Technical Matters
Transport
The planning application will be supported by a Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan which will outline the traffic impacts of the scheme and any appropriate mitigation, along with a strategy for promoting sustainable travel from the site. The scope of work to be included in the documents for the planning application is currently being discussed with the local highway authority. Car parking will be provided on site with reference to the local highway authority guidance, in discussion with the local highway authority. Cycle parking will be provided for all dwellings and electric vehicle charging will be available. The layout will be designed to ensure that servicing and emergency vehicles are able to access the site. Pedestrian and cycle access will be provided onto Stoke Road. A footway along the site frontage will connect with the existing provision already in place along Stoke Road to the east of the site. This will provide a continuous route from the site into Bishops Cleeve village centre.
Arboriculture
An Arboricultural Assessment undertaken in May identified two high-quality trees on site. Both trees will be retained and sensitively incorporated into the proposed development. Appropriate protection will be proposed, as required, to safeguard long-term health and ensure the continued provision of valuable ecological habitat. Existing boundary hedgerows will also be retained and appropriately managed, complemented by new tree planting across the site. This approach will contribute positively to local character and biodiversity.
Landscape
The development will include a thoughtfully designed landscape scheme, informed by a detailed assessment of the site and its surroundings. It will provide high-quality open spaces for recreation, including both formal and informal areas, alongside new wildlife habitats. Existing natural features will be retained wherever possible, with strengthened hedgerows and new woodland planting to soften views, particularly from nearby homes. Overall, the aim is to create a development that sits comfortably within the landscape whilst enhancing the local environment and community.
Ecology
Initial ecological surveys show that much of the site has limited ecological value, albeit further surveys are ongoing. As mentioned, the scheme will retain boundary hedgerows and include a wide green buffer with grassland and trees. This will provide habitats for wildlife such as bats, birds and hedgehogs. The development will deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain in line with national requirements.
Environmental Health
Odour, Noise and Air Quality Assessments will be produced to accompany this planning application, assessing any environmental health impacts in the vicinity of the site and establishing any mitigation measures which may be required
Drainage
Surface water will be carefully managed and discharged at a controlled rate into a nearby watercourse. An attenuation basin will be created within the site to store water during heavy rainfall, designed to accommodate extreme weather events. Additional sustainable drainage features such as rain gardens, swales and water butts will also be considered.
