A range of technical surveys and reports are being carried out to inform the proposals. Careful consideration is being given to the opportunities and constraints of the site to guide the design of the proposed development.

Highways

We have carefully considered the local roads and wider transport network to ensure that the proposed development can be safely accessed and does not create any problems for the surrounding area. Independent traffic surveys and discussions with Worcestershire County Council have informed this assessment.

 To understand local highway conditions, a traffic survey along Worcester Road has been undertaken by an independent traffic survey company. On a typical weekday, around 200–225 vehicles use the road during the morning and evening peak hours, with just over 1,500 vehicles across the day. Average traffic speeds were close to the 30mph limit, and Worcestershire County Council confirmed that there have been no recorded personal injury accidents on the surrounding roads in the last five years. This shows that the local road network is working safely at present. 

The development will be served by a simple junction onto Worcester Road, designed to meet the local highway authority’s standards. Safety checks show that drivers will have clear views in both directions when entering or leaving the site, and the council has to date raised no concerns with the design. The homes are expected to add a small number of vehicle movements at peak times, which the road can easily accommodate. Importantly, the site is also well connected for walking, cycling and public transport, giving future residents realistic alternatives to car use.

  • The majority of existing vegetation will be retained and enhanced, with gaps infilled using new native planting to strengthen ecological networks and provide natural screening.  An assessment of notable viewpoints has been undertaken as part of the LVIA.  With the mitigation measures outlined incorporated into the design, it is concluded that the visual impacts of the development can be reduced significantly, ensuring the scheme integrates more sensitively into the surrounding landscape.

  • A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Baseline Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment have been completed to inform the Layout Plan and landscaping proposals.  Ongoing surveys for protected species, including reptiles and foraging/commuting bats, are being conducted to establish species presence and abundance, ensuring that appropriate mitigation and compensation measures are implemented where necessary.

  • A Tree Survey has been carried out to assess the health and suitability of existing trees within the proposed development area.  The survey identified 11 standard trees along the site boundaries, two hedgerows, and a small group of trees in the northeast corner. Two trees were classified as Category B, both of which have higher arboricultural and landscape value and will be retained and protected throughout the development.

Flood Risk and Drainage

The Site is located entirely within Flood Zone 1, which is classified as land at low risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. There are no ordinary watercourses located within the site boundary or surrounding vicinity. Environment Agency Risk of Flooding from Surface Water mapping indicates the site is at very low probability of surface water flooding. British Geological Survey data indicates limited potential for groundwater flooding. The site has been reviewed against other sources of flood risk, none of which are considered to pose a constraint to the development. A Flood Risk Assessment will be prepared in support of the planning application.

To manage any increase in surface water runoff generated from within the site, an appropriate Surface Water Drainage Strategy which complies with the latest local and national guidance will be incorporated into the development. Surface water runoff from the development will be attenuated within an above ground detention basin located at the lowest point of the site, which will be designed to accommodate the 1 in 100 year storm event plus a further allowance for climate change. From there, flows will either infiltrate into the ground (subject to confirmation through soakaway testing) or be discharged at a controlled rate to the public surface water sewer. Foul water will be managed separately and be discharged into the public foul sewer system. Additional measures will be incorporated within the development to provide enhanced biodiversity, amenity and water quality benefits.

Noise

The noise climate across the site is affected principally by road traffic noise. A noise survey has been completed which measured existing levels of noise from the A449 and Worcester Road, and a noise model has been developed so that noise levels can be predicted across the Site. The predicted noise levels demonstrate that land in the north-eastern corner of the Site, which is the nearest point to the A449, should remain free of development, but the remainder of the Site can accommodate new homes subject to some mitigation relating to orientation; this has been reflected in the Draft Masterplan.

Heritage

Site inspection has confirmed that development of the Site will not directly or indirectly impact any designated or non-designated built heritage assets. 

Due to the potential for currently unknown archaeological remains to be present within the Site, an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment is being undertaken to assess the potential and significance of archaeological remains within the Site.

From a review of available data, the Site is highly likely to contain archaeological remains of local interest associated with Medieval and Post-Medieval agricultural activity and land management regimes. The likelihood that the Site contains remains of such archaeological interest that the principle of development cannot be established is considered to be low.

Based on the technical work undertaken to date, a Draft Masterplan for the Site has been prepared.

Draft Masterplan

The Draft Masterplan includes provision of 43 affordable homes, with a range of house sizes and types, supporting good design and mix. New publicly accessible open space is proposed, including areas for Sustainable Urban Drainage. A new access point is proposed from Worcester Road, with the existing hedgerow retained as far as possible. Lost hedgerow can be mitigated through new tree planting through the Site, to help assist in the achievement of at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. 

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