The Project

Barratt David Wilson Homes (Kent) engaged The Noble Consultancy for Planning and architectural services in support of a Reserved Matters application for the residential and landscaping elements of an Outline Planning Permission comprising up to 310 dwellings, offices, care home, local convenience store, hotel and landscape infrastructure.

A mix of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bed dwellings, inclusive of 30% affordable housing will be delivered, providing a range of house types and tenures, resulting in a diverse and balanced community. A range of open space typologies will also be provided to meet the needs of all residents.

Design process

The Noble Consultancy were initially instructed to prepare a feasibility sketch layout for client review, utilising the Barratt and David Wilson group house type portfolio to determine whether this was a suitable development site for the client to pursue. The site’s opportunities and constraints were considered along with the merits of the approved Masterplan.

Once the suitability of the site had been confirmed, The Noble Consultancy began compiling a pre-application pack for submission to Swale Borough Council.

Understanding the need for the client to utilise economies of scale to reduce build costs, The Noble Consultancy were successfully able to strike an appropriate balance between maintaining the integrity of the original core group house type designs and responding to the setting and local vernacular; satisfying the requirements of both the client and Local Authority.

As part of the initial planning process, the client was also invited to present the proposals to Design South East, for which The Noble Consultancy prepared relevant plans and documents for review. Furthermore, The Noble Consultancy also prepared presentation boards for a public consultation event held at the adjacent Abbey Farm School, where feedback from local residents was received.

A detailed Reserved Matters submission was prepared in coordination with civil engineers and in-house landscape architects to ensure all design aspects had been considered. Specific consideration was placed on guidance set out in Manual for Streets, Swale Open Space Strategy (2009 – 2014) and the Kent Design Guide to deliver a high-quality, coherent development within the existing settlement of Faversham.

Throughout the determination process The Noble Consultancy were highly responsive to both planning and client comments whilst liaising with external consultants involved in the project. A proactive approach helped streamline the planning process, minimising potential delays by deploying resources to meet changing project demands.

Project challenges

Contentious issues were given prompt consideration throughout the consultation including:

• Balancing the needs of the client with the aspirations of the Local Planning Authority and Statutory Consultees;
• Providing an appropriate response to the setting of Oast House, a Grade II Listed Building;
• Integrating the site topography and historical landscape features as integral design features to the development;
• Incorporating the existing Public Right of Way through the heart of the development; and
• Providing an appropriate response to future development parcels.

Conclusion

The development responds to its wider landscape and built setting and incorporates extensive new public open space. Perry Court will deliver a distinctive, high quality new neighbourhood and will provide a positive contribution to the town of Faversham.

Why did BDW choose The Noble Consultancy?

Although the site benefited from an outline planning consent there were a number of constraints and design requirements that required careful consideration.  In addition to the reserved matters application, the outline planning consent also required the submission of a site-wide Design Brief, to guide not only the residential element but also the other uses approved as part of the Outline consent (commercial, employment, strategic landscaping). The Noble Consultancy have the resources to deliver on both.