing + It has the potential to emphasise supply of land and premises for + “All housing will be high quality, locally employment purposes Bus Station accessibility by public transport, cycling distinctive, sustainable developments” and walking + The priorities have been informed by the + the Core Strategy allocates land; + An appropriate mix of uses on site will Leicester and Leicestershire Employment minimise the need to travel Land Study (PACEC 2008) “for the development of a minimum of Rail Station 295 new residential dwellings, focused + In “identifying a new portfolio of sites” + Appropriate site layout will create new primarily to the north of Burbage, the Study identified two sub-markets connections - for example with the adjacent to the Hinckley settlement within Hinckley and Bosworth; currently isolated employment areas off boundary, to support the Hinckley the A5 - and enhancement of the cycling sub-regional centre” network and public rights of way “(i) the M69 linked regional road based distribution market; and + the best place for the housing is as close + Movement associated with new (ii) the local business-based market” as possible to the town centre, railway development can achieve more station, existing and new employment, sustainable standards through Green + Thus the core Strategy allocates land; existing and new recreation and open Travel Plans - measures to minimise not “for the development of 10 hectares spaces only movement overall but particularly of B8 (distribution) employment land Logix Park Logix Park Logix Park travel by car and 4 hectares of B1/B2 (industry) employment land adjacent to the + Improvements to existing junctions on railway line as an extension to the road network will be carried out in Logix Park” association with the Sketchley Brook and promotes; proposals e.g. signalisation of the Rugby Road/Westfield Road Junction “a range of employment opportunities within Burbage and in close proximity to Town Centre Hinckley” Rail Station some of which should be for start-up Railway Line businesses. Bus Station Existing bus routes + These requirements can be met New bus connections as shown 400 metre catchment to new bus route/stops Sketchley BrookMasterplan 05

How do all the relevant factors and priorities fit together to form a masterplan?

The Masterplan is an overall vision for the physical, economic, environmental and social improvement of this part of the Burbage area.

New homes Rugby Road Park

+ a full range of new housing opportunities in two enhancement scheme including; areas either side of the new Sketchley Brook + a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) with + each area to have its own locally distinctive changing facilities character + new parking and improved links to the station

+ new tree planting to make it an attractive Ashby Canal Park open space

+ new pocket park as a pleasant canalside facility for residents, workers and visitors alike

+ new canal bridge to provide a key connection for pedestrians and cyclists to the established Rugby Road Corridor and improving network of rights of way + major landscaped space with greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists using the east- Enterprise west strategic access corridor

+ range of employment opportunities including + much improved ‘gateway’ to the Town Centre small and medium enterprises serviced from the A5

The Fulcrum

+ a focal point for services and facilities including local shops, eating, drinking with residential accommodation above

+ potential retention of the historic Sketchley’s engine house and power house - if appropriate + the final size and shape of the larger and feasible new beneficial uses can be found employment buildings will respond to occupier requirements. The principles of using the buildings as a screen to activities with structural planting will be sustained Play Space

Sketchley Brook Corridor (west) + new play space west of Rugby Road as part of the Sketchley Brook + further planting, permanent footpath and cycle routes and improved biodiversity

Retained lake Sketchley Brook + notwithstanding existing waterbodies are allocated for development, it is proposed to + the resurrection of a significant stretch of retain a significant remodelled, accessible and Sketchley Brook currently culverted safe lake as an attractive visual and environmental feature of the new scheme + centrepiece of new landscaped parkland framed by elegant new housing Sketchley BrookCharacter Areas 1-3 06

Is there more detail at this stage on the various parts of the overall Masterplan?

The Masterplan is created by taking advantage whilst acknowledging the nature of the The character areas identified and shown on the Masterplan below are; of the site’s locational potential, its existing new land uses proposed by the Borough Council’s attributes and accounting for the different types of Core Strategy and by enabling a safe, pleasant 01 Rugby Road Recreation Ground 06 Waterside development envisaged. and attractive public realm. 02 Rugby Road “Gateway” 07 Streetside 01 Rugby Road Recreation Ground 03 Fulcrum 08 Sketchley Brook II Having done that the desire is to create a sense The following drawings and text explain the of identity and place - combining an harmonious proposed design approach and qualities of the 04 Parkside - Sketchley Brook I 09 10 Enterprise A scheme of enhancement is proposed including; relationship between the natural and built environment “character areas” which make up the whole. 05 Garden Suburb 11 Canalside + new buildings on the adjoining former + a new MUGA (multi-use games area) Johnsons site east of Rugby Road with changing facilities providing surveillance over the park + a comprehensive landscaping + parking for recreation ground and scheme to enhance the site 0101 other users, convenient for the and setting railway station, bowling green and 0707 03 changing facilities

09 09 0404 1010

0202 1111

05 08

0606

03 Fulcrum + A key focal point of the proposals comprising a mixture of local services and facilities

+ Potential retention of the historic Johnsons power house and engine house for new beneficial uses could be complemented by new buildings using bespoke architecture

+ Main parking provision contained in landscaped "courtyard”

02 Rugby Road “Gateway” + New buildings have south facing elevations which interact with, overlook and enjoy the + Introduction of a landscaped “squashabout” relationship with the new Sketchley Brook which emphasises the predominance of the Park alongside east-west strategic green corridor. Traffic is calmed and segregated to give improved priority to pedestrians, cyclists and environmental quality. The squashabout incorporates the necessary revised site access arrangements and public transport facilities

+ New buildings frame a new space complemented by strong and unifying street trees across the three sections of open space

+ A major opportunity for impressive new architecture with strong presence (predominantly three storey) forming landmarks and framing interesting vistas from all directions

+ Gateway to Hinckley Town Centre from the south - opportunity to maximise a feeling of environmental enhancement and beneficial regeneration on this important thoroughfare Sketchley Brook Character Areas 4-7 07

05 Garden Suburb

Opportunity to use garden suburb themes to + strong street tree emphasis complementing give this housing area its distinctive character; consistent hedge planting or walling

+ relatively low density + strong street layout with boulevard(s) to main street and landmark buildings at + simple, elegant architecture with limited entrances and exits. range of details and materials to ensure harmonious solution Based on elements of this character evident in old Burbage.

04 Parkside - Sketchley Brook I

The central linear park forms the signature character area of the proposals.

+ Restoration and re-introduction of Sketchley Brook in parkland setting

+ Strong buildings in terraced or rhythmic formation produce a distinct edge to the open space

+ Front doors and generous overlooking windows provide active frontage and surveillance

+ Sensitive parking solution required to minimise visual intrusion

+ Safe, attractive footpath/cycleway links

06 Waterside

+ Strong symmetrical built form with + Detailed scheme for water and 3 storey components to frame and surrounds to be clearly and overlook new water body attractively designed incorporating amenity planting and seating, 07 Streetside + Layout and footprint of buildings boardwalks, fishing stations complemented by strong structured Architecture and layout with a strong urban street quality with tree planting and boundary houses providing diversity and identity to the street elevations. treatment in an integrated solution Strong precedence from large areas of Hinckley and Burbage;

+ Strong corner treatments and focal buildings terminating vistas

+ Central boulevard with distant landmark building

+ Symmetrical framing of this section of the east-west green corridor

+ Permeable, legible layout with easy connections to employment areas, local facilities, parkland, town centre and railway station

+ Materials taken from local precedent in a variety of brick, render and slate

+ Structural planting and bespoke elevations to railway corridor Sketchley BrookCharacter Areas 8-11 08

09 Enterprise Small and medium business / industry

08 Sketchley Brook II + Pre-set standards need to be agreed for the very important details, including; + Existing mature brookside with stretches of valuable - lighting established vegetation - safety and security + Reinforce planting and ensure nett - parking areas gain in biodiversity - pedestrian and cyclist movement and facilities (e.g. secure and sheltered cycle + Carefully controlled details parking, showers etc.) for transportation infrastructure - surfacing and texture including “bus gate” - signage - utilities + Consider complementary planting - bus stops and shelters and pedestrian/cyclist route details as implemented successfully at adjoining Logix Park

10 Enterprise 11 Canalside Industry and distribution

The employment areas combine a range of + Attractive pocket park is proposed adjacent to uses and in turn a spectrum of building sizes. Ashby Canal providing an integral part of the site’s drainage solution + Produce an harmonious scheme using high quality modern materials + Pleasant west-facing park enhancing the setting and attraction of the Canal and a positive facility + Define a strong, unified architectural for employees, canal users and visitors alike treatment incorporating consistency in built form, colours and detailing + Employment uses (preferably office uses) should if possible frame, interact with and + Office elements will overlook public overlook the park routes, car parking areas and entrance + High quality design allowing for walkers, cyclists, spaces and reflect the public face of the a bridge connection over the canal, space for range of nationally, regionally and locally people to sit/picnic as well as possibly allowing significant companies anticipated for the for occasional events Sketchley Brook scheme + Opportunity for additional moorings if supported + Key principle - to internalise or shield by British Waterways all main activities within a “Courtyard” style arrangement utilising the buildings to contain noise, lighting, parking, manoeuvring etc. Wharfside The Ashby Canal Wharf and Water + High quality landscape design Recreation Centre are to be sustained important including structural planting long-term in their current use and by and on plot landscape the constituent users. Small scale improvements possible and further dialogue on these and longer term management required. Sketchley BrookCreating a Distinctive Place 09

Locally distinctive character will be pertinent to the design of the housing character areas. As the Burbage Village Design Statement points out, the settlement has grown rapidly and has a very wide range of townscape and built qualities - some more distinguished than others. As described, it is intended at Sketchley Brook to create a distinctive character for each of the two proposed housing areas - based on “garden suburb” principles to the south, and more emphasis on higher density streetscape to the north. In taking these themes forward it will be possible to take references from elements of the established Burbage themes. It will also be necessary to ensure that high standards of environmental design are proposed and achieved in all aspects of the proposals.

The Sketchley Brook proposals have been defined with acknowledged urban design principles firmly in mind; + Character a place with its own identity but based on locally distinctive qualities + Continuity and enclosure a place where public and private spaces are clearly distinguished + Quality of the public realm a place with attractive and successful outdoor areas + Ease of movement a place that is easy to get to and move thorough + Legibility a place that has a clear image and is easy to understand + Adaptability a place that can accommodate changing requirements + Diversity a place with variety and choice If the general approach to layout and design is supported it will be necessary to agree in due course a design code covering the more precise details of the development components. Sketchley BrookNext Steps and Timescales 10

Please Comment Goodman is keen to receive your comments +aGreen Infrastructure Strategy and on the emerging proposals for the Sketchley Management Plan which will establish Brook area. Please complete a comments detailed schemes form so that we can understand your views and respective and know if we are on the right track. responsibilities Streetside for the long term Following the exhibition Goodman will review care of the very the feedback received with comments being important components taken into account where possible. The plans of the green for the site will then be finalised in preparation infrastructure package for the submission of a planning application to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. +aConstruction Environmental Management Plan which will ensure that the implementation of all the development Sketchley Brook As required by planning legislation and good practice the application will incorporate a set is carefully controlled in a respectful way of documents which will explain, test and to high standards. justify the proposals in their final form. This will include;

+aPlanning Statement setting out the The planning application will be relevant planning policies and proposals as made as soon as possible (before Fulcrum summarised here the end of April if possible) and will of course allow a further Is there a future use for the old Sketchley’s +aDesign and Access Statement which opportunity for consultation and will explain the approach to ensure high comment. If approved it is power house and engine house? quality design and accessibility for all Goodman’s intention, following the constituent components further approval of relevant details, +anEnvironmental Impact Assessment, to get started on site by Autumn of assessing the changes which new 2010. The primary infrastructure - development will generate in respect main roads, utilities, drainage, of a range of environmental issues. structural landscape etc - will be A lot of work has already been completed put in place as one complete phase by a range of specialists. The proposals - so that all built elements are exhibited here have been informed deliverable as soon as economic by the evidence collected and respective and market conditions allow. recommendations together with interim discussions with statutory and other agencies

Should you have further questions or comments following this exhibition or When the Sketchley Works Please give your views on would like to discuss any aspect further, please contact us as follows; were first established the the desirability of retaining operation was powered on the buildings which form a Information Line 0800 298 7040 a self-sufficient basis. link with the longstanding The two buildings which occupation and use of the Via email [email protected] originally housed the steam site. Any suggestions for engine and generators have their prospective future been retained pending the use would be welcome. identification of new, viable Thank you for your interest beneficial uses. and for taking the time to attend