FAQs
No dwellings are permitted within the inner and middle zone;
The location of the employment area within the HSE inner zone is acceptable providing that the buildings are no more than two storeys and accommodate less than 100 people;
The provision of a local centre within the outer zone is acceptable;
Landscape buffer: the provision of public open space between the northern employment area and new dwellings is acceptable as long as it’s design does not encourage public gatherings. Footpaths/cycleways, the occasional bench and landscaping are permitted, but not a formal play area, events area, picnic benches or marquees.
What about noise from the A11?
The masterplan includes an ‘acoustic strategy’, which uses landscaping to mitigate the impacts of noise in a natural way and minimises the use of acoustic structures (e.g. fencing).
A noise survey has been undertaken and identified where and what sort of noise mitigation is needed. Along the A11, closest to the noise source, there would be an acoustic screen and the existing 2m bund would be retained. To the north of Pines Park there would be a series of 2m high earth mounds. The existing bund and new earth mounds would be planted with a mix of native woodland shrubs, trees and grasses, and the acoustic screen would be landscaped too.
Opportunities would be considered for planting the outside face (fronting the A11) of any acoustic fence. Attention would be given to the relationship between the existing bund and new acoustic screen to ensure that there is no gap in protection.
What about the high pressure gas pipeline that runs through the site?
A high pressure gas pipeline crosses the site and there are constraints to the type and form of development allowed within 78 metres either side of the pipeline (referred to as the “inner and middle” HSE (Health and Safety Executive) zones). Discussions with the Health and Safety Executive have resulted in the following principles being agreed: