Welcome Chalton Ouzel Brook Tithe Farm Recreation Ground Sundon Road M1 Bidwell Village Houghton Brook Houghton Regis Town Centre Houghton Hall HRN1 development area Welcome to the public exhibition for the Houghton Regis North Site 1 (HRN1) proposals. This is a collaborative project between Lands Improvement Holdings and AXA Real Estate Management, the two lead partners in the Houghton Regis Development Consortium (HRDC). The consortium is working to help deliver a sustainable urban extension project that will benefit the whole community. A Joint Venture Between
Background Development Strategy allocation for the Houghton Regis Strategic Urban Extension. Development Strategy allocation for Site 1 is for 5,500 homes plus employment to the North East of Houghton Regis. Houghton Regis Development Consortium planning application site for 5,150 homes, employment, retail, infrastructure, community, facilities and leisure. Central Bedfordshire Framework Plan, out for consultation June 22.
Timeline The Houghton Regis Development Consortium has been involved in this project in excess of 15 years. We are fully committed to this important investment in the development of the town. We intend to submit an Outline Planning Application for the scheme in Autumn of this year. This application will seek to establish the principles of the development and will be accompanied by a series of plans including an illustrative masterplan. We expect the project to be completed by 2031, and are committed to the area s future. Sustainable Communities Plan 2003 Bedfordshire and Luton Structure Plan 26 Deposit Draft for consultation November 2002 identified the area as an strategic scale development suitable for growth and green belt release The East of England Plan was adopted 20 after public consultation HRDC undertook public consultation on the scheme proposals in August - October 20 HRDC publication of the Houghton Regis North Framework Document June 20 CBC due to consult June - August 22 on the Draft Development Strategy and the Houghton Regis Framework Plan Milton Keynes South Midlands (MKSM) Sub Regional Strategy (SRS) was adopted March 2005 after public consultation The Luton and Southern Central Bedfordshire Joint Core Strategy was subject to a series of public consultations including: 1. Issues and options consultation July to October 20, 2. Preferred options April - June 20, 3. Pre-Submission November 20 - January 21 The Luton and Southern Central Bedfordshire Joint Core Strategy endorsed for Development Management purposes by the Council on the 23rd August 21 HRDC consulting on the Application proposals June -September 22 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Submission of the planning application Autumn 22 opportunity for further consultation Submission of a series of Area of Master Plans and Area Design Codes 24 onwards Opportunity for public consultation on each submission Submission of the Site Wide Master Plan 24 Opportunity for public consultation Submission of Reserved Matters 24 onwards Opportunity for public consultation on each submission 2031 building complete
What you told us... The Houghton Regis Development Consortium held a number of consultation events to help shape our proposals for the site: In August 20, HRDC held Public Exhibitions in Bedford Square and Lewsey Farm on the scheme s framework plans. The exhibition was accompanied by a questionnaire and was attended by over 400 people. summary of your feedback In June 22 we held 6 Public Design workshops with local stakeholders, residents and schools in Houghton Regis and Lewsey. These interactive sessions were held to help us understand the local community s aspirations and expectations for the site. During June 22 HRDC conducted a phone survey with over 2000 local residents living in and around Houghton Regis. Residents were asked a series of questions about Houghton Regis and what they d like to see on the site. Community Spaces and Recreational Areas Would like safe public green spaces to enjoy with the family and our children. Want outdoor areas all the community can enjoy. Housing There should be a mixed range of housing that suits everyone s pockets and lifestyles - from young families, the elderly to the disabled. Roads and Transport There is already too much congestion in the area - a better network of roads is needed. Jobs and training Would like to have more jobs for local people, and training opportunities for the young people leaving school or college so they can be encouraged to stay in their community. Integration The scheme should be an extension of Houghton Regis, not to be divided or separate from the existing town. Shops The shops should include independents, and offer variety for local residents for their convenience to buy everyday items.
Illustrative masterplan Houghton Regis North Site 1 is an urban extension project which will enhance the existing community in a number of different ways. Chalton A5 - M1 Link Road A50 10 04 18 05 15 21 11 11 17 17 26 21 22 30 17 31 27 20 26 29 Tithe Farm 28 A50 Bidwell Village 27 05 04 Tithe Farm Road Sundon Road Kingsland Campus We are in discussions with CBC regarding this facility Parkside 26 29 Tithe Farm Lower School. We are In discussions with CBC regarding this facility Bedford Square Woodside Connection 21 27 24 Junction 11A 25 23 03 M1 02 14 16 05 north Woodside Connection 10 04 Lewsey
02 03 04 05 Houghton Hall Park Option for Kingsland Campus Linear green routes incorporating wildlife corridors, brooks, hedgerows and cycle & Pedestrian routes Bunded landscape for play and recreation screening views of the A5- M1 Link Road from housing areas Ecological corridor allowing existing and new wildlife to move around the site in a natural environment Tree lined avenue Formal sports pitches - sport to be determined at later stages Flexible community space / clubhouse 10 Landscape buffers including hedges and groups of trees Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems providing natural drainage in heavy rain events Drainage Pond rain water is held before discharging slowly into the ground Children s play areas catering for all ages from toddlers to teenagers, will include a mixture of play equipment and multi-- functional games surfaces - later stages of detailed design will determine what age groups are located where 11 Link Road pedestrian and cycle bridges Pedestrian and cycle connections to the wider area Community gardens and edible landscapes, where the local community can socialise, relax and grow their own food 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 Woodside Industrial Estate Houghton Brook Ouzel Brook Wetland area and wetland walkway Linear Park for recreation activities with wildlife corridors with pedestrian and cycle links Crixsey Park Quarter Residential including affordable provision and self build distributed throughout the site Urban quarter - Predominantly apartments Primary school Potential location for secondary school Employment buildings 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Servicing for employment Workshops and small employment units Potential main bus route linking to Guided Busway and other existing bus routes Potential bus gate Large local centre incorporating food store, parking, other retail, cafe, community space and health centre Small local centre incorporating a local shop, cafes and multifunctional flexible community space School sports hall and potential community leisure facility Garden Centre
Bird s eye view Woodside Industrial Estate M1 Woodside Connection Houghton Hall Bedford Square Junction 11A Bidwell Village A5 - M1 Link Road Bunded landscape for play and recreation screening views of the A1-M1 Link Road from housing areas Urban quarter Large local centre incorporating food store, parking, other retail, cafe community space and health centre Linear park for recreation activities Ouzel Brook New roundabout with the A50 Community gardens and edible landscapes. Where the local community can socialise, relax and grow their own food Wetland area and wetland walkway Formal sports pitches - sport to be determined at later stages Linear green routes incorporating brooks, hedgerows and cycle & pedestrian routes Linear green routes incorporating brooks, hedgerows and cycle & pedestrian routes Small local centre Formal sports pitches - sport to be determined at later stages Artist s impression looking from the north Indicative view towards small neighbourhood centre & primary school Indicative view south from the linear park through a green route incorporating swales, pedestrian & cycle routes and recreation space
Getting around Our approach to movement and access on the Houghton Regis North Site will be to enhance the pedestrian and cycling experience whilst also providing good access for cars and public transport. Green routes provide linkages to public space and community facilities as well as linking to existing public rights of way to attractions in Houghton Regis, and north to the countryside. Toddington M1 Junction The main east-west road through the site will carry cars and buses, and also provide generous space for cyclists and pedestrians. The cycle and pedestrian routes throughout the site will provide safe access to local facilities including schools, parks and shops. Within the residential areas, streets will be designed to keep traffic speeds low and give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and those of limited mobility. These streets will provide safe places for children to play and the community to socialise. Lords Hill A50 Thorn Road Chalton A5 - M1 Link Road Local Access Road Bedford Road M1 Junction 11A Woodside Connection Park Road North A5 Houghton Road Leagrave Station Porz Road Poynters Road M1 Junction 11 Dunstable High Street North Luton Road Dunstable Road Hatters Way Strategic road network trategic Road Network
Public spaces 1 1 Crixsey Park The creation of a series of flexible and linked open spaces provide for a diverse range of activities and interests. Safe spaces for all the family For the larger areas of Tithe Farm Playing Fields and Ouzel Brook Park Recreational Grounds, sports facilities being considered include; sports pitches, Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs), tennis courts and trim trails (amongst others). These are combined with parkland for picnicking, dog walkers, possible allotments and areas for wildlife. Green routes for walking & cycling Green routes connect these areas to smaller local spaces and village greens within the main neighbourhoods. These spaces/greens vary in size and can be tailored to a specific age range or offer doorstep activities right next to your home. The green routes provide quick, safe and convenient links between these areas, encouraging walking and cycling rather than the use of a car. Well overlooked routes Childrens play area
Ecology A diverse range of habitats will be created across the site, including wetlands, species-rich grasslands and scrub. Where possible proposals will seek to contribute towards local objectives for habitat creation and management, and will maximise opportunities gained through the water management strategy for the site. Not only will these provide valuable areas of habitat in their own right, but will combine to form a network of wildlife corridors connecting habitats both within the site and wider area. The natural space strategy for the site will benefit the residents of Houghton Regis, through the provision of safe, natural green space for informal recreation such as dog walking and pinicking, in addtition to acting as a local educational resource. Open space and water management proposals will provide a valuable network of habitats for wildlife 2 2 Wetland Park
Day in the life of... shane, eco warrior, bmx & SKate enthusiast I live near Lewsey and I volunteer on my day off from College at the wetland park 1 after school. It s great for me to get some experience looking after the landscape as this is what I want to do in a year when I leave College. When my younger brother has finished school 2 I go and meet him on my bike and we head up to the BMX Park 3 and meet friends to try some new tricks. It s great that we have cycle routes that link all the places we hang out and play. When my brother is a bit older he can cycle around here on his own. We then pick up some shopping for Mum at the new food store 4 on the way home. LINDA, MUM of 2 I start my day by walking along the green route 2 with Barney our family dog and TJ our toddler to take Katie to her local primary school 3 It s really convenient as the green routes that lead to the park are traffic free 4 & 7 Once Katie is dropped off we head up to the park 2 and let Barney stretch his legs. Barney and the kids love the linear park, all the different landscapes and flowers provide them with an exciting place to play that s safe and well looked after. There is even a toddler play area for TJ to play in 6 We then walk to Bedford Square 9 via the new playing pitches, where I see other dog walkers 8 Today I m picking up some sausages I ordered from the local butcher which one of my friends in Tithe Farm recommended. I work near Katie s school as well as in a corner shop with a cafe next door, there s always people popping in. Ken, silver surfer I moved here when my daughter and grand kids moved in. They have a house but I took a flat 1 in the local centre 2 It s great not having to worry about a big house and garden. I still get to do a bit of gardening as I help out at the primary school 3 my youngest grandson goes to. It s become a real social event where I meet the neighbours and teach the kids a thing or two about growing vegetables. I even do a couple of shifts at the garden centre 1a for a bit of spending money. It s easy to walk there from my flat. Then I pick the grand kids up and we head out to the playgrounds in the park 5 It gives them a run around and my daughter gets some time to herself. The james family We love living in this part of the Bedfordshire. There s lots of great schools for the kids and we have these great parks on our door step. The wife and I go running quite a lot when the kids are at school. I can even go in my lunch hour since I work 3a nearby so I can pop out and stretch my legs. Our long route for the weekends passes through the linear park 2 & 3 then down the side of the motorway, through the wetlands where we try and spot a Water Vole, 4 and down to Houghton Hall. We then head north to Bidwell Village 5 and back to the house on a green route. It s a great experience, lots of different terrains - on street, grass and wide paths. We have joined the Dunstable running club and take part in their summer events. We take the kids sometimes and stop off at the wetland park play area for a picnic. 4
Community benefits Houghton Regis North Site 1 is an urban extension which will enhance the existing community for all local residents to enjoy. transport The development of better road network will help alleviate traffic and congestion in the area. HRDC have invested 45 million into the A5-M1 link road and will help facilitate the delivery of the Woodside link. Housing We will build a mixed range of 5,150 new homes for the whole community. Jobs &training With the development there will be an increase of thousands of jobs and opportunities for training and apprenticeships. Public Spaces Public and recreational spaces will be available for all local residents to enjoy including parks, sports pitches, conservation areas and walking and cycling paths that are easily accessible. Education We will be building up to four new schools and look to enhance existing facilities after negotiation with Central Bedfordshire Council. Health Facilities The scheme will provide new dental/health centres for the wider community. Retail The project will include a supermarket, local shops, neighbourhood stores and a garden centre as part of our retail offer. Sponsorship We will discuss with the local authority opportunities to create a programme sponsoring aspiring students.
Have your say! We want to hear your opinions! This development will be shaped by the wants and needs of its local community. Before we move forward we need your feedback and opinion on our proposals. We encourage you to please fill in the questionnaire available below. We will analyse your feedback and develop our proposals before submitting an Outline Planning Application later this year. For further information or to answer the questionnaire online please visit: Alternatively you can contact the project team on: 00 6 37 contact@hrn1.co.uk Thank you for attending!
Illustrative masterplan A5 - M1 Link Road A50 10 04 18 05 15 21 11 11 17 17 26 21 22 30 26 29 Tithe Farm A50 Bidwell Village 27 05 04 Tithe Farm Road Sundon Road Tithe Farm Lower School. We are In discussions with CBC regarding this facility Bedford Square Chalton 17 31 27 20 28 Kingsland Campus We are in discussions with CBC regarding this facility 26 Parkside 29 Woodside Connection 21 27 24 Junction 11A 25 23 03 M1 02 14 16 05 north Woodside Connection 10 04 Lewsey
Houghton Hall Park Woodside Industrial Estate have your say Use post-it notes to add your comments here!
Which naming option would you choose? Taking Kyngshouton, as it was called in 87 as inspiration, our first naming option is: Kyngs Quarter DROP YOUR RED TOKEN IN THE BOX TO VOTE Houghton Hall was built by Dame Alice Milard in 1654. Commemorating Dame Alice Milard, this naming option is: DROP YOUR GREEN TOKEN IN THE BOX TO VOTE Milard Quarter Houghton Regis was once a principle Saxon town; described as Houstone, thus our third naming option: HOUSTONE GREEN Houstone / Houstone Green DROP YOUR BLUE TOKEN IN THE BOX TO VOTE