Tree lined streets

A shaded, green framework of trees cool the streets

Free roots help keep the soil healthy and microbially rich

Soils and trees help keep carbon locked in in the ground

Tree corridors provide shelter and routes for wildlife

17% carbon stored in leaves & branches. 6% carbon stored in dead wood and fallen leaves. 72% carbon stored in soil. 6% carbon stored in roots.

The Landscape Bund

To the south the settlement will be protected by a huge sculptural earthform covered in trees, which will also help to protect the settlement from noise associated with the M2

A linear woodland park will provide walking and cycling routes

From the top of the earthform there will be viewing opportunities towards the Swale

Large trees and Hawthorn hedges provide an acoustic barrier from the M2. Sculptural earthform built from construction spoil.

Water cycle

A clean water cycle

Surface water returned to the chalk aquifer

Environmental Enhancement

The proposals will bring about an environmental enhancement to the Site through a strategy based upon healthy soil, clean water and the creation of high-quality natural spaces for existing and future species to flourish. The design approach has also been mindful of the air quality and acoustic impacts of the M2 and A2 Canterbury Road.

Ecology

Planting locally appropriate, native wildflower-rich grasslands

Wildflower grasslands are a crucial habitat for pollinators and other invertebrates, they provide foraging habitats and can also act as wildlife corridors

Planting fruit trees and orchards

Orchards provide an appealing green space, as well as food for both wildlife and local people. If managed using ‘traditional’ rather than modern commercial methods, their biodiversity value increases.

Creating hedgerows and tree lines

Strengthening linear features will increase connectivity between different habitats for species such as hedgerow nesting birds, bats and Hazel Dormice, whilst also providing small areas of extra habitat.

Wildlife pond creation

Ponds are a haven for a range of wildlife, and

those that fill from rainfall will have naturally

clean water. The banks of swales also make

excellent wetland habitats for wildlife.

Bird boxes

Bird boxes will be incorporated in the build of the

project with the aim of providing one box per house.

Water Cycle

The strategy towards both surface water and foul water is to work with natural systems and move towards water neutrality. We want to avoid water being lost to the sea when it can be retained and reused or filtered back into the aquifer below the Site to maintain the natural storage of fresh water within the local geology. We aim to develop homes with rainwater and greywater harvesting. Surface water will be directed to sustainable drainage systems (SUD’s), and an onsite Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) will process all waste water and sewerage from homes and businesses. It is intended that once treated the out flow from the WWTW would be returned to the aquifer via soakaways or boreholes. This system is still subject to ground investigation work and will require approvals from The Environment Agency. With Kent recognised as an area of water shortage this approach to water preservation would present a step change to address a serious environmental concern.

Acoustic Quality

A detailed noise assessment is being undertaken of the Site and Proposed Development. The proposals will incorporate good acoustic design to ensure a high level of amenity within the Site and include the landscape bund to reduce effects resulting from noise from the M2, and more localized treatments throughout the Site.

Consideration will also be given to potential new noise sources that the Proposed Development will introduce. This will include a detailed assessment of noise generated by any additional traffic movements on the surrounding road network.

Air Quality

The developing masterplan is mindful of the potential impact of the M2 and A2 Canterbury Road on the health and wellbeing of future residents of the Site. It is being designed such that new exposure to elevated levels of air pollution is not introduced. In addition, street trees are being selected based on their Urban Tree Air Quality Score (UTAQS) to ensure the air quality benefits of green infrastructure are realised across the Site.

A detailed air quality assessment is being undertaken of the Site and Proposed Development with a particular focus on the nearby Ospringe Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) to ensure any potential adverse impacts will be appropriately mitigated and to protect the health of nearby residents and neighbours of the Site.