Chells Way | Brownfield Site
Outline Application and Reserved Matters for 9 Dwellings.
The outline consent aimed to provide a mix of house types, these are a mix of two and three-bedroom units to provide variety across the site. The size, scale, and materiality of the proposed houses and flats have been designed to be in keeping with the local surroundings and to ensure the development sits comfortably within this residential area. A key driver for the design team is to create sustainable and energy-efficient homes. In order to achieve this, a holistic approach has been taken.
Of note, the application was led by our planning consultant, and productive communication throughout with the local authority led to a decision close to the determination date. Not an easy thing considering the application was dealt with through lockdown.
Delighted to say, that good engagement with the council continued throughout reserved matters, which have been approved 2 days faster than anticipated giving a fully consented scheme for our client to progress with. Submitted on the 23rd June and Approved on the 16th August. We now look forward to the construction of the project.
The site is currently occupied by a single storey car dealership. There are a number of schools and a nursery close to the site. These are located between 5 -10 minutes walk away. There is a community centre and sports centres also within a short walk. Located to the North East of the site is Mobbsbury Wood. There are also parks nearby, including Fairlands Valley Park, which is a 13-minute walk south of the site. There are small grocery shops nearby with the closest being a Tesco Express located 5 minutes walk. There is also a GP Surgery across the road from the site on Chells Way.
The Site | Brownfield Site
Chells Way is a constrained site and irregular shape, the developer purchased the site on the basis of an old pre-application for 14 units. Once it has been instructed, there was however an issue with underground apparatus, the sewer specifically with Thames water which was a significant easement on a quarter of the site so they had to re plan but keep GDV as high as possible. They managed to maximise the site by keeping it under affordable and by mixing houses & flats creating 9 Units. 4 apartments & 5 houses.
Planning
In relation to the planning for the site, there were no issues, it went very smoothly. The benefit of an indicative layout saw engagement with local authority, though it wasn’t necessarily needed for an outline application. Continued communication with the planning officer, ensured really smooth planning and concerns over removing employment were addressed. For example, had there been enough done enough to prove the site. e.g. marketing the property for sale.
Of note, the application was led by our planning consultant, and productive communication throughout with the local authority led to a decision close to the determination date. Not an easy thing considering the application was dealt with through lockdown.
Brownfield sites come with many challenges, which means the developer has to balance gaining planning consent, whilst ensuring the Brownfield Site Redevelopment remains commercially viable to build.
The developer purchased an old car showroom and mechanic in Stevenage which had a lot of constraints and so the developer needed an expert team to assist them. So he employed Scroxton & Partners, Planning & Architecture Team to lead his planning application. Scroxton & Partners built a strong application making best use of the site, despite issues with sewers and contamination, getting the developer the result they need, a consented site they are proud to build.
