Land at Highover Farm, Hitchin

David Wilson Homes

Character Areas - The Avenue

This character area is defined by the main route through the development, a new tree lined street with double footpath and a segregated cycleway running on one side.

The dwellings actively facing the main route and will consist of detached, semi detached, terraced or apartment units with a consistent set back to create a strong rhythm and give a generous front gardens. They have simple roof forms, generally with roofs aligned parallel with the street and occasional front gables.

Some distinctive buildings at key locations with opportunity to change of material and change of roof orientation will help articulating the street scene. The Street alignment allows for views of the central area and new school building to unfold as the visitor travels along it.

The Aveue

The sketch layout provided is for illustrative purposes and will be subject to full consideration as part of Reserved Matters Application

CONSISTENT STEPPED FRONTAGE ALONG THE AVENUE

  • Consist of detached, semi detached or apartment units with a consistent set back and alignment to create a strong rhythm.
  • Space between buildings consists in regular gaps for parking or access to internal courtyards to reduce excessive dissection of the verge and cycleway.
  • Detached dwelling may define corner plots.

MAIN GATEWAY ON STOTFOLD ROAD

  • Consist of mainly detached and semi detached units with a consistent set back framed by private drives.
  • Space between building consist in regular gaps for parking.
  • Change of roof orientation could define corner buildings.

Materials

Boundary Treatment

Character Areas - The Avenue

The massing sketch layout provided is for illustrative purposes and will be subject to full consideration as part of Reserved Matters Application.

Guidance Elements

MASSING AND SCALE:

  • 2/2.5 up to 3 storey height with opportunities
    to emphasise key locations with height.

ROOF TYPE:

  • Simple arrangement with roof ridge generally aligned to the building frontage.
  • Front gables allowable to punctuate the main roofline.
  • Occasional dormers will add richness to the roofscape.

BUILDING TYPE:

  • Predominantly detached, semi detached or apartment units.

BUILDING LINE AND SPACE BETWEEN BUILDING:

  • Stepped frontage.
  • Varied spacing between buildings.

APPEARANCE:

  • Urban and Formal in character.
  • Corner turners and key buildings should be distinct in presentation to assist in way-finding using different material.

BOUNDARY TREATMENT:

  • Generous front garden with native hedge boundary.
  • Piers Wall and Railing to define boundary plot.

PARKING:

  • A mix of parking typologies. On plot side parking for detached and semi-detached houses
  • Rear court parking for apartments.