Appendix 3
Case study: BfL12 tool assessment – Wimblington, Cambridgeshire
BfL12 – Question 1
Connections
Does the scheme integrate into its surroundings by reinforcing existing connections and creating new ones, while also respecting existing buildings and land uses around the development site?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The site abuts London Road/Stump Cross Hill and existing residential development to the north. The eastern boundary of the site will adjoin further residential uses proposed as part of the SUE, with a local centre beyond.
BfL12 – Question 2
Facilities and services
Does the development provide (or is it close to) community facilities, such as shops, schools, workplaces, parks, play areas, pubs or cafes?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The development is to be built within an existing SUE, with outline planning for 1,450 dwellings, a primary school, care home, Local Centre, health centre, and sports pitches. The school at Handley Chase is yet to be built, however the nearest primary school is St Botolph’s Primary is one and a half miles away, and Kesteven and Sleaford High school is the nearest secondary just over one mile away.
BfL12 – Question 3
Public transport
Does the scheme have good access to public transport to help reduce car dependency?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The centre of the site is located within less than 400 metres of the nearest bus stops, which are located on Stump Cross Hill. Both are marked by a flag and pole and have timetable information. Alternative stops can also be reached within 400m on Northumbria Road, also marked with a flag and pole. Additional bus stops can be reached within 1km located on Ancaster Drive and Grantham Road, also marked by flag and pole.
BfL12 – Question 4
Meeting local housing requirements
Does the development have a mix of housing types and tenures that suit local requirements?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The Housing Strategy Team of the LPA (NKDC) confirmed the housing mix accords with housing requirements. The strongest demand being for two- and three-bedroom family accommodation in this location.
BfL12 – Question 5
Character
Does the scheme create a place with a locally inspired or otherwise distinctive character?
Rating and comments
AMBER
The SUE was granted outline approval with a masterplan design guide in place and since then, this has been watered down and the Keepmoat parcel mostly takes inspiration from the newbuild development parcels already there as part of the SUE and not the existing settlement outside of the SUE.
BfL12 – Question 6
Working with the site and its context
Does the scheme take advantage of existing topography, landscape features (including water courses), wildlife habitats, existing buildings, site orientation and microclimates?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The D&A statement says that there are no existing natural features being amongst the SUE. An existing hedgerow will in-part be retained, however large sections will be removed for vehicular access.
BfL12 – Question 7
Creating well defined streets and spaces
Are buildings designed and positioned with landscaping to define and enhance streets and spaces and are buildings designed to turn street corners well?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The roads have been designed so that all properties front Stumpcross Hill with the existing hedge and open green space retained. Plots with enhanced features are situated on key corners.
BfL12 – Question 8
Easy to find your way around
Is the development designed to make it easy to find your way around?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The roads are characterised by a mix of block paving and tarmac giving each street a distinctive character.
BfL12 – Question 9
Streets for all
Are streets designed in a way that encourage low vehicle speeds and allow them to function as social spaces?
Rating and comments
GREEN
Intermittent mixing of tarmac and block paved roads encourage slower speeds.
BfL12 – Question 10
Car parking
Is resident and visitor parking sufficient and well integrated so that it does not dominate the street?
Rating and comments
GREEN
The development contains “within curtilage parking” for all plots, with a mix of private block paved drives and off road drives with two spaces for 2 & 3 bed and three spaces for 4 bed plus.
BfL12 – Question 11
Public and private space
Will public and private spaces be clearly defined and designed to be attractive, well managed and safe?
Rating and comments
GREEN
In terms of landscaping, hard and soft landscaping is proposed for the development, including relevant boundary treatments to enclose private curtilage areas from the public realm and street scene. This will complement the retention of many of the established trees throughout the layout, together with the additional tree planting, to achieve a high-quality landscape feel throughout. Overall, landscaping will be well integrated into the development, be visually attractive and make a positive contribution to natural drainage. The development is centred around public open space, which includes a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP). The proposed development includes the creation of new pedestrian links to integrate the development within the wider public realm and encourage accessibility and use of the Public Open Space for all users.
BfL12 – Question 12
External storage and amenity
Is there adequate external storage space for bins and recycling, as well as vehicles and cycles?
Rating and comments
GREEN
Each dwelling has allocated off street parking for two vehicles and secure, enclosed rear gardens with sufficient space to store bins, recycling and cycles.