Highways and Access
Vehicular access to the site will be taken from three new priority junctions, two on Crab Lane to the north and east of the site, and one on Fearnhead Lane to the south. There will also be a number of new pedestrian access points around the site to stitch the new neighbourhood into the existing community.
Both vehicular and pedestrian access to the site, internal roads, parking and turning areas will be designed in accordance with current local and national design standards.
A Full Transport Assessment will be submitted with the planning application and our initial work has found that the scheme will have a minimal impact on the local road network.
The site is well-served by public transport, with numerous bus stops located along Crab Lane and Fearnhead Lane, whilst the nearest train station is Padgate Station, only a 10-15 minute walk from the site. Situated on the Manchester to Liverpool line, journey times are around 5 minutes to Warrington Central, 30 minutes to Manchester and 40 minutes to Liverpool.
Landscape and Open Space
The development proposal will see the delivery of around 2.5 hectares (just over 6 acres) of public open space. Across the site there will be new play areas for children, new planting, structural landscaping such as fencing, and new habitat creation.
Existing hedgerows and trees surrounding the site are to be retained where possible to create a mature setting for the development.
The public open space will be an important resource, not only for the new residents of the development, but also for the existing wider community across Padgate and Fearnhead, as the site will be opened up for all to enjoy.
Trees
A comprehensive survey of existing trees across the site has been carried out and the planning application will be supported by an Arboricultural Impact Assessment report. The report will detail the impacts of the proposed development on tree cover, including remediation works required to make the site safe, and will propose measures for the safeguarding of retained trees throughout the construction phase.
Extensive tree planting and landscaping works will be undertaken on the site to integrate and enhance the green infrastructure provision. Whilst a number of low grade trees will need to be removed, through extensive planting across the site we are aiming to deliver more trees back, planting two new for every one removed.
The site’s heritage is significant and the memorial trees will be retained, and, if they do need to be relocated as part of the development, we will ensure that they remain on site.
Ecology
The site has been subject to a full ecological assessment and contains a range of habitats. The majority of habitats are typical of the local area and are considered to be of low ecological value.
The site has also been assessed in relation to various protected species including nesting birds, bats, badgers, and great crested newts to ensure that there is no adverse impact on these species.
There will be measures to ensure that a 10% biodiversity net gain is achieved to mitigate the loss of any habitats. The landscaping will include native planting, new Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), ponds and scattered trees, which will provide opportunities for wildlife habitats to flourish.
Flood Risk & Drainage
The site is wholly within Flood Zone 1 and therefore at a low risk of flooding.
A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy will be submitted with the planning application to demonstrate how the proposed development will not increase flood risk elsewhere and to set out the strategy for foul and surface water drainage.
Noise
A Noise Assessment will be undertaken, which assesses the impact of environmental sound on the scheme. It also advises on suitable acoustic design to reflect the local character.
The assessment will be submitted with the planning application, which will detail the results and the recommendations for acoustic treatment across the site.
Air Quality
The main sources of pollution will come from the local road network. However, as part of the application, an Air Quality Assessment will be undertaken to assess the impact of the development on the air quality.
This will be submitted alongside the planning application.