Climate-conscious design
Prioritising environmental performance
We are taking a number of steps to ensure that our plans are delivered sustainably. Energy-efficient design is one of our top priorities with this site. We are also exploring how we can incorporate renewable energy generation onsite to power the units sustainably.
The carbon footprint of the site will also be reduced through the use of sustainable building materials during the build-out process. These features, along with our efforts to enhance biodiversity and create new habitat areas, will help us to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. This means that the development will rank in the top 10% of new non-domestic UK buildings in terms of environmental performance.
Biodiversity and landscaping
Sensitively integrating the site into the environment
Our development goes beyond just providing new jobs. We are committed to creating more wildlife-friendly habitats than currently exist on the site. Extensive landscaping not only ensures the site is visually integrated into its environment but also creates opportunities for ecosystems to thrive.
Our plans include 30 metres of woodland buffer to the north adjacent to the Gaydon Coppice, along with tree and hedgerow retention and new planting throughout the site and the creation of green corridors.
Sustainable travel
Providing options for more sustainable transport
In addition to our work on building design and habitats, we are also exploring opportunities to enhance sustainable travel opportunities to and from the site. This includes encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport.
Whilst some level of car usage is inevitable, by encouraging more sustainable modes of travel we can thereby reduce the impact on the local road network. As part of the site’s sustainability credentials and to promote sustainable travel, we will also be providing electric vehicle charging and cycle parking facilities for each unit on the site.
Public access
Promoting active travel with footpaths and cycleways
As part of the development proposals, the existing Public Right of Way SM80 will be retained and incorporated broadly along its current alignment. This includes enhancing the current entry point along the B4100.
Various new footpaths and cycleways will be incorporated within the site including a publicly accessible route around the northern, eastern and western perimeters of the site, providing permeable links to the surrounding footpath network area, to promote both active travel and the well-being of staff working at the site.
There will also be improved walking and cycling routes to encourage active travel including upgrading the existing footpath connection into Lighthorne Heath.
