SA01: Land at ‘The Wheatridge’

Site description and overview:

The site is greenfield. It is currently vacant, grassed land surrounded by residential development on all sides. There are a number of mature trees on the boundary and in the centre of the site. This site was included as a development opportunity in the 2013 City Plan Sites consultation.

Gross site area: 2.28 ha.

Summary of responses to previous consultation:  

• This part of Abbey/Upton currently suffers from a general lack of public open space, and it is critical to the local people and wildlife that this area is left untouched.
• Need for open space, used by dog walkers, pedestrians, horses.
• It’s a nature corridor and habitats for wildlife will be lost.
• Concerns about the impact on the road junction.
• Any development should be small, keep as much of the field as possible.

Proposed allocation:

• Residential development of up to 50 dwellings with formal public open space.
• The site is also potentially suitable for educational use.

Constraints:

• The site has unknown archaeological potential. Further archaeological assessment and mitigation may be required. 

Sustainability Appraisal findings:

• Minor negative SA scores for soil quality and landscape.

Site specific requirements:

• At least 50 dwellings.
• New public open space.
• Neighbourhood area for children’s play.
• Archaeological assessment.