Environmental and Technical Considerations

Richborough have instructed a professional and experienced team of technical consultants who have undertaken numerous site assessments and surveys to support the planning application. The full technical assessments will be submitted alongside the outline planning application and will be available to view on the Council’s website.

Highways

A Transport Assessment and Framework Travel Plan will be submitted in support of the outline planning application. So far:

• The highways surveys indicate that the proposals will not have a significant impact on the local highway network in terms of the number of trips generated, road capacity, or journey times.

• One vehicle access point will be created at Moor Lane, to the west of the site. The junction will be ‘priority controlled’ with no traffic lights. No through-road will be provided.

• Cycle and pedestrian routes will be introduced throughout the site and connecting to the wider local plan allocation. There will be a pedestrian and cycle access point into the site along Woodford Road to encourage active travel to and from the surrounding area.

• Additional speed calming measures are proposed in the form of raised tables along Moor Lane at the site access junction and Woodhall Close junction.

Ecology

An Ecological Assessment, including the Biodiversity Net Gain calculation will be submitted in support of the outline planning application. So far:

• A desk-based study, on-site habitat survey, and River Condition Assessment have been undertaken.

• There are no irreplaceable or protected habitats on site.

• The emerging proposals will deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain.

Trees

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment will be submitted in support of the outline planning application. So far:

• A tree survey has been undertaken by Seed Arboriculture.

• There are no Tree Preservation Orders, Ancient Woodland, or other protected features within the site.

• Based on the current illustrative layout for the proposed development, no trees are proposed to be removed. There is a modest section of hedgerow to be removed to facilitate site access.

• The illustrative layout of the proposed development shows substantial new tree and hedgerow planting across the site. The final position on tree removal and replacement will be agreed at reserved matters stage.

Landscape and Visual

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be submitted in support of the outline planning application. So far:

• An LVIA has been undertaken by Tyler Grange.

• The design responds appropriately to the site’s transitional character and delivers a well-integrated scheme that supports the long-term resilience and quality of the local landscape.

• The proposed development follows a landscape-led design rationale, with the layout shaped around existing landscape features, as well as ecological and biodiversity features, developed to align with published character guidance and local policy. The final landscape design will be agreed at reserved matters stage.

Flood Risk and Drainage  

A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy will be submitted in support of the outline planning application. So far:

• A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy has been undertaken.

• The site is within Flood Zone 1, which is identified as having a low probability of flooding. However, it is acknowledged that surface water can be seen on the site during the wetter months.

• On site surveys indicate that, subject to proposed mitigation measures, the emerging development proposals can be delivered without resulting in increased flood risk impacts either on-site or within the wider surrounding area.

• The proposals have been developed with a strong focus on sustainable drainage principles and at detailed design stage could incorporate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), including attenuation basins, permeable paving, and rain gardens, to manage surface water effectively and enhance overall site resilience. The final designs of SuDs will be agreed at reserved matters stage.