Our approach
A considered approach
The proposals for Longbridge have been developed carefully to bring forward and help deliver an allocated employment site in a coordinated way.
The majority of the site already has outline planning permission for employment development. A reserved matters application has now been submitted for this part of the site, alongside a separate application for two smaller business units on Plot 2.
Although these will be separate planning submissions, they have been considered together so the wider site works as one development.
This means the project team has been able to look carefully at layout, access, landscaping, drainage, building positions and the relationship with nearby homes.
The process
Listening to previous feedback
During the original outline application process, local people raised questions about matters including landscaping, visual impact, noise, traffic and construction.
Since then, we have reviewed the proposals and considered how the next stage of the development can respond to these points where possible.
This has included looking carefully at how activity is arranged across the site, how buildings and landscaping can help screen views, and how the detailed design can manage the relationship with nearby neighbours.
Design and layout
Managing activity on site
As part of our plans, the layout has been reviewed to consider how activity within the site can be managed.
Where possible, areas where vehicles load and unload have been moved towards the interior of the site. This allows the buildings themselves to help screen activity and reduce potential noise impacts on neighbouring properties.
The planning submissions will also be supported by technical assessments, including a noise assessment, to consider these matters in detail.
Sustainability
Reducing energy usage
The development will be designed to reduce energy use and support more sustainable operation.
We are is targeting BREEAM Very Good as a minimum, a recognised standard for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. The proposals are also expected to include solar panels, air source heat pumps and buildings designed to achieve an EPC A rating.
These measures will help reduce energy demand and support the long-term resilience of the development.
Biodiversity
Landscaping and screening
Landscaping is an important part of the proposals. Existing tree belts around the site will be retained where possible, with new planting proposed to help soften views of the development and strengthen screening. The tallest unit has a healthy landscape buffer and the Stratford Road between it and the nearest properties.
The plans will also include new planting and habitat improvements across the site, helping to create a greener setting for employees while supporting local wildlife.
The proposals will deliver a biodiversity net gain, meaning biodiversity will be left in a measurably better position than before.
Business needs
A mix of building sizes
The majority of the site already has outline planning permission for employment development, and the submitted reserved matters application provides the detailed design for this part of the site.
Plot 2 also includes two smaller business units, which will help provide a wider mix of building sizes across the site.
This approach allows the site to respond to different business needs while ensuring the wider employment allocation is brought forward in a coordinated way.
