When a site becomes developed and the detailed layout closely mirrors the masterplan we prepared, it’s gratifying to see that the scheme our urban designers and landscape architects have formulated is not only commercially viable, but is also an attractive, inclusive place to live.
In the case of West Durrington, CSA first became involved on the project in 2010. The brief was to create a masterplan that was informed by a detailed landscape and heritage appraisal of the area. The site occupies a sensitive location in that it adjoins the South Downs National Park, an of Ancient Woodland, and the Goring Conservation Area.
Following the preparation of the Landscape Appraisal, which formed the basis of an ES Chapter, CSA prepared a masterplan for 700 dwellings, a primary school and recreational open space. The scheme was granted outline planning permission in April 2012 and CSA subsequently prepared the detailed design of the landscape infrastructure.
Following the success of the 700 unit scheme, CSA were retained by the consortium to prepare a further application for 240 dwellings on land to the north of the consented scheme. That site bordered the National Park on 2 of its 4 boundaries, a Conservation Area to the west, and several listed buildings to the north. Following extensive discussion with the Park Authority and the LPA, the scheme was granted outline planning consent in December 2019.
The scheme is now largely built out and is rapidly becoming a highly sustainable and attractive environment in which to live. It is also gratifying to see that it’s not only the detailed layout that reflects the aspirations of the masterplan but also the street names!