LAND AT ARBURY ESTATE, NUNEATON

ALLOCATION HSG2

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Thank you for visiting this consultation website.

Richborough is consulting the local community on plans for a new development on land allocated (HSG2) for an urban extension on the eastern side of the Arbury Estate. The proposals include up to 1,525 new homes including 25% affordable homes, a new local centre and primary school, allotments and community orchards, a community park and sustainable drainage systems. Vehicle access is proposed from Heath End Road and Walsingham Drive.

Prior to the submission of an outline planning application, this consultation is being held to share the current proposals for the site and to obtain feedback to help shape the scheme as it evolves. Richborough welcomes your thoughts and suggestions as we develop our proposals.

Richborough was founded in 2003 and is one of the UK’s most successful specialist land promotion businesses. Richborough supplies the commercial and housebuilding industries with consented land to accelerate the delivery of new homes and jobs.

Working in partnership with private and public sector landowners, estates, charities, trusts, dioceses and local stakeholders, Richborough promotes land via the planning system for residential, commercial and mixed-use development.

Focusing heavily on placemaking, local communities and how development can complement and enhance existing infrastructure, the Richborough land promotion model incentivises all parties to ensure that new homes and jobs will be delivered at the earliest opportunity.

SITE LOCATION

The site lies to the south-west of Stockingford, Nuneaton and is bordered by residential dwellings, Nuneaton Academy to the north, Arbury Registered Park and Garden to the west, Harefield Lane to the south and employment uses and Ensor’s Pool Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to the east.

 

PLANNING BACKGROUND

The principle of residential development on the site has been established by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) within both the adopted and emerging versions of the Borough Plan (Allocation HSG2).

In addition to being a site allocated for residential development, the site is also the subject of a Concept Plan and Design Code Supplementary Planning Document. Both provide details on how the Council see the site coming forward. These documents have been reviewed and considered in the formulation of the proposals for the site.

Richborough is therefore bringing forward a proposal in line with the Borough Council’s aspirations for the site.

THE VISION

Arbury will be a high-quality, well-connected and highly sustainable new neighbourhood. Founded upon the creation of an outstanding network of green infrastructure, the focal point will be a new neighbourhood park connecting the historic park and garden of the Arbury Estate with Ensor’s Pool.

The new development will showcase its rich surroundings and heritage creating a transition between the Arbury Estate, Heath End and the former pit village of Bermuda. The Vision aims to create a lasting legacy and place to be proud of, comprising a variety of well-designed homes suitable for people at every stage of life, supported by a central hub around a new civic heart flanked by a new primary school and local facilities.

CURRENT PROPOSALS

Up to 1,525 new homes to include 25% affordable housing with a variety of house-types to reflect the Council’s housing requirement mix

New primary school including early years provision.

New local centre including retail & community facilities.

New Community park providing recreation and health and well-being opportunities for new and existing residents.

Substantial increase in access to public open spaces including allotments, community orchards and children’s play areas.

Vehicle access from Heath End Road, Atholl Crescent, Charnwood Avenue and Walsingham Drive and pedestrian and cycle routes including enhanced links to Harefield Lane (Centenary Way).

Sustainable Drainage Systems (with opportunities for wildlife).

Retain and incorporate existing Public Rights of Way and enhance connectivity to existing footpath and add new footpath and cycle connections to maximise the alternative use of the car.

CONCEPT PLAN

NEW HOMES

Richborough’s proposals include a range of house types in line with the latest housing needs evidence for Nuneaton & Bedworth. The precise layout and detail of the homes will be agreed with the Borough Council during discussions on the reserved matters application, which will follow approval (subject to planning) of the outline application.

25% of the new homes will be provided as affordable housing. A range of dwelling types, styles and sizes will provided, widening the choice of housing in the area and ensuring the creation of a mixed and cohesive community that is representative of the local population. Wheelchair accessible and adaptable housing is also proposed.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

A new Community Park adjacent to Ensor’s Pool will form an open space and habitat corridor linking to the Local Wildlife Sites to the south. This will extend to the west through a formal park and serves the school and local centre.

Significant structural landscaping within and around the edges of the site, will reflect and enhance the local landscape character, integrate the proposed housing into the surrounding landscape and provide green corridors that link existing landscape features across the site.

10% biodiversity net gain will be provided, alongside walking and cycling routes and nature exploration trails.

Approximately 30% of the site will be publicly accessible greenspace. This provides a substantial increase in public access to land that is otherwise private, and leads to a range of health and wellbeing benefits.

ACCESS AND TRANSPORT

  • A strategic route providing a key movement corridor and public transport function will run from Heath End Road to a connection at Walsingham Drive, and onto the A444.
  • The strategic route will be supported by additional vehicular accesses proposed via Atholl Cresent and Charnwood Avenue.
  • A comprehensive network of pedestrian and cycling routes will be provided, including enhanced links to Harefield Lane (Centenary Way), along with new streets designed to accommodate a potential bus service to run by new housing, the school, and local centre.
  • Existing on-site public footpaths will be retained and incorporated into new green space.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

All new build dwellings will have electric vehicle charging facilities. Changes to Building Regulations to deliver the Government’s ‘Future Homes Standard’ are due in 2025, resulting in a 75% reduction in CO2 when compared to today.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Richborough will enter into a Section 106 Agreement with Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to provide necessary infrastructure and community facilities.

The package of on-site infrastructure including a primary school and local centre, and off-site contributions, will be refined through engagement with service providers, including NBBC and WCC once a planning application has been submitted and could include, recreation and community facilities, healthcare, public transport and libraries.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

The provision of a local centre and primary school will create employment opportunities for the local community and contribute to Nuneaton’s economy. Furthermore, there will be economic benefits provided through the construction process with additional opportunities for local employment and indirect economic benefits.

NEXT STEPS

An outline application is due to be submitted in the coming months with timings dependent on a range of factors including the completion of the necessary technical work and the consultation process.

Your response will help us shape the final proposals that will be submitted to NBBC. The deadline for comments is

18:00 on Wednesday 11th December 2024.

Following the submission of the application, NBBC will undertake a period of statutory consultation on the proposals. At this stage, you will have the opportunity to submit your comments to the Borough Council before a decision is made.

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