MEC were appointed by Orchestra Land to provide multidisciplinary technical support for the outline planning application for the development at St Leonards Road, Nazeing.
The site comprises of 3.17 hectares and has secured outline planning permission for the construction of up to 104 new homes with access, public footpath improvements, and green space.
Transport
Our Transport team supported the project by carrying out a Highways technical note, an AADT forecast and a Stage 1 road safety audit.
With the local council's concerns about traffic speed along St Leonards Road, the team proposed a traffic-calming scheme in the form of a new 40 mph buffer speed zone, to be implemented by the development. This is proposed to be located approximately 200m south of the existing 30mph limit.
Traffic modelling assessed the impact of the proposed development on the surrounding network and concluded that whilst there will be an increased volume of traffic, it will not cause a severe impact to the traffic network.
The team produced a Road Safety Audit as required by Essex County Council, where they have recommended that additional measures should be taken to encourage slower vehicles, such as additional carriageway markings. It has also been recommended that access locations to the development have adequate visibility.
Flood Risk and Drainage
Our Flood Risk and Drainage team prepared a Hydraulic modelling study and technical note in response to downstream flooding concerns from the Environment Agency, and a Flood Risk and Drainage Technical Note to demonstrate that the development could be delivered without an increased risk of flooding on or off site.
The Hydraulic modelling study was undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the extension of the existing on-site culvert to facilitate a new access to the Site. The assessment covered pre- and post-development scenarios alongside the existing Brook flowing through the Site. The team were able to demonstrate the proposals would not result in a detrimental impact on flooding downstream.
Overall, the additional hydraulic modelling works, and response to raised Environment Agency and Local Planning Authority concerns demonstrated that the proposals would not result in an adverse impact on flood risk both on or off-site, resulting in outline planning approval being granted at committee.
Geo-Environmental
The Geo-Environmental team undertook a Phase I Desk Study and subsequent Phase II Ground Investigation to confirm the ground conditions and assess any potential sources of contamination.
The assessment concluded that contaminant concentrations were below threshold values and the environmental risk is low. Traditional foundations were confirmed to be appropriate, deepening through any softer shallow superficial soils. An increased concrete classification was recommended due to the potential for pyritic soils in the London Clay Formation.
Recommendations include development of an earthworks method statement, soil infiltration testing, and the development of a detailed foundation design plan.
Utilities
Our Utilities team reviewed existing infrastructure to determine if the development could be serviced, and to identify any constraints that may influence the layout.
The assessment confirmed that clean water, foul drainage, gas, electricity, and telecommunications can be supported by the proposed development, without the need for reinforcements.
This site brought forward a range of challenges, including a brook running through the development and concerns about road traffic speeds. MEC provided a comprehensive technical evidence base that supported the planning application and helped secure a resolution to grant outline planning permission. We look forward to seeing the development progress through the next stages.
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