1.  Sandon Road & MOD Site 4, Stafford (2022):

The Planning for Real Unit was part of the Atkins multi-disciplinary team commissioned by Homes England to provide services to support an outline planning application for new homes on a site comprising two parcels of land on the northern edge of Stafford. Our role was to lead on community and stakeholder engagement.

Homes England proposals for the creation of a new neighbourhood on the land included:

• A variety of homes, including affordable homes, for local people.
• New vehicular access from Beaconside and from the Sandon Road with associated traffic management measures.
• New public open space including children’s play area.
• Walking and cycling links.
• Retention of many existing trees and hedgerows, onsite management of water and nature habitats.

The engagement process began with a series of online Workshops with Borough and Parish Councillors representing the residents living in the Ward / Parish within which the site was located, and with the business community from the nearby industrial estate.  These early Workshops were followed by two public consultation events held on consecutive days in early December at the Sandon Road Baptist Church Centre, a venue that was well known and easily accessible for all.

The events were publicised using a range of methods: individual letters to residents in properties adjacent to the site; individual letters and posters to all businesses on the nearby Industrial Estate and those located at Paton Drive with businesses urged to encourage their employees to participate; individual letters and posters to local Schools, Community Centres, Churches, Village Hall, local groups, neighbourhood shops and medical centres.  Leaflets were also hand delivered to all properties in Hopton Village  and to the residential area around Sandon Road Baptist Church. Leaflets were delivered to the main MOD base for distribution to married quarters and various locations and hubs within the base.

The consultation days took the form of a staffed event at which a series of exhibition boards were displayed providing background information about Homes England, the site, the different elements of the illustrative masterplan, next steps shown as a timeline, and a board covering Frequently Asked Questions.

Those attending the consultation days were able to complete a survey which posed several questions and provided the opportunity for residents to give detailed responses and comments.  Those unable to attend could view the exhibition material and complete an on-line survey by visiting the website set up specifically for the consultation.

The feedback received showed that the proposals received support with particular mention being made about:

• The development of a range of homes, including affordable.
• The public open space, pedestrian and cycle links and routes, and provision for play spaces.
• Retention of many of the existing trees and hedgerows, on-site water retention measures, and the creation of a green buffer zone to support nature and habitat management and conservation.

A planning application was submitted to Stafford Borough Council.

 

2.  Homestead View Sustainable Urban SW Rugby (2023 to 2024):

Again, the Planning for Real Unit was part of the Atkins multi-disciplinary team commissioned by Homes England with the same role of community and stakeholder engagement.

The Project:

The SW Rugby Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), known as Homestead View, was allocated as part of Rugby Borough Council’s Plan 2011 to 2031 (adopted June 2019), to provide much needed new homes (5,000), employment land (35ha), schools, improved roads and community facilities for new residents and existing residents living in the area. Led by Homes England and a consortium of landowners and developers, this new community will fill a significant gap in available and affordable housing in the area, while also providing new green spaces and infrastructure improvements for the wider area.

Homes England land allocation within the Homestead View SUE is the site coloured salmon on the map below.

The project was delivered over two stages:

Stage 1: 3-day Community Design Event 6^th – 8^th July 2023

The Community Design Event gave the local community and stakeholders the opportunity to share their knowledge of the area and help shape the new Vision for Homes England’s site, within the wider Homestead View allocation, through facilitated workshops and hands-on planning groups. There was also a staffed exhibition explaining the background of the site and recent work undertaken.

The event, attended by over 200 people, was run by LDA Design, Atkins, Planning for Real and Levitt Bernstein on behalf of Homes England. This was an early piece of engagement for the design team to hear local views and reflect on the feedback when starting to develop Masterplan proposals for Homes England’s land. Feedback was collated from participants through post-it notes, drawings and comment forms. A comment form was also made available on the Homestead View website for a month, allowing those unable to attend the events to feedback.

Stage 2: Community Update Exhibition From Friday 13th September 2024 – Friday 11th October 2024

Following the Community Design Event in July 2023 the team considered the issues and opportunities shared and have been developing a masterplan for the Homes England site. Homes England invited Rugby’s residents to join them at a Community Update Exhibition in Dunchurch on Friday 13^th September. The event provided an opportunity for the community to see how their feedback has influenced the emerging masterplan and to comment on the plans.  Levels of participation at this event were again high.

Those residents unable to attend the event in person, could view the exhibition material on the Homestead View website.  Comments were gathered via a Comment Form, offered as a paper version at the Exhibition, and as an online version via a QR code.  This QR code appeared on the hand delivered leaflets advertising the Exhibition which were delivered to households within a large geographical area surrounding the site.  The period for feedback on the emerging masterplan went on until 11^th October 2024.

The Team at Atkins have subsequently been working on the submission of the planning application.

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