The Hollow, Bath
Occupying a plot just off of The Hollow in the Southdown
district, this site lies at the south east corner of a larger
hillside encircled by residential development.
The Trust has recently submitted a planning application to Bath
& North East Somerset Council for residential development on
the site and is awaiting the outcome of that application.
The current proposal is for 30 affordable homes consisting of
both houses and flats for affordable rent and shared
ownership. In addition we propose a new access road via
Cotswold View, landscaping and public amenity space, possibly
in the form of allotments. A total of 39 dedicated car parking
spaces are also intended with cycle parking and bin storage
areas.
The scheme has been developed in parallel with consultation
carried out with neighbouring residents, local councillors and Bath
City Farm.
Design objectives
Following the site appraisal, a process of design has been
undertaken to establish what we consider to be the most appropriate
development for the site. This is based on the following
design objectives:
- to provide high quality new homes and much-needed affordable
homes;
- to use the site’s topography to create interest and minimise
visual impact;
- to provide a high-quality street environment that integrates
with it surroundings and creates a sense of place;
- to reduce the impact of the private cars through carefully
conceived parking areas and a reduced reliance in cars; and
- to ensure opportunities for additional landscaping within and
around the site are maximised.
Sustainability
The approach to the sustainable development of
the site has been an intrinsic part of the design and evaluation
process. This has been benchmarked against standards set by
the Code for Sustainable Homes and Building for Life and follows
key sustainable design principles as set out below:
Low-carbon development and reduced fuel bills.
- Timber-framed construction.
- Building insulation levels substantially above the minimum
standards required by building regulations.
- Use of water in the home minimised.
Minimising negative environmental impact.
- Maximised opportunities to incorporate and enhance the
environmental character and ecological diversity of the
development.
- Reduced volume of surface water run-off by incorporating green
roofs, permeable paving finishes, and ‘swales’.
- Secure storage for cycles.
- Provisions to enable working from home.
- Waste minimisation and recycling strategy for the site during
construction.
- Best practice policies will be adopted to ensure that dust and
water pollution is minimised and avoided during construction.
- Provision will be made to encourage recycling and re-use,
including adequate external storage for refuse and recycling as
well as provision of composting bins and water butts within garden
areas.
If you would like to give us any feedback please
send it to Marcia_Gillings@somer.org.uk.