Placemaking

Most important elements

1. Medical Facilities (94%)
2. Community Centre (65%)
3. Shops (58%)
4. Supermarket (56%)
5. Leisure Centre (46%)

Our response

• Responses confirm the expectation that two Local Centres are appropriate for the development – these have been secured within the masterplan and will incorporate a mix of uses including leisure, land for primary schools, local shops, community facilities as well as residential accommodation.
• Medical facilities are a near-unanimous desire – we have initiated discussion with the local NHS Care Board as to their requirements and we have allocated space within the Local Centre offering for dedicated medical facilities.
• We have incorporated land for a new food store alongside a public house / restaurant. Discussions are ongoing with potential operators. We are also keen to hear from local businesses which may be interested in operating within the new development.

Greenspaces and Nature

Most important elements

1. Nature Areas (92%)
2. Ponds and Lakes (78%)
3. Cycle paths (64%)
4. Dog Walking Areas (64%)
5. Children's Play Areas (60%)

Our response

• We are committed to delivering a biodiversity net gain of 10% following completion of the development, and enhanced and new nature areas are key to achieving this. The proposals incorporate the retention of existing ecological features wherever possible, to be supplemented by the delivery of a country park, informal open spaces and a detailed landscape and ecology strategy. New plants, trees and shrubs will be planted, both to supplement existing flora and create new areas where nature can flourish.
• A diverse range of drainage features are inter-twined within the development to enhance ecological diversity, manage surface water and create attractive, landscape features.
• A comprehensive, multi-use, accessible transport network, prioritising non-vehicular transport means is incorporated into the site’s design, allowing safe and easy access for all.
• The development will provide an appropriate mix of formal, equipped children’s play and informal recreation space with green links for spontaneous play on the way.

Movement and Access

Most important elements

1. Better Bus Services and Routes (89%)
2. Off Road Cycle Ways and Footpaths (84%)
3. Improved Rail and Station Services (80%)
4. Easy Access to Local Facilities (77%)
5. Transport Information (57%)

Our response

• Bus routes will extend throughout the development as the different phases are delivered, ensuring accessibility for all residents. These routes will connect to nearby areas including Northway, Tewkesbury, Bishops Cleeve and Cheltenham.
• A comprehensive active travel network is proposed, with priority for pedestrians and cyclists across the scheme. These include use of Aston Fields Lane as a traffic free route, hopefully a new pedestrian bridge over the railway at Grange Road, and improved links to the railway station to accompany the increased rail service proposed by Network Rail from 2026.
• Short-walk access to shops was something highlighted as being important by respondents. The development has been designed to adhere to 20 Minute Neighbourhoods, i.e. all homes are within a 20 min walk to local services and facilities.
• It is expected that transport information will be provided through a range of measures, including integrated-live bus timetables and travel incentive packages for residents.

Sustainability and climate change

Most important elements

1. Flood Risk and Drainage (99%)
2. Ecology and Wildlife (78%)
3. Health and Wellbeing (61%)
4. Sustainable Travel (51%)
5. Renewable Energy Provision (46%)

Our response

• All development areas all outside of the areas at risk of flooding, informed by detailed flood modelling, and managed by the incorporation of rainwater and surface water features.
• Large areas of public open space and space for nature have been designed into the site, most notably, the riverside country park, which has been increased in size from the first draft masterplan.
• Surface water management proposals (SuDS) have been included to ensure that there is no additional risk arising from the new development.
• The aim is to create communities which encourage healthy behaviours. This will be supported through the design of both open spaces and streets promoting active movement.
• We have tried to minimise the need for vehicular transport to minimise the impact on the wider highway network by encompassing as many appropriate facilities within the overall site area as possible.
• New homes and buildings will be designed to be energy efficient and in line with relevant Government policies at the time.

The new bridge over the railway will fit into the landscape and deliver good connections between the existing and future communities

A large country park will be provided on the northern edge of the site along the Carrant Brook

There will be a mix of new homes for all sectors of the community including affordable homes and homes for older peopleHeading

A central street will run through the site designed for buses, cyclists, footways and vehicles.

New public spaces and parks will be provided across the site with homes and landscape planting.

Dedicated “green routes” will be provided throughout the site for cyclists and pedestrians.

Sustainable Urban Drainage features will be provided across the site to manage the surface water within the site.

New local centres will be provided which have a range of facilities, including shops, healthcare, leisure, and community uses.

The design of buildings will include both contemporary and traditional designs to respect the character of the local area