Kents Hill

Our proposals currently include:

• 171 high-quality new homes
• 31% affordable housing with a further 25 houses being retained by the Local Authority for Affordable Rent
• A range of 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom dwellings
• Mix of 2 to 3 storey homes
• Open landscaped spaces and equipped play area
• Sustainable Urban Drainage system to manage rainwater through attenuation areas and swales
• New retail outlet 

The street scenes show the variation of housetypes and apartments within the development. It should be noted that the 2.5 storey properties are only marginally taller than the 2-storey houses, therefore there are no issues with overlooking. However, the majority of 2.5 and 3-storey dwellings are located along Timbold Drive, as approved at the outline planning stage.

The Apartment blocks are 3 storey and are positioned in key areas in order to be utilised as landmarks. Positioning them around the roundabout creates a focal point to the development and a sense of place.

The palette of materials seen in the local context is varied and in keeping with various other developments located near to the site.

The appearance of the proposed development is a mixture of traditional and contemporary, with a palette of materials that is simple yet effective.
In terms of materials, we are proposing to use tiled  roofs, good quality facing brickwork walls and brick detailing.

A more varied palette of materials is proposed for the apartment blocks. Along with the tiled roof and facing brickwork walls, the addition of two colours of cladding emphasise the volume of the buildings as well as creating a distinct sense of place.

The development will contain a mix of apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached properties which vary from 2-2.5 storey houses to 3-story apartments. The Illustrated Massing demonstrates that the majority of the 2.5 and 3 storey units are located along Timbold Drive.

All homes meet the Nationally Described Space Standards, with a percentage providing sought-after wheelchair adaptable and accessible homes. These units have been situated in the flatter parts of the site to provide better accessibility.

The proposed layout has been informed in principle by the outline plan, which was approved by Milton Keynes Development Partnership in December 2020. The illustrated masterplan also depicts the proposed block structure and movement through the site.

Dwellings are integrated with their surroundings, generally planned in perimeter blocks, working with the levels across the site and sitting well with the mature landscape and taking consideration of the site constraints.

All houses benefit from private gardens and small front gardens for defensible space, which are orientated to provide surveillance over public open space and existing woodland.

Towards the edges of the development, private drives can take advantage of the views across existing
landscape.

Due to restricted access from the main road, the dwellings facing onto Timbold Drive are significantly set back to accommodate site level changes. This also provides space for sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS).

The entire development has been designed so that it is safe and easy to navigate, with landmark units in key positions. Parking is provided in accordance with Milton Keynes Parking Standards and a Play Area is provided between the two parcels.

The second access point to the Northern Parcel is further to the South and provides access to other parts of the residential development. Parts of the proposed road network in this area form part of a shared surface, in order to provide a change of character and help integrate more landscape into the development.

Access to the Southern Parcel of the site is provided at the roundabout. Pedestrian access is provided between two vehicular access points, adjacent to the retail park / centre, which also connects to the linear park to the North and residential areas beyond to provide connection to the school west of Timbold Drive.

Pedestrian links are also integrated throughout the site, providing connectivity between the southern and northernmost areas of the site to the retail unit and play area. In addition, we have proposed  links onto the existing redway network, as well as informal routes through the woodland which would be perfect for dog walkers.

As part of the Section 106 agreement for the site, a proportion of Taylor Wimpey’s financial contributions will fund an extension of the local redway facilities along Timbold Drive, linking to the existing network at Groveway.

Our proposals focus on surface water being stored in crates, swales, basins and oversized pipes before being discharged into the current sewer system.

As part of our high quality design scheme, we will look to enhance these elements further, whilst creating a number of new habitats across the development, such as bat boxes, bird boxes and bee bricks.

In terms of ongoing site maintenance, the management of landscaped areas will be passed over to the Council or their nominated party. This is in line with practices for the surrounding open spaces, so offers a seamless extension.

All feedback received during the initial consultation period was considered as part of the design process and all comments received during this public consultation exercise helped us to shape the final scheme.

In addition, we will be introducing landscaped areas throughout the site and a fully equipped play area which is centrally located and can be seen on our layout. The play area will cater for children up to 8 years old and comprise of 5 items of play equipment.

The play area can be accessed on foot from all areas of the development with safe, pedestrian links through the site, through the formal footpaths or the informal woodland.