New Forest District Council Calshot Cemetery Development Design and Access Statement

Transcription

1 New Forest District Council Calshot Cemetery Development Design and Access Statement Cemetery Development Services Limited Capability House Building 31 Wrest Park Silsoe Bedfordshire MK45 4HR T: E: August 2016 Company Directors: JJ Smith J Prentis Registered Office: Registered No: Vat No: Rothesay Road, Luton Bedfordshire, LU1 1QZ

2 Calshot Road Cemetery and Burial Ground Design and Access Statement for Calshot New Cemetery

3 Contents Section Title Page 1.0 Introduction Site location and setting Geology Objectives of landscape proposal Siting the development within Policy General design statement Movement and connections Landscape and treatment Neutrality and inclusion Biodiversity and ecology Hard landscaping Access statement Accessing site by car Vehicle impact Accessing site by bus Accessing site by train Summary 16 Figure Description Page 1 Site terrain map 5 2 General location 6 3 General location 6 4 Boundary location 8 5 St Georges hall 11 6 Entrance view aerial 13 7 Entrance view from road 13 8 Car park layout 14 9 Bus stop 15

4 1.0 Introduction The proposed development is designed to link the concept of a new regional burial ground with a significant open amenity space for use by the local public. New Forest District Council has been actively looking for new burial space as Blackfield Cemetery will be near to capacity imminently. A number of opportunities have been reviewed for new cemetery developments however these have yet to be fruitful due to groundwater or development constraints. There is a clear and demonstrable need for new cemetery provision within the region. If converted to a burial ground, burial plots would be created within an open grassed setting surrounded by trees to form a sensitively landscaped glade in keeping with the current landscape. St Georges Hall, currently used by the community, will be maintained within the overall landscape of the site with improved car parking and landscaping. This will improve the facility for future community use where vehicular access and car parking with pathways link various parts of the site. The proposed site is designed to provide for burial and cremation options with the focus on sustainability. The aim is to utilise the existing woodland formed of established indigenous deciduous tree species. Cemeteries, burial parks and churchyards are a significant provider of open space and represent a relatively minor resource in terms of the land use. They are able to provide areas of importance for nature conservation via unimproved grasslands and other various habitats. They are often among the few areas of green space where the local community is able to have some contact with the natural world and provide a secure buffer to further development and encroachment. Burial grounds provide a useful resource for the local community. A wide variety of habitats can often be found supporting the other open space types such as areas of semi-natural and natural areas. Burial Grounds provide an open space for burials as well as opportunities for wildlife and a place for the public to walk and relax. The quality of cemeteries and churchyards remains particularly important many people use cemeteries and churchyards as amenity green space for peace and contemplation. The new cemetery in Calshot is designed with community, environmental and ecological interests in mind and will allow the public to enjoy and reflect in the open space and provide a legacy for future generations to appreciate the maturing landscape and wildlife that it will precipitate. This document should be read in conjunction with the design drawings and other supporting documents which accompany the full planning application. 5

5 2.0 Site location and setting The site is semi-rural with the land surface sloping gently towards the east and south-east, from about 16 m above Ordnance Datum (OD) in the western corner to about 10 m above OD in the east and about 12 m above OD in the southern corner, as shown in Figure 1. It is situated about m from the sea (the Solent) to the south-east and approximately 950 m from the sea (Southampton Water) to the north. A small surface drain is located 300 m to the north of the search site and drains an area of ground that OS maps indicate could be poorly drained. The area is relatively flat and generally rural apart from the disused (closed March 2013) Fawley Power Station (approximately 560 m) and a large oil refinery (approximately 3 km) both to the north of the site. Large gravel workings are situated approximately 800 m to the north-west of the site. The proposed development area has been assessed on a centroid of a 500 meter area of influence, grid reference , (Figure 2 and 3). The site area is calculated as being 3.7 hectares. The site, a previous WWI and WWII military base (Eaglehurst Camp) - HER monument No 62163, has become derelict over the years and is currently used for dog walking The site has been used illegally for fly tipping; a variety of general waste and building rubble is present on site. Figure 1: Topographical Data of the site in 3d 6

6 Figure 2: OS Map showing area surrounding site Figure 3: Block Plan The site sits within the New Forest National Park Authority. 2.1 Geology The site is underlain by River Terrace Deposits of Quaternary age. They were deposited by an ancient river system called the Solent River that drained into the present area of the Solent prior to sea-level rise following the last Ice Age. River terrace deposits are composed mainly of sand and gravel, with possible lenses of silt, clay or peat. Site investigation (SH40SE / 360), located 450 m to the southwest of the site area, proves 3.4 m of River Terrace Deposits overlying bedrock. There are no indicators of the thickness of the River Terrace Deposits at the search site, however, thicknesses of between 2 and 5 m are probable. The superficial geology at the search site is underlain by bedrock which forms part of the Barton Group and is of Palaeogene age. On the geological map, bedrock is shown as the Becton Sand Formation and Chama Sand Formation undifferentiated because the map was surveyed before the units could be sub-divided. The Becton Sand Formation consists of yellow to pale grey, fine-grained sand with shells in the lower part. The Chama Sand Formation consists of greenish grey to grey, slightly glauconitic, clayey or silty, fine-grained sand and sandy clay. 7

7 3.0 Objectives of the landscape proposals To mitigate any impact resulting from the development of this site, specifically relating to the roadways and car park. To create additional areas of woodland to enhance the setting of the cemetery site. To enhance, where possible, the biodiversity within the site. 3.1 Siting the development within policy The site falls within the New Forest National Park Authority. The New Forest Local Plan and Core Strategy Document policies have been used as the benchmark tests for the site suitability. Specifically the following policies have been considered and it is felt that the design has incorporated the elements and is within the spirit of these policies. CP1 Nature Conservation Sites of International Importance CP2 The Natural Environment DP1 General Development Principles DP2 Safeguarding and Improving Water Resources CP3 Green Infrastructure DP3 Open Space CP6 Pollution CP7 The Built Environment CP8 Local Distinctiveness DP6 Design Principles CP10 Local Community Facilities 8

8 4.0 General design statement The proposed site (currently a mixture of planted and self-set trees, ruderal scrubland and grass) would be converted into a burial site with the creation of burial plots set in natural landscape. The proposal intends to create a burial site within a wooded frame. The burial plots would be set out to both an informal and formal layout within a matrix of grass and crushed stone access paths which will also form part of the SANGS Site of Alternative Natural Green Space; giving walkers and residents from local houses a greater access to the green space and in keeping with Policy CP3 and DP3. Native species of new trees, shrubs and hedges would be carefully selected to mirror that of the existing deciduous broad leaf woodland and wider site context to ensure the burial site matures to blend with the wider landscape. Additional landscaping will be proposed to the south east perimeter of the site to define and/or strengthen the existing boundaries and additional tree planting to the north western section of the site will extend and further link the deciduous woodland on the site to the other woodland areas in line with CP 1, CP 2, CP 3 and DP1. Figure 4: Boundary Plan Existing field boundaries to the perimeter of the site would be retained, enhanced and planted up to aid with screening. 9

9 The proposal includes new landscape elements comprising an extensive wildflower area, trees, shrubs and enhancement of the woodland to improve the natural habitat. The concept of the design is to create a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing open space working with the existing landscape to maintain its rural setting and provide a range of natural and formal burial options sensitive to modern, formal and multicultural burial practice. The burial facilities to be offered include; Ash interments Columbaria Children s area Woodland burial to be blended into the existing woodland area with glades and a walkway once the area is cleared. Allow for woodland plaques under existing trees or with a newly planted tree. Lawn cemetery (higher value plots) Traditional, kerbed cemetery area Traveller internment area The use of colour is an essential part of the design brief and would be achieved through the use of low maintenance tree and shrub species using a blend of evergreen and deciduous trees to provide seasonal colour variation that is complementary to the existing boundary features, back drops and provide new screening where required in a range of harmonious colours and textures. The development of the site is deemed to very much enhance, rather than detract from, the local ecology and provide new habitats in line with Policy CP 1, CP 2, CP 3. The resultant cemetery will provide its visitors with an experience of beauty and tranquillity that is easily accessed by all and be sufficiently welcoming to attract members of the public who wish to walk through its grounds as a place of contemplation and reflection, to enjoy the range of planting and landscape design and explore the wildlife enhanced areas in line with Policy DP 3. It is important that all phases of design take into account the practical management issues associated with grounds maintenance and grave site access on both the formal and informal areas without creating an overly clinical perspective. On the areas where grass cutting and turf maintenance is required, it should be undertaken efficiently and tidily with minimal staff requirement. Roadways and pathways will be durable, of low maintenance and be soft on foot and eye. Practical car parks will be constructed using grass re-enforced mesh with crushed stone sourced from local quarries in line with DP6. The development will also look to include and maintain connections with the historical use and heritage of the site from its original roots as a WWI WWII RNAS military camp. (Eaglehurst) in line with Policy CP 7. 10

10 The intention is to consult with the appropriate section of the Armed Forces to determine how we suitably recognise the heritage such as an interpretation panel depicting relevant images to ensure that the connection with its past use remains, alongside maintaining historic footpaths. Some of the archaeology within the site consists of concrete slabs along the north western boundary these areas will be used for either shallow sub-surface interments of ashes or the use of columbarium. 4.1 Movement and connections The approach embraces formal and informal movement routes to integrate and connect the facility more widely to the landscape. A brave yet simple layout places the existing St George s Hall as a focal point of the scheme with parking, access paths and formal burial lawns radiating from the building into the site. Vehicle movement has been designed to provide easy and comprehensible routes in and out of the site, utilising the existing original camp entrance and ensuring that no congestion occurs during egress and access onto the B3050. Visitor parking will be directly off the main access drive adjacent and to the building, with paved pedestrian access to the building. The materiality will be of crushed stone sourced from local quarries The conceptual journey through the site permeates all characteristics of the design approach and is expressed in relation to siting, orientation, building form and design. The design concept and its functional interpretation have significantly influenced the routes and parking spaces being direct, accessible for all users, convenient and legible. 4.2 Landscape setting and treatment The connection between the building and landscape is inextricably interwoven in the design concept with the conceptual and functional journey defined by the landscape at the arrival and end stages of the process. The existing qualities of the site, including the topography, trees, views and vistas, have been exploited to provide an attractive and mature setting. Post and rail fencing will secure the perimeters of the site. The burial areas will be seeded to provide formal grassed lawn areas. The northern boundary will be planted with indigenous trees to enhance and screen the residential properties on Tristan Close and to provide an area for cremated remains and the construction of columbarium. A series of individually framed private plots will provide extra green sculpture to the site 11

11 4.3 Neutrality and inclusion The need for the proposed development to be inclusive was a key principle of the design concept. An inclusive development is one which creates a place that everyone can use with comfort, dignity and convenience regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, disabilities, beliefs or circumstances. The site shall act as a permanent green space and buffer from any future proposed development. The parkland setting and woodland areas will provide a respectful recreational open space in keeping with Policy DP 3, CP 7, DP 6 notwithstanding the benefits to the community of a new burial site under CP 10. The enhancement of and improved car parking and access to St George s Hall as a more accessible community facility, fulfils the requirements within CP 10. Figure 5: The area around St George s Hall will be improved with better parking and security, improving its use and access as a community building. As part of the recreational integration that the site will offer, the inclusion of the SANGS requirement includes at least 1000 meters of pathway around the site linked into other rurban pathway routes. 4.4 Biodiversity and ecology Following the ecology and tree survey reports, the consultant recommendations will be undertaken removing scrub plants and self-seeded or poor quality trees with the majority of existing larger mature trees will be retained. These trees form the framework on which much of the cemetery design hangs. It is understood within the Policies CP 1 and CP 2 that the site has to interact with the surrounding area to enhance and accentuate the local flora and fauna. A number of bat boxes and bird boxes will be placed around the site to enhance the biodiversity and improve it positively. The planting of native wildflower areas will also contribute positively to the enhancement of the ecology. 12

12 4.5 Hard landscaping Cemetery developments are, in general, permitted within green field sites as they maintain the openness of the countryside and are also specifically defined as open space by the Department for Communities and Local Government in the document Planning Policy Guidance 17 Planning for open space, sport and recreation. However, a burial ground should not be considered as a public park with a large expanse of green space and little hard landscaping. The design of the cemetery is therefore a compromise between maintaining a green open space ethos and delivering unhindered access to the point of burial by funeral car and pedestrians for all members of the community. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) together with Health & Safety legislation with respect to the manual handling of a coffin from the funeral car to the grave side has lead to the current cemetery recommendation that a burial plot should not be more than twenty five metres from a roadway or major footpath and five metres from a minor grass footpath. With a view to reducing the visual impact of the hard landscaping, the development team has explored a number of pathway surfaces as alternatives to conventional macadam construction specifically for the internal footpaths and hearse access route. A soft alternative to the use of macadam will be achieved with the use of crushed iron stone chippings rolled into a type 1 sub base to provide a natural colouration and texture. Carparks will utilise local quarried crushed stone and grasscrete or cellular structures to ensure minimum visual impact. The resultant proposed internal roads and footpath layout fulfil the user access requirement whilst, at the same time, dividing the cemetery into distinct burial areas in line with the need for staged burial and record keeping. The footpaths have a width of 1.7m to limit their impact on the landscape and maximise burial space in a given area. 13

13 5.0 Access statement 5.1 Assessing the site by car The current site is served by an entrance off the B3053 main Calshot Road. Figure 6 Arrows indicating existing access point to cemetery Figure 7 Arrow indicating existing access point to cemetery Vehicle impact In terms of car usage, there will be no significant increase on the local road access. There will only be one service taking place at a time so there will be minimal pressure from cemetery activities on the highway. Most services will take place outside of peak traffic periods and this is also very much the case with visitation of graves by relatives. All road and footways within the development are accessible to wheelchair users. The adoption of level shared surface areas for vehicular and pedestrian users promotes ease of movement for wheelchair users. 14

14 Disabled parking spaces will be located near St George s for the convenience of all users. There are also vehicular routes up to the entrance of the building and out into the burial areas suitable for set down. Essential to any burial ground is sufficient car parking to prevent any potential overspill or congestion onto Calshot Road. The car park is designed to be sufficiently far into the site to ensure that any congestion or waiting in the car park doesn t result in arriving cars backing up in the entrance area. Car parking is for 30 vehicles with 3 disabled parking slots closest to the building entrance. Internal road movement will be in a one way circulatory system with passing bays periodically spaced. The aim of this design is to keep the area of hard standing to a minimum whilst giving relatives full unimpeded access to the site. Figure 8: Plan showing parking numbers, disabled parking and site access. The main entrance will be bitumen macadam with the gate set back into the cemetery to allow maintenance vehicles to lock and unlock the gates without impeding traffic on the B Accessing the site by bus Calshot is primarily served by the Bluestar Bus service No 8 from Southampton this is an hourly service. 15

15 Southampton City Centre hrs - arriving at Calshot at hrs Hourly thereafter until: Southampton City Centre hrs arriving at Calshot at hrs This site is also served by the Bluestar No 9 bus service, running once a day. Alternatively travel from Southampton to Hythe via the ferry, then join the No 8 bus to Calshot. Figure 9: Bus stop located 30 meters from existing site entrance The arrival bus stop is located on the Calshot Road B3053 opposite Tristan Close and a further access is located on the Calshot Road 30 meters from the site entrance or can be accessed via footpath directly from the church hall. The bus stop benefits from a waiting shelter and a raised profile kerb to assist with low/level floor equipped accessible buses. 5.3 Accessing the site by train The nearest train services are accessed at Totton with onward travel to Calshot via the No 8 bus service above. 16

16 6.0 Summary The site as has been designed to sit sensitively within the guidance of the National Park Policy Statements both within those listed as Core Strategy and those listed as Development Management Policies. The site fulfils the urgent need for new cemetery provision in the area with the current Blackfield Cemetery becoming full with no space for new internments within 12 months. The design is focused to be in keeping with the heritage and historical legacy of the site as a former WWI and WWII base and this will be reflected in some of the sculptures and mural designs to be commissioned. Many of the existing trees will be kept and new plantings undertaken over time to enhance the site giving the site a parkland feel and a place for all members of the public to come and walk and reflect and enjoy its tranquillity. 17