STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Prepared by JTP JULY 2012 JOHN THOMPSON & PARTNERS London Studio: Practicing what we preach.
The environmental refurbishment of 23-25 Great Sutton Street - an existing 1920s warehouse - demonstrates how existing buildings can be practically improved to perform as highly sustainable offices.
The building incorporates systems, technologies and materials that substantially reduce energy demand and emissions, provide sustainable energy supply and minimise both water usage and waste.
In the first year of occupation we reduced our absolute emissions by 14% . This is a significant achievement as the set equivalent carbon reduction rate for organisations based in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries is 2.5% p.a.
The exemplary refurbishment has won:
Carbon Reduction, Runner up Green Business Innovators 2011
Sustainability & Innovation Award CoreNet Global’s UK Chapter Awards 2010
Commercial Building Category, Highly Commended Retrofit Awards 2010
Green Buildings and Facilities, Winner Green Business Awards 2010
Sustainable Transport (Medium/Large Business), Winner Giant Green Business Awards, Islington Council, 2010
Sustainable Building of the Year City of London, Sustainable City Awards 2010
JOHN THOMPSON & PARTNERS JOHN THOMPSON & PARTNERS are supporters in kind of The Academy Chartered Practice Registration Number 2249624P of Urbanism which brings together a group of thinkers and practitioners involved in the social, cultural, economic, political and physical development of our villages, towns and cities.
www.academyofurbanism.org Chilmington Green Contacts/the team
CONS ortium
CONSULTANTS
Sellwood Planning Ian D Bull Stoughton Cross House, Somerset, BS28 4QP 1 Mountbatten Way, Brabourne Lees, Ashford, T. +44 (0)1934 712041 F. +44 (0)1934 712118 Kent TN25 6PZ T. +44 (0)1303 814153 M. +44 (0)7738 584221
WSP - Ecology Grontmij WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1AF 36-40 York Way, London N1 9AB T. +44 (0)20 20 7314 5000 F. +44 (0)20 7314 5111 T. +44 (0)20 7843 3140 F. +44 (0)20 7587 3839 www.wspgroup.com www.grontmij.co.uk
WSP - Heritage and Archaeology Mountbatten House, Basing View, Basingstoke RG21 4HJ T. +44 (0)1256 318 800 F. +44 (0)1256 318 700 www.wspgroup.com
WSP - Sustainability WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1AF T. +44 (0)20 20 7314 5000 F. +44 (0)20 7314 5111 www.wspgroup.com
WSP - Transport Mountbatten House, Basing View, Basingstoke RG21 4HJ John Thompson & Partners T. +44 (0)1256 318 800 F. +44 (0)1256 318 700 23-25 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DN www.wspgroup.com T. +44 (0)20 7017 1780 F. +44 (0)20 7017 1781 www.jtp.co.uk
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PAGE III Aerial Photograph of Chilmington Chilmington Green CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
2. Process 5
3. Influence on Design 27
Appendices 31
Appendix A AAP Stakeholder Workshop 22 July 2010 - List of attendees
Appendix B AAP Stakeholder Workshop 1 November 2011 - List of attendees
Appendix C AAP Options Exhibition
Appendix D CPW workshops 24 & 25 September 2010
Appendix E Chilmington Green Newsletter – July 2011
Appendix F Pre- Application Exhibition
Appendix G Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Project code Disclaimer: 00122 This report has been prepared for Hodson, Jarvis Homes, Pentland and Ward and the contents of which are Issue Date June 2012 confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of John Thompson and Partners LLP and may not be used or relied upon by any other person. No responsibility or liability is accepted towards any other person in respect of the use of this report or for reliance on the information contained in this report by any other person or for any other purpose.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION Aerial View of Chilmington
Singleton
A28
Chilmington Green Hamlet Brisley Farm
Stubbs Cross 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This document describes the community engagement 1.1.2 The policy further states that the urban extension should be undertaken during the masterplanning of Chilmington Green and planned and implemented in a comprehensive way, with an Area Discovery Park and the impact this has had on the proposals. It has Action Plan (AAP) produced which provides a framework for been prepared by John Thompson & Partners (JTP) on behalf of the development. The Area Action Plan, which is being prepared by Chilmington Green landowner and developer consortium to Ashford Borough Council, will include a masterplan for the area to support an Outline Planning Application (OPA) for a which development proposals will be expected to accord, and plans comprehensive mixed use development comprising: which show where and when on-site infrastructure and facilities, including a new strategic park for Ashford known as Discovery Park, • up to 5,750 residential units, in a mix of sizes, types and tenures; will be provided. • up to 10,000 sq m gross floorspace of Class B1 use; • up to 10,000 sq m gross floorspace of Class A1 to A5 uses; 1.1.3 The consortium that controls the allocated land at Chilmington • Educational facilities (including a secondary school and up to Green has been working collaboratively with ABC to develop a four primary schools); masterplan that provides the basis for the AAP and the OPA. • Community Uses and Leisure Uses • Formal and informal open space 1.1.4 John Thompson & Partners (JTP) with sub consultants Grontmij were appointed by the consortium in February 2010 to 1.1.1 Ashford Borough Council’s core strategy policy CS5, adopted develop a masterplan for Chilmington Green. in 2008 established the principle of development at Chilmington Green in the form of an urban extension to Ashford and states that: 1.1.5 This Statement of Community Involvement describes how community and stakeholder engagement has influenced the The Chilmington Green/ area should be planned to accommodate no masterplan and in particular how the views expressed by the local less than 3,350 dwellings and 600 jobs by 2021 and has the potential community have led to a reduction in scale of development from for over 7,000 dwellings and about 1,000 jobs in total. 7,000 homes as recommended in the Core Strategy to 5,750 homes proposed in the OPA.
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT chapter 1 PAGE 1
2.0 PROCESS Community Planning Weekend - Reporting from Hands on Planning workshop 2.0 PROCESS
2.1 Introduction 2.3 Community Stakeholder Forum
2.1.1 Engagement with the local community and a wide range of 2.3.1 The Community Stakeholder Forum has met on a monthly stakeholders has been undertaken by the masterplanning team. basis with the exception of the periods before elections and around This has involved opportunities to participate in workshops where public holidays. The Forum, which is organised and chaired by ABC ideas for the site are generated and evaluated as well as planning officers, includes local councillors and residents. opportunities to simply comment on emerging proposals using Developers and their consultants attend meetings as required to questionnaires or via emails. A Steering Group and Community present proposals. The purpose of the group is to review and Stakeholder Forum have also played an important part of the comment on the emerging masterplan that now forms basis of the engagement process. AAP and the consortium’s Outline Planning Application.
2.2 Chilmington Green and Discovery Park AAP 2.4 Schedule of key events Steering Group Date Event 2.2.1 In 2010 the AAP Steering Group comprising officers from ABC, Kent County Council (KCC) and Ashford’s Furure was September 2008 AAP Stakeholder Workshop No. 1 extended to include the developer consortium and their February 2009 AAP Stakeholder Workshop No. 2 consultants. Since then, the Steering Group has met on a regular July 2010 AAP Stakeholder Workshop No. 3 basis (generally monthly) to discuss the evolving proposals for the site. The meetings have provided a steer for consultants and the September 2010 Design Champion Workshop opportunity to report back on discussions with the various September 2010 Young People’s Workshop statutory authorities who will be instrumental in delivering and September 2010 Community Planning Weekend and AAP servicing Chilmington Green. The group has also agreed the Options Exhibition strategy for consulting and engaging with the wider stakeholder group and the local community. October 2010 Report Back Presentation and Public Exhibition October 2010 Presentation to Landowners and Developers Group (Ashford’s Future) November 2010 Presentation to ABC Councillors February 2011 Presentation to ABC Councillors March 2011 Presentation to ABC Councillors April 2011 Kent 20/20 exhibition July 2011 Newsletter and launch of website September 2011 Pre-Application Exhibition October 2011 Presentation to ABC Councillors November 2011 AAP Stakeholder Workshop No. 4
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PAGE 5 2.0 PROCESS
Option 1 - February 2009 workshop
Option 2 - February 2009 workshop
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2.5 Chilmington Green and Discovery Park AAP Workshops 1-2
2.5.1 In September 2008 & February 2009 ABC held stakeholder workshops where initial ideas for masterplanning Chilmington Green were explored. These workshops established five key development principles:
• Creating a compact settlement to avoid urban sprawl and support viability of local services
• Creating a vibrant district centre in the form of a high street as a focal point for the new community
• Providing a network of well overlooked streets
• Creating distinctive walkable neighbouhoods with local facilities an public transport within 400m of all homes
• Providing a variety of green spaces including Discovery Park
Two Options, based on these principles were drawn up. Option 1 showed a linear park running between Chilmington Green and Singleton. Option 2 linked development footprint of Chilmington Green to Singleton and located the park to the south east.
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2. 6 Chilmington Green and Discovery Park AAP Workshops 3
2.6.1 On 22 July 2010 a third workshop organised by ABC took place at the Ashford International Hotel. . The event was facilitated by an independent facilitator, and around 80 delegates participated in the workshops including elected Members, representatives from Ashford Borough Council, Ashford’s Future, Great Chart with Singleton, Kingsnorth and Shadoxhurst Parish Councils, Kent County Council, Kent Highways, church groups and local residents. The consultant team appointed by the Chilmington Green landowners consortium also participated and assisted in facilitating the workshops. A full list of participants is included as Appendix A of this report.
2.6.2 The event began with a presentation of the site constraints and options for key aspects of the masterplan including the overall scale and number of homes, the development footprint, the movement strategy, provision of local services and the character and location of the district and local centres. Workshop participants reviewed these and selected preferred options for taking forward each aspect of the plan.
Break out Group at Stakeholder Workshop22 July 2010
Concept developed at Stakeholder Workshop 22 July 2010
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2.7 Workshop Outputs
2.7.1 Refinement and endorsement of a vision statement for Chilmington Green was an important output from the event. The topic workshops are described and illustrated in a Report prepared by JTP entitled ‘Chilmington Green Masterplan Options Workshop 22 July 2010 - Report Document’
2.8 Vision
2.8.1 Chilmington Green will be a great place to live – a place that:
• is a lively and fun place to be, with an attractive High Street that meets most of local peoples’ daily needs • works for people of all ages and provides the range of community, school, health and other services needed by local people in a joined up way • looks and feels good and by setting challenging standards of innovative design, becomes a place of special and varied character, with sustainability integrated into all aspects of design • offers a range of local jobs but equally caters for those Option for Walkable Neighbourhoods options working in the town centre and elsewhere with high speed, high quality bus connections • has its own, strong, identity in a landscape setting, but closely linked to the urban area and able to offer new opportunities to other residents of Ashford, in particular those nearby in Brisley Farm, Singleton, Shadoxhurst and Stanhope • respects and integrates heritage buildings, landscape features and wildlife habitats as part of a well planned layout • fosters local pride and a strong community that develops a strong sense of pride and local ‘ownership’ and the capacity to help manage Chilmington Green on a day to day basis • is flexible in design and resilient to change, and able to respond positively to advances in technology and changing working and daily lifestyles
2.8.2 In short, Chilmington Green will be somewhere that it feels good to be a part of – a community of choice for new and existing residents Workshop Process
STAGE 1 STAGE 2
1. Presentation, 2. Morning 4. Afternoon background, workshop 3. Feedback to all workshop 5. Full report 6. Summary + key issues + options groups: groups groups: back to way forward all groups 1. Transport & 1. Transport & Movement Movement 2. Sustainable 2. Sustainable Communities Communities 3. Strategic Park 3. Strategic Park 4. Landscape, 4. Landscape, Heritage and Heritage and Ecology Ecology 5. Carbon Neutral 5. Carbon Neutral & 6. Sense of Place Sense of Place
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PAGE 9 2.0 PROCESS
Places visited by JTP to raise awareness and advertise the event
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2.9 Community Planning Weekend and Options Exhibition
2.9.1 Introduction The community engagement process was kick-started by a Community Planning Weekend held on 24th and 25th September at the Singleton Environment Centre. The programme for the weekend included presentations and workshops designed to encourage people to express their aspirations for and concerns about the development.
2.9.2 AAP Public Exhibition of Options A facilitated exhibition was held in the Environment Centre during the weekend. The exhibition included background on the project as well as the Vision statement and illustrations of options. It provided an opportunity for the public to meet the developer team and their consultants and to give their views on the Vision and masterplan options using a questionnaire.
A copy of the AAP Options exhibition panels is included as Appendix C of this document.
2.9.3 Advertisements Both events were advertised by leaflets delivered to homes and businesses in a large area surrounding Chilmington Green including Shadoxhurst, Singleton, Brisley Farm, Great Chart and the hamlet of Chilmington Green. Advertisements were also placed in the local paper and announcements made on local. Around 120 residents attended the workshops and exhibition.
2.9.4 Animation In the weeks leading up the Community Planning Weekend members of JTP’s community planning team made contact with local community groups active in the area, invited them to the event, and explained the background to the project. They took leaflets to pubs, shops and schools spoke to people they met there to raise awareness of the process. They also met with Ashford archaeological and historical society who provided information about the history of the area.
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PAGE 11 2.0 PROCESS
2.10 School Workshop
2.10.1 As a result of the contact made by JTP, teachers at John Wesley Primary school which lies to the north of Chilmington Green carried out their own consultation on the proposed development with 105 pupils. They asked the children to state their concerns as well as their aspirations and to illustrate ideas of what they would like to see included.
2.10.2 A summary of key themes raised by the children along with a selection of their drawings were exhibited at the Community Planning Weekend and provided an interesting insight into children’s aspirations for the new community.
2.10.3 Key Themes from children’s workshop • Many thought that too many houses were not a good idea while some houses were fine. • Building houses means more jobs but what happens when the building jobs go? Include green fields in the design • 81% of the group were concerned about the destruction of animal’s habitats and other nature areas. • The Discovery park was a good idea with 87% in favour of it. • Transport links were essential with 78% of children saying we would need more buses and maybe a rail link to the area from central Ashford.
2.10.4 IDEAS generated by the children included: • Skate park • Graffiti wall • More schools, both Primary and Secondary • Football pitches • Farms • Play parks that are kept nice • Something for the teenagers • Climbing wall • Maze • Restaurants and cafes • Natural sculptures • Green fields
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2.11 CPW Workshops
2.11.1 The weekend enabled local residents to raise their concerns and express their aspirations in relation to the project. They also had the opportunity to participate in walkabouts and ‘Hands on Planning’ workshops where they showed consultants around the site and worked with them to develop a ‘vision masterplan’.
2.11.2 Understandably many residents from Chilmington Hamlet and adjacent areas who participated in the workshops said they would prefer no building to take place there at all and were opposed to the development in principle. However as an urban extension at Chilmington Green forms part ABC’s adopted Core Strategy they understood that the proposal was likely to go ahead and gave their views on the basis that they would like to influence the scheme if went ahead.
Accounts of individual workshops can be found in Appendix D of this document
Community Planning Weekend - Issues workshop using post-it notes
Community Planning Weekend – local resident leads walkabout in Chilmington hamlet Community Planning Weekend - Participatory workshops
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2.11.3 Following the event the consultant team analysed the outcome of the stakeholder workshops, and feedback from the options questionnaire and Community Planning Weekend. Key There’s no advantage to the Chilmington themes were identified and a number of design principles were set residents to be in the epicentre of a vast out to illustrate how the themes would be addressed. These principles were then incorporated into a Vision Masterplan based sprawl of houses. But if it’s going to happen, it on preferred options. In particular, ideas generated during the ‘Hands on Planning’ workshops influenced the form of the green is most important to look after the interests of space network, the movement strategy and the form of the District the people who live here now. Centre.
2.12 Key Themes from CPW
2.12.1 Respect for Chilmington Green hamlet People are going to have the sword of • The integration of the hamlet with the rest of the new Damocles hanging over them for 20 years development can be best achieved by sensitive development and landscaping and the design of green routes to encourage before the place is built and they can sell their walking, cycling and horse-riding through the hamlet, with houses for what they’re worth. limited vehicular access.
• Any new buildings within the hamlet must respect the heritage context. I think Chilmington Green should • The rural character of this distinctive area can be celebrated with the reinstatement of a village green. It is imperative to have a green. ensure existing residents are kept informed and encouraged to engage in the ongoing masterplanning process. Development can’t work in isolation – 2.12.2 Relationship of new development with Ashford • It is crucial that the urban expansion should benefit the town we must look at what is next door. centre
• and that future residents of Chilmington feel they are part of an integrated and improved Ashford, not living in a dormitory suburb on the edge of town. Ashford is a terribly convenient place to live even though it doesn’t have the city life • It is important to ensure integration of access routes, public transport and facilities that encourage local vibrancy and a flow and a 1000 year old cathedral. to and from the centre of Ashford.
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Look at what is already happening in Ashford – at what does and doesn’t work.
We need to enhance the area, not destroy it!
I don’t want to live in a concrete jungle.
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2.12.3 Social impact of new development • The size of the proposed development has highlighted the need I don’t want to have kids and shops and new to include facilities and initiatives that will help establish a strong homes being built around me. I know it’s a and nurturing community from an early stage. selfish view but that’s why I came here. • Participants were concerned about possible over dense development and resultant environmental and traffic issues.
• There is a desire to see quality urban and landscape design based around safe and walkable neighbourhoods and the You don’t have to wind the clock back ongoing involvement of local residents in the masterplanning too far to see how much green space has process.
disappeared. • Engagement with existing community groups will help ensure that the right community facilities are developed within the new neighbourhood. Wellbeing is based on what there is in terms of 2.12.4 Green space nature, wildlife and amenities. You don’t want • A key aspiration is to make sure that the new development does not turn its back on the rural world that surrounds it. to feel hemmed in by too much development – There should be plenty of green and open space within the you need to be able to breathe. residential neighbourhoods.
• The principle of houses nestling amongst trees and fields can be reinforced by the retention of hedges and mature trees, the planting of new trees and community orchards and the addition Plant decent trees – not spindly things that of school sports fields. won’t last 5 minutes! • Existing lanes should be downgraded and retained as green routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders.
• Existing watercourses can provide the framework for We need to create a really compelling place sustainable urban drainage as well as being a place for people to that people want to come to. experience the natural world.
2.12.5 Make it special - local enterprise opportunities • Jobs need to be provided within the new development to We need to infiltrate Ashford - and other prevent it from becoming simply an enclave for commuters.
places in Kent - to attract the people who will • Some felt that the development could be marketed to attract see Chilmington Green as an opportunity. people who want to set up local enterprises and who would like to explore the principles of ‘localism’ and produce and sell their own food or other locally-produced items.
• Buildings with flexible uses on the ground floor could appeal to Creating a micro enterprise zone at the centre entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. of the new development could make the heart • Areas could be designated as productive landscape. of the place work. • The emphasis on sustainable living could attract those who support such principles.
• The aspiration is to create somewhere special – where people Make an economic reason for a business to want to move to, not out of expediency but because the function here. development makes it a place to live, play and work.
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2.12.6 Travel / Getting around • Participants expressed concerns that fear that the new development will add to traffic congestion around Ashford If there’s no public transport the new residents will never get out of their cars. • Potential traffic congestion needs to be addressed by studying the impact of the development and implementing improvements to road infrastructure in the wider area
• The size of development however justifies the introduction Walking and cycling help create a safer of additional public transport (SmartLink) that will allow local residents to move around more easily, encourage people to environment and promote healthy exercise. leave their cars at home and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. • Cars currently speed along the country lanes making it an Britain can never rival the ‘walking and unpleasant experience for both pedestrians and cyclists. The creation of designated leisure routes throughout the strolling with the family’ concept existing in development will encourage non-vehicular means of getting Italy and Spain, but every little prompt would around, including horse-riding. help. • There is an opportunity for residents to combine bicycle and bus for journeys around Ashford and to attract others from outside the area to visit the attractions of the new development including Discovery Park by a combination of bus and cycle. If you have people who don’t want to move away, you’re half way to creating a community.
Community doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time to develop.
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2.12.7 Creating community • To ensure day-to-day wellbeing and quality of life, the building Not everyone is community minded – they of community is as important as the building of a place. It move to new places for other reasons. also increases the value of properties and attracts long-term residents.
• Neighbourliness and interaction can be encouraged by the design of residential areas and local centres, and the right We need an army of volunteers of all ages, selection of amenities within them.
motivated by pride of place and community • A sense of community can be enhanced by the appropriate spirit. location of schools and the provision of a park that is well managed and contains both natural areas and formal recreational and educational activities.
• There are many ways to bring people together: through It’s all to do with making connections with community-led projects and initiatives, through cultural and energizing people. sporting events, through learning about the area’s social and archaeological heritage, through the development of allotments and community orchards, through having somewhere attractive to meet and pass the time of day. Keep feeding back to everyone who has been 2.12.8 Continue community participation consulted. • It is important to ensure that Ashford and its existing residents benefit from the expansion.
• More people need to be involved and encouraged to have a Engaging with existing local groups is role in the development process, both in terms of contributing to the design proposals and in the early creation of structures fundamental to the creation of a successful that can result in the community owning and / or managing community hub. elements of the development, such as orchards and parkland. • If local people help shape the future of the urban extension, it will be less of an ‘add on’ and more an important, integral part of the town.
• Connecting the new housing to Ashford’s town centre physically is a priority, by bus, foot and bicycle. It is likewise crucial to bring people together, both now and when the new residents arrive.
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Vision for Chilmington
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Vision for Chilmington 2.13 Report back
2.13.1 On Wednesday 20 October 2010 a report back presentation was made at Singleton Environment Centre which included analysis of the questionnaires, a report of the workshops, a set of design principles and a Vision masterplan. The presentation was attended by around 60 people and further feedback was collected at the event.
2.13.2 Masterplan Principles Masterplan Principles developed in response to the key themes identified at the CPW and feedback provided on questionnaires include:
2.13.3 Landscape • Provide a network of green spaces that link Discovery Park to Ashford and to the open countryside to the south. • Include spaces for play, informal recreation and growing food. • Retain existing hedges and woodland • Incorporate SUDS in multi-fucntional green corridors that provide a structure for the neighbourhoods • Create safe green pedestrian routes
2.13.4 Character • Ensure development is sympathetic to the special character of Chilmington Green hamlet • Retain rural lanes where possible • Preserve key views to open countryside from high points • Maintain aspects of the rural character
2.13.5 Movement • Create a new network of main routes through the development and restrict traffic on rural lanes
2.13.6 Community • Provide a vibrant high street and local centres • Ensure schools, shops, public transport and community facilities are provided in time to serve each phase of development
Report Back Presentation
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2.14 Way Forward
2.14.1 The report back presentation also identified a number of issues that remained unresolved and where further consultation with Kent County Council, ABC and other stakeholders was required. These included:
• the location of secondary school • the size and shape of Discovery Park • the drainage strategy • the transport infrastructure • the Community hub service centre, and • provision for maintenance of open space
2.14.2 Councillors Presentations to councillors have also formed part of the process. The presentations on 18th November 2010 and on 14th February, 15th March 2011 focused resolving the key issues that were identified at the CPW Report.
On 27th October a further presentation of the full masterplan took place and feedback from councillors informed the final round of amendments before submission of the OPA.
2.14.3 Newsletter In the weeks prior to the local council elections, which were held in May 2011, consultation with the wider public was not considered appropriate and the engagement process temporarily ceased. In July the developer consortium re-launched the consultation with a newsletter designed to raise awareness of the emerging Vision for a community of 7000 homes and provide answers to frequently asked questions. The newsletter was distributed to homes and businesses in Chilmington Green, Great Chart, Shadoxhurst, Stubbs Cross and neighbourhoods of South Ashford.
A copy of the newsletter is included as appendix E of this document.
2.14.4 Website The newsletter advertised the launch of the Chilmington Green website which was established to provide information about the project. The web address is www.chilmington-green.co.uk. The website includes a summary of proposals which has been updated as the masterplan developed. It also includes a document library where copies of material from exhibitions, newsletters and reports of consultation events can be found and downloaded.
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2.14.5 Pre- Application Exhibition On Tuesday 27 September 2011 the developer consortium held a pre-application exhibition in the Singleton Environment Centre. Over 200 people attended the exhibition which included an explanation of how, the high street, four distinctive neighbourhoods and a large park would be created over a period of around 20 years. Artists’ impressions of the different character areas were included as well as phasing plans and proposals for movement and transport, community facilities and green infrastructure. Questionnaires were used at the event to collect feedback as well as being available on the website. Analysis of the 164 questionnaires returned led to refinement of the masterplan, particularly in response to concerns over the number of homes, which were reduced from 7,000 to 5,750 to allow for lower densities and larger homes.
A copy of the Pre-Application Exhibition can be found in Appendix F Analysis of feedback questionnaires is included in Appendix G
Pre-Planning Application exhibition
Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PAGE 21 Stakeholder Workshop Introductory Presentation1 November 2011 2.0 PROCESS
2.14.6 Stakeholder Workshop 4 On November 1st 2011 ABC held a fourth stakeholder workshop as part of their consultation on the emerging AAP. The consultant team presented the masterplan for 5750 homes and assisted in facilitating topic workshops on placemaking, green space and community development, transport and movement and phasing and timing. Workshop participants had an opportunity to participate in each topic workshop during the course of the day. The focus of the event was to define ‘what sort of place Chilmington Green should be and what it should offer in order to make it a good place.’
Feedback from the workshops provided evidence of a high degree of support for the masterplan and an endorsement of its key principles. The main concerns were about whether the range of facilities proposed and the developer’s aspirations for quality of place would be delivered. The potential impact on local residents during construction was also an issue. A report of the event was produced by JTP which included recommendations on how to address these concerns. Recommendations included the production of Design Codes, the creation of a Community Development Trust and careful planning of construction phasing. A report describing this workshop entitled ‘Chilmington Green, Stakeholder Workshop Introductory Presentation1 November 2011 Review of Key Issues, Stakeholder Workshop’ was posted on the ABC website.
2.14.7 Design Review On 23rd November 2011, at the invitation of ABC, the South East Regional Design reviewed the masterplan. The review included a briefing session from ABC on planning and policy context followed by a presentation of the masterplan by JTP. The Panel provided a review of design issues that concluded that:
‘The urban design principles are sound and we think the big question is how the Local Authority and the consortium can be certain of adhering to those principles and delivering a high standard at each stage.’
They emphasised the important role Design Codes should play in achieving a high quality of public realm and buildings. The need to provide adequate infrastructure to support each development phase was also deemed vital for success.
2.14.8 Consultation with Business Community Stakeholder Workshop Topic Group 1 November 2011 In addition to the main consultation process the project has been presented to the business community at a developer breakfast meeting organised by Ashford’s Future on 21 October 2010 and at the Kent 20/20 exhibition April in 2011.
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3.0 Influence on Design 3.0 Influence on Design
3.1 The following table sets out the key influences that community and stakeholder engagement events have had on the development of the masterplan for Chilmington Green.
Event Key Issues Influencing Design Design Change February 2009 • Established five key development principles AAP Stakeholder • Illustrated options for development footprint Workshop No. 2 July 2010 • Identified preferred options for: AAP Stakeholder - development footprint Workshop No. 3 - movement strategy - provision of local services - character and location of the district and local centres September 2010 • Provided overarching guidance on character Design Champion of place Workshop
September 2010 • Highlighted community concerns over: • Lower densities incorporated Community Planning - number of homes • Distance from Stubbs Cross increased to provide Weekend and AAP - density more separation Options Exhibition - proximity to Stubbs Cross • Very low densities proposed along southern edge - character of development along southern to create transition to rural landscape edge • Design response to Chilmington Green hamlet to - impact on Chilmington Green Hamlet setting it within the ‘green arc’ a major element - increased traffic on rural lanes within the greenspace network - loss of access to green space • Transport and movement strategy developed to - lack of community facilities avoid increasing traffic on rural lanes - capacity of schools • Greenspace network developed providing links - viability of district and local centres between Discovery Park and countryside to south • Phasing strategy developed to illustrate relationship to number of homes and school provision November 2010 Highlighted councillor’s concerns over: • Lower densities incorporated in residential areas Presentation to ABC - density of development • Alternative locations for secondary school Councillors - location of secondary school explored - impact on wider transport network • Alternative locations for local centres and - location of local centres associated primary schools explored
PAGE 26 Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 3.0 Influence on Design
Event Key Issues Influencing Design Design Change Event Key Issues Influencing Design Design Change February 2009 • Established five key development principles February 2011 Highlighted councillors concerns over: • new location for secondary school adjacent to AAP Stakeholder • Illustrated options for development footprint Presentation to ABC - location of secondary school A28 explored Workshop No. 2 Councillors - parking standards • further studies of typical blocks undertaken July 2010 • Identified preferred options for: - quality of residential development to illustrate parking proposals and appropriate AAP Stakeholder - development footprint - overall number of homes densities Workshop No. 3 - movement strategy • design strategy for character areas developed - provision of local services - character and location of the district and March 2011 Highlighted concerns over: • hamlet character area revised with lower densities local centres Presentation to ABC - design of homes around hamlet • densities along rural edge reduced September 2010 • Provided overarching guidance on character Councillors - character of rural edge • more detailed work on phasing undertaken Design Champion of place - phasing Workshop September 2011 Highlighted concerns over: • Number of homes reduced to 5,750 Pre-Application Exhibition - number of homes proposed • Parking proposals revised (NB: this also reflects September 2010 • Highlighted community concerns over: • Lower densities incorporated - not enough parking ABC’s Parking SPD adopted in October 2011) Community Planning - number of homes • Distance from Stubbs Cross increased to provide - viability of district and local centres • Detailed phasing proposals for district centre Weekend and AAP - density more separation - impact on A28 and local roads developed to address viability concerns Options Exhibition - proximity to Stubbs Cross • Very low densities proposed along southern edge - impact of construction traffic • Retail study completed as required for OPA - character of development along southern to create transition to rural landscape • Proposals for A28 progressed and technical edge • Design response to Chilmington Green hamlet to studies undertaken to assess impact on local - impact on Chilmington Green Hamlet setting it within the ‘green arc’ a major element roads. It is Kent County Council’s intention to - increased traffic on rural lanes within the greenspace network implement proposals to improve the A28 corridor - loss of access to green space • Transport and movement strategy developed to and other strategic highway improvements to - lack of community facilities avoid increasing traffic on rural lanes meet the needs of the wider Ashford Growth - capacity of schools • Greenspace network developed providing links area. - viability of district and local centres between Discovery Park and countryside to south • Phasing strategy developed to illustrate October 2011 Significant support for masterplan was expressed • Location of allotments altered relationship to number of homes and school Presentation to ABC – in particular for reduction on housing numbers provision Councillors Location of allotments questioned November 2010 Highlighted councillor’s concerns over: • Lower densities incorporated in residential areas Presentation to ABC - density of development • Alternative locations for secondary school Councillors - location of secondary school explored November 2011 Significant support for masterplan was expressed • Design Codes proposed to follow OPA - impact on wider transport network • Alternative locations for local centres and AAP Stakeholder generally. Main concerns related to: • Proposals for a Community Development Trust to - location of local centres associated primary schools explored Workshop No. 4 - ensuring quality would be maintained through be progressed development phases - developing proposals for management and maintenance
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Appendices PAGE 30 Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AppendiX A
AAP Stakeholder Workshop 22 July 2010 - List of attendees
Name Organisation Name Organisation Ms Helen Adcock Bidwells Ms Vicki Hubert KHS Mr Alastair Atkinson WSP Ms Val Hyland Kcc -Regeneration and Mr Richard Alderton Ashford Borough Council Economy Manager Ms Margaret Allen moat Housing Ms Lois Jarrett Ashford Borough Council Ieva Ansaberga John Thompson & Partners Mr Russell Jarvis Jarvis Homes Mrs Judith Armitt Ashford Future Core Mr David Jeffrey ABC Housing Delivery Team Mr John Johnson Local resident Mr Ian Bailey Ashford Borough Council Ms Rachel Jones John Thompson & Partners Mr David Banfield Barratts PLC Ms Tracey Kerly Ashford Borough Council Mr Simon Bannister Ashford Borough Council Ms Heather Knowler KCC Regeneration & Cllr Paul W Bartlett Leader of the Council Economy Mr Andrew Blacker WSP Development Mr Ian Lewis KCC Regeneration & Cllr Jessamy E Blanford Ward Member for Great Economy Chart with Singleton North Mr Trevor Light Local resident Mr Thomas Briault ARUP Ms Katy Magnall Ashford Borough Council Mrs Charlotte Brooks-Lawrie Ashford Borough Council Ms Mary Marshall GOSE Mr Mike Buchanan Ashford School Mr Ian McClintock Great Chart with Singleton Mr Ian D Bull Ian Bull Consultancy PC/Save Great Chart Mr John Bunnett Ashford Borough Council Action Group Mr Ron Buss Shadoxhurst Parish Council Ms Ruth McKeown hallam Land Management Mr Andy Cameron WSP Group Limited Mr Charles Campion John Thompson & Partners Dr Hilary Moorby Campaign to Protect Rural Mr Ralph Carpenter Local resident England (Kent) Ms Katie Chantler KCC Regeneration & Mr Kevin Murray Kevin Murray Associates Economy Cllr Brendan T Naughton Ward Member for Beaver Mr Mike Chappell Gt Chart & Singelton Mr Barrie Neaves Environment Agency Parish Council Mr Keith Nicholson KWT Cllr Paul N H Clokie Ward Member for Mr Andrew Osborne Ashford Borough Council Tenterden North Mr Giles Perry Consultant for Hodson Mr Simon Cole Ashford Borough Council Mrs Carly Pettit Ashford Borough Council Mr Jeremy Cooper Stagecoach in East Kent Mr Jerry Preston-Ladd Local resident and Hastings Mr John Pullen Landowner Mrs Ann Davies Ashford Borough Council Mrs Pauline Pullen Landowner Mr Tom Dobrashian Ashford’s Future Mr Tim Reynolds Ashford Future Core Mr Paul Drew John Thompson & Partners Delivery Team Mr Malcolm Eke Save Great Chart Mrs Lesley Rogers Local resident Action Group Ms Wendy Rogers KCC Heritage Mr Kenneth Frohnsdorff Local resident Ms Clare San Martin John Thompson & Partners Mr Max Frohnsdorff Local resident Ms Irene Seijo Ashford Future Core Ms Jessamy Funnell WSP- Environment Delivery Team and Energy Mr Bob Sellwood Sellwood Planning Mr Richard Gardener Kingsnorth Parish Council Mr Neil Shorter Kingsnorth PC Mr Phil Gilbert Kent Highway Services Cllr David O Smith Ward Member for South Ms Julia Goodwin Whitelaw Turkington Willesborough Ashford Mr Martin Hart Pentland Homes Ltd Ms Mia Smith Shadoxhurst PC Cllr Rita J Hawes Leader of Lib Dem Group Ms Vicky Smith Ecology- WSP Group Mr Ian Hawkes Local resident Miss Laurienne Tibbles Ashford Future Core Mrs Nicola Hawkes Local Resident Delivery Team Cllr Mrs Aline Hicks Ward Member for Ms Natalia Trossero John Thompson & Partners Weald South Mr Jake Ward ABC - Work Experience Mr Alan Hodson hodson Developments Ms Liz Wedgwood KHS Cycling strategy/links Rev Tim Wilson Churches Together in Ashford Mr Ian Wolverson Save Great Chart Action Group
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AAP Stakeholder Workshop 1 November 2011 - List of attendees
Name Organisation Name Organisation Ms Helen Adcock Bidwells Mr Martin Hart Pentland Homes Ltd Mr Richard Alderton Ashford Borough Council Mr Ian Hawkes Local resident Mr M Angell County Councillor for Ashford Mrs Nicola Hawkes Local Resident Rural South Cllr Mrs Aline Hicks Ward Member for Ms Ieva Ansaberga John Thompson and Partners Weald South Mr Alastair Atkinson WSP Heather Hilton KCC Mrs Dorothy Alsop Kingsnorth Parish Council Cllr Amanda G Hodgkinson Ward Member for Ms Rocio Arias- Dumeige KCC Families and Social Care Singleton South Mr Ian Bailey Ashford Borough Council Mr Alan Hodson hodson Developments Mr David Banfield Barratts PLC Mr Thomas Hodson hodson Developments Mrs J M Batt Shadoxhurst Parish Council Giles Perry Consultant for Hodson Cllr Neil Bell Planning Cmte Chair Mr Bill G Hollands Shadoxhurst Parish Council Ms Sally Benge KCC - Kent Highway Services Mr Richard Hutchings WSP Development Mr James Hammond KCC - Kent Highway Services Ms Val Hyland KCC -Regeneration and Mr Andrew Blacker WSP Development Economy Manager Cllr Jessamy E Blanford Ward Member for Great Chart Ms Lois Jarrett Ashford Borough Council with Singleton North Mr Malcolm Jarvis Jarvis Homes Mr Mike Bodkin KCC Regeneration & Economy Mr Russell Jarvis Jarvis Homes Ms Angela Bond WSP Development Mr David Jeffrey ABC Housing Mr Mike Buchanan Ashford School Mr John Johnson Local resident Mr Ian D Bull Ian Bull Consultancy Ms Rachel Jones John Thompson and Partners Mr John Bunnett Ashford Borough Council Ms Tracey Kerly Ashford Borough Council Mr Ron Buss Shadoxhurst Parish Council Mr R E King KCC Ms Linda Bussey Great Chart with Singleton Ms Heather Knowler KCC Regeneration & Parish Council Economy Mr Alan Byrne English Heritage South Mr Ian McClintock Great Chart with Singleton East Region Parish Council Mr Andy Cameron WSP Group Ms Ruth McKeown Hallam Land Management Paul Campion KCC Limited Mr Ralph Carpenter Local resident Mr Tom Medcalf Director - UDM (Urban Mr Daniel Carter Ashford Borough Council Design and Mediation) Ms Katie Chantler KCC Regeneration & Economy Dr Hilary Moorby Campaign to Protect Rural Mr Mark Chaplin ABC Senior Urban Designer England (Kent) Ms Katie Chantler KCC Regeneration & Economy Mr Howard Moore highways Agency Mr Mark Chaplin ABC Senior Urban Designer Mr Richard Muddle Landowner Cllr Gerry Clarkson Deputy Leader/ portfolio holder Sarah Murray John Thompson and Partners Mr Simon Cole Ashford Borough Council Mr Manus Murthy John Thompson and Partners Mr Jeremy Cooper Stagecoach in East Kent Mr Barrie Neaves Environment Agency and Hastings Mr Andrew Osborne Ashford Borough Council Mr Andy Corcoran KHS Cycling strategy/links Mark Patchett mCPS Mrs Ann Davies Ashford Borough Council Mr Giles Perry Consultant for Hodson Cllr Bob Davidson Leader of Lib Dem Group Mr John Pullen Landowner Cllr Peter R Davison Leader of Ashford Independent Mrs Pauline Pullen Landowner group Mrs Kathy Putnam KCC Regeneration & Mr Paul Drew John Thompson and Partners Economy Mr Malcolm Eke Save Great Chart Action Group Abby Raymond homes and Communities Mr Bryan Fitzgerald KCC - Statutory and Strategic Agency Services Mr Peter Reed Ward Homes Ltd Mr Kenneth Frohnsdorff Local resident Tim Read KCC -Transport Mr Max Frohnsdorff Local resident Mrs Lesley Rogers Local resident Ms Jessamy Funnell WSP- Environment and Energy Ms Wendy Rogers KCC Heritage Mr Eddie McNeil Kingsnorth Parish Council Debbie Salmon Kent Wildlife Trust Mr Phil Gilbert Kent Highway Services Ms Clare San Martin John Thompson and Partners Ms Julia Goodwin Grontmij Mr Bob Sellwood Sellwood Planning Mr Sean Hanna Natural England AppendiX B
AAP Stakeholder Workshop 1 November 2011 - List of attendees
Name Organisation Miss Jennifer Shaw Ashford Borough Council Cllr Neil Shorter Ward Member for Washford Ms Mary Silverton KCC Social Services Cllr David O Smith Leader of the Independent group Ms Mia Smith Shadoxhurst PC Angela Simmonds Ecology- WSP Group Ben Taylor WSP Cllr Jim N Wedgbury Ward Member for Park Farm South Mr Angus Willson Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council Rev Tim Wilson Churches Together in Ashford Cllr Peter Wood Leader of the Council Mr Ian Wolverson Local resident Mrs Sue Yates Ashford Borough Council Cllr Harriet Yeo Leader of the Labour Group Mr Tim Goodwin Princes Foundation For the Built Environment
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AAP Options Exhibition
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.3.4 Community Amenities workshop SmartLink A group of 8 local people worked with a developer and The SmartLink route to the South of Colemans’ Kitchen Wood was masterplanning consultant to look at the best location for the Main favoured by the group. centre, the facilities they would like to see in it and to discuss some of the key options identified in the exhibition. Cycle Routes Cycle Routes were thought to be important and opportunities for Local and Main Centres linking Chilmington Green to Great Chart and Ashford were The group agreed that the Main Centre appeared to be in the right identified. location as shown in the exhibition. It was also agreed that it was important to achieve higher densities around main and local centres Allotments in order to create vibrancy and a sense of place. Allotments were thought to be important in encouraging locally grown food and meeting a growing interest on gardening. A site Community Hub close to Stubbs Cross was identified. It was agreed that the community hub should be located in the Main Centre and associated with a secondary school. Dog Walking Provision for dog walking with associated bins was also important. Park and Ride Places to exercise dogs needed to be within 5=10 minute walks of The idea of locating a temporary Park and Ride in the Main Centre people’s homes. and getting it started early was supported. Secondary School Mock Lane The group were unable to reach agreement on whether the One group of residents from Mock Lane were particularly secondary shool should be closer to the Main Centre or Discovery concerned about the impact of additional traffic on the lane outside Park. However all were agreed that opportunities should be their homes. They advised that it was already a rat run from explored for developing facilities within the secondary school that Chilmington Green Road to Singleton. They were concerned about could be shared with the wider community such as a swimming the safety of children living in homes close to Mock Lane. It was pool and sports pitches. agreed that Mock Lane would need to be widened to accommodate a new bus route. The bus route was welcomed but there was a Lakes and ponds request to decrease rather than increase other traffic. A further Some people were keen to see a new lake as part of Discovery request was that if the road were widened, new screening should Park. It was agreed that opportunities for creating attractive ponds be provided in the form of a line of trees. and swales associated with the sustainable drainage system should be explored. These could provide attractive views from homes and Developing an off set grid help to raise sales values. In relation to other existing lanes it was agreed that where possible they could be quietened and used primarily for cycles, pedestrians Community Development and horses. Main vehicular traffic should generally be A suggestion was made for people to be employed to assist the accommodated on new roads off set from existing roads. community in the early days to get to know each other.
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KEY 1. main Centre location with religious building 2. Allotments 3. mock Lane widened to accommodate bus 4. Dog walking routes 5. Secondary school with additional facilities 6. SmartLink south of Colemans’ Kitchen Wood 7. Natural Lake/Pond 8. Local and Main Centres to be dense enough to create vibrancy and sense of place 9. Temporary Park and Ride 10. Cycle Route
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.3.5 Character workshop The workshop discussed character issues from macro to micro level. The summary of which is given below: • Schools can be the generator of character but if done badly they can then give negative connotations • Use the existing assets – watercourses and mature trees • Soil quality very poor – can’t be a nursery for hectares of trees • Must avoid blight • Corridor of green that could collect up plots of lands • Respect the setting • Must stitch in • Not preservation on one side and new development on the other • Preserve a corridor of green • Ensure lanes are preserved • 2 grids of character – modern infrastructure next to old lanes • Stop development at the watercourse
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
KEY 1. Use of water courses 2. Care of brooks 3. Impact of schools good + bad 4. Keeping mature trees 5. Extending southwards 6. Chilmington Green Character 1. Stitching in 2. Respecting setting 3. The building character 2 4. Care of lanes
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.3.6 Green Army workshop The group was led by Lindsey Whitelaw and consisted of six members of the public. Three participants lived within the Chilmington Green hamlet, one lived adjacent to the hamlet on Chilmington Green Road and the others were from the surrounding area.
The topics covered in the workshop were as follows:
How to treat existing roads Generally the opinion of the group was that the existing, hedgerow lined lanes should be kept and new roads should be built around these. The existing lanes could be down graded and possibly used only by pedestrians and cyclists.
Existing Vegetation This included discussing the quality and location of existing trees and hedgerows, especially those that surround the hamlet. The majority of the group agreed that these should be retained wherever possible to keep some of the existing character of the area.
How to protect Chilmington Green hamlet’s character There were concerns amongst the group that the character of the hamlet would be lost when the new development is built. One idea discussed was the introduction of a green buffer that would surround the hamlet and screen any new development that would take place.
The inclusion of allotments or productive landscapes The group felt that it would be a good idea to provide space for allotments within the new development.
What form the centre should take and what should it offer The idea of having a public square at the centre, rather than a high street, was agreed. This was thought to provide more of a destination, rather than something people would just pass through. Also discussed was what the centre should offer, it was agreed that it should provide a small supermarket, some restaurants, a medical centre, a dental practice and could provide space for a monthly market.
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.4.3 Walkabout A small group set out to look at the Chilmington Hamlet and record its special character and setting. The group included JTP team members, the archaeologist, two residents from Chilmington Green representative from Ashford’s Future and Richard Alderton, head of planning at Ashford Borough Council.
Lanes The first part of the walk highlighted the problem of cars driving fast along the narrow lanes and posing a danger to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The high hedges to the lanes restricted views but were full of attractive plants including blackberries.
Views One of the residents showed us the extensive views from his bedroom balcony. It was noted that Chilmington Green Hamlet nestled amongst trees and was largely hidden. Almost the whole of the potential Chilmington Green development site could be seen from the balcony vantage point.
Field walk The walk continued down Bartletts Lane and across fields with views of farm buildings. We followed a watercourse from its spring to Chilmington Lane where it entered a culvert. Watercress beds were once located in this location.
Chilmington Lane The walk continued down Chilmington Lane to a small field lane leading off to the north west. On turning back we noted Great Chilmington Farm House set back from the road (locally known as the Moat House). We then visited Netters Farm House which was also set well back from the road and photographed the historic hay barn. The walk continued back to Bartletts lane where the terraced cottages formed a distinctive group at the T junction.
Chilmington Farm Farm buildings occupied land to each side of the road around Great Chilmington Farm House. Demolition of a disused milking parlour was underway. The dairy herd had gone as it had proved uneconomic to upgrade the agricultural buildings.
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.4.4 Hamlet and buffer workshop A number of issues were raised at this workshop focusing on Chilmington Green hamlet. These included: • “I’m against the scheme. There’s no advantage to the Chilmington residents to be in the epicentre of a vast sprawl of houses” • Put back the village green • Buffer zone from the rest of the expansion • Allow a certain amount of low density houses • Incredible views in all directions • “We were hoping that by combining the green spaces and low density we could retain the character of Chilmington Green” • Whatever roads serve new development, they should not go on lines of existing roads • “Insulation versus integration” • “People are going to have the sword of Damocles hanging over them for 20 years.” • “There’s a small number of people affected by a very large development – we are stuck in this impasse.” • Can timescale be squashed? No one wants to wait for 20 years
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.4.5 Routes and views workshop A small group discussed a series of key themes and drew key considerations on the Routes + Views Plan.
The secondary school can be placed in proximity to the main centre The new road infrastructure could therefore allow existing roads to so it can be delivered during early phases of the development. By be downgraded to preserve their existing character. Existing roads Discovery Park, it would be costly to deliver the infrastructure marked in light blue have been identified to be downgraded, while needed at an early stage. By the main centre the secondary school roads in pink (a section of Mock Lane) can be upgraded to could provide a buffer to existing homes in Chilmington Green accommodate a bus route in the early phases of development. Hamlet and and contribute to the creation of a green corridor though the heart of development. A series of landmark buildings at key nodes and ending long views could provide legibility and aid navigation through the new The main route through the development was aligned in a north– settlement. This could form part of an interesting and memorable south direction to create a Main Centre landmark building visible sequence of public spaces and gateways where the main centre and from the A28 north-eastern gateway. neighbourhood centres can be readily accessible to new and This could potentially provide a view to another landmark building existing residents. to the north of the A28 (a listed school building). High quality, low density, large family houses can be located on the The main centre was looked at in more detail in a sub-group sloping edges of Great Chart ridge in large green plots. New trees workshop and focused on the design of a clock tower centrepiece can be planted to create an attractive green skyline framing the (refer to drawing and key) development to the north-east. Views between Colemans’ Kitchen wood and Stubbs Cross wood could be maintained and define the eastern edge of development.
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KEY 1. Secondary School near the Main Centre for early delivery 2. main Centre landmark building visible from the A28 north-eastern 5 4 gateway 3. New road infrastructure to avoid existing roads so they can be downgraded 2 4. Low density, large family houses located on sloping edges of Great Chart ridge 5. New trees planted to 1 create an green skyline along Great Chart ridge
3
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
KEY 1. Clock tower centrepiece building within the Main Centre visible from A28 2. Visible Main Centre landmark from long distances to the south 3. main Centre hard-surfaced to accommodate a market area 4. Photovoltaics on residential buildings to create a green image and attract people 1 interested in living a sustainable lifestyle 3
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3.4.6 Falling into place – transport and access workshop
This group including three local residents from Chilmington Green be align the route south of wood providing a stop at the Brisley looked more closely at the way the development could be planned Farm which currently has no public transport provision. Key stops both around key transport connections, existing and new, and at Discovery Park centre and the local centres around the facilities such as the High Street, schools and local centres. Working development would link a circular route up with the high street and with the group was a local resident with specific skills in transport Mock Lane. Initial phases would use Mock Lane and the High Street planning, this lead to a very interactive session. would have SmartLink running through it.
The key points considered and designed were: Air Strip Boulevard focused the development line to the south of Chilmington Green Road. As a group the idea of having or using the A28 to divert traffic was dismissed, the flow of traffic on the A28 was considered less As a group we tried to consider a way of protecting the existing important and the focus should be around the traffic arriving/ village of Chilmington Green hamlet. What we agreed was having a departing the development area. With this in mind the High Street village green in the northwest corner of the existing hamlet. This was focused around Mock Lane the main route came from the village green could be used as a cricket pitch with a pavilion for local development area with Mock Lane either as a Y-junction or a use but also providing views and improved access to this area over triangle off of this route. the existing fields. Backing onto this area would be communal playing fields and then designated playing fields for either a The existing A28 would be retained and two junctions would be secondary school or a combined primary/secondary school. provided, one to the south of the development area and one to the north. Considering the distribution of the development traffic on To the south of the hamlet, the area of land contained with the A28 (c.65% to the north and 5% to the south) the southern Chilmington Green Road and the lane connecting Bartlett’s Lane junction may become a lower key access, possibly priority and Chilmington Green Road, we identified an area for low density controlled junction, and the northern junction either a signalised residential to complement the existing properties directly north. T-junction or a roundabout. Bartlett’s Lane – higher density terrace units on Bartlett’s Lane in From the south the link connecting the A28 would come into the keeping with the style already there. southern section of the Y-junction, initially this was to the north but given the orientation of the High Street would focus towards Mock Lane (or another similar alignment) bring the traffic into the southern end would provided better exposure without significant impacts on journey time/congestion.
High Street - we wanted to provide views of the High Street from either end but not necessarily bringing people through the High Street. To do this we would provide an additional route crossing the High Street at its north eastern end defining the initial High Street area. We also though that providing a green at the southern end could be done with the Y shaped connection.
Green Links – linking Discovery Park, Bartlets Lane, village green through the school playing fields to the High Street and then onto Great Chart. Further links to the south of the High Street connecting to the local hub (Air Field Centre) were also provided.
Park and Ride was not considered necessary and was not catered for within the development area.
SmartLink – a healthy discussion on the merits of all possible routes for SmartLink were discussed and it was agreed that the best would
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AppendiX D
COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 3.3 CoMMUNITY planning weekend – Friday 24th September 2010
3.4.7 Green opportunities –Discovery Park workshop A group of local residents, plus consultants and developers Include the following: discussed a range of issues related to the establishment of the new Discovery Park. This was placed within the broader strategic • Climbing wall context of the Core Strategy, which has been developed further • Music venue within the Green & Blue Grid Strategy for connected open space • Exhibition space within the town. A vision for three new parks has been established, • Theatre facility with Discovery Park defined as a large new family park with a • Green Mound café & sports facility like in Regents Park contemporary designed character. • Creative venue (inside & out) • Sports facilities It was noted that the development of design proposals for the park • Transport potential for young people to be independent should have a symbiotic relationship with Chilmington Green. The • Affordable social opportunities for young people – not park has a clear link with the development of the Masterplan for Starbucks prices Chilmington Green, as a result of the connection defined by the • Places to go as an alternative to having to go somewhere else AAP process. The link also needs to define a compelling and sustainable proposition for both park and development (to ensure A number of concerns were raised: that they are seen as one and the same opportunity). The vision • Don’t compromise the existing ecology. and philosophy should apply to both components. The remit of the • Ensure Deliverability of the park. park was discussed. • Management & maintenance. • Apathy. The park has a strategic remit beyond the development of • How will the rest of Discovery Park be delivered beyond Long Chilmington Green. Length? • What is the purpose of the park? A number of comments related to opportunities: • Provide facilities for young people. It was noted that the vision and concept for the park now needs to • Involve young people in the planning process through schools be aligned with the evolution of the Masterplan. There is tension and youth groups. between the creation of the park and open space requirements for • Get ideas from young people and give them a meaningful stake the development. The area of the required public open space needs in the process. to be defined and related to the emerging plan for the park. What • Create a place where people can rediscover lost skills, such as is required open space and what is additional strategic park? tending the land to grow their own food. Additional space then needs to be reviewed for viability and • The importance of good cycle routes and flat options for linking deliverability. to the town. A key point is the need to review the opportunity presented by the park for the development, within a combined AAP process.
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Chilmington Green Newsletter – July 2011 FRONT
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Chilmington Green Newsletter – July 2011 Centre spRead
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Pre- Application Exhibition AppendiX G
Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
The following comments were made by people who visited the exhibition on 27th September at Singleton Environment Centre or viewed the exhibition on the website http://www.chilmington-green.co.uk.
Introduction, Vision & Design Principles
Q1 - What do you think of the Introduction, Vision & Design Principles? Is there anything you would like to add?
Positive Neutral • The design has good principles. The idea of all amenities being • Overall the development appears to have a reasonable balance included is good. of new development and preserved spaces. However, if history • I like the vision of it being a mini town with all the essential is anything to go by this will change as times go by. amenities nearby, a short walk or bus ride away. Am also very • Very decent to see as someone who lives next to development happy to see plans for new schools. how this affects us from your visions (map: no road names etc.) • Design is fine but not convinced there is need but assuming so not very helpful visually. there is the design is well thought out. • Looking at the architecture of the houses I’m thinking it isn’t • All quite clear going to be dissimilar to existing new estates n Ashford such as • Very informative Chartfields. • A good mix of housing and green space • How will infrastructure take place? Will it be before houses • Looks very desirable on paper and very well worded. built- i.e. A28 being widened? • Very good layout. Shopping and play area look great also green • Lots of green areas but can see issues with traffic especially A28 park for the community. into Ashford • OK, could be bigger • Magpie Hall Road is the southern “Bypass” to Ashford from • Whilst housing needed good to see community facilities planned A28, villages in Ashford West- Holnfield, Swaden, Biddenden, at the beginning which we hope will happen! Phickley. So that this route may be slower but avoids Town • Pleased with the green principles of the design with regards to centre, M20, J10, A2070, and gets to SE Ashford. Park Farm, the houses, drainage and green areas. Good amount of green Ham St etc. “You” cannot consider this as going through this CG space and linking up with original woodland and grassland, but development. very important not to simply turn this into another sterile, short-grassed playing field which does nothing for the local Negative wildlife! • Too utopian, e.g. there will be 2 cars minimum per house as • Very good - could be larger scale to improve appreciation of opposed to using a bus, however good it may be. House designs detail. are not appealing. I think it should not be built. • Good. Pleased there are plans for 4 primary schools. • It should be left, open countryside. • Not enough jobs created. If only jobs are created for 1 person in every 6 households, the remaining 5 will be joining an already congested road network. This is using only 1 person per house working and not including partners or children. • Ashford does not need development of this size. This is a vision of people who don’t realise what local people actually want. It is a vision of people who will make lots of money from the development going ahead. • Too vast- if it goes ahead it should be reduced in size. • The whole scheme is unwanted, unnecessary and totally at the expense of the people that already live in this “building site” of a town.
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Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Masterplan & Character Areas
Q2 - What do you think of the Masterplan & Character Areas? Does it look desirable?
Positive Neutral • I like the look of the play spaces and the way the estates will be • Looks OK laid out, centred around community areas. • Great care must be taken to preserve the character of the • Good range of facilities and areas. Children’s play area variation landscape and the listed buildings in “The Hamlet”. is great. • On principle I am against further development on greenfield • All looks very pleasant sites. At this stage the “green theme” proposed does seem to • Great for young family builders be reasonable but I doubt it will all be fulfilled. Make sure you • I like the community elements i.e. allotments, green space, keep your promises. village green etc. • If they come out as planned and don’t get conveniently shrunk • Yes, something for everyone or built on very poor ground. Also people moving in early need • All looks lovely on paper to have ability to enjoy knowledge of how long it will be before • Good mix of exclusive, affordable and social housing planned. facilities happen i.e. cricket green • Looks good and could be desirable, but walkways and play areas • Potentially. Do we need growth? need good “policing” to maintain quality of facilities. • Desirable to those from outside the area. Again, very utopian • Yes very desirable with a lack of cars in the artwork • It looks good, like it could be a modern, useable space for all. Good services and nice to see hub for the community. Negative • Big if it achieves the goals it wants • Not enough green land set aside • It just looks huge. I’m afraid I just see our countryside disappearing. That is not desirable to me. • Not if you already look out onto open fields. • The area is desirable as it is; the development will make it less desirable not more. • Not happy that eastern extremities block the line between Coleman’s Kitchen and the woodland at Stubbs Cross. The principle was agreed at previous workshops. “Looking over the top of the houses” is not a valid response. • Not in the slightest! It’s a blight on the landscape
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Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Phasing
Q3 - What do you think of the phasing proposal?
Positive Neutral • Good. • If built in 3 parts. Orchard Village and Chilmington Brook, • I like the plan that it is good that essential services and a primary are developed maybe 15 years away. So how many houses in school are in the first phase so that you don’t have to wait for each area? The potential park and ride will be too far from the whole development to be finished to access the essential Chilmington Brook. Suggest new Magpie Hall road with the services. park and ride to the south. But park and ride is a far distant • Happy that core facilities are in 1st phase, not last time away! • Fine • .How will future phases be accessed? Through earlier phases? • Seems fair Concern about vehicles and dirt from site near school and • It seems sensible as far as I can see. residential areas. • Seems reasonable with the time frames planned in such a way • Optimistic in the current climate that disruption to existing communities should be minimal (I • Can’t see it happening in the current economic climate! hope) • Slow but sure. Make sure it is done well. • Logical • Not bad • OK, as long as infrastructure is in place before an influx of new • Just get the roads sorted! A28 and Matalan roundabout. I would houses. make this phase 1! • Very good idea so there is not too much disruption in the area • Good to match the services with the houses built so that Negative people can move in with the phases and live comfortably • Too much phase 1- ruined countryside. Major disruption for without the whole development being finished. Comes as less local residents over too much time. of a shock to local residents already in the Singleton area. • Slight concerns over lorries running though from day 1 to 30 • The phase 1 development around the hamlet itself will remove years. So these people will have 30 years of lorries which is the anxieties of the residents at an early stage. Better for them, grim. better for the developers by reducing long term protests. • In the current economic climate- unrealistic. Improvement to • Very good, especially around the “hamlet” early on so clear how A28 not listed in any of the phases that will be affected. • A nightmare. 20 years of misery lies ahead • Difficult. 3 quite separate villages- may not “cohere” together as time scale is too long. • Practical phasing is likely to cause a deal of traffic problems on the A28 which can be quite congested at times now. • Do away with proposed phase one as it will block out view etc from current houses on Chartfields
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Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Movement Strategy.
Q4 - What do you think of the movement strategy?
Positive Negative • Nice it is going to be good • The A28 will become a car park- it is already a bottleneck at • The road links look good my only concern would be the amount peak hours. With the envisaged density of housing/cars none of of construction traffic that may be passing through phase1 when the surrounding roads will be rural. Singleton Hill used as a rat completed and work is being done on following phases. run. • OK • Not sufficient movement, commuters adding to an already • Again it seems sensible congested road network. • Good if it comes through and decent width roads are actioned • Have major concerns about impact on traffic flow along • We think it is a good idea that it is mainly coming off the A28 already congested A28. Not going to be able to queue at Tank roundabout. Need an alternative route to connect to Drovers Neutral roundabout to Matalan roundabout. • The present traffic on Chilmington Green Road is very heavy. • The main roads are already congested during peak hours and It has become the “Southern Orbital Road” promised some very busy at others an additional 7000 houses will make any 25 years ago and never fulfilled as Ashford has spread south. journey a nightmare even with the small improvements planned. The proposed new road in the plan should be constructed as a • Busy roads within one “village” tend to deter the integration of matter of priority ahead of the building of the first phase. both sides, as traffic may be too fast 35mph instead of 30-20, • A28 is already very busy. Will there be any control on turning/ and too busy and so congested. Calculate numbers road speed out of development. and congestion. “Leafy residential street”- wide enough for • Must have bus services that are used. 2 cars passing and parked cars. None of your drawings show • What is going to happen with an already overburdened A28? parked cars! Seems to still be the main route into the development. • I think that traffic from Kingsnorth area would be too much for • That the traffic from the development is pushed towards the development, not everyone will come via A28 A28 and not the surrounding, smaller country roads. • Bus system looks promising, but we have concerns with the potential increased traffic in the small roads of the Singleton development next door, and particularly on the A28 if roads link up. • Must ensure the logistics of site have least impact on existing residents. No vehicles arriving except direction off the A28. • Looks good on plans but practicality will be proven only in time. • Improvements to A28 and the Matalan Godington area are required now even before these 6000-7000 extra residents appear! • Roundabout and upgrade of A28 needs to come as traffic of commuters on the increase!
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Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Landscape & Sustainability
Q5 - What do you think of the landscape and sustainability proposals?
Positive Neutral • Solar panels on housing good idea. • OK but would like further assurances regarding the effects on • I like the plans for all the play spaces and green areas as afraid the water supply to the town as a whole. these would be lost to the housing • Who looks after the landscape, when it is finished and for how • Lots of open spaces long? • Very good, but provided the grounds and hedging are well • OK maintained and since the government and Council funding cuts • Looks logical, but is land as such sustainable with development. our local greenery is full of left weeds. Building on greenfield site mean it has been changed- not • Looks good hope it balances the additional environmental sustained. But all land was greenfield originally. damage created by more people and traffic. Please plant loads • Just building a park as a carrot to be dangled. Sustainability is of trees. a given and should be improved in areas like Park Farm and • Looks good in principle as long as actually happens with mature elsewhere. trees and spaces in front of properties to park- not behind, • Vandalism of play areas would be a concern doesn’t work • Will pond be big enough for heavy rain and flooding? • Very good provided the plans are not changed in the future. • Sustainability seems good, particularly with the energy solutions Negative for each dwelling. Drainage system also looks like a good, • Not enough green land natural solution rather than the concrete you often see which • This is better than Stanford new housing estates but will still makes the problem worse. However- the water systems and wreak havoc on the existing environment. panels etc, and the green areas around the outside would need • Not thought through, 7000 homes is too much of a drain on an to be managed over time and not just left to the easiest option already heavily populated area. of bland turf. Great for football, but not 30 acres of it! Good to • The landscape is fantastic how it is- the development will only see public transport also in the mix as well as the car parking destroy it. allowance. • Noisy and a lot of ground • OK but your pictures are too perfect! • Landscaping looks very good • I like the play areas. • Allotments good.
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Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Q6 - 7000 or 6000 homes?
27 questionnaires responded on the question of preference for 7000 or 6000 homes. None expressed a preference for 7000, 18 expressed a preference for 6000 and 4 indicated they would like no development or less than 6000.
General Comments • <5000 homes would be better as 12,000 extra vehicles every day will cause chaos on the surrounding roads. The tranquillity Housing numbers/density of the area will be destroyed forever. • Fewer. So how does this affect each village? Numbers of houses • I would prefer 6000 homes so that it wouldn’t become too x number of cars = calculation of traffic flow. Large houses set overcrowded and over populated. in paddock style gardens overlooking open farm land sounds • Personally I think that even 6000 homes are far too many for good- but the farmland is likely to be developed… so make a town the size of Ashford. My concerns are primarily traffic farmland now into untouchable woodland/grassland/ Fruit related- we live in Great Chart and the speed/heaviness of trees- sound good! but difficult to look after. Try some smaller traffic throughout the village is bad now- let alone in that woodland type trees. Houses- the highest standard of insulation, 7000 more households being added to the mix. Healthcare water use? Recycle water? Solar panels as normal. Extensions of and schooling is also a concern presently- again adding more houses- from 2 beds to 3 beds? 3 beds to 4 beds as 2 divorced residents to an already overburdened area I fell is a big concern. families remarry and now have 5 children? With these factors I’d be very happy if the development did not • The land shown on the core strategy was not sufficient for the happen, whatever its qualities. number of proposed dwellings. Is there some way to show that, • 6000 homes means more space for people, larger gardens and with the changes shown, 6000 dwellings will fit on the site as better facilities. shown. If the density levels have been reduced I need to have • Houses - less with more land gets a nicer feel convincing evidence that all 6000 will fit on the site. If the site • Lower density housing will make the area a more pleasant place had less than 6000 would it still be viable? to live, with more green space. From your point of view- it • We think 6000 houses should be the maximum on this means higher prices to sell properties! The community and development. Overall the layout looks very encouraging and we “village green” principle is something that has been missing look forward to this progressing. from the last few decades of house building, so it is important • High density housing leads to unhappy neighbourhoods whilst not to squeeze people in- this is not the slum housing of the plans look good with a lot of thought I want to make sure the industrial city centres in the eighteenth century! Incorporating added traffic has no impact in Great Chart. wildlife value of land is also extremely important, and it is good • A development of 6000 homes is too high and, arguably, to see so much green space bordering the development, and unnecessary at this time. However, due consideration must to see the plans link up existing green areas- as long as they be given to the dwellings already within Chilmington Green, are maintained and managed well. Building on green belt is especially the listed buildings, given their significance in the Kent obviously not ideal, but as this is fairly sterile farmland, if the countryside and the reasons that they are listed. There is no natural areas are done well, you could create a whole new rural sense in having listed buildings amongst today’s typical building community. styles. It would be a contradiction if developers ignore the • 3000 homes would be plenty historical reasons for listing.
PAGE 78 Chilmington Green - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AppendiX G
Analysis of feedback questionnaires from Pre-application Exhibition
Q6 - 7000 or 6000 homes?
27 questionnaires responded on the question of preference for 7000 or 6000 homes. None expressed a preference for 7000, 18 expressed a preference for 6000 and 4 indicated they would like no development or less than 6000.
Impact on existing residents/roads/Ashford Type of homes/parking • Ashford has always been earmarked as a growth area so overall • We would like to see some bungalows as well as homes built. we don’t have an objection to the development. However, we • Why no bungalows? are still worried about the effects of such a big development on • Houses need parking at the front/side of properties as parking our doorstep and the impact on existing housing, roads etc. at the back isn’t used. No car ports with parking behind as cuts • Interested to know whether Park and Ride bus will stop en- off garden and is usually infilled and put to garden by owners. route to allow usage to existing Singleton residents whose Plus car port needs to fit a large family car. journeys to and from work will be even longer than present. • If 6000 homes allows for ample parking and wider roads on What is the projection for local employment being available or new estates then it’s definitely more suitable. Current/recent is this intended as a commuter belt to London etc? All looks development on Singleton didn’t cater for cars parking outside attractive on paper but Ashford town has declined with lots of their homes. Most home owners have 2 cars per household. shops being left empty. Need to concentrate on rejuvenating • Would like information on, more infrastructure. How will roads the centre and making it vibrant and attractive place where cope? Where are these 600 jobs to be parking? visitors will want to some as much as Canterbury or Maidstone to shop and work. Viability • There are already 6000 un-built homes with planning • I recently bought a home nearby and would not have done so if permission in the borough. This scheme should not be knowing of the development plans for Chilmington Green. Who considered until these have been built and there is a local need. will buy such properties when the market is so bad and first (The fact that 6000 remain un-built indicates there is not a time buyers have no chance. No current information has given need). There seems little point in putting in a high street when me reason to believe times will get better for a while yet. the town centre we have has so many empty shops, offices etc • The main question is how many prospective homeowners will that have been empty for ages some have been empty so long be able to afford the prices? that they have been turned into flats. The area’s marked for commercial use seem to have insufficient parking which will lead Heritage to similar problems as the Eureka site where workers park in • Preservation of RAF Kingsnorth? - Many servicemen were killed residential areas and then the homeowners have nowhere to there in WW2 and we’re just building over it! Preservation of park. To sum up the development should not be allowed but byway. the views of the local people mean nothing to those that will make money we no longer live in a democracy. Green Space • What concerns me is that the employment generated using • Plenty of green space always desirable apart from in the main your example of 3,500 new homes and 600 jobs is likely to centre. lead to more commuting to other areas e.g. London putting additional strain on already stretched transport systems. Ashford town centre is dying despite the grand developments taking place, whilst I understand the principle of providing community facilities in a “High Street” I am concerned that this will not help our existing High Street. • Living where we do it will not have any effect on our immediate surroundings. However it will be good to have somewhere to walk to in respect of shops, recreation etc.
No development preferred • It should not be built at all. • Don’t build any Ashford does not need any new homes • Do we need them at all?
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