Residential development of 16 large detached homes & cottages surrounding a new village green in rural Berkshire
Development of feasibility site layout of a range of bespoke 4 & 5 bedroom detached country houses and 3 & 4 bedroom cottages set around a newly formed village green for the community in the Berkshire Green Belt
The site is currently overgrown with bushes, brambles and small trees and is closed off to public access. Initially we have been working directly with the landowner, who was also liaising discretely with local councillors.
Project challenges
Any potential development project in a green belt setting is by definition (quite rightly) inappropriate, to ensure that it serves its' purpose. There are exceptions, in policy terms called ‘Special Circumstances’ which might be ‘Limited Infil’ or where it can be shown that there is a significant benefit to the development, which outweighs the harm cause by the development.
This small Berkshire village does not currently have any kind of village green, or play area for the children who live in the surrounding homes. In this instance, the proposition is that the harm of the proposed development is offset by the significant benefit to the community of the amenities that the landowner is offering to provide as part of the development.
The end result
Conversations with councillors and key stake holders are ongoing but seem to be positive, especially given both the needs of the village and the need for family homes in the area.
