Mixed Use Development

57% of you reacted positively to our initial masterplan by saying it was either ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ or ‘good’, whilst 58% of you agreed with the principle that Allens West should be a mixed use development, incorporating commercial, residential and community uses.

Employment

The retention of the existing industrial estate and the local jobs it generates was well received. Employment uses were seen as important with 28% of respondents to our questionnaire specifically identifying such uses should be retained on site. The inclusion of additional employment areas was welcomed.

Homes

Whilst some of you expressed concern that 500 homes was too great a number for the area, there is a need for Stockton to deliver more housing to fulfil government targets. In our proposals we have provided a mix of homes, including affordable and sheltered accommodation and a range of different sized houses that is not being provided for elsewhere in the locality. The most popular requirement for community facilities identified by our questionnaire was affordable housing; 15% of the dwellings proposed (75 dwellings) will be provided as affordable housing, including both rented and shared ownership accommodation..

Traffic/Transport

Many of you brought up the issue of traffic and transport during the course of the public exhibition. In response we have carried out a Transport Assessment. Measures we are looking at introducing include a park and ride facility for Allens West station, the provision of additional bike racks, improving the local bus infrastructure (shelters, stops, information, etc) and a Travel Plan for both residents and businesses aimed at encouraging travel by means other than private car. When operated elsewhere, Travel Plans have been shown to reduce the use of the private car by 10%. Improved public transport topped the list of the sustainable measures you would like to see in relation to the site

Community Facilities

The idea of expanding the community facilities on site was very popular and our application includes an element of community use. A doctor’s surgery is being promoted elsewhere in the vicinity however it is intended that this area could be used as a crèche, dentists or similar use.

We are planning to provide new access and parking for the council owned football pitches to the north of the site, in addition to making a financial contribution towards drainage and other improvements of this facility.

We recognise that by building more houses there will be increased pressure on schools within the local area and are currently in discussion with Stockton on Tees Borough Council regarding how this issue can be addressed.

We are also looking to preserve the habitat of the Great Crested newt population in two nature reserves on site.