| Project type: | New Neighbourhood |
| Location: | Chesham, UK |
| Client: | Shaw Corporation |
| Stage: | Detailed Planning Application |
| Programme: | 2015 - 2016 |
A detailed planning application has now been submitted to Chiltern District Council for the development of a high quality new neighbourhood on land at Asheridge Road, Chesham.
The submission follows extensive consultation with the local community and stakeholders, including a Community Planning Day held in March 2016 to create the initial Vision for the site and a subsequent Update Exhibition held in July 2016.
Chiltern District Council has registered the application and will engage in a 21-day public consultation period during which time the public can make comments on the application. The Planning Application Reference is: CH/2016/1770/FA.
Supplementary Marketing Update
11 May 2016
As part of the process of working towards a residential-led planning submission for Asheridge Road, a supplementary marketing exercise is being undertaken at Chiltern District Council Planning Officers’ request. This exercise is to bring up to date the extensive marketing that has already taken place during the long period of vacancy at the site, to check the demand for the current Data Centre consent and further consider the demand for alternative employment uses, including as complementary to the proposed residential use. To this end, the property owners have instructed Colliers to undertake a marketing exercise for the site, which will involve an agency board being placed on the site and particulars distributed.
The property owners and the professional team are currently progressing the residential-led scheme proposals, which formed the basis of the Community Planning Day in March, and the intention is to lodge a detailed planning application by late summer. We will continue to consult with the community in advance of submission so that the community continues to be involved in the scheme design.
The marketing process will last for a minimum period of three months in advance of the submission of a planning application although the availability of the site will remain public until determination of the planning application – the total extended marketing may therefore be at least six months.
Architects JTP held a Community Planning Day back in March to invite the community to share local knowledge and contribute to shaping the plans for a residential-led mixed use neighbourhood on this derelict site that has remained empty for over ten years.
Following the event, the JTP team analysed the outcomes and drew up a Vision for Asheridge Road, which was reported back to the local community.
Key points to emerge from the process included:
- Wide support for the creation of new homes to finally bring the derelict brownfield site back into use after more than a decade of vacancy and concern that the site was not suitable for significant employment use due to Asheridge Road and the local road network being unsuitable for employment related traffic including HGV’s;
- The regeneration of the site is an opportunity to do something different for the 21st century and have a positive impact on the town;
- A need for a variety of house types, including smaller homes and flats affordable for young people and allowing people to downsize;
- The potential to integrate the regeneration of the site with green links through to the neighbouring Co-op Field and the creation of a new public open space;
- A need to consider the impact on the local infrastructure, services and the neighbouring area, including traffic and parking;
- A need to take account of views from nearby properties when developing the plans; and
- A desire by the community to continue to be involved in considering issues and ideas for the new neighbourhood.
Since March, the JTP team has been working with the local community to develop the proposals and the Update Exhibition was an opportunity for the public to see and comment on the latest emerging plans for the site. The proposals include around 160 new homes, business enterprise space and landscaped open and recreation space.
Background
The site at 90 Asheridge Road, Chesham is vacant and derelict brownfield land. This former employment site has become outdated and redundant and in the context of a continuing pressing need for the creation of new homes this allows for an exciting opportunity for a high quality, residential-led mixed-use scheme to bring the site into better use. The site could significantly contribute towards a wider shortage of new homes alongside complementary business enterprise and public space, in-line with the needs of the local community.
Shaw Corporation, on behalf of site owners Matterhorn, appointed architects and placemakers JTP to work with the local community to create a Vision for the site and its relationship with wider Chesham.
| Project type: | New Neighbourhood |
| Location: | Chesham, UK |
| Client: | Shaw Corporation |
| Stage: | Detailed Planning Application |
| Programme: | 2015 - 2016 |
