Harcourt Sands
Enquiry by Design Findings
2 August 2012
Presentation Format
Introduction - Kim Slowe
Economy & Tourism - Christopher Scott Ecology & Landscape - Liz Simes Sustainability - Robert Letts Design & Architecture - Sue Atkinson
Other Issues/ZeroC Commitments - Kim Slowe
Economy & Tourism
Ideas Tourism protected and the facility replaced in total Realisation that housing was the enabler Public access to the site Investigate the possibility of hotel provision on site Invest in second leisure tourism offer, i.e. Tennis Academy or Isle of Wight
Museum No affordable housing on site accepted Protection of existing landscaping Third offer or small area for niche accommodation such as yurts, tree
houses etc.
Economy & Tourism
Conclusions Tourism protected and the facility replaced in total Realisation that housing was the enabler Public access to the site Investigate the possibility of hotel provision on site Invest in second leisure tourism offer, i.e. Tennis Academy or Isle of Wight
Museum No affordable housing on site accepted Protection of existing landscaping Third offer or small area for niche accommodation such as yurts, tree
houses etc.
Landscape, Trees and EcologyThe Site
The site forms part of the green backdrop to the beach ‘jewel’ of this part of the Island Protection of existing trees (using individual trees as features) hedgerows and shrubberies Retention of the existing green buffer zone to the beach frontage Concerns raised about the removal of trees along the frontage Retain the character of the existing open spaces and meadows around the chalets in the new
layout as a park space to be enjoyed by all Ensure that the key views out across the Solent can be enjoyed throughout the public realm Provision of a vibrant public realm and a vibrant community with variety Provision of a new homeowners pack explaining the local ecology of the site, the beach and
Appley Park (especially seasonality) and issues surrounding domestic cats etc To celebrate the existing wildlife of the site, through: integration of the existing wildlife within the new development Education / interpretation trails Provision of areas for outdoor classrooms / field study centre and bird watching Visitor centre with a ranger function who can explain the local ecology and the heritage of the
forts
Landscape, Trees and Ecology
Provision of allotments to address existing waiting list. Experience at PAN suggests that the standard plots could be reduced and could include provision of raised beds.
Potential to provide a water feature within the site Creation of a ‘destination’ by linking the site with Appley and Puckpool
Parks and provision of obvious pedestrian routes from Appley through the site to Puckpool
Inclusion of chalet signs into the development Site to be accessible by foot To consider the removal of the existing fence line barrier between the site
and Puckpool Park
Other site issues raised Replacement Swimming Pool accessible as a local resouce Consideration of a bandstand Concern about parking in general Concern about drainage and maintenance of Puckpool Hill Discussion on building heights. Predominantly 2 storey, but discussed
taller buildings set down in the lower, more secluded parts of the site Provision of a convenience store which could be run as a co-operative Utilise the existing Lodge on the esplanade as a marker into the site Potential to provide look out building as an attraction Mix of housing types
Landscape, Trees and Ecology
Puckpool Park: Potential to remove vehicular and pedestrian conflicts within the Park
through the provision of a new car park within the site. This would also address existing visibility concerns.
Provide a ‘gateway’ to the park Park to be made an island feature Concern that the existing buildings in Puckpool Park are in decline Consideration of an outdoor performance space connecting with the site
Landscape, Trees and Ecology
Sustainability – Wider Issues
Island energy independence Diversity of design for all types of resident ‘Full time’ residents Local labour use Need for exemplar low energy/carbon design Quality of life Reduced environmental impacts on the site Protect existing species (red squirrels)
Sustainability- General Issues
A permeable layout not ‘gated community’ High quality long lasting designs wanted Affordability of homes wanted Flexibility as people get older important Excellent public space Better travel connections (bus /cycle routes) Discussed a community space (running issues) Live website for good community connection
Sustainability – Design Issues
Low energy / low carbon design preferred Lower running costs essential Passive design features (good insulation) Sustainable construction / local labour A range of renewable technologies (not wind) PV, Heat pumps, Solar Thermal, Biomass
stoves with back boilers all suitable Rainwater recycling liked
Use General Acceptance around the design table that Tourism was an unlikely eventuality given failure of British
Tourism since credit crunch. However Hotel proposal was warmly welcomed. Suggest adding spa facilities to make up for loss of pool. There was also mention of Warners at Bembridge and questions as to why they made such a success of it?
Given a largely residential use for the site, the design table wished to see a wide range of housing, large to small and lifetime where possible. Down sizing was seen to be a big issue locally with lack of small housing a problem
It was generally recognised that the site should provide high quality housing and affordable to be provided off site.
All felt that the homes should be offered to Islanders first to try and avoid second homes lying empty
All would like some kind of local or convenience store
There was some dismay that we could not currently find an interested Care Village operator – Lifetime homes were felt to be a good compromise.
Architecture & Design
Amount
Design table agreed that higher densities would be acceptable around the back of Puckpool Park. It was felt that terraces around squares, such as those seen in Harrogate and London would be appropriate
Lower densities and higher value areas were seen as the higher parts of the site – this was welcomed as it meant less impact on neighbours views
Numbers were mentioned – and on past experience rpa reported 200 – 250 would be more likely than the 100 mentioned.
Architecture & Design
Layout Generally felt that the development needed a ‘heart’
The idea of a village square was welcomed – but one that should be landscaped with mature trees providing the focal interest, rather than concrete and cars.
There was a definite feeling that cars parked on streets should be avoided. Cyclists and pedestrians should be paramount and safe.
A link between Puckpool Hill and the beach would be welcomed – this was seen as part of a site wide foot path network, providing a circular route back through Appley Park
A green space for growing food was suggested
There was a general nod towards providing an alternative route for dog-walkers along the beach frontage through to Puckpool, but also to provide alternative circular routes.
Architecture & Design
Scale and Appearance
Feelings were split between modern and traditional but erred in favour of traditional
Cutting edge modern was felt to be a step too far for most islanders, but modern with traditional materials may be be an acceptable compromise
It was finally agreed that traditional Ryde was too urban for this site, as it is semi rural in nature and perhaps more applicable to the outskirts of Seaview.
It is a large site and it was felt that more than one style can be accommodated, depending upon its location within the site and the appropriate density
Architecture & Design
Other Issues
Avoiding 2nd Home Ownership Affordable Housing On/Offsite Sustainability Credentials Providing housing accessible for the less
mobile/elderly
ZeroC Commitments
Put in place a project website in the next month to share documents/information and to assist public interaction
Address the issue of limited public transport & work towards improving links
Commit to using, wherever possible, local labour and materials
Commit to strict covenants to protect the quality of the development
ZeroC Commitments
Put in place an interactive residents website and install high speed broadband/tablet computer in every home
Put in place an electric car/bike club to discourage second car use
Make provision for some subsidized commercial space in later phases for a community shop
ZeroC will continue to engage with the public and we will continue to modify/update our proposals in response to considered and viable public input
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