Reserved Matters – Phase Two

This Reserved Matters application seeks approval for:

• Layout
• Scale
• Appearance
• Landscaping

New vehicular access onto the site from Husum Way has already been agreed as part of the outline application.

Residential

Phase 2 delivers 418 homes in line with the agreed accommodation schedule. 

The housing mix includes 2-4 bedroom homes, proposed as a range of smaller and larger dwellings to create a balanced community.  A proportion of the homes will be provided as bungalows.

 Public Open Space & Children’s Play

Phase 2 contributes to the overall site-wide provision through green corridors, amenity greenspace, Sustainable Drainage Systems, informal recreational areas and publicly accessible grazing land.

Play provision includes a series of local play spaces integrated within green areas, alongside natural play features along pedestrian and recreational routes.

Green Infrastructure

The green infrastructure network retains and enhances existing vegetation where possible.  These are integrated into a connected network of green corridors and open spaces that underpin the landscape-led masterplan.

New tree planting, native shrubs and habitat enhancements will improve biodiversity and reinforce neighbourhood character.

Drainage Infrastructure

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are integrated within public open spaces, with attenuation basins located at natural low points. Existing watercourses and ponds are incorporated and enhanced to support drainage, biodiversity and ecological connectivity.

Key landscape principles include:
1.  15m buffer to existing properties.
2.  Retention of the majority of existing woodland, trees and hedgerows, with additional planting where required.
3.  Accessible amenity spaces throughout the development.
4.  A community orchard near Tennyson Way.
5.  Areas for cattle grazing.
6.  Creation of lowland neutral grassland in the north-east of the site.
7.  Play provision of one LEAP, a NEAP and a trim trail along the Lord Foley Trail.
8.  Structural planting along boundaries, particularly to the east, reinforcing the Green Belt edge.
9.  Sustainable Drainage System features designed to enhance biodiversity and create attractive landscapes.

Landscape Plan

The Phase 2 layout responds to site constraints and opportunities and follows best-practice urban design principles. Perimeter blocks provide strong frontages to streets and public spaces, with private rear gardens enhancing security and privacy.
A clear hierarchy of streets creates a legible and permeable movement network. Husum Way provides the main vehicular access, forming the northern gateway to Phase 2.

Green corridors run through the site, providing visual connections, assisting wayfinding and reinforcing the landscape structure. Landmark buildings, varied materials and architectural detailing enhance legibility and neighbourhood identity.
Development edges adjoining green infrastructure adopt a softer, more informal character, creating a gradual transition between built form and open space.

Design principles include:

• Active frontages to the public realm;
• Clear street hierarchy and focal buildings;
• Responding to topography through varied massing;
• Linked green spaces supporting movement and social interaction;
• Retention and enhancement of landscape features; and
• Dual-aspect buildings at corners to improve surveillance.

Vehicular access is taken solely from Husum Way via a new T-junction. This has already been approved through the outline application.

There will be a second access point that links through to Phase 1 once Phase 3 is delivered.

Phase 2 builds on the outline approved movement framework, focusing on internal movements within the site.
A comprehensive pedestrian and cycle network connects Phase 2 to surrounding residential areas and the wider development.

Parking provision accords with the Worcestershire Streetscape Design Guide (Spring 2020):

• 1-bed homes: 1 space
• 2–3 bed homes: 2 spaces
• 4–5 bed homes: 3 spaces

Cycle storage meets minimum standards:

• 1-bed homes: 1 space
• 2–3 bed homes: 2 spaces
• 4–5 bed homes: 2 spaces

Density
The overall site achieves an average density of around 39 dwellings per hectare. Within Phase 2, density varies to reflect landscape features, open spaces and key edges, with lower densities along green corridors and higher densities on internal streets.

Building Heights
Development is predominantly two storeys, with occasional 2.5 storey buildings at key locations to support legibility and placemaking. Bungalows are proposed where a softer edge is required.

Building Height Parameters

Appearance & Character

A detailed study of Kidderminster’s local character has informed the design approach. Three character areas make up Phase 2:

• Core Housing 
• The Avenue 
• The Green Edge

Each area draws on local materials, forms and detailing to create a cohesive yet varied neighbourhood.

CGI The Green Edge