UNDERSTANDING THE SITE, ITS OWNERS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The site is located immediately west of Layhams Road, close to King Henry’s Drive. Historically, the land accommodated recreational and sports-related uses, including playing pitches and a pavilion, and more recently has operated as a private dog walking facility.

Situated on the edge of the existing settlement, the site lies between established residential neighbourhoods, educational facilities and other developed uses along Layhams Road. Whilst open in character, the land is privately owned, is not publicly accessible and does not function as public open space.

The site has been owned for many years by P. Johnson & Son, a long-established local family with deep roots in the area. The family live locally and have a strong commitment to investing in and improving the community in which they live and work.

A detailed assessment of the site has been undertaken by architects, landscape architects, transport consultants, planning consultants and environmental specialists.

Deliver much-needed homes

Provide significant affordable housing

Create new green infrastructure

Introduce new play space

Improve biodiversity

Enhance landscape quality

Create a well-designed residential environment

The technical work has also identified important constraints which have informed the design including:

  • Existing vegetation

  • Site boundaries

  • Green Belt considerations

  • Access requirements

  • Landscape character

  • Ecology

This commitment is demonstrated by their recent decision to provide a significant strip of land, free of charge, to facilitate road widening works along Jewels Hill. The land was offered pro-actively by the family to help address a long-standing traffic pinch point on a narrow section of road and bus route. The improvements have enhanced traffic flow and road safety and have been widely welcomed by local residents.

To inform the emerging proposals, the site has been thoroughly assessed by a team of independent specialists, including architects, landscape architects, transport consultants, planning consultants and environmental experts, ensuring that any future development is carefully considered and appropriate to its surroundings.