Racecourse Strategic Sites Representation for the Shepway LDF Core Strategy

Supporting Masterplan Design Statement

October 2010

Folkestone Racecourse Contents Strategic Sites Representation Section Page for the Shepway LDF Core Strategy 1.0 Introduction 1 Vision Supporting Masterplan

Design Statement 2.0 Context 4 Site location Site area Produced by RPS Access Racecourse on behalf of Westenhanger Castle Westenhanger Arena Leisure Plc. Westenhanger Station Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Stone Street Junction 11, M20 ( Services STOP24 Motorway Services Area) RPS Ref. JLJ 0867 Long distance views into the site/from the site Ecology October 2010 Archaeology Drainage Landscape character Boundaries

3.0 Design principles 8 Design drivers Constraints and Opportunities Structure Consultation and community involvement

4.0 Land use plan 12 The Racecourse Quantum of development

5.0 Form of development 14 Mix of uses Open spaces Density Building heights

6.0 Integration 18 Accessibility

7.0 Appearance and character, indicative architectural styles 20 8.0 Sustainability 20 Sustainability design standards Addressing water stress Biodiversity

Copyright Open space, trees and hedgerows Built form Availability of infrastructure The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or part without the written consent of RPS Education and healthcare provision Sustainable access Text prepared by: CMP

ALL PLANS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CONTROLLER OF HER MAJESTY’S 9.0 Conclusion 23 STATIONERY OFFICE CROWN COPYRIGHT: RPS, 1st Floor West, Cottons Centre, Cottons Lane LONDON SE1 2QG (100002241) FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF 1.0 Introduction

1.1 has a long established history with the first spectators stand constructed in 1896.

1.2 Arena Leisure has been responsible for the stewardship of the Racecourse in recent years and looks after more than 200 acres of land, as well as the on course facilities.

1.3 The majority of current facilities are at, or nearing, the end of their useful lives with owners and trainers in particular commenting on the inadequacy of the stable staff accommodation. With a decline in attendance and associated spend per head and a reduction in Levy funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board, many Racecourses have needed to diversify activities or develop areas of the site for alternative uses.

1.4 Major changes to the structure of the horse racing industry are unfolding which will encourage more extensive and intense competition between the country’s existing Racecourses as well as opening up opportunities for the development of new racing venues.

1 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

Vision

1.5 Folkestone Racecourse is proposing to react positively to these challenges to ensure the future vitality and viability of the Racecourse and to enable it to continue to compete competitively and to contribute towards the leisure, tourism and employment within the area. Folkestone Racecourse must move forward and respond to the changing industry.

1.6 On behalf of Folkestone Racecourse, this regeneration and development strategy has been prepared in support of pre application discussions for a future outline application to be presented to Shepway District Council.

1.7 Folkestone Racecourse is proposing to enhance and regenerate the existing facilities, to improve access into the Racecourse and reduce the present race day impact upon Westenhanger. This will be facilitated by a development strategy for a mixed use development, comprising a variety of dwellings, commercial uses and open space to support the enhancement and redevelopment of Folkestone Racecourse, and integral to the wider BARROWHILL strategic plans for the area.

1.8 This document demonstrates the capacity of the Racecourse to support an integrated and mixed use development that will enhance the setting of Westenhanger Castle and provide a range of dwellings, supporting open space and commercial uses. This strategy has been informed by the wider opportunities that could be afforded to the area and the potential for the Folkestone Racecourse site to accommodate and integrate new development.

2 STANFORD

M20

CTRL

WESTENHANGER CASTLE

WESTENHANGER STATION

STONE STREET

WESTENHANGER

FOLKESTONE RACECOURSE

A20

NEWINGREEN

3 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

2.0 Context Westenhanger 2.10 To the immediate east of the site is Westenhanger, a linear hamlet aligned north south along Stone Street between the M20 and A20. Site location 2.11 All but a few of the buildings are aligned along the western side of 2.1 Folkestone Racecourse is located to the west of Westenhanger on Stone Street with a common building line. Between the street Stone Street. The site is bound by the M20 and railway line to the frontage and Racecourse there has been some infilling with north. To the north also lies Westenhanger Castle. To the south is speculative cul de sacs on backland. The buildings date mostly the A20. Stone Street and Westenhanger lie to the east and to the from the 1900’s and are typically two storey and detached west are open fields, beyond which is Barrowhill and . dwellings with narrow street frontages.

2.2 The Racecourse is located on greenfield land, though the area is 2.12 At the south eastern corner of the Racecourse at the end of Stone not within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Street/junction with the A20, there is a modern industrial building Racecourse has been a visible fixture for over 100 years. and a coach yard with building.

Site area Westenhanger Station

2.3 The development area for Folkestone Racecourse covers an area 2.13 Westenhanger Station lies to the north east corner of the site at of approximately 79.38ha. the end of Stone Street. The Station provides services to and from London Charing Cross every hour, passing through Sevenoaks, Access Tonbridge, and Ashford, allowing connections from most parts of the South East. The Station is unmanned with plans to convert the 2.4 Folkestone Racecourse lies off the A20 in close proximity to original Station building into offices. Access to the ‘up’ platform is junction 11 of the M20. The M20 is the main road from London on the flat but to the ‘down’ there is a 50 step decent from the road through Kent and to the Channel Ports, with links into the M25 and bridge. M26. 2.14 There is a small car park at Westenhanger Station. Parking for the 2.5 Vehicular access to the Racecourse is from Stone Street, off the Station and Racecourse also occurs on the verges of Stone Street A20. Along the northern edge of the Racecourse there is a track causing problems for access and egress to the Racecourse and which provides access to the Racecourse car parks and Westenhanger Castle and for the residents of Westenhanger. Westenhanger Castle, with a shared entrance from Stone Street. A footpath runs outside of the northern boundary west, from Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Westenhanger Station. 2.15 Running alongside the local rail is the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. 2.6 The closest railway station is Westenhanger Station which is within The double-track CTRL is routed behind the ‘down’ side at walking distance. The journey time to London is approximately 80 Westenhanger. The future interaction of local rail and CTRL minutes direct from Westenhanger and around 60 minutes services could connect Dover, Folkestone, Westenhanger, Ashford, changing at Ashford International. Ebbsfleet, Stratford and London.

Racecourse 2.16 As a part of the integrated rail strategy the provision of further car parking at Westenhanger Station is also being considered on a site 2.7 Folkestone Racecourse is the only Racecourse in Kent, hosting to the immediate west of Stone Street and the Station building. approximately 22 race meetings per year. The Racecourse presently comprises an oval circuit with a straight east-west course Stone Street to the north. The course is open in character affording clear views of all straights and corners. 2.17 Access to the Racecourse is from Stone Street, a Roman Road running from to Hythe/. The line of the street is 2.8 Existing on-site buildings are restricted to the operational core of broken by the M20 at the southern edge of Stanford. the Racecourse, which comprises a tight knit group of buildings positioned along the northern edge of the Racecourse and to the Junction 11, M20 south and east of Westenhanger Castle. There are three (Saltwood Services STOP24 Motorway Services Area) grandstands alongside the northern edge of the course, with smaller buildings and facilities located around it. To the west of the 2.18 In January 2008, the STOP 24 motorway facility opened at junction stands, existing stabling and buildings partially obscure 11 of the M20. It has potential to become a hub for the integration Westenhanger Castle (views from the west and south west) of road and rail, freight and passenger services. An outline application for the development of a 2-storey hotel was granted Westenhanger Castle planning permission in 2005. The proposal site lies to the south of the M20, to the west of junction 11. 2.9 Westenhanger Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with a Grade 1 listed house; this reflects both its national and historic 2.19 There is interest in Westenhanger becoming a new ‘Parkway’ importance. It belongs to a group of early quadrangular castles and station to benefit nearby businesses such as the Racecourse and manor houses that were strengthened in response to threats of the Zoo Park, as well as employers such as Holiday Extras and the attack from France during the 14th Century. It dates back to the prospects of new business located at the Lympne Industrial Park. 12th century and was rebuilt in 1343 with tall outer walls and 8 towers, of which 2 still stand to full height. It was enlarged over the Newingreen centuries with additional buildings up against the outer walls and in the 17th century a large manor house was built, one of the largest 2.20 To the south east of the site, the hamlet of Newingreen is defined in Kent. This was demolished in 1701 and the Castle allowed to by sporadic development along the A20 at the junction with Stone gradually deteriorate. In the 18th century, a new manor house was Street. This ribbon development continues along the southern side built. The Castle is open to the public once a week between the of the A20 and opposite the extent of the southern boundary to the months of May to September. Racecourse.

2.21 To the west and beyond the development area of the Racecourse on the A20 is the village of Barrowhill leading to Sellindge to the north west across the M20 and railway.

4 2.22 Key characteristics of the adjacent physical context and built form • Landscape permeates through the built form - lines of trees and are: planting along verges or vergeside with gaps in the built frontage.

• A strong village street character, with a clear and legible structure • Westenhanger Castle is not a central feature of Westenhanger, but around the ‘main street’ - Stone Street and the A20 being central to practically accessed from within the grounds of the Racecourse. the structure of Westenhanger, Barrowhill and Sellindge. • The modern industrial scaled interventions to the south east corner • Buildings address the main street, either set close to the edge or of the site are out of character, contrasting with the predominant behind a verge and layby. domestic scale.

• Low density of development, with a low scale, mass and height of residential development - typically 2 storey detached and semi detached houses, reflective of a hamlet.

• Buildings typically sit within large plots with established landscape boundaries (trees and hedgerow). 5 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

Long distance views into the site/from the site

2.23 Views from the north are limited due to limited public accessibility along the northern boundary. The railway line and motorway present a visual screen for views into the site from the north. Westenhanger Castle is mostly obscured by established trees and the M20/railwayline edge.

2.24 There are limited views from the east, confined to the edges of the Station, the Stone Street entrance and the bridge over the railway. These afford views of the Racecourse entrance and approach to the grandstands. Views east from within the site focus upon the Station building, the railway bridge and the Stone Street entrance.

2.25 There are long distance views into the site from the south and south west along the A20 through gaps in the roadside planting. Views out of the site to the south are of the landscape and isolated buildings along the edges of the A20. Above: View from grandstand looking due east towards 2.26 There are glimpsed views from Barrowhill at the back edge of the Westenhanger boundary village across the Racecourse. The back of the village provides a backdrop for views out of the Racecourse to the west.

Ecology

2.27 A full ecological survey will be prepared in support of any application, the findings of which will be input into the further development of the masterplan.

Archaeology

2.28 Westenhanger Castle is a Grade 1 Listed Building. The archaeological potential has been identified and will be acknowledged within the further development of any proposals. Above: View from grandstand looking due south towards the A20 Drainage

2.29 Areas of the site identified by the Environment Agency as at risk of flooding are shown within the Constraints and Opportunities Plan. The middle part of the Racecourse includes drainage ditches and the East Stour River crosses the site. There is a pond to the centre of the Racecourse and an ornamental pond adjacent to the parade ring - behind the grandstands.

Landscape character

2.30 It is the intention of this strategy to promote a holistic development of built form and open spaces that have regard to the existing landscape qualities which is characterised by views of the Downs and surrounding countryside. Above: View north from southern boundary of the track 2.31 The site is generally open with areas of planting along the fringes and towards the existing grandstands adjacent to the A20 and M20/railwayline. The Racecourse area includes a number of landscape features including existing trees, ponds, drains and the East Stour River which bisects the Racecourse.

2.32 The eastern edges of the site are generally level. Ground levels rise towards the Castle from the west and the embankment to the railway and motorway.

Boundaries

2.33 The southern site boundary is defined by the A20 and development along its edge.

2.34 The eastern boundary is defined by the backs of properties and plots within Westenhanger and the edge of Stone Street.

2.35 The western boundary of the proposed site area is defined by the Above: View north from within track towards existing extent of the Racecourse ownership - open fields. boundary with Westenhanger Castle 2.36 The northern boundary is defined by the M20/railway line corridor and Westenhanger Castle.

6 7 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

3.0 Design principles Scheduled Ancient Monument (Westenhanger Castle) 3.1 The key drivers for the proposed layout of the Racecourse and the supporting development has Setting of Scheduled Ancient Monument been the need to secure a viable proposition for the regeneration of the Racecourse and the need to respond to the context of the site, in particular the relationship to Westenhanger Castle and the Existing woodland providing setting for adjoining settlements. area

Design drivers Existing buildings • Viable regeneration of the Racecourse: promotion of sufficient enabling development to support new Racecourse and realignment of the track. Existing Racecourse buildings (red) to be • Improved visibility, access and support of the refurbished or redeveloped Racecourse: Location of Racecourse facilities close to the A20, such that they can support Flood risk area (source: Environment additional community facilities. Agency) • Integration of new development into existing context: Responding to community engagement, Footpath new development should be broken down into clusters and structured by landscape features.

• Connections through the development area will Irregation pond and ornamental pond at forge new links to the Racecourse and open parade ring spaces for new and existing residents. Sunpath across site • Retain existing landscape features, such as former parade ring, pond and trees. Clusters of development will have their own character, of greater density nearest the Station and lowest Node/attraction: Station and Racecourse along the edges.

• Locate community uses (possibly including a school, surgery, community building and shops) Node/attraction: Castle adjacent to the Station to maximise viability and accessibility of these uses. Other community uses could be located at the Racecourse to the south (incorporated into the Racecourse provision). Inadequate access from Stone Street

• Links: Maintain the independence of Westenhanger and views where possible across Potential focal green space open space to the west.

• Provide clear and legible links from the Station and Stanford through the development area south Link from Station to Racecourse towards the Racecourse. Provide new highway access from the A20.

• Westenhanger Castle: Maintain open almost New links into area from A20 private, landscape setting to the immediate south of the Castle.

• Locate new development to the east within or Potential development clusters behind the existing footprints of the current grandstands and facilities. Locate new development behind landscaping (trees and Potential realignment of track planting).

8 Constraints and Opportunities • Physical constraints including flooding along western edges of the site and topography. 3.2 The Constraints and Opportunities plan above Potential drainage areas will be largely dictated summarises the context of the site and the issues for by the topography of the site and the floodplain; regeneration and development. • Character: The layout has the potential to reflect • Viability: The opportunity to realise and enable traditional characteristics of the surrounding regeneration of Folkestone Racecourse; settlements, drawing from traditional street blocks and the relationship of density structured • Archaeology: The setting of Westenhanger Castle by the immediate landscape context; and, where identified, areas of potential archaeology should be generally kept clear of development; • Sustainability: In support of a more sustainable development and in response to the community • Access constraints including from the A20 / Stone consultation, the development proposes that Street, the Station and station car park; footpaths will local services will be provided in addition to need to be considered. There is also the potential for those within the Racecourse, with the exact improvements to the existing network of links composition to be determined at a time of between and through the site which will significantly marketing and subject to demand; and improve accessibility; • The development has the opportunity to • Landscape character and features, including the ‘showcase’ current and emerging sustainable ponds, existing trees and views across the development to promote sustainable and energy Racecourse. Structural views should be incorporated efficient living. into the layout to help integrate development into the local context. Existing planting and landscape features should be retained where possible and new planting areas could help break up and contain development. Consideration will also need to be given to internal planting areas within the development; 9 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

Structure

3.3 The principle driver for the indicative layout of land uses has been the need to secure a viable Racecourse. A number of Racecourse layout options were explored and discussed before deciding upon the proposed layout which could both maximise the amount of residual development land to fund the Racecourse and represented the optimum layout in terms of reducing the impact of development upon the setting of the Castle, improving access to the Racecourse and visibility of the Racecourse from the A20.

3.4 The layout has been principally structured with regard to the constraints, opportunities and the need to secure a viable Racecourse proposition. Clusters of development are linked along key routes to the Racecourse, the Station and areas of structural open space which will provide a setting for the development. A number of options were explored.

3.5 The first option considered was to retain the current Racecourse layout and to refurbish/rebuild the existing buildings where they are. This option was ruled out for the following reasons: • The existing buildings have an adverse impact on the setting of Westenhanger Castle; • Leaving the Racecourse track as it is does not allow for a new access; • Leaving the track where it is significantly limits the Racecourse layout - existing in red and proposed in green scope for new development to fund the new building works; and • Leisure/tourism uses on the land are not in strong demand and would not generate the necessary funds.

3.6 Other options looked at realigning the Racecourse. The benefits were the increased availability of development land close to Westenhanger Station, as well as securing a more visible and direct access from the A20 for race goers. The residual area for development and layout of the Racecourse is shown immediate right.

Consultation and community involvement

3.7 Throughout the design process, the development of a viable scheme has also been informed by the community, the Council and the relevant interests concerning Westenhanger Castle. Over time, a scheme has evolved that has responded to the many issues that concern the regeneration of the Racecourse within its context.

3.8 The design process, including a number of options, was presented to the community at subsequent exhibitions. This document is supported by a separate Statement of Community Involvement.

Residual area for development determined after a viable Racecourse layout was agreed

10 Clusters of development within residual area Creating links through and between development areas

Using landscape features to break up any development Creating a focal space for the development focused upon the pond

Resolving the eastern edge to the Castle Resolving the integration of the Racecourse

11 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

4.0 Land use plan

The Racecourse

4.1 The proposed layout for the track, Racecourse grandstand and supporting facilities has been determined to locate the majority of the Racecourse activity away from Westenhanger, Stone Street and the Castle, to the south of the site while maximising the available residual development land. The extent of potential development has been determined by the relationship of the development to the Castle, the edge to Westenhanger, access requirements and the potential to benefit from the proximity to Westenhanger Station.

Quantum of development

4.2 In response to the community engagement, the development areas required to fund the regeneration of the Racecourse are clustered along the eastern edge of the Racecourse.

4.3 The development clusters are separated from each other and from the existing development areas by green corridors, areas of open space and existing landscape features. Along the western boundary of the proposed development area, development is set back from the eastern approach to the Castle behind the footprint of the existing grandstands, Residual area land use plan - landscape corridors and edge parameters defined by Castle parade ring and treed areas and generally behind and buffer to Westenhanger a line south to the central pond, maintaining an open aspect to the south of the Castle which affords views to the Castle building and views south across the proposed Racecourse. Along the eastern boundary of the proposed development area, it is proposed to provide landscaped buffers to the backs of existing houses and to allow for views through the development area along green corridors or through open spaces.

4.4 The total development area including the Racecourse within the ownership of Arena Leisure amounts to some 79.38ha.

4.5 The total amount of residual development land amounts to some 25.3ha (excluding the area designated for the relocation of the Racecourse, grandstand, car parking and associated facilities).

4.6 Of this area the masterplan illustrates a residual developable area of some:

• 18.25ha of developable area (residential, community and commercial uses) • 5.38ha of supporting open space; and • 1.67ha for an extension to the Station car park.

12 Land use masterplan

Residential development area Station car park

Racecourse area Supporting commercial and community uses

Indicative primary internal road layout Racecourse facilities and parking areas

Indicative landscape planting

Indicative open space

13 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

5.0 Form of development

Mix of uses

5.1 The residual development area is sufficiently large enough to support four clusters of development with individual character, a local centre which could be focused around Westenhanger Station and new areas of public open space. The layout also promotes the use of the Racecourse facilities through an integration of the Racecourse and the development, to broaden the availability of community uses. The development area could also support other uses as may be required of the development and in support of the existing communities, such as a primary school and medical centre. The development will also support an extension of the existing Station car park.

Open spaces

5.2 The layout proposes a range of new public open spaces which include a central green space for active play and the retention of the existing parade ring area as a small local park. There are also areas of structural open space which will provide a setting and buffer for the development.

5.3 To the north of the proposed relocated Racecourse track there is an area of open space adjoining the southern boundary of Westenhanger Castle, part of which is currently the site of the Racecourse stables and horse-box lorry park on racedays, both of which will be removed. This area is proposed to be kept within the ownership of the Racecourse and will enhance the tranquil setting of the Castle.

5.4 The total amount of public open space required will in part depend upon the density of development.

Indicative block structure

Racecourse area

Indicative internal road layout

Open space

Proposed landscaping

Station car park and supporting commercial / community uses

Racecourse facilities and parking Indicative detailed masterplan 14 areas 15 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

Density

5.5 The proposed land use plan could accommodate between approximately 700 to 900 dwellings depending on the following:

• Low Density (average 30dph) @700 dwellings • Low - Medium Density (av’ 34dph) @800 dwellings • Medium Density (av’ 38dph) @900 dwellings

5.6 The masterplan illustrates a yield of 800 dwellings. The density of development is proposed to be graded in from the edges towards the Station, ensuring that there is a predominantly landscape dominant edge to the built areas and that there is a viable mix of dwelling types.

5.7 Considering viability and the need to secure a sustainable and balanced community, in determining the likely density of development both commercial advice and affordable housing advice has been sought. This has determined a range of dwelling types from the traditional high density terraced house to the detached villa, as the most suitable mix and density of dwelling types for the development. Depending upon the preferred mix, the eventual density will be determined by the balance between the number of most affordable higher density terraced housing and the lower density detached housing.

5.8 The mix of units could comprise a wide range of property types from one bedroom apartments through to five bedroom houses. The ratio of houses to apartments is expected to lie in the range 70 – 75% houses and the balance to apartments, with the ratio varying slightly between the low density and medium density options. For the purposes of providing an indicative range of dwellings, the balance of houses to apartments has been set having regard to the market and advice from Cluttons Residential.

Building heights

5.9 Building heights will be predominantly 2 storey with some 2.5 storey dwellings and 3 storey dwellings used in keynote or landmark locations.

Medium density (@38dph)

Low Medium density (@34dph)

Low density (up to 30dph) 16 Indicative density plan: 800 dwellings 17 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

6.0 Integration

6.1 The objective of the layout is to ensure that the Racecourse is integrated into the development to foster the shared use of potential facilities and to reinforce a sense of place. The historic settlement of Westenhanger is based upon the Castle as opposed to Stone Street. The new development could benefit from this association, and the layout promotes both visual links to the Castle, that structure key links, and the enhancement of the setting of the Castle through the opening out of both the southern aspect and the eastern approach from Stone Street.

6.2 Through the community engagement, the existing residents of Westenhanger, along Stone Street, preferred to maintain their independence from the development. This has been respected through the location of buffer landscape areas, the proposed density banding and location of open spaces. The proposed access to the development area will also help remove cars and through traffic from Stone Street that presently uses the Station in addition to the Castle and Racecourse. However to maintain an appropriate level of integration to enable existing residents to benefit from the proposed availability of open spaces and community services, it is proposed that the layout will accommodate cycle and footpath connections.

Accessibility Indicative block structure highlighting permeable public routes (yellow) that will enable • The site can be accessed from the A20 Ashford Road integration into existing context from two locations, both of which would provide access to the residential areas, with the western one forming the sole point of access to the Racecourse and associated facilities.

• Only emergency vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access would be provided into the site from Stone Street, thereby removing the impact of Racecourse, Castle and Station traffic on Westenhanger.

• The site layout has been designed to encourage walking and cycling. In particular, a direct link between the Station and the Racecourse facilities has been provided to encourage race goers to walk between these facilities.

• A race day minibus could be provided to transport race goers to and from the Station.

• Additional car parking at Westenhanger Station could be provided and Station traffic could be directed through the site, thereby reducing or eliminating existing, significant impacts on Westenhanger and on the A20 / Stone Street (Westenhanger) junction.

• An area wide Transport Study is being undertaken on behalf of Shepway DC. This will consider the impact of the emerging core strategy preferred sites on the highway network and will identify key transport improvements required to accommodate these sites.

• Any planning application would be accompanied by a full Transport Assessment and Travel Plan. These would assess the impacts of the development on the Creating links and visual connections through the development area local highway network and highway safety in detail, identify any required transport mitigation measures / improvements and actively encourage travel by sustainable means. . • It is anticipated that bus provision would be made within the site, either via a new or extended bus service. This service could link to the Station via an interchange if considered desirable by the service provider. 18 Indicative access plan Main vehicular routes

Pedestrian/cycle links

Pedestrian links

Pedestrian access

19 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

7.0 Appearance and character, indicative architectural styles

7.1 As part of the consultation process and community engagement, the local community was provided with the opportunity to comment upon preferred density of development and dwelling types using local and Kent based architectural styles of both modern and traditional layouts and house types. The general preference was towards existing settlements in terms of both the character of layout and dwelling types.

7.2 This feedback has helped inform both the indicative structure of the four character areas. These illustrate how large numbers of new dwellings could be accommodated in such a way as to avoid an ‘estate’ feel to the layout, and which respond to the preferred traditionally styled dwelling types. A common theme through all the indicative character areas which has followed from the development of the scheme is the importance of landscape, both to soften the edges of the development areas and to provide a green structure that flows through the area. 8.0 Sustainability

8.1 Arena Leisure is committed to the development of a sustainable scheme that considers a number of factors, including sustainable building codes, the site’s existing local ecology and biodiversity, available infrastructure to supply water, gas and electricity to the site and the impact on existing health and educational facilities within the local vicinity. This statement is also supported by a separate Sustainability Statement.

Sustainability design standards

8.2 The development will be brought forward in accordance with nationally recognised sustainability standards and best practices for sustainable design and construction. This includes designing to the relevant Code for Sustainable Homes standards in place at the time of construction and achieving high BREEAM standards for non-residential buildings.

8.3 The sustainability requirements for the development will also be consistent with national timetable for emissions reduction in new development. This will be achieved by the development of energy efficient buildings, which may include a proportion of their energy requirements from renewable energy generated within the building, or within the local area as part of a wider community energy scheme.

8.4 A more detailed sustainability and energy strategy would be developed should the Racecourse be included within the Core Strategy.

Addressing water stress

8.5 The development will take a holistic approach to water management. The dwellings will incorporate a range of efficiency measures which as a minimum will reduce water to 105 litres per person per day. Larger buildings which have higher water usage may incorporate rainwater harvesting/ grey water recycling systems where practical to ensure that water use is limited from these buildings too.

Biodiversity

8.6 As part of initial site investigations, an ecological walkover survey has been conducted. This did not find evidence of badgers, bats and other protected species. A further, more in-depth survey would need to be undertaken in support of more detailed proposals to support any planning application on site should the Racecourse be included within the Core Strategy. At that point opportunities, for ecological enhancement would be investigated.

Open space, trees and hedgerows

8.7 The masterplan proposes the retention of a significant amount of open space on site that allows for the retention and enhancement of key views through the site and to Westenhanger Castle. Provision of additional trees and hedgerows also supplements those existing around and within the Racecourse helping to define new areas of development and strengthen existing boundary treatments.

20 i) Around the Station and approach to the Castle

Traditional terraced streets of 2-3 storey dwellings providing a higher density of homes within close walking distance of the Station and supporting community facilities. An extended Station car park provides additional commuter parking. The former parade ring and pond provide an attractive setting for larger detached houses towards the western edges of this area, while the former tree lined access could provide a direct, tree lined link to the Castle. Around the Station is proposed a square with supporting shops and services as may be required.

ii) Adjoining Westenhanger iii) The western edges

A woodland, ecological buffer providing a private, landscape buffer between The western most edges provide the setting for large detached houses in the existing houses and proposed detached and semi detached houses large landscaped plots that will provide a soft woodland frame to the edge along the edges of the two central areas. of the development as seen from within the Racecourse, and will retain the predominant landscape setting framed by trees for views of Westenhanger Castle from the south. 21 FOLKESTONE THE RACECOURSE OF KENT

Built form

8.8 At the macro-level, energy consumption can be reduced through the alignment of streets and spaces with regard to local climatic conditions; including sunlight, daylight, prevailing wind, temperature and frost pockets. Where possible, building orientation will be designed to maximise solar gain with south-facing elevations – typically north-south orientated blocks which allow for south-facing roofs/main aspects to benefit from passive solar gain.

8.9 Habitable rooms will also be south facing where possible. Maximising accessibility to daylight within buildings will reduce the need for artificial lighting and passive solar gain will reduce the need for space heating.

Availability of infrastructure

8.10 To assist development of the masterplan, discussions have been held with a number of utilities providers. These have assisted understanding of current capacity in the system and the potential works required to ensure that the proposals for the Racecourse can be accommodated on site without detriment to the service currently provided to existing settlements. Further investigation of issues and design development will be required to supplement any later planning application on site should the Racecourse be included within the Core Strategy.

Education and healthcare provision

8.11 Discussions with Kent County Council and the Primary Care Trust have been held regarding Arena Leisure’s proposals as to whether this would lead to a requirement for additional educational and healthcare provision in the local area. The current position is that additional demand can be met either at existing facilities or via expansion of these rather than new provision on site.

Sustainable access

8.12 The site is located adjacent to the Westenhanger Station and within proximity to existing bus routes. Its location in proximity to these sustainable forms of transport makes the site more sustainable. This is reflected in a number of planning policies which aim to locate development in areas which can be accessed on foot, bicycle and public transport.

22 9.0 Conclusion

9.1 This strategy outlines the preliminary stages towards drafting an outline planning application in support of the regeneration of Folkestone Racecourse.

9.2 In By Design they talk about the need to create a place with its own character; “to promote character in townscape and landscape by responding to and reinforcing locally distinctive patterns of development, landscape or culture”. This area has many attributes which has informed the special character proposed and illustrated within the indicative masterplan.

9.3 The density, layout and form of development has been informed by the particular constraints and opportunities afforded the site. The design principles embedded within our proposals are for the creation of a varied scale and building character, existing in “harmony” with Westenhanger, Westenhanger Castle and Folkestone Racecourse.

23