Sustainability
Putting landscape and sustainability at the heart of our designs
The proposed green and blue* infrastructure features:
A multi-functional green corridor between the new development and the existing edges of Cockernhoe and Mangrove Green, introduced following the February consultation. More details and a plan showing the corridor can be found below.
At least 10% biodiversity net gain across the site
Connected green corridors and spaces radiating from Brickkiln Wood and Slipe Spring – both woodland and generous open spaces
The creation of a sustainable drainage network of ponds and wetlands
New structural planting at Mangrove Fields and a focus there on active sporting facilities
New parks of rich grassland, new shrub planting and trees to enhance the natural setting of the existing villages
Allotments
Avenues of trees and other planting along the road network
All this infrastructure will be carefully managed and maintained for the community.
*Blue infrastructure is a reference to surface water drainage infrastructure
Putting landscape and sustainability at the heart of our designs
A core focus of the draft Masterplan is to create a sustainable landscape for people and nature, retaining, protecting and enhancing the local environment.
We will retain existing vegetation wherever practicable, and planned green corridors have been designed to encompass existing hedgerows and trees as well as to integrate Rights of Way and new active travel routes.
Key feature - the new green corridor
As a result of the public engagement exercise, we’ve introduced a multifunctional green corridor between the new housing and the existing edges of Cockernhoe and Mangrove Green. This new aspect of the proposal has evolved from conversations with the Parish Council and feedback gathered during the consultation.
The width of the buffer on The Crown Estate’s land will be 45 metres, including 40 metres between existing property boundaries and new roads, and a further 5 metres at least to the first new homes.
Accommodating such a buffer along the edges of the existing villages resulted in a need to revisit the layout of The Crown Estate’s land, including the location of the new primary school and of the new village green.
The playing fields within the new primary school will form part of the buffer, and together with additional planting will increase the gap between existing properties and new buildings. The new village green will now be adjacent to the existing woodland, providing it with a semi-natural setting.
A plan of The Crown Estate’s land, focusing on the new green corridor, can be found below:
Our landscape plan - as approved in January 2025
The Masterplan takes into account the need for climate resilience, and sets out a vision for a low carbon, sustainable development, suited to a future net zero carbon world.
Further details of our approach to sustainability will be included in the planning applications, but key principles will include:
A ‘fabric first’ approach to reduce the energy required to heat / cool new homes and other buildings
All water and heating in the new homes will be designed to be fuelled by electricity rather than gas
Exploring renewable and low carbon energy sources including solar panels and heat pumps
Prioritising active travel (cycle / pedestrian) and public transport use
Consideration of a range of measures to reduce water consumption and waste
