Planning Permission Granted at Frambury Fields
16th September 2021
The proposed development at Frambury Fields, Newport for an eco-conscious collection of 89 no. homes has recently received a resolution to grant planning permission following Uttlesford District Council (UDC) deciding in favour of the scheme by 7 votes to 3.
The site is located to the west of London Road providing easy walking access to Newport village centre and the railway station. The contextual approach that has been taken towards design will ensure to create the development blends in with the existing character, and makes a sustainable addition to the historic village of Newport.
The Continuum team have played an ongoing role in the planning application process which included the preparation of a financial viability assessment (FVA) which sought to demonstrate how the scheme was able to strike a balance between the aspirational returns for both the developer (Trivselhus) and landowner, whilst maximising benefits in the public interest, delivered through planning obligations. The key viability challenge in respect of the scheme at Newport related to the cost of delivering a Trivselhus home. Drawing on Swedish roots, Trivselhus homes are designed for open plan living with higher ceilings and larger windows. Embedded with energy efficient and eco-friendly technologies in addition to renewable materials including the Trivselhus Climate Shield® system, triple glazing and air source heat pumps, the homes are leading the way in the move toward of carbon net zero. The impact of the additional technologies was a cost increase above the BCIS average price index that was used to inform the adopted policies of the Local Plan that presented a particular circumstance for viability to be assessed at the decision taking stage.
Following effective negotiations between Continuum and the Council’s appointed viability consultants, a balance was able to be struck is respect of a reduced quantum of affordable housing being delivered to account for the high quality, sustainable Trivselhus homes. Both consultants were able to agree a level pf planning obligations that were able to satisfy UDC, whilst ensuring the delivery of a high quality, sustainable residential development.
The developments website sets out further details as to the proposals: https://framburyfields.co.uk/
The UDC committee report is available at the following link: Browse meetings - Planning Committee - Modern Council (moderngov.co.uk)