GNLP 2136 - Briar Farm - Residential Development - 350 dwellings proposed - Acceptable - The proposed site is large, some 27ha, with a potential residential-led mixed development of upto 350 dwellings. Consideration should be taken on not only the overall impact of such a large development, but the impact on the rural nature of the approach to the town via the A143. If this site is accepted for development, careful consideration must be given to the design and environmental approach to the houses. A plan to plant a woodland area along the perimeter of the development would shield properties from traffic noise from the by-pass as well as providing a softer welcoming approach to the town, and due consideration of the same nature must be afforded to the residents living on Jays Green. It would not be acceptable to put a road exiting from the development onto Jays Green, as this is a narrow road with a difficult junction at the top of School Lane which is only approx. 50 metres away from the start of the potential development. Concerns have been raised as to whether a pedestrian access from the development onto Jays Green would be installed. If this was the case, it should be noted that it is narrow along this stretch of road, with only a pavement on one side. As previously mentioned there is a dangerous junction at the top of School Lane/Jays
Green with no footpath on the road at all. There is already a large number of children using this area from Briar Road and Bullfinch Drive and is heavily congested at school times.
Light pollution and light spillage onto neighbouring properties is a significant issue. There are real concerns over the character of new LED lights and their colour temperature. It is hoped that policies are adopted to ensure lighting of the most benign nature is accepted. A starting point can be found in the information provided in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire AONB planning advice. This is easily achieved if established firmly at the outset for any new works. Colour temperature of 3000k or less with lights fully shrouded and properly aimed to illuminate only the target area would be a wise logical rationale.