The changes to the scheme proposals since the withdrawal of the former application (Ref:08/0971/FUL) in September 2008 have dealt primarily with the 2 principle concerns brought to our attention throughout the course of the previous consultation period, namely – Bulk, Height & Massing of the frontage blocks onto Midsummer Common and Vehicular Access to the previous scheme via Walnut Tree Avenue and therefore the Riverside (Abbey Ward) Area.

A detailed explanation of the raft of measures taken to overcome these and other concerns raised in relation to the previous proposals is provided at section 3 of the accompanying Design & Access Statement available to download here

Urban design approach

The final design for the revised scheme employs a very simple urban strategy, and is structured around two new public routes across the site. The first of these provides a pedestrian connection from Newmarket Road through to Midsummer Common, and the second a pedestrian & cycle link from Walnut Tree Avenue through to the heart of the scheme. A series of building forms and landscape elements are used to articulate these routes and provide passive surveillance, activity and a strong sense of enclosure.

Open spaces on the site are provided through a series of courtyards with the northernmost part of the site knitting seamlessly into one of the city’s major public open spaces and recreational resources – Midsummer Common.