Golden Valley Mill
Mixed-use redevelopment of a 7.4 hectare brownfield site, partly within village conservation area and wholly within floodplain. Working for a land promoter we partnered with a housebuilder to provide a full application for 115 dwellings.
Respecting the listed and historic buildings in the conservation area, the project involved the change of use of the Gatehouse to commercial use; change of use of the existing 'canteen' building to commercial and community uses; engineering works to raise the raise the existing ground levels; associated landscaping and the retention of Ash House and Heather House in residential use.
Key details
Project name
Golden Valley Mill
Client
St Congar, Linden Homes
Location
Bitton, South Gloucestershire
Services provided
- Planning
- Urban design
- Landscape
- Ecology
- Heritage
Challenge
This 7ha site is occupied by a range of historic industrial buildings associated with the adjacent river and lying adjacent to the settlement of Bitton within the settlement boundary and the Conservation Area.
The industrial site was contained behind flood defences with the site and parts of the adjacent settlement being in Flood Zone 3a. Development required raising ground levels to take the site out of the flood zone and block flood paths to the village. The raising of ground levels had implications for design particularly in respect of the conservation area. The design incorporated an industrial character area to echo the previous high-density historic employment character and a more domestic style of development for the rest of the site while retaining conservation area character of the rest of the village.
The viability assessment resulted in a zero affordable housing provision due to the abnormal ground works required.
Solution
RPS co-ordinated a full planning application and conservation area consent for 115 dwellings, retention of historically important buildings and nature area. The historic part of the site in the conservation area was designed to replicate original buildings with the remainder of the site developed in a modern style to maximise value.
Extension consultation was undertaken with local stakeholders to build a consensus around a practical and viable solution to regenerating this site. The design incorporated not only the historic interest but also reflected the gateway location of the site to the rural village including local facilities and a village green.