Page 453 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

A modest-sized open space has been positioned where it will have maximum impact at the
front of the site and is well overlooked by building frontages on the south and east side. This
incorporates a small play area to provide the layout with some central focus / meeting point
for the future community.

Consistent building lines provide well defined street edges and spaces. The main spine road
has been designed as shared space and features generously soft landscaped thresholds
that also provide a good level of separation / defensible space (3 to 5m) for the ground floor
flats; and the revised drawings now show consistent masterplan and landscape layouts. A
pedestrian-friendly surface (such as block paving) will nevertheless be needed.

Most of the existing trees along the Lewes Road boundary are shown retained enabling the
sylvan quality of this frontage to be maintained and providing a soft backdrop for the parking
adjacent to the site entrance.

The four blocks of flats on the eastern boundary have been designed to provide enough
separation from the existing woodland belt with the revised drawings now permitting a better
relationship between the block with units 10-12 and the existing adjacent building known as
the "Barn". Conflict with the retained trees on the eastern edge has mostly been avoided as
the buildings are organised without habitable rooms that depend alone on an aspect facing
this boundary.

The southern boundary now incorporates the required 15m buffer zone to safeguard the
ancient woodland along this edge.

The rear courtyard behind the blocks (with plots 13-42) on the southern / western corner
incorporates soft landscaping to make it a more comfortable space.

Elevations

The blocks of flats have a contemporary design softened by predominantly brick facades
that, except for the block with units 1-9, are articulated at the front by circulation cores with a
contrasting metal-clad finish. The frontages benefit from further vertical articulation
generated by grouped windows and balconies. The latter not only provide the flats with
private outdoor amenity space (missing in the previous refused scheme) but also provide
structural depth and elevational interest.

The consistent approach to the architecture gives the scheme underlying order, but risked
appearing uniform. This has been helped by the revised drawings that incorporate different
metal clad finishes and vary the articulation of the top floor. In addition the reconfiguration of
the block with units 1-9 at the site entrance has involved sub-dividing the main frontage
facing the open space into three parts which can be read as a terrace of houses, rather than
flats.

The contemporary architectural language is dependent on the quality of the finish with the
windows crisply design (UPVC will be unacceptable) and incorporating generous reveals
that contribute a sense of structural depth. The opportunity should also be taken to discreetly
incorporate solar panels on the roof. It is also noted that no provision has been given to any
lift housing that may be required on the roof. Appropriate conditions are therefore needed to
cover this.

Design Review Panel (original plans)

The panel agreed the revised 54 unit scheme is a significant improvement upon the previous
71 unit proposal. There is more space between the buildings allowing for more soft