On behalf of Backhouse Housing Ltd, Ridge is delighted to have obtained planning permission for the erection of 67 dwellings (including 40% affordable housing and 3 self-build plots) along with access roads, landscaping and other associated works at Land to the east of Evenlode Road, Moreton-in-Marsh.

The Ridge planning team was responsible for the preparation, submission and monitoring of the application. Working with Clifton Emery Design Architects, this involved a number of pre-app meetings with the LPA, where matters including zero carbon, layout, in particular the retainment of the Public Rights of Way (PROW) which traverse the site, appearance of the development, the landscaping proposed (having regard to its location within the Moreton-in-Marsh Special Landscape Area), the type and mix of housing proposed, highway safety and parking and refuse collection were discussed. These discussions were reflected in the final proposals submitted as part of the scheme.

The approved scheme represents a high standard in terms of energy performance. In light of Cotswold District Council’s climate emergency declaration in July 2019, the new development will deliver energy efficient dwellings that incorporate low-carbon heating technologies. Following a fabric first approach to demand reduction, the proposed development will deliver a level of energy performance beyond the interim Part LA 1 of the Building Regulations 2013 (with amendments in 2016), ensuring each dwelling meets the CO2 reductions through fabric measures alone. To meet CO2 reduction requirements, the following measures were considered and incorporated in the approved scheme;

• 37% of properties have roofs orientated within 30 degrees of the south, providing opportunity for photovoltaics to be used. Most roofs are orientated 67 degrees from the south, enabling photovoltaic to run at round 80% efficiency.
• Habitable rooms of each dwelling are proposed at either the front or rear of the property, maximising natural daylight into these rooms.
• Air tightness is maximised using good levels of insulation and optimising solar gain.
• Each dwelling will be of high quality design, securing its longevity as a development overtime.
• Every dwelling having an electric charging point
• In terms of materials, those used in construction will be responsibly sourced, with certification obtained wherever possible.
• High efficiency heating and cooling systems
• Ventilation systems with heat recovery where applicable
• Low energy lighting
• High efficient appliances and ancillary equipment.

In addition to the above, significant biodiversity enhancements and mitigation measures formed part of the approved scheme.