Plans for Alresford Meadows, off Sun Lane, New Alresford, Winchester SO24 9UE
Thank you for visiting our website, where you can find out more information about our plans for land off Sun Lane in New Alresford.
Please click the image above to see a larger version of the approved illustrative masterplan.
Introduction
In early 2021, Taylor Wimpey acquired this development site to the east of Sun Lane in New Alresford with outline planning permission for up to 320 new homes, 3.4 hectares of employment land and 16.84 hectares of public open space, along with a new roundabout off the A31.
Outline planning permission confirms that the principle and quantum of the proposed development is acceptable to Winchester City Council. Outline planning permission was granted in March 2020 (planning reference 17/01528/OUT).
Now outline planning permission has been granted, the subsequent ‘Reserved Matters’ application will seek to agree the layout, scale and appearance of the development along with landscaping. Taylor Wimpey is therefore asking for your views on this prior to submitting its reserved matters application.
Unfortunately, due to Coronavirus, we are unable to meet in person to discuss this latest planning application. However, we have created this website for members of the public to view our proposals and provide feedback.
About
Taylor Wimpey
Taylor Wimpey is one of the UK’s largest residential developers, building and selling over 10,000 homes each year. In 2007, George Wimpey and Taylor Woodrow merged to form Taylor Wimpey. We are proud of the home building and construction heritage of both companies, which dates back more than 100 years. As a responsible developer, we are committed to working with local people and communities, and we make a positive contribution to the communities in which we work.
Consultation
At Taylor Wimpey, we take the views of the local community seriously and as such, we carried out a period of public consultation prior to submitting a reserved matters application for the land off Sun Lane in New Alresford.
The consultation period has now closed, as of 2nd June 2021.
Thank you to all who provided feedback, this will be taken into consideration as we move forward with our detailed proposals.
What is the difference between Outline Planning Permission and Reserved Matters?
When a large scale, new build development is proposed, planning rules allow for landowners to ascertain whether the principle of development is acceptable to the local authority by making an outline planning application. An outline application is so-called because information is submitted on the quantum and nature of the development, but the full technical details of the scheme and its associated infrastructure are not required at this initial stage.
If outline planning permission is granted (which it was for this site in March 2020), the details of the proposed development are then defined in a reserved matters planning application. This next stage sets out the detail of the development, such as the design of the homes, the materials used, the road layout, landscaping, utilities and so on. It stipulates exactly what will be built, where it will be built and how.
Reserved matters applications have to align closely with the previously approved masterplan for the outline planning application.
Overview
of the Development
- The development comprises three component parts:
- 302 new homes are planned in the north of the site (on an area covering 8.75 hectares or 21.6 acres)
- 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres) of employment land will be created to the south of the site, close to the A31
- 16.84 hectares (41.61 acres) of public open space will form the central area of the development
- 121 (40%) of the 302 new homes will be affordable homes, which will be a mix of properties available for affordable rent or shared ownership through a local housing association
- The commercial land will comprise modern, purpose-built employment premises within an attractive landscaped setting
- Public open space in the form of natural parkland forms the centrepiece of the development.
- A new roundabout on the A31 will initially provide vehicle access for the construction phase of development. Once operational, this will be used to access the new homes as well as the commercial development in the south. A new roundabout off Sun Lane will provide a secondary access to the new homes.
- Sun Lane will be realigned to give the Sun Hill Infant and Junior Schools the opportunity to expand and introduce new facilities. Furthermore, a ‘park and stride’ within the proposed development will help promote safe drop-off for the school.
Access
and Highways
- In order to facilitate the new development, amendments will be required to the surrounding road network.
- A new roundabout on the A31 will be provided to the south of the site. This will form the main access, both for construction traffic and then for the new residential and commercial development, creating a direct link onto the strategic highway network.
- Construction of the new roundabout on the A31 will take place before any homes are built on site.
- Part of Whitehill Lane will be rerouted through the employment area of the development site, to allow for construction of the new A31 roundabout. Vehicles on Sun Lane will follow the new link road through the employment area to rejoin the old Whitehill Lane.
- Sun Lane will be realigned by Sun Hill Infants and Junior Schools to give the Sun Hill schools the opportunity to expand and introduce new facilities. Sun Lane will be realigned eastwards, into the new development, and a new roundabout will be introduced to provide access to the new homes.
- A pedestrian crossing will ensure safe movement between the proposed residential area and schools.
Parkland
- Over 41 acres, by far the largest proportion of the site, will be landscaped parkland accessible to all, which, along with new allotments, will become an important community asset for New Alresford.
- We have undertaken detailed ecological assessments of the site and existing landscape elements. Existing trees, hedgerows and new footpaths are considered to be important assets and have been incorporated into the scheme.
- The highest part of the site will become recreational meadows sown with native grasses and wildflowers, with a range of mowing regimes to support recreation, amenity and biodiversity.
- There is also the potential for a woodland burial ground in a peaceful location to the east of the proposed parkland.
- Over 100 new trees will be planted.
- A large network of footpaths would be created throughout the site, linking the new and existing developments to the wider countryside and providing opportunities for exercise, activity and amenity close to home, school and places of work.
- We intend to start preparing this land once reserved matters permission has been granted, so trees and shrubs have time to mature as the development gets underway.
Employment Space
- Over eight acres of the site has been designated as employment space to accommodate offices, research and development, studios, laboratories, high-tech and/or light industrial uses.
- This new centre for business will be accessed directly from the A31, from the new roundabout.
- The existing employment space in New Alresford is outdated and this site will provide modern high-quality workspace.
- There will be generous tree planting and landscaping, to create a high-quality environment and provide an appropriate setting to the new businesses.
- Buildings will be no higher than two storeys and the topography of the site means that the employment area will be well screened.
Housing
- The 302 properties will comprise of a mixture of terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, as well as flats.
- To help encourage a rich and distinct sense of place, there are a number of character areas within the development which are defined by a change in layout, house type and density.
- Key cues have been taken from the local architecture seen across New Alresford. Homes are traditionally styled, with predominantly red brick finishes.
- The homes have been sensitively sited, with extensive woodland planting to minimise any impact on views from neighbouring, existing properties.
- Houses are predominately two storeys high with some 2.5 storey houses and apartment blocks.
- The residential element is focused around a new village green, with a children’s play area in the centre.
Phasing Plan
- The development will be undertaken in phases, with the first phase being the construction of the new roundabout off the A31 and some landscaping within the public open space. Subject to Winchester City Council approving the reserved matters application, it is anticipated that this first phase could commence in Summer 2022.
- Construction of the new homes could commence in Summer 2023.
- All construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2028.
Drainage
- A comprehensive drainage strategy means that development of the site would not increase the risk of flooding within the site, or elsewhere. The drainage strategy includes attenuation basins, a network of swales to provide landscape, amenity and ecology benefits, and permeable paving.
- The site is deemed to be at low risk from flooding.
Community Benefits
We believe our proposals carry wider benefits to the community of New Alresford beyond the provision of much-needed new homes (including 121 affordable properties). The benefits include significant financial contributions towards community infrastructure, secured via the S.106 Agreement attached to the outline planning permission, as well as a significant area of new, publicly accessible meadowland for the community to enjoy. The commercial land will provide new employment opportunities and jobs.
Sun Lane, New Alresford
Construction Works Updates
Road Closure, Traffic Control and Diversions
Until 21st February 2025:
A31 Alresford Bypass
- A working safety zone will be in place along the A31 eastbound lane using directional arrow signs and traffic cones to cordon off the zone.
- At night traffic lights will be in use for the same area between 20:00 and 06:00.
November 2024:
A31 Alresford Bypass
- Northern lane of the A31 will be closed - except for construction traffic.
6th January 2025 onwards:
A31 Alresford Bypass
- Access via the new roundabout will be open for construction traffic only to the site.
May 2025:
A31 Alresford Bypass
- Two weeks of night closure to the A31 to complete the required resurfacing works (date yet to be confirmed).
6th May 2024 to 6th January 2025:
Tichborne Down and Sun Lane Corner
- If necessary - Traffic Management with 3-way traffic light system between 08:00 to 17:30
- Site deliveries between 09:30 and 14:00
Diversion signs will be in place at the:
- Tichborne Down / Sun Lane Corner
- Sun Lane / East Street Junction
- Bishops Sutton Road / Scrubbs Lane Junction
- Whitehill Lane / Appledown Lane Junction
On site & other works
November 2024 onwards:
8:30am - 4pm:
- On site movement of materials for the new A31 roundabout, with the northern lane of the A31 closed - except for construction traffic.
February 2025:
- Main works to new A31 roundabout will start (date yet to be confirmed) and will take one month to complete.
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Contact Us
Feedback
Our consultation period has now closed, but please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our plans.