Technical Considerations

A range of Technical studies have been conducted to inform the masterplanning process, which are summarised below:

Access & Movement

The scheme is designed to promote sustainable travel, tying in with and upgrading existing routes, including linking to Cranfield University and centre of Cranfield via newly upgraded footpath along Crawley Road.
A further link for walking and cycling will be provided on to Bourne End Road, alongside improvements to the existing footway.
Other paths and routes will be included within the scheme’s green space network.
The scheme will be served by a vehicular point
of access via Crawley Road, designed to retain a
rural character.
The vehicular access will be incorporated into a landscaped entrance into the site. Enhancements will be made to Crawley Road, with surface treatment and gateway features designed to provide an enhanced entrance to the village.

Flooding & Drainage

The Site is located in Flood Zone 1 (lowest risk) and is therefore sequentially preferable under national and local planning policy.
The scheme’s green space network will incorporate a range of ‘sustainable drainage’ features, where surface water can be captured in a controlled manner to prevent surface water runoff to adjoining areas.
These drainage features shall be designed in accordance with aviation requirements in mind so to prevent attracting large birds within the vicinity of Cranfield airport.

Utilities

Hallam Land are consulting with statutory service providers with respect to gas, power, water and sewerage to ensure the future development is adequately serviced.
An existing foul water pump station is located adjacent to the Application Site’s north western boundary – 15 metre cordon sanitaire restricts location of new residential development.

Summary of Key Considerations

Following the assessment of the Application Site and its surroundings a number of influences and opportunities have been
identified to help shape its development form and design.

Influences

New vehicular access point from Crawley Road, to be designed to reflect a rural character and gateway to Cranfield.
An existing public footpath runs through the western part of the Application Site – provides direct connection to countryside.
Maximise the retention of existing trees, hedgerows and landscape features.
Parts of the Application Site at risk from surface water flooding.
Respect the privacy and amenity of adjacent existing properties.
An existing foul water pump station is located adjacent to the Application Site’s north western boundary – 15 metre cordon sanitaire restricts
location of new residential development.
Existing underground foul water main crosses the Application Site adjacent to Crawley Road.
The design of the wildlife habitats and drainage areas need to reflect the Site’s proximity to Cranfield Airport.
Areas of ecological value to be retained and/or mitigation provided.

Opportunities

Provision of a sustainable development supported by new areas of public open space.
Provide green infrastructure that accommodates a range of activities, including the provision of new pedestrian/cycle routes and play areas.
Provision of a strong landscape structure based upon the retention of the
existing hedgerows and trees and the provision of additional landscaping
to provide new opportunities for biodiversity enhancements and support
the amenity value of the new development.
Site’s eastern frontage with Bourne End Road provides the opportunity to create new pedestrian and cycle linkages to maximise integration with the
existing settlement.
Integrate with the existing on-site public footpath.
Provide a network of dry drainage features that form an integral part of the development’s green infrastructure and promote ecology and biodiversity.
Overlook new areas of public open space to provide natural surveillance
and create attractive aspects.