TECHNICAL EVIDENCE

Highways and Traffic

The site is considered to be sustainable due to its location on the edge of Coalville town centre, resulting in a number of amenities and destinations being accessible by various sustainable travel modes. The site will link with existing footways, providing pedestrian links to the wider pedestrian network which facilitates access to amenities situated within the town and surrounding areas. Local and national cycle routes are accessible within 400m of the site which provide cycle accessibility across the town and to the surrounding towns and villages. Bus services and stops are located within a short walking distance of the site, providing regular access to locations including Ibstock, Swadlincote, Castle Donnington, Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham. The site location therefore benefits from a high level of sustainable accessibility.

The proposals include parking provision for 54 cars equating to a provision of 0.67 spaces per property, which exceeds the minimum requirements specified within LCC Highway Design Guide for housing for older people.

Flood Risk

The site is not within a flood-risk area, however, there are higher risk areas scattered around the site in neighbouring towns and villages.

There is a medium risk of surface water flooding within the area and this can be mitigated by the use of flood prevention design techniques and locating run off soft landscaping in between hard surfaces.

In accordance with best practice, external ground levels will fall away from the building and towards drainage features. The design of surface water drainage features will be such that any surface water flow paths within the site are maintained and/or accommodated while ensuring that buildings remain free from flooding without increasing risk elsewhere. The drainage system will be designed to accommodate flood risks plus the risk from climate change storm events.

Sustainability

The development will incorporate a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions, mitigating the effects of climate change, and adaptation measures to ensure the long term resilience of the development to the effects of climate change.

The development will support resource efficiency and use low embodied carbon materials where possible.

An energy strategy has been commissioned to ensure that the development achieves high energy efficiency levels. The proposal will be constructed with high levels of fabric insulation and low air permeability to an overall standard that will meet current UK Building Regulations. This will be delivered by a fabric first approach rather than providing renewable, which will ensure that the dwellings provide long term, low cost living.

Trees

The tree survey revealed 21 tree groups. All of the surveyed tree groups are retention category ‘C’ meaning these trees are of low or average quality and value, and are inadequate condition to remain until new planting could be established.

The tree cover at the site comprises young to semi mature planted tree groups.

Collectively the tree groups at the site form significant landscape features but the trees within the tree groups are of low value individually.

Ecology & Landscaping

The Site is not located close to any statutory or non-statutory wildlife sites and impacts on such sites are not anticipated.

The Site is dominated by buildings, hardstanding and poor-quality plantation woodland and scrub of limited biodiversity value.

Biodiversity Net Gain has been considered as part of the development, incorporating a comprehensive landscape scheme to include a ‘sunken garden’ for residents. An extensive landscape scheme has been developed that will improve the visual amenity of the site and to help soften the overall appearance and provide screening and security. The landscaping proposals also take into consideration the ecological assessments that have taken place to support this development.

Noise

Due to the close proximity to the A511 and the railway line a noise impact assessment has been prepared, which concludes that the site, is not affected by any significant noise issues. Design measures and suitable ventilation will enhance the protection against noise impacts. These measures will be significantly upgraded from standard style insulation and windows.

Heritage & Character

There is a mix of residential, commercial and industrial buildings from various periods and quality, highlighting the process of Coalville’s masterplan for re-development.

The site does not fall into the Coalville Conservation Area, however due to its close proximity, it is important that it’s impact is considered. Key views mentioned in the area appraisal focus chiefly on the Clock Tower, which can be viewed from the four roads that approach it. Other views include those from Memorial Square along Ashby Road, and along the old railway line from Belvoir Road. The collection of railway structures, as viewed looking northwards from the Square, also constitute a significant view.

Materials highlighted within the area appraisal include the red brick, terracotta detailing, stone finishes to doorways and windows, and slate roofs. Subject to feedback from consultees and comments through the planning process.