ascot centre community workshop report · ascot centre community workshop report 5 2013...
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ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 1
Ascot centreCOMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT
FeBrUArY 2013
2 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 3
contents
sectIon 1. IntroDUctIonsectIon 2. sUMMArY oF eVentssectIon 3. sUMMArY oF FeeDBAcKsectIon 4. tHe eXIstInG conDItIonssectIon 5. HIGH street & LocAL econoMYsectIon 6. trAnsPort sectIon 7. InFrAstrUctUresectIon 8. coMMUnItY AMenItIessectIon 9. HoUsInGsectIon 10.Green BeLt IMPLIcAtIonssectIon 11.sUMMArY & neXt stePs
APPenDIX
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EDUCATING and EMPOWERING peopleTRANSFORMING LIVES through ENGAGINGfor BUIlDING CoMMUNITY:THe pRINCe’S FoUNDATIoN
19—22 CHARLOTTE ROADLONDON EC2A 3SGUNITED KINGDOME [email protected] T +44 (0) 20 7613 8500F +44 (0) 20 7613 8599 WWW.PRINCES-FOUNDATION.ORG
PRESIDENT: HRH THE PRINCE OF WALESA COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NO. 3579567REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1069969VAT NO. 839 8984 44
NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR DIGITAL RELEASE ONLY
4 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 1. IntroDUctIon
The Prince’s Foundation is working together with the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group to develop specific vision, strategies and plans for the future of Ascot Centre. The Steering Group was set up in 2011 by the community, for the community, and have been developing a Neighbourhood Plan through public engagement.
This report is a summary of community workshops facilitated by The Prince’s Foundation in October 2012. Engaged in this process were key stakeholders from the community, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), and Ascot Racecourse. This exercise was an opportunity for local stakeholders to continue momentum in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan.
There are currently several issues preventing Ascot High Street from thriving as a proper High Street,
namely:
SINGLE SIDED HIGH STREET DUE TO GREEN BELT DESIGNATION
CONGESTION IN THE HIGH STREET
PARKING ISSUES ON THE HIGH STREET
MOST PEOPLE TRAvEL TO THE HIGH STREET BY CAR
THERE IS NO PHYSICAL HUB FOR THE COMMUNITY
LACK OF HOMES WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE
As identified in the public consultations, these issues were the focus of the community workshops.
It is intended that the outputs for the Ascot Centre workshop will form parts of a Ascot, Sunninghill, and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Plan. This report is a summary of the work carried out by The Prince’s Foundation’s team with the local community in October 2012.
2011 2012
LAUncH eVent & consULtAtIonsePt 2011To familiarise community with Neighbourhood Planning and gather initial feedback
VIsIonconsULtAtIon APrIL 2012Views on proposed Vision and priorities for the area. 550 responded.
toPIc GroUPsestABLIsHeDoct 2011Topic Groups of local residents working on developing options for further consideration.
Ascot HIGH streetconsULtAtIon AUGUst 2012Surveys and interviews for views on High Street. 470 responded.
The Prince’s Foundation was asked by the Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Planning Group to facilitate a community workshop to discuss the future for Ascot.
neIGHBoUrHooD PLAnnInGIntroduced through the Localism Act, Neighbourhood Planning gives local communities a statutory say in shaping development in their own areas. For example:
• CHOOSING WHAT NEW HOMES WILL BE BUILT, WHERE THEY WILL BE LOCATED AND WHAT THEY WILL LOOK LIKE
• IDENTIFICATION OF DESIRED RETAIL AND BUSINESS DEvELOPMENT
• CORE COMMUNITY ISSUES SUCH AS GREEN SPACES AND THE ENvIRONMENT
• IMPROvING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, COMMUNITY SERvICES, AND LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The Prince’s Foundation has been helping communities across the country in the development of Neighbourhood Plans since the Localism Bill was introduced in 2011.
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 5
2013
neIGHBoUrHooD PLAnnInG tIMeLIne to DAte
Ascot centreWorKsHoPs & consULtAtIonsoctoBer 2012Workshops to draft ideas and proposals for Ascot.Over 200 attended.
DeVeLoPMent oF neIGHBoUrHooD PLAn
Ascot HIGH streetconsULtAtIon AUGUst 2012Surveys and interviews for views on High Street. 470 responded.
AREA OF FOCUS FOR THE ASCOT CENTRE WORKSHOPSINSET: MAP OF NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING AREA WITH ASCOT
CIRCLED
ASCOT RACECOURSE
ASCOT TRAIN STATION
ASCOT HIGH STREET
oPtIons consULtAtIon 3rD DeceMBer 2012 - 15tH JAnUArY 2013Build consensus toward specific options and draft Neighbourhood Plan
6 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 2. sUMMArY oF eVents
09 octoBer(ALso YoUtH WorKsHoP)
29 octoBer oVer 250 PeoPLe AttenDeD
08 octoBeroVer 200 PeoPLe AttenDeD
stAKeHoLDer WorKsHoP
PUBLIc FeeDBAcK sessIon
oPenInG PUBLIc sessIon
The Prince’s Foundation uses the community workshop process as a planning tool that brings together key stakeholders to collaborate on a vision for a place. The process assesses a complex range of design requirements for a development area or neighbourhood, with every issue tested by being drawn.
For the Ascot Centre workshops, the existing public consultation work was used as a starting point. It was clear from the Neighbourhood Planning Area-wide Vision Consultation that Ascot was seen as an area that deserves to be looked at in greater detail. The Vision Consultation, held earlier in 2012, received support from 86% of all respondents and is summarised below:
MAINTAIN THE DISTINCT CHARACTER OF OUR THREE MAIN vILLAGES AND THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THEM
PRESERvE THE GREEN AND LEAFY APPEARANCE OF OUR SURROUNDINGS
MEET NEW HOUSING DEMAND IN A WAY THAT IS SYMPATHETIC TO THE AREA, MAINTAINING A MIx OF HOUSING TYPES
IMPROvE ASCOT
CREATE AN ECONOMIC ENvIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES AND SHOPS
ENSURE OUR ROADS AND STREETS PROvIDE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE ROUTES,
The Prince’s Foundation facilitated a series of community events in October 2012, building on previous consultations, to develop specific plans, strategies and ideas.
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 7
sectIon 3. sUMMArY oF FeeDBAcK
The public feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Launch Event through to the Ascot Centre workshops is grouped into four categories below. This served as the basis from which designs, strategies, and plans were developed.
HIGH street & LocAL econoMY
Ascot High Street should be a focal point for the community
Small, independent retail and other businesses should be encouraged
The green belt designation has prevented development of the south side of the High Street.
Another side is needed for the High Street to be complete.
trAnsPort & InFrAstrUctUre
Need traffic and infrastructure
solutions focused on safety and provide better access
Parking and loading zones on the High Street need to be sorted out
Improve bus service and cycle lanes
Speed limit to make the streets more comfortable
Better connections between villages, emphasising cycling and bus routes, will bring people to the area
Would like easier access to the countryside for pedestrians and cyclists
coMMUnItY AMenItIes
The High Street should provide more facilities for its community
The community spirit exists but there’s no physical hub
There are other facilities that support an active social life and people
would like to have them in the area: community centre, small cinema, art centre, sport clubs
Would like small park or open green space
HoUsInG
Green, leafy neighbourhoods
Attractive, mixed housing that locals can afford
Should preserve the local character
Concerned about higher density housing
‘POST YOUR IDEAS’ BOARD AT THE OPENING PUBLIC SESSION
8 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 4. tHe eXIstInG conDItIons
Currently, much of the land south of the High Street is designated as Green Belt. This land is used currently for parking on racedays and for car boot sales. These uses do not contribute to either the economic viability of the High Street or the community spirit of Ascot. At the same time, parts of Ascot Racecourse, namely the Grandstand, and the unused car showroom at the train station are also in the Green Belt.
All of these inconsistencies have led to the current situation in Ascot Centre: a world-class attraction in Ascot Racecourse with an adjacent High Street that is not meeting its potential.
While the original focus of these workshops included Heatherwood Hospital, it was agreed to focus on the High Street and surrounds because Heatherwood is being dealt with through a separate consultation by the NHS Trust. It is important that principles of mixed-use, walkability, community engagement, and connectivity to the station be incorporated into any redevelopment of the site.
The High Street suffers from having only one side and from having few homes within walking distance.
MAP WITH GREEN BELT (IN GREEN) AND POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREAS
ABOvE: GREEN BELT LAND ON THE HIGH STREET USED FOR PARKING AND CAR BOOT SALES
high street
AsCOt rACeCOUrse
POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREAS
POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREA
CURRENTHEATHERWOOD
HOSPITAL
STATION REDEvELOPMENT AREA
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 9
tHe FIVe MInUte WALK
Typically, people will walk about 5-7 minutes to access their daily needs, e.g. a pint of milk. Beyond that, they are more likely to get into the car to get where they need to go. In this context, the ‘five minute pint test’ is a effective way to demonstrate a place’s walkability. Applying this walkable catchment to Ascot High Street clearly demonstrates how few residences are actually within reasonable walking distance.
This lack of homes is one of the main reasons the High Street is not living up to its potential, both as a viable retail centre and as a heart to the community.
A one-sIDeD HIGH street
Ascot High Street should be a thriving High Street during the day and in the evening. One of the main reasons it is not is because it is one sided. Retail and other businesses on High Streets are most viable when more businesses open in a close proximity. For example, existing restaurants do better once other restaurants open up next door.
Also, shoppers and other pedestrians typically like to walk in a loop, and a one-sided High Street does not have this continuity.
Parking is another issue, for example for locals on racedays. This issue has also made it harder for retail to thrive.
ExISTING vIEW OF THE HIGH STREET, LOOKING TO THE EAST
FIGURE GROUND PLAN, SHOWING JUST THE BUILDINGS (HOUSES IN RED)
FIvE M
INUTE W
ALK
10 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
A constant theme during the workshops was the desire to create more activity on the High Street both during the day and in the evening. Many ideas came from the public for how to create that activity, from more restaurants to a community centre to street trees.
The following are examples of ideas, designs and initiatives that could bring that vitality: a High Street full of independent retailers and restaurants that bring activity during
the day and in the evening.
on tHe HIGH street
MIxED USE BUILDINGS FILLING IN GAPS OF HIGH STREET - RETAIL OR OTHER ACTIvE USE ON GROUND FLOOR, RESIDENTIAL OR OFFICE ABOvE
FOCUS ON SMALL, INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES BY PROMOTION IN NEW MIxED USE DEvELOPMENTS
STRATEGIES TO PROvIDE AFFORDABLE RENT FOR RETAIL UNITS
rAcecoUrse ActIVItIes (see sectIon 8) POTENTIAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
POTENTIAL HOTEL WITH PUBLIC LEISURE CENTRE (AT SITE OF CURRENT PAvILION)
PROvIDING COMMUNITY AMENITIES
MORE ACTIvITY TO BENEFIT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE HIGH STREET
At tHe stAtIonIMPROvED DROP OFF CIRCLE
CAR SHOWROOM
NEW SMALL, COMMUTER-FOCUSED RETAIL
DOUBLE DECKER PUBLIC CAR PARK
RESIDENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AT THE BOTTOM
sectIon 5. HIGH street & LocAL econoMY
PROPOSED SQUARE
vIEW SHOWN BELOW RIGHT
BERKSHIRE HOUSE
PED
x-
ING
COMMUNITY / ARTS
CENTRE
MIxED USE
Mixed use, infill buildings; small independents; a more integrated Racecourse; a fully-realised High Street.
sMALL BUsIness UnIts to tHe soUtH oF tHe ProPoseD sqUAre (see sectIon 8)
FLExIBLE SPACES
SHARED COMMON AREAS TO MINIMISE COST
DOUBLE DECKCAR PARK
CAR SHOWROOM RESIDENTIALIMPROvEDDROP OFFCIRCLE
POTENTIALSMALLRETAIL
OvERHEAD vIEW OF PROPOSED HIGH STREET
MIxED USE MIxED
USE
POTENTIALSMALLRETAIL
BELOW: IMPROvEMENTS AT THE STATION
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 11
sectIon 5. HIGH street & LocAL econoMY
ABOvE, ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF THE PROPOSED LAYOUT
PED
x-
ING
PED
/CYC
LE
ON
LY
PED
/CYC
LE
ON
LY
PARKING
BERKSHIRE HOUSE
PED
x-
ING
COMMUNITY / ARTS
CENTRE
MIxEDUSE
MIxEDUSE
MIxEDUSE
OvERHEAD vIEW OF PROPOSED HIGH STREET
CHARACTER PHOTOS FOR HIGH STREET
PETROLSTATION
12 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 6. trAnsPort
Green connectIonsBETTER PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG HIGH STREET
CYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ROUTE PARALLEL TO HIGH STREET
IMPROvED PEDESTRIAN PAvEMENT AND CYCLE PATH ON STATION HILL ROAD
IMPROvED CYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ROUTE AND WIDENING OF ST GEORGE’S LANE
DIAGRAM SHOWING NOTIONAL PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE ROUTES
Resolving High Street congestion issues will make the High Street safer, more comfortable and more viable.
During the workshops, traffic congestion and lack of parking on the High Street came out as top issues preventing the High Street from reaching its potential. This is a day to day issue as well as on racedays, when the local community tend to stay away from the High Street. The shops on the High Street also tend to close on racedays. This counterintuitive situation is difficult to resolve, especially given the desire to create a more vibrant High Street with more shops on it and more homes around it. No matter what, attractive
RACECOURSE
HIGH STREET
STATIO
N H
ILL
WIN
KFIELD
RO
AD
ST GEO
RG
E’S LAN
E
centres of retail and social activity will have issues with parking and congestion. Improved street layouts such as shared space, wider pavements, and rationalised loading zones can enhance traffic flow whilst ensuring pedestrian safety and comfort.
STATION
BETTER CYCLE CONNECTIONS TO LOCAL vILLAGES
BETTER CYCLING/PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS TO HEATHERWOOD HOSPITAL SITE
HOPPER BUS SERvICES BETWEEN ALL THE vILLAGES
HEATHERWOOD HOSPITAL
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 13
HIGH street LAYoUtWIDER PAvEMENTS ON BOTH SIDES OF STREET
REMOvAL OF CENTRAL MEDIAN
LANDSCAPE ZONE (STREET TREES)
DEDICATED LOADING ZONES WITH RESTRICTED LOADING TIMES
‘SHARED SPACE’ THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE HIGH STREET. WELL-DESIGNED PAvING AND STREET FURNITURE.
DEDICATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING WITH REMOvABLE BOLLARDS
REMOvABLE BOLLARDS ON HIGH STREET TO ALLOW TWO LANE TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION
stAtIon HILL roAD roUnDABoUtIMPROvED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
BETTER/WIDER PAvEMENTS
WIDER LANES FOR BETTER TRAFFIC FLOW
WInKFIeLD roAD roUnDABoUtIMPROvED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
BETTER/WIDER PAvEMENTS
WIDER LANES FOR BETTER TRAFFIC FLOW
PROPOSED PETROL STATION
REDO ST GEORGE’S LANE ENTRY
PLAN OF PROPOSED WINKFIELD ROAD ROUNDABOUT
PLAN OF PROPOSED STATION HILL ROAD ROUNDABOUT
PROPOSED STREET SECTION SHOWING LAYOUT
PROPOSEDPETROLSTATION
WIN
KFIELD
ROA
D
STATIO
N
HILL R
OA
D
HIGH STREET
HIGH STREET
14 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 7. InFrAstrUctUre
resIDentIAL PArKInG strAteGY
The following strategy has worked successfully for a small-scale mixed use development in Dorset. This innovative approach provides the necessary parking for each home whilst allowing the streets to feel spacious and not cramped. A certain number of parked cars are good for residential streets because they slow moving cars down and create activity. And this then leads create safer, more comfortable streets for pedestrians and residents.
For each residence, at least:
( 1 ) PARKING SPACE IN PARKING COURTYARD WITHIN BLOCK BEHIND HOUSE
( 1 ) PARKING SPACE IN GARAGE ON PLOT ACCESSED FROM BEHIND THE HOUSE
( 1 ) PARKING SPACE ON STREET FOR EvERY TWO HOUSES (SO ALL THE HOUSES ON THE BLOCK SHARE THE PARKING)
IMAGES OF TYPICAL PARKING COURTYARD AND RESIDENTIAL STREET
Car parking is essential for a successful, active High Street, but too much can be detrimental.
Parking on the High Street was an issue raised at the workshops. Car parking is always an issue in mixed-use developments. Shop owners want customers to be able to park in front of their shop, and homeowners want to be able to park their car close to their home. At the same time, congestion is also always an issue. So something has to give. The tendency to overcompensate for the car has led to urban locations becoming more suburban in nature. The inertia needed to make places active and shops viable declines as more valuable space is devoted by car parking, instead of a
another shop, for example. At the same time, ignoring the car and its importance can lead to High Streets that are not active and retail that is not viable. In the last 10-15 years, innovative transport engineers have found success in more integrated parking management strategies which properly accommodate the car but celebrate the pedestrian. Below are some of these solutions that are tailored to Ascot Centre.
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 15
retAIL PArKInG strAteGY
Successful urban High Streets will always have parking problems because they are destinations. So the challenge is how to strike the balance that properly allows the retail and social activity to thrive whilst providing enough parking for shops to thrive.
Whilst we must take into account that most drive to the High Street now, we must not accept this is a given in long term planning, especially considering other parallel initiatives that have been suggested, such as cycling promotion and more houses within walking distance to the High Street.
The follow strategy takes ideas from similarly sized High Streets that have similar parking issues. It utilises a combination of on street parking for
PP
ExISTING P
P
PPHIGH STREET
WIN
KFIELD
RO
AD
RACECOURSE
PARKING DIAGRAM WITH P DENOTING DEDICATED CAR PARK
PROPOSED GREEN ENERGY CENTRE
short term parking and dedicated car parks for longer term parking.
SHORT TERM PARALLEL PARKING ALONG HIGH STREET AND ON ALL SIDES OF vILLAGE SQUARE
LONGER TERM PARKING IN IDENTIFIED LARGER CAR PARKS JUST OFF HIGH STREET, (P) ON DIAGRAM BELOW (approximately 5,000 square metres total area)
DEDICATED LOADING ZONES WITH RESTRICTED LOADING TIMES
CAR PARK SET ASIDE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY TO USE HIGH STREET ON RACEDAYS
PotentIAL sMALL scALe coMMUnItY enerGY centre
There is currently a power supply problem for businesses on and near the High Street. A small scale energy centre on Racecourse land could address this issue. A community
source of energy could create a more sustainable future for the Ascot community by providing local, renewable energy (see diagram below).
STAT
ION
HILL
RO
AD
ExISTING P
16 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 8. coMMUnItY AMenItIes
VILLAGe sqUAre
A Village Square could be a proper community gathering space. Importantly, it should be plotted to maximise the existing large trees. It could be fronted by a community centre (see below) and two to three storey mixed use buildings with retail or other active uses on the ground floor and residences above. Parallel parking could line all sides. This Village Square could give a physical heart to the Ascot community on the High Street.
coMMUnItY centre
A gathering space for all ages was a common idea during the workshops. This community centre could have community space, an arts space, and a cinema. This building should be 2-3 stories, the building footprint should be approximately 15m x 25m. An excellent model for this centre is The Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor, which contains an auditorium, studios, classrooms, and other flexible spaces.
PrIMArY scHooL
During the workshops, a desire for a primary school near to Ascot Centre was expressed. After consideration, it is suggested that it is not appropriate to identify a location at this stage. The school is best suited to be located near the High Street, though locating it close to the High Street
DIAGRAM SHOWING SUGGESTED vILLAGE SQUARE
high street
berkshire hOUse
villAge sqUAreCOmmUnity Centre
MIxED USE
FIRE STATION
STATION
HILL RO
AD
SMALLBUSINESS UNITS
Development in Ascot Centre is not just for economic growth - it can deliver desired community amenities as well. The community have called for more amenities on the High Street to complement the existing, such as the Football Club and library. There was a desire for both a public gathering space and a community building. To justify development on the south side of the street, there must be included elements of clear community benefit.
vIEW SHOWN TOP RIGHT
MIxED USE
MIxED USE
MIxED USE
is problematic because of limited access, lack of size, and proximity to industrial activity. As such, further study is needed to prepare a school development brief which will inform the identification of the appropriate site.
enVIronMent, HeALtH & WeLL-BeInG
South & North of the High St, important mature trees will be retained to form a nucleus of green spaces for the enjoyment of residents & visitors alike. (see section 9).
Long term, the vision is that the wood between Heatherwood Hospital and the railway could become a
Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG), open to the public for recreation.
There are also permissive rights for people to take air and exercise 364 days per year on Ascot Heath & potentially a Leisure Centre included as part of the Ascot Racecourse hotel project (see next section).
HoteL WItH PUBLIc LeIsUre centre
Ascot is the venue for a wide range of conference and events that take place throughout the year. Ascot is restricted in the range of conferences it can hold by the absence of on-site hotel accommodation. It is therefore
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 17
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF THE vILLAGE SQUARE
DIAGRAM SHOWING SUGGESTED COMMUNITY AMENITIES
GREENSPACE
SQUARE
GREENSPACE
HIGH STREET
ASCOT RACECOURSE
GREENSPACE
HOTEL SITE WITH LEISURE CENTRE
EQUESTRIAN CENTRE SITE
proposed to include a hotel on the Ascot site which should:
INCREASED FOOTFALL FOR RETAILERS ON THE HIGH STREET
ASSIST THE CONFERENCE ACTIvITY AND ALLOW FOR MULTI-DAY CONFERENCES REDUCING THE NEED TO TRAvEL
It is preferable to locate this activity as close to the core of the village as possible so that the economic benefits are optimised.
otHer rAcecoUrse ActIVItIes
The Racecourse, other than the racing activity, also provides a wide range of essential community amenities. These include:
ROYAL ASCOT GOLF CLUB
ROYAL ASCOT CRICKET CLUB
ASCOT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
THE DURNING LIBRARY; AND
THE ROYAL ASCOT NURSERY SCHOOL
The Ascot facilities are also used by the local groups for a wide range of meetings, whilst Car Park 3 has been made available as a public car park on non-racedays.
EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
To be used for community for riding for disabled, school riding lessons and horse clubs. Also to be used for occasional international exhibitions.
18 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 9. HoUsInG
1
2
3
LARGE RESIDENTIAL
MEDIUM RESIDENTIAL
FLATS ABOvE SHOPS
SMALL RESIDENTIAL
DIAGRAM OF ASCOT vILLAGE CONCEPT
DIAGRAM OF ASCOT GREEN CONCEPT
high street
stAtiOn h
ill rO
Ad
AsCOt rACeCOUrse
DIAGRAM OF HOUSING MIx
Two large areas adjacent to the High Street could provide its vital walkable catchment.
One of main reasons the High Street has not reached its potential is a lack of homes within walking distance. The two large areas to the north and south of the High Street can address this issue. Responding to the call for a mix of housing, it is suggested to have a variety of housing type and density across the two areas. To the north, the
win
kfield r
OA
d
PRECEDENT FOR ASCOT vILLAGE CONCEPT PRECEDENT FOR ASCOT GREEN CONCEPT
‘Ascot Village’ concept is seen as a lower scale residential development, taking as precedent the scale of the homes on Course Road (see image below). To the south, the ‘Ascot Green’ concept is seen as a development tucked into the landscape, taking advantage of the existing large trees that dominate.
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 19
1 Ascot Green concePt5.4 APPROxIMATE HECTARES TOTAL AREA
1.5 HECTARES OF GREEN SPACES
0.75 HECTARE vILLAGE SQUARE
ALL DEvELOPMENT shOUld be PlOtted tO keeP eXisting lArge trees And lAndsCAPe
mediUm siZe hOUsing tO the eAst And lArger siZe HOUSING TO THE WEST
SOMETHING IN THE ORDER OF 24-28 HOUSING UNITS PER HECTARE
2 Ascot VILLAGe concePt3.5 APPROxIMATE HECTARES TOTAL AREA
0.8 HECTARE GREEN SPACE
ALL DEvELOPMENT shOUld be PlOtted tO keeP eXisting lArge trees And lAndsCAPe
twO stOry terrACe hOUsing
miXed Use bUildings AlOng the high street
PedestriAn/CyCle ACCess Only tO high street
SOMETHING IN THE ORDER OF 30 - 35 UNITS PER HECTARE
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF ASCOT vILLAGE
DIAGRAM OF ASCOT vILLAGE CONCEPT
DIAGRAM OF ASCOT GREEN CONCEPT
sqUAre
stAtiOn h
ill rO
Ad
high street
AsCOt rACeCOUrse
GREEN SPACE OR TREES
GREEN SPACE OR TREES
SUGGESTED STREET/PATH
SUGGESTED STREET/PATH
SUGGESTED FRONTAGE
SUGGESTED FRONTAGE
high street
fire stAtiOn
win
kfield r
OA
d
20 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 10. Green BeLt IMPLIcAtIons
After an analysis the issues and consultation with the local community, a series of ideas have been suggested. These ideas have implications on the Green Belt. At tHe HIGH street
Ascot Village developed intrinsically as a service centre for the Racecourse. Its stature reflects that evolution rather than a more holistic typical English Village. This reflects in the lack of scale and single-sided nature of the High Street. As a consequence, it suffers from a series of issues, as identified previously in the report:
SINGLE SIDED HIGH STREET DUE TO GREEN BELT DESIGNATION
CONGESTION IN THE HIGH STREET
PARKING ISSUES ON THE HIGH STREET
MOST PEOPLE TRAvEL TO THE HIGH STREET BY CAR
THERE IS NO PHYSICAL HUB FOR THE COMMUNITY
LACK OF HOMES WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE
If Ascot is to change into a more sustainable, long term settlement, it needs to grow, albeit within sensi-ble parameters that reflect a more rational development. Development of the north and south elements at a similar scale to the existing village will provide a more cohesive centre whilst maintaining the integrity of the Green Belt.
At tHe rAcecoUrse
Ascot Racecourse has been operating in its current location since 1711. It has been redeveloped a number of times since its original creation. The last redevelopment in the late 1950s preceded the current designation of the Green Belt. When the Green Belt was designated, it was clearly drawn
to exclude the track facilities, wheth-er permanent or temporary.
The racecourse has now been redeveloped (2003-2005) so the Green Belt should be reviewed to maintain this continued position. Ascot Racecourse in general has the highest quality racing in the world. The Royal Meeting is world famous and all the activities at the racecourse have a positive impact on the local community and economy.
It is proposed that the Green Belt be re-aligned to continue the prior principle of retaining the majority of racecourse land in the Green Belt, but excluding those areas used operationally for racing on a consistent basis.
At tHe trAIn stAtIon
The existing car park and car show-room are located in the Green Belt. This counter-intutive situation, simi-lar to the situation at the Racecourse, should be resolved as well.
PotentIAL PoLIcY PrIncIPLes
There are different ways of address-ing the Green Belt designation. Planning applications for the areas suggested in this report could be han-dled on a case by case basis. Within the Neighbourhood Plan, policies and principles regarding Green Belt at Ascot Centre could be included. Another option is there could be
Ascot Centre specific Green Belt poli-cies in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Local Plan, which is being developed at the moment. As of this writing though, Department of Communities of Local Govern-ment (DCLG) have not clearly stated how Neighbourhood Plans can best influence larger policy items, such as Green Belt.
Land to the north and south of the High Street is suggested for release from the Green Belt, however, its development should be subject to certain criteria.
Prior to the submission of any outline or detailed planning application, a masterplan for the area should be prepared by the owner/developer and submitted to, and with partnership by the local community, the Parish Council, and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead for consul-tation and approval. The masterplan should comply with the policies of the neighbourhood plan and be clear on the quantum and total floor area of development, mix of uses and style of development.
Prior to implementation of the first house under the masterplan scheme, the owner/developer should pay an agreed amount toward the communi-ty buildings and should not complete or occupy an agreed number of hous-es until the commercial development has commenced.
A comprehensive parking analysis and strategy shall be included in the masterplan for the area. Any plan-ning application should adhere to these parking provisions.
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 21
MAP WITH GREEN BELT (IN GREEN) AND POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREAS
high street
AsCOt rACeCOUrse
POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREA
STATION DEvELOPMENT AREA
heAtherwOOd hOsPitAl site
POTENTIAL DEvELOPMENT AREAS
22 PRINCE’S FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY
sectIon 11. sUMMArY & neXt stePs
PUBLIc consULtAtIon PerIoDs
(1) six week public consultation on draft Neighbourhood Plan (facilitated by Parish Councils)
(2) second six week public consulation on final Neighbourhood Plan (facilitated by RBWM)
InDePenDent eXAMInAtIon
In line with the local plan, EU legislation
In line with national policy
Proper public engagement and sound evidence
FIrst DrAFt PLAn
The community spirit is alive in Ascot and deserves a heart in an active, vibrant High Street.
With substantial community input, pragmatic, innovative solutions have been put forth to address issues that could bring activity to the High Street, desired amenities to the community, and relief to congestion and parking. The community of Ascot are keen participants in the process of planning their future, which is a validation of the idea of Localism.
The momentum gained through the workshops can be carrried forward as the process moves toward adoption of a Neighbourhood Plan. These workshops, as part of the Neighbourhood Plan, have the potential to turn Ascot Centre into an exemplar project for High Street
development and for 21st century community-led neighbourhood planning.
FInAL PUBLIc sessIon PresentAtIon
The Prince’s Foundation presented first hypotheses at the Final Public Session, and the response was gen-erally very positive. A summary of the comments and questions can be found in the Appendix. A question-naire was also filled out by the public and is also in the Appendix.
neIGHBoUrHooD PLAnnInG neXt stePs
HEATHERWOODHOSPITAL SITE
POSSIBLE SUITABLE ALTERNATIvE NATURAL
GREEN SPACE (SANG) SITE
LEGEND
DEvELOPMENT SITE
GREEN SPACE
GREEN BELT
IMPROvED JUNCTION
ASCOT CENTRE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP REPORT 23
InDePenDent eXAMInAtIon
In line with the local plan, EU legislation
In line with national policy
Proper public engagement and sound evidence
LocAL reFerenDUM
A simple majority (over 50%) will be required in order to pass the plan
ADoPtIon
BY rBWM
OvERALL ILLUSTRATIvE PLAN
ASCOT RACECOURSE
HIGH STREET
STAT
ION
HILL
RO
AD
WIN
KFIELD
RO
AD
POSSIBLE SUITABLE ALTERNATIvE NATURAL
GREEN SPACE (SANG) SITE
POSSIBLE HOTEL
SITE
POSSIBLE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
SITE
ENHANCED CYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ROUTE
CYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ONLY ROUTE
MIxED USE FRONTAGE
SUGGESTED ROUTE
STATION REDEvELOPMENT
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE
(LONG TERM vISION)
POSSIBLE GREEN ENERGY
CENTRE SITE