DESIGN DEVELOPMENT - Review of the Cheltenham Plan

 

Adopted in 2020, the local Cheltenham Plan sets out the visions, objectives and policies for future development throughout the town. Whilst reviewing the plan I pulled out what I gather to be important details that will inform and influence my design and intention for North Place. 

Not to blow my own trumpet, but I am pleased that my concept and objectives already align with the key principles within the plan. There is a real focus on "locally specific models", ones that support cultural and social life for existing communities and for the future. Below I have outlined the links between the aims of the Cheltenham Plan and my design:

Integration of existing communities with new communities - I aimed to conserve the open spaces directly outside of the residential properties that face onto North Place, with the intention to encourage the surrounding community to engage with the new and proposed development - it should be there one stop, local. They are the users.. why block them out?

Understand what people need, to create socially sustainable and locally specific models - My design approach focuses on circular living, providing the everyday needs for the local community - food (rooftop farm), air (improved air quality and micro climate via tree planting), clothing (pre-loved/ upcycle shops/studios), good health - both physical and mental (tea rooms and natural/ herbal remedies, yoga/ exercise platform), relationships (improved community engagement and co-living space), social acceptance and self actualisation - these last two are fairly whimsical, but I aim to provide an environment that encourages self expression through style, art and community - which in turn should attract social advocates. 

Focus on connectivity and active travel - Despite the 20,000m² designated to carparking space I have included a bus stop/ coach station to encourage public transport. I have also followed the desire lines - providing a cut through for both pedestrians and cyclists, promoting active travel. There is also a focus on safer crossings. 

Flexible employment space, supporting opportunities for business start ups. With a focus on retail and leisure employment in the central core - I have designated two floors (circa 900m²)  to serviced offices. Having worked in the industry, I know that this will house around 200 workstations as well as breakout space, toilets etc. The remaining internal ground floor space and the 'Galleries' have been allotted to retail and leisure. 

Conserve and enhance Cheltenham's heritage and natural environment - I tried to approach my design layout logically, protecting all of the surrounding vistas, ensuring that they influence the site and protect the "distinguished architectural heritage" and character of the old town. 

My design inspiration is entirely influenced by Cheltenham's physical identity - both the natural and ecological features with a few touches of regency elegance. Protecting the AONB and "high-quality scenery of the escarpment" to "capitalise on Cheltenham's role as a gateway to the Cotswolds". 

Adapt to climate change and help secure functioning eco-systems - the brief outlines that the design for North Place should be biophilic. With this in mind, trees, lots of trees, have always been my aim. Trees on roofs, trees on balconies, trees in ground etc. to improve the microclimate. I have also designated an area behind The Farm to a quite, green corridor and have attenuation ponds to reduce flood risk, purify water and harvest rainwater. 

The Cheltenham Plan also mentions the need for housing and high-quality student accommodation. I have designated a fair amount to residential, with the focus on HMO's, student accommodation and small space living with multifunctional furniture that transforms the multi-use space.

The site specific requirements for North Place (Policy HD9) are to protect the setting, character and significance of the Conservation Area and other heritage assets and to provide safe, easy and convenient pedestrian access and cycle links within the site, both of which have been addressed above.