5.0 Development Criteria

5.1

It is not the intention of this brief to dictate how to develop this site, but rather to guide developers on the sort of uses that would be acceptable and likely requirements of any scheme.

5.2 Land Use

The Council would like to see office development and associated parking on this site. The inclusion of the frontage site onto Abbey Foregate for office, shop or residential use would be welcomed. (See Plan 3). However the following uses would generally be considered acceptable, subject to likely traffic generation:-

• Offices/"Hi-tech" uses/research laboratories
• Retail unit (on Abbey Foregate frontage)
• Housing (excluding landfill area)
• Community facilities
• Religious facilities
• Medical facilities
• Nursery school/creche/after school club

5.2.1 The following uses would be considered unacceptable:-

• Retail development (other than on Abbey Foregate frontage)
• Light industry [Class B1(c)]
• General industry [Class B2]
• Storage uses [Class B8]

5.3 Vehicular and Pedestrian Access

The only feasible access to the site would be to Abbey Foregate, via Mill Road. The existing access provides adequate visibility along Abbey Foregate with the access point being 5 metres wide. The gradient may need to be altered at this point to allow cars to exit the site, level with Abbey Foregate. One footway of approximately 1.8 metres would be required along Mill Road to the rear of the site.

5.4 Parking

The standards for different types of development are set out in Appendix 3.

5.5 Provision of major services

No significant difficulties are anticipated regarding the provision of water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, etc. However with regard to drainage issues, the following should be noted;

Foul Water

There is an existing foul water sewer which runs along Abbey Foregate which would be capable of accepting flows generated from the development of this site. However the change in levels will require effluent to be pumped to this. A new pumping station should be sized to serve development of the whole site in order to avoid a proliferation of pumping stations.

Surface Water

There is a public surface water sewer at the southern corner of the site into which surface water in any new development will need to be directed.

5.6 Refuse

Adequate arrangements should be provided for refuse storage and collection. Any storage area should accommodate a wheeled bin 715cm x 58cm x 1140cm high. Access by way of steps should be avoided. Adequate width of road and height will need to be provided to allow access by refuse vehicles.