Design response to community feedback (2023-2024)

There was general support for developing the site but overall feedback on the early proposals was mixed. There was support for preserving and using the existing listed building from stakeholders, neighbours and members of public.  There was also support for some community use on the site.

A number of concerns were raised in relation to height, parking, access, design and landscaping. Since the consultation, the project team has continued to refine the design proposals in preparation for submitting the application and their response to these key concerns are outlined below. 

Height/Massing

Some concerns were raised regarding the proposed height of the new buildings and their impact on the existing listed building.  Residents in Kenneth Road also raised concerns about overlooking/privacy.

Design response:

• The height of the main building has been reduced from 5 storeys to 4 storeys. This has been achieved by relocating the staff training and welfare provisions to an affiliated care-home in Winterbourne

• The new building has been further set back 2.8m from the brook, creating a total distance of 25m between the building and properties on Kenneth Road

• A footpath, with native trees/planting, is to be created along this boundary to provide more screening and to reduce overlooking to the rear of properties on Kenneth Road 

Parking and access

Some people were concerned by the limited parking provision on site and the possibility of overspill parking on Runnymede Avenue and surrounding roads. There were also some concerns in relation to access to the site.

Design response:

• A new car parking area for staff/occupants of the key worker flats has been created which will provide 13 spaces (including a delivery bay)  in addition to the 6 spaces in the visitor car park, bringing the total to 19 spaces.

• Moving the staff car parking area has created space for a new pedestrian plaza providing access to the key worker flats. This also creates a more active frontage onto the Bath Road with scope for new planting.

• Small van delivery vehicles will be used instead of lorries which will make less of an impact on residents. The frequency of service vehicles is unlikely to provide noticeable additional traffic.

• The noise levels are expected to fall within normal domestic traffic noise.

Landscaping

People were keen to know more about boundary treatments and plans for increasing biodiversity on the site.

Design response:

• The intention is to create as much greening of the site as possible.

• To increase biodiversity, new planting of native species will be introduced on the main facades and boundaries together with green roofs.

Other frequently asked questions

Is this a suitable/safe location for a care home?

• The location is safe and sustainable in terms of accessibility, commuting and proximity to shops and amenities for both residents and staff

• Triple glazing will help to mitigate road noise and mechanical ventilation system will manage traffic pollution

• A variety of green spaces is proposed on site

• An additional landscaped outdoor garden courtyard has been created for use by the care home residents

• A planted footpath will be created along the boundary with the brook as well as planted terraces

What about the negative impact on existing shops/ businesses already on Brislington Hill?

• The new residents from the care-home and from the key-worker flats will help and support the local businesses

I’m concerned about the impact on local services, particularly overstretched GP services

• If GP services are already overstretched, a solution still needs to be found.

• The care-home and the flats may be the catalyst for the surgery to grow

Are there any proposed improvements to Brislington Brook?

• During the planning process this will be discussed with the National Rivers Authority

Is there scope to support public realm improvements on Brislington Hill/ footbridge?

• The removal of the footbridge would improve the setting of the listed building but this is beyond the scope of the development of White Hart Lodge

What community/ public facing uses will be provided?

• A flexible planning use will be applied to allow for a range of facilities for both residents and the local community. This could include a café/coffee bar, hair & beauty salon, massage suites, private therapeutic consulting suites, meeting and exercise rooms.

• A quality performance space with a new entrance from the atrium will be made available to external groups and organisations.

What sustainability measures are being introduced?

• A range of sustainability measures are being introduced to support climate change which includes:

-        high performance insulation/building fabric

-        solar panels on the roofs

-        air source heat pumps providing passive heat recovery and recirculation