Linden Homes Land at Hill Place Farm, East Grinstead

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1 Welcome Welcome to Linden Homes public exhibition displaying proposals for the development of land at Hill Place Farm, East Grinstead Linden Homes has an interest in this land and is currently developing proposals for the site We have organised today s event to provide you with an opportunity to comment on the indicative plans for the site All feedback received will be thoroughly reviewed prior to the submission of an outline planning application to Mid Sussex District Council We are keen to hear your views so please do speak to representatives of the project team and submit your comments on the feedback forms provided Thank you for visiting At the exhibition today: About us Site background Constraints and opportunities The masterplan Landscape, ecology and SANG Highways, access and infrastructure Investing in local communities Community benefits Next steps and timescales A selection of Linden Homes developments feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

2 About Us Linden Homes is the country s fifth largest housebuilder We are the housebuilding division of Galliford Try, one of the UK s leading construction companies We are based in Guildford and are one of regional offices that operate right across England, from Cornwall to Northumberland With a reputation for bespoke and creative developments in prime locations, Linden Homes prides itself on its high quality of design We were named Housebuilder of the Year at the Housebuilder Awards and the Ideal Homes Blue Ribbon Awards Engaging with local communities is key to the work that we do We understand that if we are to deliver houses that not only meet the aspirations of those who seek to live in them but also enhance the existing neighbourhood, then we need to talk to and engage with local people By seeking out local knowledge and listening to local opinion, we are able to build a fuller picture We can identify the wider benefits that development can bring to the existing community Linden Homes is proud to be part of the Considerate Constructors scheme and works hard with local communities throughout the construction process A selection of Linden Homes developments feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

3 Site Background Situated on the south-western edge of East Grinstead, the site is bordered to the south by Turners Hill Road (B), to the north by the Bluebell Railway, to the west by open fields and to the east by Garden Wood Road The site measures 8 hectares and has previously been identified for residential development as part of a larger scheme in the 5 West Sussex Structure Plan and the South East Plan It is situated in a sustainable location, well connected to local services with schools, shops and other facilities all within walking distance 7 Planning policy The provision of housing is a national priority, reflected in Government planning policy Mid Sussex District Council is required at all times to maintain a supply of housing land equivalent to at least five years of the overall provision The current Mid Sussex Local Plan () is out of date The recent draft Mid Sussex District Plan () was withdrawn (earliest adoption now February ) East Grinstead is one of the three largest and most sustainable settlements in Mid Sussex Railway Station 85m (- minutes walk) Sainsburys m (7-8 minutes walk) Waitrose 8m ( minutes walk) Town Centre km (- minutes walk) 5 Meads Primary School km (- minutes walk) Imberhorne School km (- minutes walk) 7 Leisure Centre km (-5 minutes walk) 5 In the absence of an up-todate Local Plan, Government policy in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that applications should be determined in line with the presumption in favour of sustainable development Linden Homes believes that development of the site would provide a logical extension to East Grinstead, helping to address the identified need for both open-market and affordable housing in a sustainable manner Aerial view of site in relation to local facilities feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

4 Linden Homes Constraints and Opportunities The constraints and opportunities plan below shows what has been considered in the drawing up of our proposals This has been used to inform key elements of the concept masterplan, including: The position and layout of the homes; Points of access, both vehicular and pedestrian; Areas of public open space and landscaping G 7 G7 8 5 G G58 5 G5 G JAPANESE KNOTWEED 7 8 G G 5 G G G G5 8 cl 8 G G G 5 5 G G G5 G5 7 5 G8 G5 G G55 G G G7 5 G G5 G G5 G G G cl7 SLOW cl75 G G Constraints and opportunities plan feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

5 The Masterplan What s proposed? Linden Homes is proposing to submit an outline planning application for up to new homes Details of the mix of homes and final layout would be determined at a later stage through a Reserved Matters application, if outline planning permission is granted The proposals comprise: Up to % of the new homes would be classified as affordable housing, helping to address the need in the district (including East Grinstead) There are applicants on Mid Sussex District Council s housing waiting list with a local connection to East Grinstead and of these applicants are in urgent need of housing Linden Homes takes pride in its ability to deliver affordable homes that are indistinguishable externally from its open market properties Areas of public open space, landscaping and children s playspace are proposed on the site The provision of a new area of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) Vehicular access to the site would be from Turners Hill Road Pedestrian access would be provided from Garden Wood Road and from the existing footpath to the south Existing bus stops Railway Viaduct (Grade II Listed) Pedestrian access point utilises existing archway underneath rail line GARDEN WOOD ROAD Pedestrian connection into SANG Natural Play Area Ancient Woodland Native aquatics and marginal planting within attenuation basis, will maximise their biodiversity value and create attractive new landscape features Public Open Space Old Mill Cottage Opportunity for a SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) BLUEBELL RAILWAY P lay Area Site Boundary New recreational routes provide attractive walks through the development and create key linkages to the SANG and the existing footpaths Existing trees and hedgerows Proposed vehicular access Barredale Farm Proposed pedestrian access points Existing public footpath The Bungalow Public Open Space Hill Place Farm TURNERS HILL ROAD (B) Central green accommodates a children's play area to create a community focal point for the new homes Proposed recreational routes Ancient Woodland boundary 5 metre buffer from Ancient Woodland boundary Proposed attenuation basin Existing watercourse Hill Place Farmhouse (Grade II Listed) Opportunity for a SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) Indicative masterplan feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

6 Landscape, Ecology and SANG Landscape A Landscape and Visual Assessment has been carried out to help with the design of the plans, ensuring they reflect the local landscape character Key elements of the landscape strategy include: Retaining the wooded valley sides to the north of the development area; Ecology A number of specialist ecological surveys of the site have been commissioned to identify its ecological character and any relevant constraints to development These have included surveys for dormice, bats, badgers, reptiles and invertebrates The outcomes of these surveys have been used to inform our designs We have sought to minimise any effect on habitats and species of nature conservation interest and, where possible, develop measures to maintain and enhance the nature conservation interest of the site in the long-term Avoiding the loss of hedgerow and trees, and undertaking new planting where gaps currently occur, along Turners Hill Road; Maintaining an appropriate landscape buffer between the proposed homes and the Bluebell Railway through careful positioning of housing and areas of open space; Protecting the setting of historic buildings and structures including the Grade II listed Hill Place Farm to the south, the Grade II listed Bluebell Railway Viaduct to the northwest and Hazeldean Court to the southeast SANG An area of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) is proposed to the west of the Bluebell Railway This space would be available for both existing and future residents of East Grinstead It would become operational prior to the first new resident moving in and funding would be arranged for its long-term management The SANG will be designed to provide an attractive area of public open space for informal recreation such as dog walking and jogging This provision will offset the potential impact on the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) resulting from new residents moving into the area The area within which the SANG will be located is currently dominated by grassland and intensively farmed fields separated by hedgerows and treelines The existing landscape would be retained and we would work to improve the character and value for wildlife of the area, through: The creation of new species-rich meadow grasslands and enhancement of existing grassland The improvement of the existing woodland edges, hedgerows and wetland habitats feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

7 Highways, Access and Infrastructure Linden Homes has appointed consultants to undertake a comprehensive Transport Assessment, which will be submitted as part of the planning application to Mid Sussex District Council This looks at the relationship between the development and local transport infrastructure including sustainable modes of travel It also assesses the impact of the proposals on a number of key junctions in the vicinity of the site taking into consideration the number of vehicular movements likely to be generated Peak period traffic movements from houses are not the same as car ownership as not everyone travels to work/school drop off and not at the same time Vehicular and pedestrian access to the site would be from a new priority T-junction on Turners Hill Road Pedestrians would benefit from a direct connection with the existing footway Detailed traffic and queue surveys have been undertaken on the immediate surrounding road network to inform on any existing issues Two thirds of vehicular movements are likely to travel to and from East Grinstead, after which vehicles would dissipate through the road network dependent upon destination Initial capacity testing in the vicinity of the site indicates that the development would not result in a detrimental impact on local junctions The need for further capacity testing will be agreed with West Sussex County Council as appropriate, including any required mitigation The site is situated in a sustainable location, being within walking distance of the town centre and local facilities An additional pedestrian access would be provided onto Garden Wood Road, providing a direct link to existing bus stops Connections to the SANG would be provided Drainage The site is largely within Flood Zone, ie land assessed as being at the lowest risk from flooding Linden Homes is committed to ensuring that surface water run-off from the development is no greater than the current rate The proposals would use sustainable drainage techniques to mimic natural predevelopment drainage arrangements Permeable paving would allow water to drain through the surface to reflect the field conditions that exist currently Balancing ponds linked by swales would provide storage during storms, releasing water back into the adjacent watercourse at a controlled rate Education Linden Homes will hold discussions with West Sussex County Council to understand the current education capacity in the area and likely future need If there is a shortfall in provision, Linden Homes would be required to make a financial contribution to ensure sufficient spaces for children living on the development feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

8 Investing in Local Communities: A Case Study For many, the visible sign of Linden Homes investment in their local community will be the new homes that we build We are proud of the quality of our product but we also know that our investment stretches far beyond bricks and mortar Our houses provide homes for families, work for local businesses and opportunities for new apprentices Some of the local businesses working with us at Ogwell Brook Western Counties Roofing ( miles from our site) Pollington Decorators ( miles from our site) Mackenzie Glass (8 miles from our site) AJ Wilson rendering (8 miles from our site) Robert McDonald Brickwork (7 miles from our site) Europlas Windows ( miles from our site) Lucas Carpenters (8 miles from our site) Burgess Cleaning ( miles from our site) O Leary Wall and Floor Tiling ( miles from our site) Trimseal ( miles from our site) Barkwell Plumbing and Heating ( 5 miles from our site) Barkwells (5 miles from our site) Clarkson and Evans ( miles from our site) The team of contractors Case Study: Ogwell Brook, Devon Our th apprentice in the South West National Apprenticeship Programme During Linden Homes launched a national apprenticeship scheme with First Skills (a national training provider) Our aim To have 5 apprentices within the next three years The importance of apprenticeships Apprenticeships are key to developing skills vital to UK house building Without a skilled workforce, house building will struggle to deliver the new homes we need Achievements to date apprentices recruited as part of our pilot programme in the south west 8 new homes are currently being built 5% (or units) are affordable and are being made available through a local housing association to people on the local council s waiting list 5% of all homes for sale have been bought by local people living within 5 miles of the development A direct investment of million into the local community Up to 8 jobs generated (research by the Home Builders Federation concludes that every home built delivers 5 full time jobs on site and in the supply chain) 7 jobs have been created on the first two phases of this three-phase scheme, two-thirds of which are with firms based less than miles away A further architects, surveyors and engineers are retained on the project, in addition to our team of four locally-based Linden Homes staff Local businesses have undertaken the majority of the work on site % of our contractors are based in Devon and Cornwall Three-quarters of our suppliers are also based in the south west Working with local firms, we have been able to train young apprentices Our experience at Ogwell Brook is replicated on the majority of schemes across our entire national development network When we say that we work with communities, we mean it feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

9 Community Benefits The scheme would deliver a number of benefits to the local community, including: The provision of a SANG on land to the north of the Bluebell Railway A direct investment of almost million into the local economy The delivery of much needed housing in the area, including affordable housing for local people A New Homes Bonus payment of over 5million to Mid Sussex District Council and nearly, to West Sussex County Council As many as 5 new jobs created on site during the construction phase These would be primarily with local contractors as our case study (see previous board) shows Contributions to local infrastructure and services through a Section legal agreement Opportunities for local people seeking apprenticeships in the building industry Professor Michael Ball, Reading University, The Labour Needs of Extra Housing Output (5) feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm

10 Next Steps and Timescales Thank you for taking the time to visit our exhibition Following today s public exhibition, Linden Homes will review all feedback received, prior to finalising the proposals and submitting an outline planning application to Mid Sussex District Council The team looks forward to receiving your feedback and is grateful that you have taken the time to attend today s event Should you have any further questions or comments or if you would like to discuss the proposals with the team after today, you are welcome to contact us using the details below Freephone information line: wwwfeedback@consultation-onlinecouk Website: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm Timescales September Review of consultation feedback October Develop proposals taking on board feedback received Submit outline planning application to Mid Sussex District Council October January 5 Continued liaison with Mid Sussex District Council, East Grinstead Town Council and statutory consultees February / March 5 Likely determination of planning application Please return your completed feedback forms by no later than Friday rd October feedback@consultation-onlinecouk Freephone information line: wwwlindenhomescouk/community/hillplacefarm