TECHNICAL

A suite of technical surveys and assessment work is being carried out to inform the proposed scheme.

A summary of the key technical work is set out below.

The site benefits from strong connections to the existing road network and a choice of sustainable transport options. Primary access will be provided from Southam Road through two new carefully designed T-junctions that ensure safety and convenience for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Within the development, a network of streets and pathways will create safe, direct routes that encourage walking and cycling. The proposals will maintain and improve the existing public rights of way network and include additional connectivity within the site and into the wider area. This will include improved access to the canal tow path and across Southam Road. The location allows easy travel to local destinations, with bus services, schools and shops close by. Our transport strategy is being shaped by environmental and technical assessments that promote sustainable travel choices and reduce car dependency wherever possible. A Transport Assessment will be submitted with the application which assesses the proposed impact on the local highways network.

The site is located predominantly in Flood Zone 1 but land immediately adjacent to the brook falls within Flood Zones 2 and 3. The scheme will be designed to ensure no residential development is located in areas subject to flood risk. Sustainable drainage systems will be integrated throughout the development to manage surface water and reduce flood risk. These will include basins, rain gardens and permeable surfaces within the layout informed by technical and environmental assessments and integrated with landscape and biodiversity objectives. These measures ensure resilience to climate change while also creating opportunities for planting, habitat creation and recreation. Foul drainage will discharge to the existing foul sewer network located within the site boundary, subject to agreement with Severn Trent Water.

This existing landscape structure creates a well-defined and enclosed piece of land that is well related to Long Itchington. The site is split into two parcels, either side of the brook that runs across from Southam Road to link with the river, and is a narrow, naturalised watercourse and partly vegetated with scrub. The area to the north slopes down to the brook, and then the land levels out up to the Grand Union canal, which is in a cutting approximately 2-3m lower. Woodland lies to the west of the site, enclosing views from further afield. There is a public footpath (SM3) that cuts across this parcel, part of the Millennium Way, linking the Grand Union Canal to the south with the settlement. Views from this path offer an outlook towards the settlement edge and the land in the north of the site, as well as other filtered views of buildings in the Conservation Area and the village.

The landscape character is of moderate quality as the perceptual aspects of grazed paddocks lie in close proximity to existing residential development alongside a busy road corridor. The Site is not designated for its biodiversity value or cultural/historical interest. The development of the Site would be very well contained and form part of a natural extension to the settlement to the north of the canal. In urban design terms, the development would not erode any perceived gap to the Model Village, which lies 0.5km to the south.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment will be submitted with the application to assess the potential impact on existing trees. The proposals will seek to retain as many trees as possible. Detailed landscaping and planting proposals will be agreed at the Reserved Matters application stage.

The Site is comprised of two modified grassland fields used for sheep grazing, and are separated by a brook that flows centrally between the fields. The fields are bounded by a mix of fencing, hedgerows and mature trees.

Following the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, a range of protected species surveys were recommended and have been undertaken between March and December 2025. The findings of these surveys will be presented in an Ecological Appraisal that will be submitted with the planning application. Mitigation will be proposed to mitigate the impact of the proposed development on any identified protected species.

Landscape buffers are proposed between the built development edge and the existing brook and retained hedgerows. The proposals will also create new green spaces which will also support a range of ecologically valuable habitats such as species-rich grassland, scrub and tree planting. These areas will provide opportunities for many different species, including bats, birds, badgers, reptiles, and invertebrates.

The archaeology and heritage resource will be assessed in a desk-based assessment, including setting assessment. A geophysical survey is also being undertaken.

Long Itchington Conservation Area is located c. 60m north-west of the Site. This encompasses the historic core of the settlement, including seventeen listed buildings and the Grade II* listed Church of The Holy Trinity. The Site is separated from the conservation area by woodland and residential development. This screens views, with the exception of filtered winter views of the church tower from the southern area of the Site. The significance of these assets and any potential archaeological remains will be assessed within the Heritage and Archaeological Assessment as well as the potential impact of the proposals on them. Mitigation will be proposed if required.