Land at Highover Farm, Hitchin
Thirteen distinct informal and formal green spaces are provided across the site which form a cohesive network of usable and biodiverse areas. The Illustrative Landscape Masterplan below identifies provision across the site alongside the specification of one of the proposed green spaces. More detail on each specific area is provided within the draft Design Code booklet.
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DESCRIPTION: Surfaced pathways for access through the open space with combined uses at 3.5m wide.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Unbound whin or granite dust path
SPECIFICATION: Constructed in accordance with Highway Authority guidance. To be installed at no greater than 1:8 linear gradients
DESCRIPTION: Secondary pedestrian footpath links into the combined pedestrian/cycleway and development parcels at 2m wide.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Unbound whin or granite dust path
SPECIFICATION: Constructed in accordance with Highway Authority guidance. To be installed at no greater than 1:8 linear gradients.
DESCRIPTION: High quality benches with arms, located appropriately for easy access/use. High quality litter and dog bins at appropriately placed junctions.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Steel framed timber benches. FSC® (FSC-C122338) Softwood treated with waterbased preservative.
Litter and dogs bins galvanised steel bodies with powder galvanized prime and polyester powder coat to appropriate RAL colour.
SPECIFICATION: To be specified at detailed design stage. Installed to manufacturer specification.
DESCRIPTION: Local Equipped Area for Play covering 400m2. Target age range (approx.) 4 to 8.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Informal design that integrates play space with the wider park with the use of landform and naturalistic planting.
SPECIFICATION: Designed inline with the FIT’s ‘Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play’, and installed in accordance with the play manufacturers specification. To offer at least six play experiences with associated adult seating opportunities.
DESCRIPTION: Sustainable drainage features help create a diverse environment within the park and promote ecological and nature credentials.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Attenuation basins.
SPECIFICATION: Constructed in accordance with the agreed surface water drainage proposals and CIRIA C697 guidelines.
DESCRIPTION: Earth contouring/mounding incorporated within park strengthens the site boundaries, provides visual interest to users and provides additional screening to the western boundary of the site adjacent he railway line.
MATERIAL/SPECIES/TYPE: Earth mounding formed and graded from subsoils and finished with topsoil previously stored on site.
SPECIFICATION: Variety of mounds shapes ranging in height, length, and width to suit its location. Mounds to be no higher than 1.5m. Gradients of mounds to be no greater than 1:4 to allow safe access for maintenance. Details of mounds to be produced at the detailed design stage.
