A Parklands Inspired Development
on Land North and East of
Blandford Forum
Design Evolution
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The proposals for the site have been developed over the past three years following consultation with local residents, stakeholders and council officers.
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The application originally sought outline planning permission for the entire highlighted part of the opportunity site (right), alongside detailed planning permission for a first phase of 167 homes, parkland and access from the A354.
The scheme has significantly evolved twice from the first plans shown to residents in and submitted in 2020 for 600 homes.
In 2022, we reduced the total number of homes to 520, as well as significantly reducing building heights and the number of buildings along the bypass edge and now we are submitting updated proposals for 490 homes. This is a reduction of 110 homes since 2020.
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The following sections will present details on how the plans have changed and improved.
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The opportunity site
Design Concept - 2020
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The original concept was that the proposals would deliver a sustainable extension to Blandford that promotes walking and cycling, supports town centre businesses and brings benefits to new and existing residents and creates a genuine community.
The original design concept included:
• Up to 600 new homes.
• A range of densities, mix of houses and apartments and 30% affordable homes.
• A mixed-use centre and range of community facilities to serve the day- to-day needs of residents.
• Locating the primary school and playing fields where they are accessible to existing residents of Blandford Heights.
• Strong pedestrian and cycle connections, giving access to the jobs, shops, services and leisure facilities of Blandford.
• Relocating the allotments and improving access, parking and amenities.
• Locating allotments and playing fields to minimise built development in the AONB.
• A variety of parks, playing fields and open spaces for all.
• Retaining trees and hedgerows as valuable wildlife and ecological corridors.
• A strong arrival into Blandford that acknowledges its Georgian heritage.
• Improving access from the Salisbury Road and upgrades to the Hill Top Roundabout.
• A new roundabout from the bypass to access the site and maintain traffic flows.
• Strong landscape edges to create a natural transition to the countryside.
• Green and leafy residential avenue streets.
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Design concept plan - 2020
Initial Masterplan - Sept 2020
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Taking into account the points above, an initial illustrative masterplan was prepared to support the planning application and demonstrate how the application site could integrate successfully as part of Blandford Forum and deliver the key aims of the draft Blandford Neighbourhood Plan.
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The numbered areas right correspond to the numbered points below.
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Relocated Lamperd’s Allotments and facilities to larger and flatter site.
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Opportunity for community playing fields and Multi-Use Games Area adjacent to the proposed school.
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New primary school located adjacent to the footbridge over the A350, with space to expand to provide three forms of entry.
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Local centre at the town gateway with Salisbury Road, with buildings located outside of the AONB designation. Improved pedestrian and cycle connections will be provided at the Salisbury Road roundabout.
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Prominent new built frontage reflecting the Georgian character qualities of Blandford to create a strong sense of arrival to the town.
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New roundabout access connection to the A354 and opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycle connections to Preetz Way.
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Tree-lined avenue streets providing safe and inviting connections for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
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Linear parkland space with retained trees and hedgerows proving a central green corridor for pedestrians, cyclists and ecology.
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High quality homes for all that cater for 21st Century ways of flexible living and working.
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Community parkland space with attractive wetland areas supporting strategies for managing water and improving biodiversity.
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New pedestrian and cycle route extends southwards to connect with Black Lane.
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Initial Masterplan - Sept 2020
Revised Masterplan - July 2022
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Following an extensive review period, a revised masterplan (shown opposite) and updated parameter plans were submitted in July 2022.
In summary, the July 2022 update included:
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• A reduction in the proposed total number of homes from 600 to 520.
• A significant reduction in proposed building heights along the bypass edge and across the development.
• A significant increase in proposed publicly accessible green space, including a central park and additional linear parks (covering approximately 45% of the development area).
• Potential for a bus route to connect through the development area, alongside improved bus stop facilities on Salisbury Road and adjoining areas.
• Significant increase in tree planting across the site, including widened street verges to support trees.
• Widened green corridor connections to support safe and inviting pedestrian and cycle connections.
• Off-site works to improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the town centre and local facilities.
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Revised Masterplan - July 2022
Final Masterplan - April 2023
A revised illustrative masterplan has been produced to demonstrate how the vision and design objectives can be achieved, prepared in accordance with the updated parameter plans. This latest plan reflects a landscape-led approach to deliver comprehensive areas of community parkland with connected green corridors, tree lined streets and significant areas of new planting.
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Green space - Strategic landscape and open space covering over 47% of the development area.
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New homes - 490 homes providing a balanced mix of types, sizes and tenures including affordable dwellings.
Bus access - Bus access point, improved stops, and potential to extend existing routes through the site.
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Connected communities - New cycle and pedestrian priority connections linking communities together.
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Healthy lifestyles - All residents within easy walking distance of green space or active travel routes.
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Community facilities - Potential school, allotments, community hall, shops and play facilities.
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Tree planting - Important trees retained and complemented with significant levels of new planting.
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Natural enhancements - Sustainable systems for managing surface water and increasing biodiversity.
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Final Masterplan - April 2023