DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT

The Garage Site New Road West Sussex GU29 0HY

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGES. ERECTION OF NEW BLOCK OF FLATS CONSISTING OF 6 x 1 BED UNITS

March 2021

PREPARED BY

FOR The National Park

ON BEHALF OF Midhurst Community Land Trust

DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

1 Summary 1.1 This Design and Access Statement accompanies the planning application on behalf of the Midhurst Community Land Trust, a not-for-profit organisation for the erection of new block of six, one bed affordable flats at the site known as The Garage Site, New Road, Midhurst, GU29 0HY. The site is identified on the submitted 000_location plan.

1.2 This proposal aims to make efficient and effective use of an existing brownfield land, within an established residential area, in a manner, which is compatible with the character and appearance of the local area.

1.3 It is considered that the proposed works will make a positive contribution to the character of the area, without causing any harm to the local amenities.

1.4 Significant consideration has been given to the design and layout of the flats with regards to the amenity of neighbouring properties and the amenity of the surrounding area.

Figure 1: Existing Site

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

2. The Site 2.1 The site currently consists of 15 garages sat on a 722 m2 / 0.18 acre site as identified on the proposals map of the District Local Plan and also falls within the South Downs National Park. Within such areas there is a general presumption in favour of new residential developments with the latest advice by governments to maximise the use of such land.

Figure 2: Existing Site Views

2.2 The character of the area is predominantly residential in nature with the proposed site being set back from the main A286 and well screened keeping the site discreate. According to the Environment Agency’s Interactive Flood Maps the site is not within an area liable to flooding.

2.3 The existing site is considered to have no architectural merit and is in a very poor condition, as such, any proposal would be a great improvement to the current street scene.

2.4 The area is characterised by detached two and three storey houses of varying ages, sizes and styles, with the majority set on modest sized plots.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

Figure 3: Existing Site Views

2.5 Although the site sits directly on the main A286 road, it is discreet on the east and western approach due to its recessed positioning.

Figure 4: View 1 Figure 5: View 2

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

2.6 The key features of buildings along new road are typical brick-built construction with clay tiles roofs. Building ‘a’ (Figure 6) however has some white cladding elements on the northern front elevation which helps break up the large area of brick in an unoffensive way. These details have influenced the proposed design by encouraging the introduction of timber cladding in a similar form to the proposed front elevation (Figure 9)

Figure 6: Building ‘a’ Cladding

2.7 Some of the brick-built houses use the same brick but laid in different manor to add detail to the build without impacting on build costs, as seen across the road on building ‘b’

Figure 7: Building ‘b’ Brick

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

3 Proposal 3.1 Design 3.1.1 The current proposal seeks to demolish the existing garage buildings with a floor area of 208 sqm and to erect a replacement block of six, 1 bed flats with an internal habitable floor area totaling 275.7 sq m. The proposal also includes the provision for 1 parking space per unit, bike and bin store for each unit.

3.1.2 The whole scheme has been driven by the need to provide affordable housing for local people whilst enhancing what has become a run-down site over the years.

Figure 8: Ground Floor

Figure 9: First Floor

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

3.1.3 The design has tried to work with local traditional materials in a modern way by using clean lines in the details and also picking up on cladded elements from the neighbouring property. Build costs and ease of construction have also been factored in due this being an affordable housing scheme produced for a not-for-profit organisation.

Figure 10: Front Elevation

Figure 11: Rear Elevation

3.1.4 The proposal has chosen to go with a flat roof design to help reduce any impact of the rear neighbouring properties, this is also enhanced further by working with the existing topography on the site which will lower the build even further. Currently the dwelling the rear of the site have a ridge height of 37.62 taken from the site datum level. The dwelling to the east has a ridge height of 37.83. The proposal will sit at 3m meters lower than these at 34.62 on it highest point.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

Figure 12: Ridge Heights

3.1.5 Positioning to the south has allowed for parking and associated landscaping to be organised to the front of the build whilst at the same time reducing any massing from the roadside.

Figure 13: Block Plan

3.1.6 The proposal has taken into consideration Policy SD08 (Dark Night Skies) and has avoided the use of any roof lights or Velux to prevent any upward light spill.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

3.1.7 New drainage will be proposed, connecting to the mains drain to the north of the site

3.2 Arboricultural 3.2.1 Accompanying this planning application is an Arboricultural report provide by Hellis Solutions Limited

3.2.2 A great deal of effort was put into trying to retain tree T2 but due to works involved the tree will need to go. If development was not to happen and the tree was retained, then it could cause problems in the future due to the overhang across the main road and it is likely it would need to be taken down.

4 Materials 4.1 This development seeks to put a lot of emphasis on the materials chosen to help the dwelling sit within the site and surrounding area as comfortably as possible. Each element will be well thought out with the impact on the dwelling being the priority rather than being led by cost.

4.2 The new dwelling will be of brick construction with timber cladding features

4.3 Windows will be dark grey UPVC double glazed.

4.4 Doors to be stained hardwood.

4.6 The flat roof will have a green felt finish to help sit comfortably within it setting.

5 Ecosystems Services Statement 5.1 The proposed development seeks to create new landscape features and the application represents an opportunity to enhance the existing landscaping by providing a new green space and planting of borders along both the northern and western boundaries which encouraging more wildlife and nesting birds.

5.2 With the site being located amongst some light vegetation, bat boxes will form part of this application, this will help to encourage bats within the area for nesting and breeding.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

5.3 Mixed wildflower planting will be introduced around the site to encourage insects which also provide a food source for bats.

5.4 The new parking and driveway will be constructed with a permeable surface, helping to reduce flood risk and surface water

5.5 The low-level native hedgerow proposed around the boarder will help soak up excess water, improves air quality and in turn will benefit wildlife.

5.6 Planting

Species which have wildlife value included as part of the proposal

- Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna - Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia - Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa

With a wide variety of other trees and shrubs in the hedgerow mix and shrub layer mix, to add biodiversity. - Shrubs with blossom and berries for adding biodiversity including; - Elder- Sambucus nigra - Rosa canina - Viburnum opulus

Nectar-rich planting of borders for bees and butterflies and other invertebrates including; - Lavandula spica - Achillea - Aster - Erigeron - Helenium

Special plants for Bats- with night scented flowers to attract moths and hence bats; - Evening primrose- Oenothera stricta “Sulphurea” - Honeysuckle- Lonicera periclymenum - Night scented stock – Matthiola longipetala

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

6 Landscape Appraisal/Study 6.1 The topography of the site has benefited the design by giving us the opportunity to level the site more which in turn lowers the ground level to help reduce the ridge of the build and lessen the impact on the surrounding neighbors and views.

6.2 The site contains trees with a trunk diameter more than 75mm, and has some light vegetation to the west which contribute to local landscape/townscape character, and wildlife interest currently. The development gives the opportunity to enhance these as a result of this planning application.

6.3 The key views to the site are along the main A286 New Road with the new development unlikely make it visible from areas where there are currently no views.

6.4 The site is located within the heart of Midhurst. The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of dwellings including two storey houses, bungalows and chalet bungalows of varying design and appearance. The site is tucked away to the south off the A286 New Road and well screened to the north and south along the street frontage.

6.5 The secluded open space within the site form the key features and special qualities of the area.

6.6 Midhurst is a traditional market town located in West Sussex, 12 miles north of the historic town of . The site lies on the A286 which links onto the A3, a major road connecting London and . Midhurst has access to all the main amenities. It has a supermarket, post office, and town hall. The main core part of Midhurst has most of the housing lies within the South Downs National Park and is designated a Conservation Area. The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of dwellings including two storey houses, bungalows and chalet bungalows of varying design and appearance. The pattern and grain of development along New Road is predominantly made up of buildings set back from the road with small front gardens and long thin rear amenity areas.

6.7 The A286 is a busy ‘A’ road through Midhurst. The site is open in aspect to the north with this being the clear point of arrival at the site.

6.8 The proposal is likely to affect a geological or wildlife designation in a positive way by taking time to look at the landscape and context in more detail based on the South

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

Downs National Park’s principles of trying as best as we can to conserve, preserve and enhanced the site through design and planting.

6.9 The site nor any building on the site is designated as listed and as such the proposal will not impact on any listed structure or heritage asset or secluded monument.

6.10 By replacing the garages that are out of keeping with the character and setting of the surrounding area, with a development in an architectural style that better conforms to the surrounding pattern of development, it is considered that this will enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of the National Park through the proposal.

7 Biodiversity 7.1 A Preliminary Roost Assessment with further activity surveys has been submitted with this application, produced by Syntegra Consulting.

8 Supplementary Planning Document appraisal 8.1 Efficient use of energy in the design

8.1.1 The development would make use of materials with a high specific heat capacity and would utilise high levels of insulation to the roof, walls and floors in order to reduce heat loss from the building. Any white goods to be provided upon completion of the development would be ‘A’ rated.

8.1.2 Maximum use of natural ventilation would be utilised where possible where it is acknowledged that this is a more sustainable option than air conditioning systems.

8.1.3 High levels of natural daylighting would also be achieved where possible. Rooms would have access to light through windows.

8.1.4 An Air-Source Heat Pump will be proposed and is an extremely efficient, cost. effective and sustainable.

8.1.5 The design aims to at the least meet and more often exceed building standards. These will include the Building Regulations, NHBC Technical Standards, Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

8.2 Environmentally Responsible The compact nature of the building means they tread lightly upon the environment. Each one achieves good levels of sustainability in a number of areas, both in construction and in operation. They can achieve all mandatory requirements for Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes for materials, waste, water and energy. Although the main building fabric and specification is fixed to ensure the building can be as environmentally sustainable as possible, include a variety of renewable energy systems.

8.3 Waste 8.3.1 Provision is made for waste and recycling bins appropriate to the form of development proposed. Provision is also made within the garden for composting food waste and it is hoped that use would be made of such things as Green Cones, which are a contained and discreet method of composting.

8.3.2 The anticipated waste streams through the life cycle of the construction process include: • timber • brick • cement • concrete • paper (packaging) • paint • metal • plastic • glass

8.3.3 Some of those waste materials are recyclable and some will need to be disposed of. It is proposed that there will be separate skips for those waste materials that can be recycled and those that require disposal. 8.3.4 It is not anticipated that any hazardous wastes, such as asbestos, chemicals, oils or contaminated soils would be encountered in any significant quantities through the course of the project. If any such materials were found, they would be removed and disposed of by licensed operators.

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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT THE GARAGE SITE, NEW ROAD, MIDHURST

8.4 Management 8.4.1 During construction appropriate measures would be put in place to ensure the health and safety of construction workers and to minimise disruption to neighbouring properties.

8.4.2 Appropriate working hours could be achieved by a condition of consent and it is proposed here that those hours be restricted to 8.00am – 6.00pm Mondays to Fridays, 8.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays and no work on Sundays or public holidays unless the prior consent of the local authority has been gained.

8.4.3 Appropriate measures would be taken to minimise noise, dust and detritus emanating from the site during construction and to ensure that the public highways are kept clear. These would include dampening down as necessary and keeping site and radio noise to a minimum.

9 Heritage Statement 9.1 The building on site are not listed nor is it near any scheduled monuments. Although sited within a conservation area the proposed works would not impact on the setting or surrounding views.

10 Noise Impact Assessment Noise levels will not be altered from the existing as a result of the proposal.

11 Conclusion The proposal will be great asset to the community by provide much needed affordable housing and improving what has become a redundant site. The scheme would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would not affect the amenities currently enjoyed by surrounding land users by virtue of overlooking or loss of light. The work would be built to high environmental standards and would be capable of adaption to meet the changing needs of an ageing population. It is considered that the proposal complies with the development plan for the area and is thus commended to the Council.

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