Design Framework and Principles. Following directly from the above assessment of the site’s constraints and opportunities, a framework has been prepared that sets the vision and describes the design principles for the development of the site. These include: • A vehicular access into the site provided via a junction on the proposed NAR. • A pedestrian and cycle route that links the development to Eglwys Brewis Road and the nearby bus stops, and this would include a new bridge over Boverton Brook. • Setting the development away from the Llanmaes and Boverton Xxxxxx to allow habitats in these areas to be retained and enhanced. • Incorporate existing landscape features, including trees and hedgerows, into the development where appropriate. • Create a 10m wide landscape buffer zone along the west and north boundaries to screen the development from the adjacent NAR, with the existing trees to the railway retained. • Create a ‘village’ character and quality that reflects existing settlements within the Vale of Glamorgan. In particular, use roads of varying width that meander through the site, with focal spaces being created at key junctions. • Give careful consideration to the way development relates to the retained grassland areas and xxxxxx; ensuring that the housing is set back from, but overlooks the Llanmaes Brook. • Locate focal buildings at the end of long vistas, which contribute to longer views and overall appearance. • Enclose key spaces, junctions and key points of entry into the site with focal buildings and continuous building frontages. • Provide a number of areas for children’s play with a local equipped area for play (LEAP) near the junction of the Llanmaes and Boverton Xxxxxx, with further informal recreation space being associated with the Boverton Brook and on the eastern side of the Llanmaes Brook. The housing areas should be designed to overlook these areas where possible, to encourage natural surveillance. • Provide strong pedestrian permeability through the site by the creation of designated walkways and the connection to existing footpaths to the north and south. • Consider the development’s relationship with the adjacent landscape and its appearance in distant views. • Divert the 33 kV overhead power lines to ensure an appropriate distance to residential development. • Site surface water attenuation ponds to the south of the new housing. • Strengthen scrub planting along Boverton and Llanmaes Xxxxxx for protected species mitigation.
