CHILTON MOOR

PROJECT BRIEF
We worked with Adderstone Living Ltd. to deliver 45 affordable homes at a site in Chilton Moor, Sunderland.

The application covered two plots, with 33 dwellings proposed to Site A and 12 dwellings  proposed to Site B. The development provided a mixture of 2- and 3-bedroomed detached and semi-detached dwellings and include 8 semi-detached bungalows.

CHALLENGES
The site had been subject to a number of planning applications, including an application which had recently been refused planning permission. There was therefore vocal local opposition, who raised concerns relating to the development of greenfield land, design, ecology, highway safety, amenity, local infrastructure and drainage.

The Local Planning Authority was concerned about the density of the proposed development, which exceeded the previously approved scheme for 27 dwellings.

APPROACH
We worked proactively with the Council Officer’s to address all of the technical constraints of the site, including addressing highway and drainage matters.

An innovative approach to the design, with a ‘village green’ proposed to the front of the site, incorporating the SUDs drainage basin, maintained the low density character of the area. This did require compromises within the site; however, sensitive landscaping within the site ensured an acceptable level of both visual and residential amenity.

OUTCOMES
We successfully secured planning permission, with all of the dwellings within the development to be affordable; the bungalows would be available for affordable rent, with the remainder available as ‘rent to buy’ units. The dwellings will be delivered to Karbon Homes, a registered provider with a widespread presence in the north-east.