Forming a soft, green settlement edge:
The proposed development would form the northern point of Sayers Common. To respect this location and form a transition into the countryside beyond, substantial landscape buffers and native tree, shrub and hedgerow planting has been incorporated into the northern edge of the proposal.
Retain and enhance the existing landscape structure:
The site comprises an extensive network of existing, well-established trees. The majority would be retained and at times the network would also be enhanced. This would reduce visual effects on those outside of the site and provide a green, leafy development within that is shaped by the existing tree network.
Providing new public open space:
The existing landscape structure would also aid the distribution of public open spaces through the site. Given the extensive tree network, open spaces would be woven throughout the development providing frequent opportunities for play areas, informal open spaces, recreational paths and native planting. At the core, focused around the existing oast house, would be the community park comprising a large play area, community growing space, orchard, ponds, existing cemetery and informal open spaces. Together this would encourage an active and healthy community.
Protecting views from the South Downs (Wolstonbury Hill):
Distance views of the proposed development would be perceptible from elevated points within South Downs National Park. From these elevated locations the existing trees throughout the site would break up the mass of the development and often screen views of the proposed dwellings. This would also increase as the proposed planting establishes, and therefore visual effects would be limited and further reduce over time.
Retaining and enhancing public rights of way:
The existing bridleway route through the site would remain. The proposed development has also been designed to mostly set back dwellings from the bridleway and front on to the bridleway to improve surveillance and safety. Similarly, built form is set back and fronting onto the existing footpath to the north of the site. To enhance this network a footpath connection between the bridleway and footpath has been proposed, located along the eastern edge of the development along an existing tree belt. Play areas, benches and further circulation routes are also proposed along or just off these routes, further enhancing this experience for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.