JTP receives approval for new neighbourhood in Chesham
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JTP receives approval for new neighbourhood in Chesham

Published on 3 November 2017

JTP’s proposals for a new mixed-use neighbourhood on a brownfield site in Chesham have received planning consent from Chiltern District Council.

The former employment site at 90 Asheridge Road has been vacant for over a decade, and the infrastructure has become outdated and redundant. In the context of a continuing and pressing need for new homes, the site provides an exciting opportunity to create a high quality, residential-led mixed-use neighbourhood.

JTP’s proposals for Shaw Corporation, acting on behalf of site owners Matterhorn, include 142 new homes alongside complementary business enterprise and public space, in line with analysis of the needs of the local community.

The architectural language draws on the distinctive local character of Chesham, referencing key details and materials which are reinterpreted in a contemporary manner. The new residential streets feature high quality hard and soft landscaping, creating a new street frontage on Asheridge Road and offering visual permeability and access into the site, with key focal buildings to terminate long views.

“
This is an exciting opportunity to reclaim a derelict brownfield site to provide a mix of high-quality housing including a majority of smaller, more affordable homes to meet local need. The sloping site required innovative design solutions, resulting in a range of contemporary housing typologies.
Ian Fenn, JTP Partner leading the project

The proposals follow extensive engagement with the local community and stakeholders, including a Community Planning Day in March 2016 to create the initial vision for the neighbourhood.

The new homes range from one and two bedroom apartments to four bedroom family homes, drawing from a simple materials palette which references the former industrial nature of the site. The affordable housing is provided in a mix of apartments and houses, fully integrated within the neighbourhood and indistinguishable from the for sale homes. All houses have generous rear gardens with a number benefiting from terraces, and apartments have terraces or balconies that complement the extensive communal and public open space.

Approximately 1,700 sq m of flexible enterprise space is provided for small and medium sized local businesses as well as home workers and start-ups. This will be the first purpose built flexible enterprise space in Chesham, and will help to generate and retain employment within the Chiltern District.

The project also offers a number of community benefits, such as a shared public park featuring a play area for young children, which offers a new safe route through to the adjoining Co-op Field from Asheridge Road. An extensive package of transport improvement measures is also provided, including funding for new bus stops and services along Asheridge Road and local junction improvements, as well as a £1m investment towards the expansion of local schools.