What are we proposing?
The emerging masterplan currently provides for approximately 110 new homes. The development would provide a range of 1 to 4-bedroom properties, including both market and affordable homes, with a mix of types and tenures designed to meet different housing requirements.
This number has not been arrived at by simply seeking to fit as many homes as possible onto the site. Indeed, considerably more homes could potentially be accommodated if density alone were the determining factor.
Instead, Stratland wants to achieve an appropriate balance between providing much-needed new homes and creating an attractive, spacious development that responds to the character of Motcombe.
The intention is to provide homes suitable for a range of households, including younger people seeking their first home, families and people whose housing requirements change over time.
The emerging proposals include:
Approximately 110 new homes
A mix of homes intended to meet a range of local housing needs.
Affordable housing
The development would provide affordable housing in accordance with relevant planning policy. The precise mix has yet to be determined, although this is expected to include affordable rented and shared-ownership homes.
1 to 4-bedroom homes
A varied housing mix designed to accommodate different household sizes and needs rather than a single type of home.
Open space and landscaping
Areas unsuitable for development provide opportunities for open space, landscaping and other green infrastructure.
The emerging proposals include
PLAY SPACES
Dedicated opportunities for children's play would be provided within the new open spaces.
A NEW COMMUNITY AND School pick-up and drop-off / CAR PARK
A new parking area close to Motcombe Primary School would provide an alternative location for parents dropping off and collecting children and would also be available for wider public use.
Improved pedestrian connections
A new footpath is proposed along the northern section of Turnpike Road, helping connect the development with the school and existing village.
LANDSCAPING AND BIODIVERSITY
Landscape and ecological considerations are being incorporated into the emerging design.
Drainage and flood-risk measures
Flood risk has been recognised from the outset as an important consideration and specialist consultants are developing an appropriate strategy.
An Emerging Master Plan
It is important to emphasise that the masterplan being shown as part of this consultation is indicative. Detailed house designs and architectural treatments have not yet been determined. This consultation is deliberately taking place before those decisions have been finalised.
Creating a development that belongs in Motcombe
We recognise that the design and character of the development will be particularly important to the local community.
Our intention is not to create a generic housing estate which could be located anywhere.
The design of the new homes will take account of the existing vernacular and architecture of Motcombe, including the scale, form, appearance and materials found within the village.
Detailed house designs have not yet been finalised, allowing these matters to be considered as the masterplan develops.
Heritage
The project team is also assessing the heritage assets within and around Motcombe and considering the relationship between the proposed development and the historic environment.
The site is understood to lie outside the Motcombe Conservation Area, although its proximity to the Conservation Area means that heritage and local character will be important considerations as the proposals develop.
This approach also reflects feedback from representatives involved with the Motcombe Neighbourhood Plan, who emphasised the importance of future development being sympathetic to Motcombe's character and avoiding a generic or standardised approach.
An indicative example of how the scheme could look
Providing homes for the future of Motcombe
There is an identified need to deliver additional housing across Dorset, and the proposed development would make a contribution towards meeting that need. The site has previously been considered and a potential allocation for approximately 110 homes.
The proposals are for circa 110 homes and seek to provide a broad mix of properties to meet a range of local housing needs. Homes are currently expected to range from one to four bedrooms and would include both market and affordable housing, with the affordable homes providing an appropriate mix of types and tenures in accordance with planning policy.
There is an important relationship between new housing and the longer-term sustainability of village services. Many schools across Dorset report that pupil numbers have been declining and recognise the potential benefit of attracting younger families into Dorset villages, helping to support schools and the wider village communities.
What happens next?
Following consultation, we will review all the feedback received alongside the continuing technical work. Where appropriate, the emerging masterplan will then be amended before the proposals progress towards a planning application.