BASE HEADER

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ID sylw: 108728

Derbyniwyd: 19/03/2025

Ymatebydd: King Henry VIII Endowed Trust (Warwick)

Asiant : Savills

Comments on HELAA Site 128
Overall, it is considered that flood risk does not pose a significant constraint to residential development at land at Budbrooke Lodge Farm. Any areas of the site which are at major (Flood Zone 2 or 3) risk of flooding will not contain built development and can instead be utilised to provide high quality public open space for new and existing residents.
The scoring of both Budbrooke Lodge Farm (site 128) and the SG08 Growth Option (site 214) in relation to landscape considerations suggests that this may represent a challenge to development due to the site intersecting with an ‘area of moderate visual sensitivity’.
However, as set out on page 18 of the Vision Document prepared by Node (Appendix 1), there are no specific landscape designations within the site. However, we recognise that consideration should be given to the relationship between the site and its landscape setting. Therefore, a landscape-led approach to masterplanning will be taken as part of detailed proposals for the site at the planning application stage, ensuring that key landscape features are incorporated into the proposals. This will include the retention of as many mature trees and hedgerows as possible.
It is anticipated that any proposed development at Budbrooke Lodge Farm could be sensitively designed to ensure that the significance of nearby heritage assets is not affected. As set out in the Framework Masterplan prepared by Node (Appendix 1), the proposed development at Budbrooke Lodge Farm will provide a significant buffer of undeveloped land in the eastern part of the site which abuts the Warwick Conservation Area. Further consideration will be given to how heritage matters can be considered in the design of the scheme as the SWLP preparation process progresses.
Notwithstanding the above considerations, we wish to highlight that a number of sites assessed in the HELAA scored similarly with respect to proximity to heritage assets, owing to South Warwickshire’s significant number of heritage assets and conservation areas. It is therefore anticipated that in order to meet South Warwickshire’s development needs it is likely to be necessary to situate new development in relatively close proximity to existing heritage assets.
We consider that this scoring relates to the existing ‘flat mile’ spur off Warwick Racecourse, which sits outside of King Henry VIII Endowed Trust’s ownership. We wish to highlight that the base map used for the Settlement Analysis exercise does not accurately reflect the extent of the ‘flat mile’, giving the impression that access to the northern part of the SG08 Growth Option cannot be achieved via Hampton Road to the south. As shown in the extract from the Framework Masterplan prepared by Node (Appendix 1), a suitable access to the northern part of SG08 can be achieved via Hampton Road, in addition to an emergency access point. This has been informed by the Transport Technical Note prepared by SLR (Appendix 2) which presents various options for providing a safe and suitable vehicular access to the site via Hampton Road to the south. This confirms that access into the development can be achieved and can suitably support up to 650 dwellings via this single point of access.
Additionally, it is considered that a range of improved pedestrian and/or cycle connections can be provided to improve the overall connectivity of the site, including improvements to the existing Public Right of Way network which connects the site to Warwick Racecourse to the east. Options for these improvements are explored further in the supporting Vision Document prepared by Node (Appendix 1).
The baseline habitat scoring for site 128 was relatively elevated based on the outcome of the ‘Assessment of Carbon Sequestration and Habitat baseline and opportunities’ report provided as part of the SWLP evidence base. An Initial Biodiversity Metric Assessment has been prepared by Middlemarch (Appendix 4). This document assesses the baseline biodiversity value of the site and confirms that, subject to appropriate detailed landscaping proposals being set out at later design stages, it is feasible to achieve the required 10% Biodiversity Net Gain through on-site habitat enhancements.
It is therefore considered that site 128 is able to provide the required 10% BNG via on-site enhancements, representing a significant uplift in biodiversity value in this location relative to the current position.