Sustainability
Sustainability
This section addresses the sustainable design thinking behind the proposed development.
The broad issues of locational sustainability and accessibility by alternative modes of transport, as well as full ecological impact issues, are considered as part of this application. The site is considered to be in a sustainable location, given the future masterplan’s range of services and facilities within acknowledged walking distances.
The Government states that “Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development” (NPPF, 2023), and sustainability principles have remained a key focus throughout the preparation of this pre-application.
Riverdale Developments are committed to developing and using sustainable building methods. By minimising the use of non-renewable resources, the development seeks to protect the environment through the prudent use of natural resources. These measures will have a positive impact on the social, economic and environmental conditions of existing and future residents.
A key consideration across all projects is the sourcing of local materials and resources. Sustainable solutions are promoted, including the use of SuDS, ecological features and sustainably sourced materials.
The following principles have been adopted in the detailed design of the layout, landscaping and dwellings to contribute towards the development’s sustainability objectives.
Layout
• Good solar orientation of properties to optimise solar gain.
• Maximum retention of existing trees and hedgerow, as well as extensive vegetation and planting throughout the site.
• Multi-purpose open space that incorporates the proposed attenuation to provide a functional role within the drainage strategy, as well as enhancing the biodiversity and visual landscape character of the development.
• Provision of resident cycle storage, an accessible network of pedestrian footpaths and cycleways, together with visitor cycle parking within public open spaces, to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.
• Provision of electric car charging points to all on-plot residential parking spaces.
Building Design
Fabric-First approach using low-carbon construction technologies in order to exceed current sustainability requirements through Building Regulations Part L.
Timber frame construction.
Dwellings compliant with NDSS requirements.
Use of low-impact materials, which are non-toxic, sustainably produced or recycled, which require little energy to process, where possible.
Well-positioned glazing providing good internal light levels and connection to private external space.
Thick insulation within the walls, flooring and roofing, as well as high-specification glazing, and effective airtightness and ventilation strategies, to minimise heat loss and use of energy for heating.
Longer-lasting and better-functioning products which will need to be replaced less frequently, including low-energy internal lighting and energy-labelled white goods throughout (minimum standard of A+ fridge/freezers, A-rated washing machines and dishwashers, and A-rated tumble dryers), where applicable.
Low-water-use sanitary appliances to reduce the amount of water consumed by the development.
Landscape Strategy
• Use of street furniture and play equipment made from sustainable materials from managed sources, where possible.
• Permeable surfacing to be used for areas of hardstanding, such as roads, footpaths and driveways.
• Consideration of the carbon footprint of materials will be taken into account, wherever possible, when specifying hard materials.
• Use of plant species that are native and of local provenance; all whip planting will be of local provenance, wherever possible.
• The use of plastic will be avoided, wherever possible, and only biodegradable tree guards will be used.
• Ecological enhancements to include log piles or hibernacula located on the margins of grassland and scrub, and bird and bat boxes positioned on existing mature trees at the site boundaries.
Building for a Healthy Life
• Initial assessment of the scheme against the recently introduced Building for a Healthy Life (BHL) indicates that the development can achieve all of the established objectives.
• The BHL comprises twelve questions, grouped under the following three categories:
• Integrated Neighbourhoods
• Distinctive Place
• Streets for All
Based on a simple traffic light system, a proposal should aim to:
• Secure as many GREEN lights as possible.
• Minimise the number of AMBER lights.