StRategic Development FRamewoRk

4.1 Design APPRoach 4.2 Design Evolution 4.3 The StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF) 4.4 SDF: Key Themes

chapter 4.0

West : Strategic Development Framework 25 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF) 4.1 Design aPPRoach

The following section presents the Strategic The West Northampton SDF has been developed The SDF process has investigated the following: Development Framework - which is intended to be upon the key information presented in Sections 2.0 Roles and • Function + character of a high-level, indicative spatial plan to help establish and 3.0 and available during the SDF preparation relationships surrounding villages and essential “design parameters” and “guiding period, including: of settlements settlements; , principles” for the wider SUE area, to assist the and places , , • planning policy review (specifically the JCS master-planning process (for the various sites/SUE’s) , Upton + St. Cripsins as the key policy driver); going forward. • Connectivity and co-location between new and proposed As stated earlier in the report, the objective of this • comprehensive site assessment and analysis settlements SDF in line with best practice guidance is to be (desk and assessment); “prepared as a prelude to a masterplan or as a Strategic • Green Infrastructure corridors • an evaluation of existing pre-planning Connections – tool to guide future development… sets out the • Transport + strategic access/ material and evidence; key /primary movement structure, the aspirations and the limits within linkages + which more detailed work on planning, design • known constraints and identified local links • Movement network + Local and delivery can take place. It is a ‘framework’ – a opportunities; connectors structure that supports something else – because • Sustainable movement it emphasises connections and relationships over • SLRR road alignment options; patterns and walkability what happens in detail on particular sites…and Urban • Built and natural environment • stakeholder consultation feedback; and it is ‘strategic’ because it only needs to show and rural (relationships) relationship priorities, not detail. It deals with themes and • new / emerging County requirements • Character of built + rural and response principles rather than being prescriptive about (transport and education). edge response outputs, which can be fixed later in the process” Hierarchy of • Size + location (A Guide to Large Scale Urban Design, CABE, 2010). centres • Access + Function Distribution of • Location for new development development/definition of appropriate development areas • Land-use mix, quantum and disposition

26 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF) 4.2 Design Evolution

Analysis Design Concepts SDF and Key Themes

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 27 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF) 4.3 The StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

The strategic framework for West Northampton • The incorporation of Sandy Lane (old and Land use Distribution SUE’s is presented in the following section. It is new) to define the new development edge • The optimum location for mixed uses/local centre – promoting a soft/rural edge response to presented as a schematic ‘framework diagram’ (not a where key facilities, services, provisional school sites new development fronting open space/ masterplan) for Policy N9a, N4 SUE’s within the wider can be co-located along primary routes in highly countryside where possible; context of Duston, Upton, Upton Lodge (N9) and the visible and accessible locations. Three indicative surrounding villages/urban area. • New residential development areas that follow locations have been proposed in each of the a robust layout and promote active frontages allocations N9a – Norwood farm and Upton Lodge and It is consistent with the WNJCS policy requirements and well-overlooked streets and spaces. N4 Northampton West – which are located outside an and the NPPF (2012) policy framework for 800m radius and independent from the other. sustainable development and high quality design Accessibility – and is focussed on high level priorities to ensure • Land for primary and secondary school provision that area is developed as a comprehensive piece • A key north-south route to connect Cross located on visible and accessible locations along of townscape through appropriate strategic Valley Link Road (south of the A4500), new the primary movement network. These are: infrastructure, land use disposition and a cohesive development to the North-West By-pass route ›› N9a (Upton Lodge) x 1 2FE primary urban structure. The SDF narrative is then explained (future); ›› N9a (Upton Lodge) x 1 secondary school using three high level themes which form • A key primary route to and through the (provision made if required) structuring elements and influences for the overall development via completion of the Sandy SDF diagram. Lane Relief Road (SLRR) – accommodating ›› N9a (Norwood Farm) x 1 2FE – 3FE primary school the proposed SLRR re-alignment (Option B) › N4 (Northampton West) The SDF for West provides for: which could support a design for lower traffic › x one 3FE – 4FE primary speeds as an ‘urban boulevard’; school Context • The potential to develop key anchors and destinations integrated local ‘network’ of open • An (such as a leisure/recreation focus, primary parks and • A new residential district that is well spaces, green streets and parkland linking open spaces + community/education hubs, mixed integrated with the surrounding built N-S, E-W through the development and and natural context, making a positive uses for enjoyment and benefit of the local and wider to existing settlements – supporting good community) that are both visible and accessible through response to the natural landscape setting, movement and permeability whilst minimising topography and key views whilst protecting land-use disposition and the movement network (this additional traffic pressure on Glassthorpe theme is presented in more detail in Section 4.3); the rural character of surrounding villages; Lane, Larkhill Lane and Port Road; • Development that respects the 115m contour • Land for playing pitches/sports provision and • A key north-south link to wider /ridge line open space as per JCS requirements. with a sensitive landscaped / Northampton’s Strategic Green development edge; Infrastructure Network via a new country park linking the , Upton Valley Park 28 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework to Harlestone Firs and Brampton Valley Way. FIGURE 6: 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

SDF: West Northampton SUE’s

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 29 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF) 4.4 SDF: Key Themes 1 Green Infrastructure and Landscape network

The SDF (indicative diagram) contains a number The NPPF and Northampton Landscape Sensitivity • A wide variety of multi-functional open/ of key/high level components which have been & Green Infrastructure Study (NLSGIS, 2009) green space – namely a new County Park developed and are presented as three themes. outline the following principles in relation (formal/informal) + recreation ranging from to providing Green Infrastructure within new parks/green spaces to areas of ecological or These themes have been developed and developments. Given the rural nature of West historical interest, and also to places of work, informed by a series of structuring elements Northampton and the surrounding SUE context, local shops, and community and education and influences within the SDF - in terms of its this has formed one of the key drivers for the facilities. Promote assets in terms of Parks indicative layout, urban structure, movement and SDF, to ensure that new development responds and Gardens; Amenity Greenspace; Natural broad distribution of land-uses across the site positively to and is appropriate to its natural and and Semi-natural Urban Greenspace; Green – and are presented in the following section to landscape context. The following principles have Corridors and other sites such as allotments. explain the narrative behind the SDF proposal. been applied: The Northampton Green Infrastructure Plan They are as follows: (NGIP) represents a new, innovative and • Development that provides for a network committed approach to the future delivery for 1 Green Infrastructure + Landscape Network of multi-functional green space, urban GI in Northampton; and rural (which will in turn deliver wide 2 Movement + Connections environmental and quality of life benefits • A hierarchy of routes within a network 3 Land-use, anchors + destinations for local communities) and include benefits from doorstep to countryside via a to biodiversity; access and movement; the framework for a multitude of route options local economy; flood prevention; climate providing connectivity to a wide diversity of change mitigation; and enhancements to destinations; cultural heritage assets; landscapes and local communities (through education and • Use existing landscape and topography improved public health and wellbeing); and respect the ridgeline east of Harpole to retain/protect the rural character and visual • Green infrastructure links and corridors amenity of Harpole whilst protecting open (through strategic open space and planned space, landscape and nature conservation. development) to channel movement and maximise connectivity to open space, key anchors and destinations throughout all new development;

30 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework FIGURE 7: 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

GI + Landscape network

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 31 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

2 Movement + Connections

Access Movement

Access to the area will be provided by existing, As part of the comprehensive redevelopment of ›› requires significantly less ‘cut and fill improved and new road infrastructure on a the area, the following transport links/connections embankments’ than Option A therefore primary, secondary and local level. Pedestrians, will need to be provided: avoids a ‘divorced’ engineering solution cycles and other modes of transport will with development sitting above and below be equally supported within the movement • The Sandy Lane Relief Road (SLRR) is part the road; framework, supported via connections to of strategic the highway provision within the (physical and visual) and along key green South West District of Northampton. The ›› produces a better road geometry and edge infrastructure and landscape routes and streets. development will need to deliver a link road to the development and gives the potential to connect the SLRR to the north/Harlestone for frontage development which supports Access into the development and surrounding with the south/Upton and the A4500 in order the boulevard street aspiration open space from existing settlements has been to open up the area for planned housing proposed where the potential/desire has been growth; • SLRR and key primary routes designed as an identified. This will need to be developed ‘urban Boulevard’ with integration of public and tested as part of the master-planning and • The SLRR - Northamptonshire County transport to provide a positive development planning process going forward. Council’s requirement for the link road is: frontage and opportunity to link (existing and “A single carriageway road, with land proposed) communities/residential areas; reserved for dualling. Design speed of 50mph, reducing to 40mph in appropriate • A well-integrated street network and urban settlements once the houses have been street hierarchy linking into the existing built”. infrastructure and connecting key existing and proposed land-uses, anchors and destinations; • The location of the SLLR to follow Option B - page 20 (realignment) in that it gives: • Promote walkability to key spaces and destinations throughout the development ›› a better balance to the scheme layout as a at a maximum of 800m for the majority of whole (in terms of block structure and key new residents to key services and transport facilities location) and does not sterilise/ facilities; isolate areas of development; • The use of land form/topography, landmarks and key landscape (existing and proposed) as legible movement and wayfinding markers.

32 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework FIGURE 8: 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

Movement + Connections

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 33 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

3 Land-use, anchors + destinations

Surrounding Land-use and Character Open Space Requirements The majority of the surrounding area is residential, Strategic open space requirements and provision comprising the village settlements of Kislingbury, (specifically outdoor sports) has been calculated Harpole and Harlestone, the established suburbs and located on the SDF plan. Other open space/ at Duston/New Duston and new communities at St. sports provision (such as Play, Sports Facilities, Crispins and Upton, and Settlements to the east Open Space, water attenuation provision) will currently form the urban edge of Northampton. need to be informed by further supporting Careful consideration has therefore been given to technical studies + master-planning and the connections and design response to existing determined by each individual authority (based settlements and also to respect the response to the on individual authorities requirements) for each rural edge and character to the west. allocation separately and as part of the planning process going forward. Land-use

Broad land-use distributions and indicative Indicative Landuse Budget quantums are based on the requirement as set out in WNJCS allocations, indicative assessment of Description JCS: Policy N4 JCS: Policy 9a the site and feasibility together with approximate Residential In the region of 2550 In the region of 3500 population forecasting to calculate required Primary School X 1 = 3 ha (3FE - 4FE) X 2 = 5 ha (2FE - 3FE) provision for each land-use component. Secondary School n/a 9 ha Outdoor sports provision 14 ha + parking 9.5 ha + parking 1.7 + 1000 x 5625 = 9.56ha 1.7 + 1000 x 8750 = 14 ha All other open space/play requirements *Specific requirements/provision to be determined by individual authorities Mixed use centres/employment 1.5 ha 2 + 1 = 3 ha Key infrastructure/SLRR 2 ha 3.5 ha

34 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework FIGURE 9: 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

Anchors + Destinations

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 35 4.0 StRategic DeveloPment FRamewoRk (SDF)

Anchors + Destinations

Anchors and destinations is an abstract notation The SDF would look to promote the creation/ to explain the placement and co-location of enhancement of the following anchors and important land-uses, spaces, facilities and destinations: services (such as mixed use centres, education • Primary and secondary school provision (as facilities, recreation/sports hub). These are • New Country Park – as key destination above) on Norwood Farm/Country Park edge located along primary routes/key connectors to supporting a variety of formal and informal and south of Upton Lodge/adjacent to SLRR aid ‘walkability’ in order to support sustainable recreation; and A4500; development and lifestyle choice. SDF themes • Dedicated Outdoor Sports facilities/pitches are multi-layered in that the green infrastructure/ – for the majority of Norwood Farm and • New mixed–use hub/primary school to network and key movement hierarchy support separate facility to west of Northampton West the north located along a primary route at viability and co-location of key land-uses, site; Northampton West SUE; anchors and destinations. • Key ‘formal’ recreational hub/anchor off • Green recreation hub to the Western The general rule of thumb is that anchors provide Larkhill Lane to the east of Harpole village boundary/edge of Northampton West SUE, wayfinding elements (physical and visual) via linking new development with open space/ where bridleways/formal footpaths converge activity hubs at the local level. These anchors open country park and countryside; (gateway to the countryside). encourage movement to and through places whereby destinations are located within 800m • New community/education hub located distance at key strategic locations along primary on the country park development edge at movement connectors. Norwood Farm (to utilise open space as formal sports and education) and adjacent to mixed-use/local facilities centred around a key formal open space;

36 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework Conclusion

5.1 Moving FoRwaRd

chapter 5.0

West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 37 5.0 Conclusion 5.1 Moving FoRwaRd

This document provides a strategic and co-ordinated The SDF has been a useful tool and platform design approach across the West Northampton throughout its process for wider engagement and Sustainable Urban Extensions, to assist and inform consultation between the various Authorities and the completion of the masterplanning of the Developers, helping to prioritise key elements for SUE’s and to aid the consideration of planning the growth of West Northampton in terms of wider applications as they are submitted. As such, it has area connections, key infrastructure and relationships been …”prepared as a prelude to a masterplan or as between the various SUE allocations. a tool to guide future development…setting out the structure, aspirations and limits within which more Going forward, the SDF should be used as a detailed work on planning, design and delivery can reference document and guide for strategic take place…”. masterplanning and planning for individual sites. As masterplanning for the various sites progress, The Strategic Development Framework sets out further consideration will be given to the appropriate strategic priorities, relationships and development phasing of the development areas to ensure a logical drivers for the sites collectively and deals with pattern of development and the timely delivery of themes and principles rather than being prescriptive essential elements of infrastructure. about outputs, which can be fixed later in the planning process (A Guide to Large Scale Urban Design, CABE, 2010).

38 West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework West Northampton: Strategic Development Framework 39