L&Q Estates acquired this 300 acre site from Evonik Degussa who were disposing of it after many years of quarrying fullers earth. The site came with some considerable constraints caused by the back filling of the quarry up to 13m deep.
We investigated all the constraints and worked up a planning application in conjunction with the local parish council that was modified to better suit their needs whilst still maximising value.
The solution ended up being a low-density development of 50 homes along with the generation of a new country park for the ongoing enjoyment of the local population.
The country park will bring significant biodiversity benefits to the area and will include a visitor centre so people can learn about the site’s history, flora and fauna. The Greensands Trust is taking on the park as part of the planning permission through the section 106 and we have liaised closely with them to ensure the new housing and parkland complement each other as they are developed over the coming years and beyond.
