Writtle Design Guide March 2020 Quality information Prepared by Checked by Approved by Macdara O Nidh Kathryn Whitmore Kathryn Whitmore Senior Landscape Architect, AECOM Associate Director, AECOM Associate Director, AECOM Revision History Revision Revision date Details Name Position A 13/01/2020 First draft MN Senior Landscape Architect B 12/02/2020 Second draft following comments MN Senior Landscape Architect from KW C 21/02/2020 Second draft following comments MN Senior Landscape Architect from the NP Group D 02/03/2020 Third draft following comments MN Senior Landscape Architect from Locality E 15/03/2020 Fourth draft following typo’s MN Senior Landscape Architect identified by the NP Group Copyright and Limitations © 2020 AECOM Limited. All Rights Reserved. This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited (“AECOM”) for use of Locality (the “Client”) in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM. Prepared for: Locality AECOM 2 Prepared for Locality 2 Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 04 Context ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 05 Character Assessment ........................................................................................................................................................................................10 Design Codes .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Development Areas .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 58 Deliverability ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 64 Prepared for Locality 3 1. Introduction 1.1 Objectives AECOM has been commissioned to provide design support to Writtle The main objective of this document is to establish principles so that Neighbourhood Plan Group through the Ministry of Housing, Communities new development is designed and planned with regard to the existing and Local Government (MHCLG) funded Neighbourhood Planning character and context of the Writtle Neighbourhood Plan Area within the Programme, led by Locality. Neighbourhood Plan. It sets out a series of design guidelines related to green infrastructure and residential development within the landscape This Design Guide has been produced to inform new development setting of Writtle. proposed in the area. It presents a summary of the key characteristics of the Writtle Neighbourhood Plan Area, which make this a special place The document initially provides context to the design guidelines including to live and visit. This information is then used to inform specific design strategic issues identified during the consultation carried out by the rittleW guidelines to promote sustainable development. Neighbourhood Group. The aspirations of the communities involved, although not strictly design issues, need to be considered in the context of The approach set out here is supported by the National Planning Policy any design proposal. Framework (NPPF), which encourages local authorities to consider using design codes, or in this case guidelines, to help deliver high quality Specific guidelines have been also provided for study areas which include outcomes for new development. It is important however, that guidance Warren Farm and brownfield sites, which are the primary concerns finds the balance between promoting and reinforcing local distinctiveness regarding future development in the area. and allowing for innovation and originality. The NPPF suggests that ‘design policies should be developed with local communities so they reflect local aspirations and are grounded in an understanding and evaluation of each 1.2 Process area’s defining characteristics’ (NPPF, 2019). The following steps were undertaken to produce this document: The NPPF also emphasises that ‘the creation of high-quality buildings • Initial meeting with members of the Writtle Neighbourhood Plan and places is fundamental to what the planning and development Steering Group and site visit; process should achieve. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, creates better places in which to live and work and helps • Further site visits, character assessment and urban design make development acceptable to communities’ (NPPF, 2019). It is analysis; therefore important that planning policies and decisions should address • Preparation of design principles and codes to be used to assess the connection between people and places and how any new development future developments; and will respond to and integrate successfully into the natural, built and historic environment. • Draft report with design codes. Prepared for Locality 4 2. Context predominantly composed of lime-rich loamy soils. To the north and east of the village the soil is free draining. To the west and south of the village soils are more clayey with impeded drainage 2.1 Location and area of study Writtle Village is located approximately one kilometre from the western 2.3 Topography and Hydrology edge of the City of Chelmsford, the County Town of Essex. The settlement is compact and encompasses the settlements of Great and Little Oxney The landscape of the area is low lying with only a gentle change in Green, with the much smaller settlement of Newney Green to the west topography across the area. Parts of built settlement makes it difficult of the parish. There are a number of farmstead groups some of which to perceive any significant changes in levels. The topography of the were the original Manors for example Moor Hall In the west, Montpelier’s surrounding countryside around Writtle is characterised by gentle Farm and Brick Barns farm to the north. The village is separated from undulating ground which is dissected by several small brooks within Chelmsford town by open farmland and the River Wid and Can corridor. relatively shallow valleys. The village and the majority of the parish is designated as Green Belt, The area contains several brooks and rivers. The River Can is north of except for the area north of Roxwell Road. Writtle has a population of Writtle Village and runs from east to west. The River Wid is located east 5,383 people (2011 census). The centre of the village is focused around of the village and runs from south to north where it connects with the The Green, in the east of the settlement. River Can north-east of Writtle Village. Both rivers form an important part The primary roads through Writtle Village are Chelmsford Road and Ongar of the landscape of the parish and is a key habitat. There are many Road which connect Writtle to Chelmsford. Greenbury Way (A414) to the streams and brooks in the area including Roxwell and Sandy Brooks which south of the village provides a link to the London Road (A414) and to the all contribute to the character of the landscape. Springs such as Reeds A12. Roxwell Road (A1060) runs from east to west north of Writtle Village, Springs are also an important characteristic. linking Chelmsford to Roxwell/ The Rodings/ Bishops Stortord. Lordship The village ponds are also characteristic with the most significant one, Road connects Roxwell Road to Writtle Village. Writtle University College Wear Pond on the Green in the east of the village. It is a focal point within is located off Lordship Road. the village and is used by young and old. There are other ponds including Gore Pond and Tower Pond which provide important habitats, a pond at 2.2 Geology and Soils the Old Vicarage which could have an association with the Priory and on the outer edge of the parish, Tuttney Pond at Newney Green. The underlying geology of an area is often largely hidden from view but has a strong influence on its character, having been shaped over by Several lakes are visible from public footpaths, including those within the natural processes including erosion and sedimentation over millions of Writtle University Campus. Evidence of moated properties are also seen years. These processes help to define the landform, soils, vegetation, and include St John’s Hunting Lodge, Montpelier, Moor Hall, and Newney drainage and building materials which are common in an area. The Green Hall. geology of the area is predominantly London Clay formation composed of clay, silt and sand formed from sedimentary bedrock. The area is Prepared for Locality 5 2.4 Landscape and Townscape designations There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites (LoWS) in the area, a small area is located within the village on the grounds of All Saints Church. Writtle Village is surrounded by land designated as