This project for members of the armed forces replaces 533 dwellings with 484 new homes on the same sites. The existing buildings were in poor condition and were regarded as overly institutional.
The new development provides variety and choice in pleasant living conditions, arranged as distinct neighbourhoods, in mostly semi detached and linked detached buildings with garages, safe play areas and no through traffic, at an average density of 10 houses per acre. Plan types and room arrangements were discussed in an extensive resident consultation exercise.
Each neighbourhood has a particular character which is complementary within an overall framework. Some areas are arranged around formal tree-lined squares. Others are informal clusters. Along the main pedestrian spine individual houses are grouped as pairs and terraces to make more urban facades.
The Central Square is intended to be a warm and inviting area with trees and recreation space.
At both ends of the square, the spine narrows to give a sense of enclosure and transition into areas where houses have a different character suiting their particular context and role, so that something special happens each time you enter or leave each neighbourhood.
Railings and/or brick walls clearly define front gardens, and there are no cars along the pedestrian spine, just people and cycles - a safe place for children to play.
