writtle masterplan 17.01.05 masterplan 17 01 05.pdf · qube in association with: liz lake...

QuBE in association with:Liz Lake AssociatesMillard Consulting EngineersRichard Donoyou

Writtle College MasterplanStage 1 Report

Strategic Development Framework 2005 - 2021

January 2005

Richard Donoyoubuilt heritage, environment, planning & sustainable development

Introduction

Vision

The College today

The Strategic Development Framework

The next steps

- Summary of current issues and pressures

- Policy context

- Site context

- Historical development

- Statutory designations

- Topography

- Landscape character

- Land use

- Nature conservation

- Pedestrian cycle and vehicle access

- Landscape constraints and opportunities

- Landscape strategy

- Site zoning

- Access and parking strategy

Writtle College Masterplan 2005-2021 • Stage 1 Report - Strategic Development Framework • January 2005

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Writtle College Masterplan 2005-2021 • Stage 1 Report - Strategic Development Framework • January 2005 1

The masterplan will build upon the principles set out in the StrategicDevelopment Framework and will:

• Show how the College vision can be achieved.• Provide greater clarity about the eventual form and content of

the development.• Demonstrate a workable layout that connects the College and

the village, and relates to the surrounding countryside.• Enable future development to proceed in a structured, not

piecemeal way.• Set a framework for detailed planning applications.• Set out design principles for new development.• Set out a sustainability appraisal.

Given the rapidly changing nature of the Further and Higher Educationsectors it is essential that some flexibility is built into long term strategicplanning of the site and it is the College's intention to keep the masterplanunder regular review. The masterplan will help everyone with an interest inthe College, understand the guiding principles and the practicalities ofdevelopment and it will help support the expansion and acquisition of fundsfor the growth needed by the College to meet its overall vision.

Preamble Purpose of the Strategic Development Framework Purpose of the masterplan

Introduction

Writtle College wishes to ensure it maintains its position as one of thepremier colleges in the country educating students in land based disciplines.This requires the College to continually review its curriculum to make sureit is in a position to meet the ever-changing demand for industrial skills.The College also needs to make sure that the facilities for students andstaff keep pace with ever rising expectations. The investment required tocontinually renew the College in coming years will need to be found largelyfrom the College's own resources and this in turn will impact upon thecourses offered and how the land and buildings are used.

The College is one of Chelmsford's top ten employers and providesimportant services throughout the County of Essex and the EasternRegion. The College also provides access to a rural and leisure amenity forpeople in western Chelmsford.

Development of the College needs to be dealt with in the context of arestrictive national and local planning policy as the majority of the campusis within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The preparation of a developmentframework is also recommended by the Higher Education Funding Councilfor England (HEFCE)*. Therefore the College has decided to prepare adetailed masterplan for its estate which will include a fundamental reviewof the College, its role in the area and how it could develop in the comingyears to the benefit of both the College and Writtle village. This reviewwill be carried out in two stages:

• Strategic Development Framework.• Masterplan.

The overall aim of the completed masterplan is to provide a sound long-term plan for the development of Writtle College by accommodating anincrease in the number of students and developing new courses to ensureit remains a distinctive institution serving land-based, environment andrelated industries.The continual development of Writtle College will resultin a successful and attractive place that students, staff and village residentscan be proud of.

*HEFCE (2004) Estate Strategies - a guide to good practice.

This document has been prepared as the first stage in the development of amasterplan from the College site up to 2021. This timescale has beenchosen as it coincides with the period covered by the Local DevelopmentFramework currently being prepared by Chelmsford Borough Council.

As a Strategic Development Framework it sets out a vision for the Collegeand considers, in broad terms, how this could be achieved given the currentpressures facing the College from both an educational and estatemanagement perspective. It sets out the underlying principles upon whichfuture development proposals will be based to provide a modern teachingenvironment.

The Framework contains a detailed assessment of the College estate toprovide a robust basis for the preparation of more detailed proposalswhich will be within the site masterplan. It also sets out the College'seducational and estate management visions which will form the basis of thesite masterplan.


The Strategic Development Framework has been developed in consultationwith Chelmsford Borough Council and with representatives of the villagecommunity. It will be the subject of more detailed consultation with theCollege staff and students and with the local community before a moredetailed masterplan is prepared in Spring 2005.

The Framework has been prepared at this time to allow these issues, and thesupporting information contained in this report, to be considered as part ofthe public consultation exercise about to commence, leading to the adoptionof a Local Development Framework by Chelmsford Borough Council.

The Strategic Development Framework has been agreed by Writtle Collegefor submission to Chelmsford Borough Council to support its case for:

• The intensification of use on the current College sites.• Modifying and extending the current 'Special Policy Zone'.• Modifying the boundary of the Strategic Gap so it coincides with the

‘Special Policy Zone’ on the Lordship Campus.• Creating a new 'Special Policy Zone' to cover the Cow Watering and

Sturgeons Farm sites.• Reviewing the Green Belt boundary to allow the limited release of

land on the edge of Writtle village for new housing development.

The masterplan will be submitted to the Borough Council for approval asSupplementary Planning Guidance so it can be used as a materialconsideration in the determination of subsequent planning applications.

Initial Consultations Status


The starting point for the preparation of a masterplan is an overall visionfor the site. Writtle College has adopted the following Vision Statement asit strives to be:

"An acknowledged global provider of rural economicdevelopment expertise through education, training, research andconsultancy."

To achieve this, the College will:

• Maintain an international profile and will continue to recruit anincreasing number of overseas students to all its courses. It willspecialise in rural regeneration and target emerging economies inEurope or elsewhere that can benefit from its expertise.

• Work nationally in close partnership with other sector providers insecuring its mission.

• Serve the rural economy in the East of England. As the onlyspecialist Higher Education (HE) institution in the region coveringland-based industries, the College has a major regional role inassisting rural economies and the development of rural fringes.

• Grow to 3,500 full time equivalent (FTE's) by 2021 and seek tomaximise the opportunity presented by a seamless progression fromhigher level Further Education (FE) studies through foundation,undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Based on currently defined levels, the student population wouldcomprise:

o Post-graduate 10%o Honours Degree 35%o Foundation Degree 25%o Advanced FE 30%

• Have a much more flexible delivery mode and pattern with no cleardistinction between full and part-time students. Weekends andevenings will be more fully utilised and the College will have fullydeveloped e-learning opportunities and systems.

• Seek 'University College' status with degree awarding powers.• Increase its teaching and support staff to 550 FTE.

To achieve this vision the College will need to develop its land andbuildings to ensure there are adequate facilities of an appropriate quality tobe able to meet the education and training requirements of students.

The College vision for its estate is the:

• Development of a sustainable campus within an appropriatelylandscaped environment.

• Reduction of vehicular movement to and across the campus.• Development of recognised zones of activities, particularly in relation

to the creation of distinctive HE and FE campuses.• Upgrading of existing buildings and infrastructure arrangements.

The development of the campus will require a level of funding beyond thatwhich is currently available and consequently the College is seeking toinvestigate the opportunities for gaining additional funding, for example,through the release of land assets not necessarily required by the College.

This Strategic Development Framework is the start of a comprehensivereview that will lead to the preparation of a masterplan for the site.

Vision

This aerial photograph is the property of GetMapping. Taken before the gravel extraction commenced.


As a Higher Education Institution the College operates within a 220hectare estate at Writtle, Essex and lease additional land at ShuttleworthCollege, Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire.Whilst the economic impact ofWrittle College is distributed across the two sites, it is concentrated onthe main Writtle campus.

Writtle College is an integral part of the economic, social andenvironmental fabric of the village and this relationship is mutuallybeneficial. Nearly half of the College staff live within postcode CM1 (whichincludes Writtle and part of West Chelmsford) and it is estimated that staffand students make up almost 25% of the economically active population ofWrittle village.

The College income for 2004/05 is some £21.5million. This is made up oftuition fees, which comprises just over half of the College's income, and aquarter each from external business activity, and services to students andconference guests.

The College has an impact on local employment through suppliers, buildingcontractors and service providers, including:

• Purchasing of supplies and services - £4million pa.• £10 million of investment over the past 13 years for construction of

new halls of residence and teaching buildings.• £3 million since 2001 for new facilities.• A major project for construction of an agricultural reservoir

involving the extraction of 140,000 tons of gravel pa from theCollege over a three and a half year period creating indirectemployment in the construction and gravel processing sectors.

• Business related activity such as conferences and tourism arisingfrom day conferences and summer usage with a spin off for coachoperators, shops and tourist venues.

The College site is home to a number of agencies and businesses thatcreate additional employment, including Aquasol, Busy Bee Children's DayNursery, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and smallresearch enterprises.

The College is involved with 'reach out' activity to business in the EasternRegion, involving research and consultancy, encouraging innovation andparticipating in regional development initiatives with a focus on ruraldevelopment. A proportion of this activity is directed at internationalprojects funded through various aid agencies and consultancies. At present£3 million of the College's income is produced by business activity.

Applying a multiplier of 0.5* to the College's turnover at the Writtle sitethere is a further £10 million generated in the local and regional economywhich brings the total spend to about £30 million. Using the samemultiplier for employment this would indicate some 570 jobs in the localeconomy are reliant on the College.

*University of Bristol (Paul Chatterton) (1997), The Economic Impact of the University of Bristol on its Region

Introduction The economic impact of Writtle College

The College today


Student numbers 2004-5

Higher Education - full time UK 849

Higher Education - part time UK 1162

Higher Education - overseas 131

Total 2142

Further Education - full time UK 767

Further Education - part time UK 1264

Further Education - overseas 28

Total 2059

Grand Total 4201

Student spending

The spending power of students is considerable. It is estimated that thestudents will spend over £3million a year in the local area, as well as payingover £500,000 a year to local landlords.

Unlike most Colleges,Writtle is also home to a significant number ofanimals which are an integral feature of the curriculum. At present theCollege has about:

• 90 of its own horses and up to 50 in livery.• 24 cows and their followers.• 120 sheep.• 850 pigs, comprising sows and their progeny.

In addition there are also a diverse range of small animals associated withcourses on the curriculum. All of these animals require their own specialistaccommodation (buildings and land for grazing/exercise) as well asassociated teaching and research facilities.

Over the last 60 years the College has successfully developed a largeeducational plant collection.The collection is labelled, catalogued andcurated as an educational resource within an extensive campus landscapeand includes a National Collection of Pyracantha, and some notablespecimen trees recorded as 'rare' or 'infrequently' appearing in othercollections, especially in the Eastern region.The collection which is probablythe largest in any comparable land based college contains some notabletaxa and is of national, regional and local significance.

The collection is under continual development through student educationalactivity. As well as providing an educational and botanical resource forstudents, the collection surrounds the campus buildings to provide anattractive 'university campus in a green setting'. The collection is accessedby the local community through garden open days, by appointment withhorticultural societies and through attendance at College events.Thelandscaped collection consistently receives 100% positive feedback fromstudent importance/satisfaction survey feedback questionnaires, and is animportant factor in students selecting Writtle as a place to study and live.

The current restoration of nearby Hylands Park by Chelmsford BoroughCouncil has facilitated the re establishment of the Hylands CommunityArboretum to Orchard Meadow, west of Maddison Halls.The HylandsArboretum was a joint project by Writtle College and Chelmsford BoroughCouncil. Its establishment at Writtle signals a long term commitment toarboretum planting to continue the campus enhancement for futuregenerations and throughout the period of the masterplan.

The arboretum plans, create an opportunity for the College to developfuture buildings sensitively within an educationally functional greenenvironment.

Animal numbers Educational plant collection


The estate includes a range of property assets in both land and buildings.The buildings include properties in teaching use (including laboratories,classrooms and workshops), large storage facilities, administration offices,conference facilities, canteen facilities, residential accommodation,agricultural buildings of various types, glasshouses and a few buildingsoccupied by third party companies.

The wider estate also includes considerable areas of agricultural land andgrazing, formal landscape gardens, conservation areas with woodland, and agood quality sportsfield. This creates a diverse and interesting rural landscape.

Summary of current accommodation

Teaching space 19,088m2

Commercial activities 1,596m2

Offices 2,775m2

Shared space including circulation 7,757m2

Total non-residential 31,216m2

Total residential 8,546m2

Total space 39,762m2

The College estate


Summary of building condition

The buildings vary in age, styles and condition. The condition of propertyhas been assessed as:

Condition by m2 %

A - good condition or new 11

B - minor improvements required 40

C - satisfactory, but in need of major work 39

D - unsatisfactory, in need of major refurbishment or replacement 10

A detailed property survey is due to be commissioned to assist in thepreparation of the detailed masterplan.


Resources from (central) government to support Higher Educationstudents has dramatically reduced over the past 20 years and is unlikely toget more generous in future. Alternative income streams are required byinstitutions to support the quality of course provision and the associatedfacilities. The College receives 50% of its income from Government atpresent. To this end the College is developing its Centres of Excellence toparticipate in consultancy, research, short courses and to work closely withpartners in associated industries and external organisations. The College'scurriculum, with its high level of intensive practical work, is an expensiveprovision to maintain and thus the estate and buildings must be operatedcost effectively and flexibly to meet the changing demands.The ALI/Ofstedinspectorate in 2004 stated that Writtle provision in Further Educationprovided "satisfactory value for money". The Higher Education FundingCouncil's current policy encourages institutions to run all courses in asustainable manner and make the best, most cost-effective use of alllearning space. Institutions are also expected to have appropriateenvironmental policies to ensure economic and environmental sustainability.

Centres of Excellence

Writtle College is, and will remain, a specialist institution. The College hasbeen refocusing its Higher Education through a Centre of Excellenceprogramme and so far has developed:

• CERA Centre for the Environment and Rural Affairs.• CADE Centre for the Arts and Design in the Environment.

The College is well advanced in developing further Centres of Excellencewhich will require new facilities:

• Centre for Applied Animal Science.• Centre for World Crops.

Further Education

The Further Education Division is currently engaged in a collaborative bidfor a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Horticultural Technologies and willbid for further Centres of Vocational Excellence should the opportunityarise. It is also proposed to introduce the following facilities for FurtherEducation:

• Facilities for animal care teaching, which is currently operating at thelimits of available accommodation, and is in high demand by studentsand employers in the region.

• Further workshop accomodation to house expanding demand formotor vehicle and land based machinery training.

• High demand for sport and leisure programmes will requireadditional resources to satisfy needs.

Funding Educational issues

Summary of current issues and pressures

Education provision and curriculum is rapidly evolving and Writtle Collegeneeds to ensure it is able to effectively react to changes in the externalenvironment including Central Government financial and educationalinitiatives.

As a specialist college,Writtle will continue to focus its provision on therequirements of the rural economy. Although the College maintains itstraditional base of agriculture and horticulture provision, recentdevelopments have focussed on new areas of provision. Whilst the cropand livestock production elements of the UK economy remain important,the diversification of land use and the complexity of the economy haveresulted in changes to the curriculum. Conservation, leisure, equine, sportand outdoor recreation are now gaining in prominence, and the quality ofthe amenity landscape is important in the growth of horticulture at theCollege. The College is the largest provider of horticultural education andtraining in the country and its pre-eminence in garden design is recognisedthrough a host of awards and prizes within the professional sphere. Nodoubt the associated industries will continue to change over the decadesand Writtle College will continue its goal to monitor and respond toindustrial and employment trends by providing educational programmes innew curriculum fields and at a range of levels. The College values thepractical aspects of its education and the Estate use will also need to adaptto new curricula and sustain its role as the College's 'Green Laboratory'.

Other key issues facing the College at present and in the foreseeable futureare:

Evolving curriculum


Education and training

Writtle College has applied for Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) toensure its continued expansion within the HE sector. This reflects the highquality and standards of education evidenced in a series of recent qualityreviews and inspections. It will use the appropriate governance structuresto maximise the opportunity for HE and FE growth and sees thisprogression as valuable and appropriate.Writtle College intends to extendFoundation Degrees in its areas of work as a significant part of its growthstrategy. The College also intends to ensure that every undergraduate areaof study has a post-graduate option available. FE provision also underpins allareas of undergraduate study and seeks to deliver the objectives of thegovernment’s ‘Aim Higher’ strategy.

Research

Writtle College will continue to develop its expertise and reputation aspractitioners and vocational researchers, helping to develop implementablepolicy and improvements to the productivity and profitability of theindustries it serves. It strongly believes that all HE must be underpinned byan effective research strategy. Accordingly the institution seeks to provide ahigh quality focused research programme - relevant to its mission, externallyfunded, and delivered primarily through its Centres of Excellence.

Writtle College further recognises the importance of Reach Out activity asinforming curriculum development needs and generating an alternativeincome stream. To develop these activities the College has established aseries of strategic collaborative partnerships, (including AgriculturalDevelopment of the Eastern Region (ADER), National Rural KnowledgeExchange (NRKE), Innovation in the Eastern Region (i10), and KnowledgeExchange Eastern Partnership (KEEP)) to develop its Reach Out capabilityto deliver significant income streams. Community Reach Out programmessuch as Higher Education Active Community Fund (HEACF) have helpeddevelop and deliver collaboration with social firms and volunteeringprogrammes. These will remain important elements of College citizenshipprogrammes. NRKE is of major sectoral significance, and should continueand grow. Other initiatives will evolve in the future and the College willneed to respond as a leading national provider.

Education, Research and Reach Out will be brought together to makefundamental changes to the relationship between academic departments,staff and entrepreneurs and small businesses. This relationship will bepromoted through the creation of innovation and incubator space acrossthe campus to promote knowledge and technology transfer.

The College is involved with 'Reach Out' activity to business in the EasternRegion, involving research and consultancy, encouraging innovation andparticipating in regional development initiatives with a focus on ruraldevelopment. A proportion of this activity is directed at internationalprojects funded through various aid agencies and consultancy.

Writtle College is in direct competition with other national HigherEducational Institutions and it is therefore important that the facilitiesoffered by the College are of a high quality. At present there are a numberof poor older buildings, many of agricultural origin, and these do not give agood first impression of the College. Some facilities are of a high quality,including the new lecture theatre and laboratories.There is a need toaddress the development of new curriculum areas by providing a modernteaching environment.

There is a clear need for affordable housing to provide additionalaccommodation for students, particularly first year students, families ofmature and overseas students, and with the high cost of houses in the area,for staff.

Reach Out College facilities

The development of Writtle College needs to be seen against Central andLocal Government policies for education, the rural economy and the builtand natural environment.

Widening participation is a key government objective that will encourageregional and local expansion of 11% over the next 5-10 years due to thedemographic growth for Further Education. There is also considerableunder provision for Higher Education in the Eastern Region resulting instudents leaving the area to study elsewhere.

In addition, Central Government objectives of providing housing to meetlocal needs and promoting sustainable development are all fundamental tothe College's vision.

The development as set out in the Strategic Development Frameworkseeks to embrace these objectives and to be generally consistent withoverall national planning policy.

In summary, the key planning policies are:

PPG 1 - General Policies and Principles

Sustainable development and design quality as two principles that underpinthe government's approach to planning.

PPG 2 - Green Belts

The treatment of existing villages allows Green Belt boundaries to be reviewedand in so doing to consider the consequences for sustainable development.

Sets the framework for the development of buildings for agriculture andforestry, outdoor sport and recreation, limited infilling in existing villagesand limited affordable housing.

Annex C specifically refers to higher and further education establishments inthe Green Belt and notes 'it is however government policy to encouragemore people to undertake higher and further education. There has been alarge increase in student numbers and further increases can be expected'.

PPG 3 - Housing

Supports the principle of providing housing for all sections of thecommunity, locating new housing to reduce car dependence and promotesgood design. Has specific 'exception' for releasing land that would nototherwise be released to meet local needs.

PPS 7 - Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Supports the promotion of sustainable patterns of development andsustainable communities in rural areas and recommends that planningpolicies allow for some limited development in, or next to, ruralsettlements to meet local business and community needs and to maintainthe vitality of those communities.

PPG 9 Nature Conservation

Gives guidance on how the government's policies for the conservation ofour natural heritage are to be reflected in land use planning. It embodiesthe government's commitment to sustainable development and toconserving the diversity of our wildlife.

National Policy

PPG13 - Transport

Sets out the policies and requirements for reducing travel by private car.

PPG 15 - Planning and the Historic Environment

Sets out policies for the identification and protection of historic buildings,conservation areas, and other elements of the historic environment.


Policy context

The Borough of Chelmsford Community Plan has a vision for Chelmsford to be 'at the leading edge for economic and social and environmentalexcellence…'. The draft 'Core Strategy' sets out a range of strategicobjectives underpinned by the overriding need to secure and promotesustainable forms of development. The draft spatial strategy specificallyidentifies Writtle College as a 'Policy Area' where future guidance will beprovided. The document also contains core policies to control development.

This acknowledges that some new development in the village is inevitable,particularly additional accommodation for first time buyers (low costaffordable housing) and the elderly. It recognises there must be a balanceachieved between the provision of housing to supply local needs and thepreservation and enhancement of the environment. It also offers designguidance for any future development of the College.

Extract from Village Design Statement

• The moat of King John's Housing Lodge has only been partiallyexcavated and care should be taken to protect this area.

• The scale, design and materials of any development and associatedparking facilities, at the College should accord with the builtenvironment of the village.

• Consideration should be given to the impact of car parks on thesurrounding sensitive countryside, e.g. type of surface and screeningwith indigenous species.

• It is important that future developments incorporate traffic calmingand appropriate street furniture and leads to a further developmentof the College's Green Transport Plan.

• Tree screening is essential around all future College developments,particularly on the east side of Lordship Road, between the Collegeand the village.

• It is essential that the gap be maintained between the College andMayfield Road and between the College and Melba Court/Kitts Croft.

Local Writtle Village Design Statement


The East of England Plan, currently out for consultation is a draft revisionof the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East of England. This sets ahousing target of 14,000 new houses for Chelmsford and stresses the needfor more houses that are affordable, in both urban and rural areas. It alsosupports the economic and social well-being of rural villages and thecountryside by improving access to employment, services and facilities,allowing for further provision of affordable housing and encouragingeconomic diversification.

A knock on effect of increasing house numbers and population will be acorresponding increase in demand for education and training. Animportant policy requires Local Development Documents to includepolicies that ensure sufficient and accessible premises are available (takinginto account the availability of services/facilities in more rural areas) fortraining and education purposes to suit the requirements identified throughthe relevant strategies, including the Regional Economic Strategy, theFramework for Regional Employment and Skills Action (FRESA) and thosedrawn up by learning and skills councils and lifelong learning partnerships.

Regional


Writtle College estate extends almost to the built up edge of Chelmsfordto the east, and to the south adjoins Writtle village. To the north and westthere is an entirely rural setting.

Site context

The village has a long and rich history, and some of this activity is on landcurrently occupied by the College. Previous work commissioned by theCollege* has revealed evidence of prehistoric activity in the area andarchaeological finds from the Palaeolithic Age have been recorded. There isalso evidence of a Roman presence in the village and on the College site,including a metalled Roman road.

The Domesday Book demonstrates that Writtle was one of the largestmanors in Essex, both in population and territory. The principal settlementwas probably centred on the village green, which is from the C13, and thesite of the old manor is likely to be near the green.

In 1211 'King John's Hunting Lodge' was built in the north of the parish,and comprised a series of structures enclosed by a moat. By the beginningof the C16 the lodge was in a state of neglect and by 1556 little except themoat and the barn, which was built in 1478 remained upstanding. Writtle'sstatus as a royal estate continued to decline with the estates of the manorbeing divided amongst sub manors, including Lordships and Reeds Farms.Lordships Farm, immediately adjacent to the redundant lodge, remained theprincipal manor in the parish.

There was significant building around the village green from the C16 to C18and many of these structures survive today and the 1777 Andre andChapman map also shows series of structures belonging to Lordship Manor.

The College is working actively with Heritage Writtle to conserve any newfinds of interest.

*Cambridge University Archaeology Unit (2004), The Lordship Campus, Writtle College, Essex - An archaeologicaldesk based assessment.

A commemorative plaque in the College reception area succinctlydescribes the College's first century hundred years - 1893 - 1993:

"From its origins in a small laboratory in the centre of Chelmsford,WrittleCollege has grown into the country's foremost centre for the training andprofessional development of those engaged in the land based industries.Students from Britain and abroad have benefited from the College'spractical experience and established links with employers. Full time andpart time courses are held ranging from introductory to degree and post-graduate studies. The principal areas of work include agriculture,horticulture, rural resources, agricultural engineering and equine studies.

It was the revenue known as 'whisky money' which helped to establish theCollege in 1893. This was a tax intended as compensation to publicanswhose premises were to be closed down. In the event the funds werediverted to technical education and Essex became the first county tocommence training in agriculture and horticulture.

The teaching was organised in three separate schools - the Winter Schoolof Agriculture, the School of Horticulture and the Dairy School. A horsedrawn caravan was fitted out as a travelling dairy to spread the word aboutclean milk production. The first practical horticulture classes took place atthe County Gardens at the turn of the century under the direction ofCharles Wakely.

In 1912 the College changed its name from the County TechnicalLaboratories to the East Anglian Institute of Agriculture. All the courseswere based on scientific principles and many of the staff were engaged inresearch. Market day lectures were held in Chelmsford and local farmerswould bring in specimens for analysis. It was soon realised that until theCollege had a farm of its own it would not be possible to teach farming orhorticulture in a practical way. The five hundred acre farm at Writtle wasbought in 1936 and work began on the new College building.

By the time the College was ready for occupation it was wartime and thebuildings and land were take over by the War Agricultural Executive. Trainingof the Women's Land Army was carried out and the grounds devoted tovegetable growing as part of the nations Dig for Victory campaign.

Brief history of the area History of the College


Historical development

Front of College

Cow Watering

The new college was known as the Essex Institute of Agriculture and underits Principal, Ben Harvey, it embarked upon a period of considerable growthand progress. New student halls of residence were built, new engineeringworkshops and new farm buildings (erected). The farms ran enterprises fordairy, and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry and arable crops. Extensiveorchards were planted and the glass houses were used for growingtomatoes, salad crops, cut flowers and pot plants.

For a hundred years the College remained under the authority of EssexCounty Council. On 1st April 1993, the College assumed corporate statusand a new era began. As a Regional College of Anglia PolytechnicUniversity*,Writtle's provision of higher level courses has continued toexpand. Further development to educational and recreational resourceshas ensured that Writtle College has consolidated its position as theleading centre of its kind in Britain today. The beautiful groundssurrounding the teaching and residential buildings are a lasting testimony tothe work and achievement of the College during its first hundred years."

*Plaque wording incorrect. Courses validated by Essex University.


Sturgeons Farm

Lordship Campus - Rural Business Centre

Genus

Daws Farm

The College estate is affected by a number of constraints identified by centraland local government and governmental agencies and these will impact uponthe development of the masterplan. The principal designations are:

Green Belt - which covers the whole estate except for a 'Special Policy Zone'.

Strategic Gap - which separates Writtle from Chelmsford, and currentlycovers part of the Lordship Campus.

Floodplain - land identified by the Environment Agency as being liable to flood.

Sites of nature conservation importance - which protect the ecological,scientific and nature conservation value of specific areas.

Sites of historical and archaeological importance - which includes:

• The site of the King John Hunting LodgeThis moated manor house was founded by King John in 1211. A furthercampaign of building coincided with the tenure of the De Bohun family inthe C14 and there was further building in the C15 at which point the TitheBarn (see below) was erected. The manor had three fishponds which arenow the reservoir; the house stood to the west where much of the moatis still visible.

Listed Buildings - there are two buildings on the estate:

• Aisled Tithe BarnThis was erected in about 1478. It has a crown post roof with braces ofash. The outer face is weather boarded with a roof of clay tiles. Thebuilding is Grade II* Listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

• Sturgeons HouseSturgeons House is a fine early C19 house which is Grade II Listed. To theeast of the farmhouse are two barns which are mostly of red brick. One ofthem has the date 1821 on an internal beam. The barns and house are ofimportance as a 'model' farm group.

Statutory designations


Part of the King John Hunting Lodge Site

Sturgeons HouseAisled Tithe Barn

The landform of the Writtle College Estate is created by three linear waterfeatures, Sturgeons Brook, Butlers Brook and the River Wid that all feedinto the River Can to the north.The River Wid forms the easternboundary to the estate and the western boundary of Chelmsford. Thewestern part of Writtle village occupies the higher land to the south withconiferous trees on the skyline around the 55m contour (55m aboveordnance datum - AOD). This falls gently to 35mAOD at Butlers Brookwith the main campus nestling between the 30m and 35mAOD contours.To the west, Sturgeons Brook forms another localised valley associatedwith the Cow Watering and Sturgeons Farm Campuses. The effect of thegently rolling landform is that views are generally contained within each ofthe valleys.


Topography

urban development on the urban fringe is likely to be an ongoing trend, aswell as transportation improvements.

In the Sensitivity Evaluation the integrity of the river valley corridors isconsidered an important 'Key Landscape Sensitivity and Accommodation ofChange Issue' for many of the different types of development listed. Forsmall urban extensions of less than 5ha the moderate to high intervisibility isnoted; this is the ability to see one place from another. The assessment alsostates that there may be opportunities to improve some existing urban edgesand gives a Landscape Sensitivity Level of Low for this type of development.

The Sensitivity Criteria for Low is where the landscape is less sensitive tothis type and scale of development/change, due to the potential for onlyslight, or no damaging impacts on:

• Distinctive physical and cultural components or key characteristics.• Strength of character/condition of the landscape.• Landscape of low intervisibility/visual exposure.• Area with an absence of tranquillity.

and there are likely to be considerable opportunities for mitigation and/orlandscape enhancement. A Low sensitivity level is described as likely to becapable in principle of being absorbed.

Under Key Landscape Sensitivity and Accommodation of Change issues fordevelopments with individual large/bulky buildings, 'some visually exposedvalley sides' are identified with the comment that 'siting, massing, form andcolour are critical'. A Moderate landscape sensitivity level is given wherethe landscape is sensitive to this type/scale of development/change due topotential for some adverse impacts on:

• Distinctive physical and cultural components, or key characteristics.• Strength of character/condition of the landscape.• Landscape of moderate intervisibility/visual exposure.• Area of fragmented tranquillity.

There may be more opportunities to overcome these through appropriatesiting, design and other mitigation measures. Proposed development inareas with a Moderate sensitivity level 'may be capable of being absorbed.Developments to be considered on their individual merits'.

Central Essex Farmlands

The key characteristics of the Central Essex Farmlands landscape characterarea that relate to the estate are:

• Irregular field pattern of mainly medium size arable fields, marked by sinuous hedgerows and ditches.

• Many small woods and copses provide structure and edges in the landscape.• Network of narrow, winding lanes.• Mostly tranquil character away from major roads and Stansted Airport.

The estate is on the boundary of the Central Essex Farmlands, 'an extensivearea of gently undulating arable farmland bisected by the Chelmer Valley' tothe northeast. In long views 'scattered small woods and copses, andhedgerow trees, coalesce to sometimes create the illusion of a woodedhorizon'. Away from roads and Stansted Airport 'large parts of the areahave a tranquil character, embracing tracts of fairly secluded countryside.'

Under Landscape Condition, the condition of the hedgerows and woodlandsis considered moderate: 'in some parts many hedges have been lost, or arevery fragmented'.

Under Past, Present and Future trends it is considered that the 'rationalisationof field patterns and loss of hedgerows associated with agriculturalintensification' has peaked and that agricultural subsidies could help'conserve and restore the hedgerow pattern and the improvedmanagement of woodlands'. The future trends for change are thought toinclude 'increasing urban and transportation developments especiallyassociated with road corridors' but the main influence is thought to beagricultural. 'Pressures could include larger farm buildings, irrigationreservoirs, forestry and various recreational uses near urban areas'.

In the Sensitivity Evaluation moderate intervisibility is considered animportant 'Key Landscape Sensitivity and Accommodation of Change Issue'for both small urban extensions of less than 5ha and for developments withindividual large/bulky buildings. For the small urban extensions theassessment states that there may be opportunities to improve someexisting visually poor urban edges. It gives a Landscape Sensitivity Level ofLow for this type of development, which is described as likely to be capablein principle of being absorbed.

A Moderate landscape sensitivity level is given for developments withindividual large/bulky buildings: they 'may be capable of being absorbed.Developments to be considered on their individual merits'.


In the Essex Landscape Character Assessment (2003 Essex and Southend-on-Sea Replacement Structure Plan Review), the Writtle College Estate fallswithin two Landscape Character Areas:

• To the east and south - Chelmsford and Environs (G2).• To the west and north - Central Essex Farmlands (B1).

This transitional position is reflected in the local landscape characterassessment that identifies 'urban fringe' and a 'village gap' to the east andsouth with 'countryside reserve' and 'farming landscape' to the west andnorth.

Chelmsford and Environs

The key characteristics of the Chelmsford and Environs landscapecharacter area that relate to the estate are:

• Fringe of mixed farmland with variable size hedgerowed fields, withfew woods or copses.

• Large villages of Writtle or Galleywood physically separated from thetown, but with much development of an urban character.

The valleys of the Rivers Can and Wid are described as 'gentle andshallow'; the Can has a 'narrow flat valley floor to the north and west,widening out to the east.' The rivers have influenced the settlementpattern and there is a 'variable width of undeveloped open spaces and fieldsadjacent to the rivers,' which 'create green corridors dividing and softeningthe urban form.' Writtle village is described as retaining a strong historiccore but with much modern development.

Under Landscape Condition the hedgerows in farmland are described as 'inmixed condition, some fragmented' and whilst the public open spaces in thevalleys are considered to be in good condition, 'the condition of themeadows/pasture is very mixed' and 'along the Chelmer Valley some areovergrazed by horses.'

Under Past, Present and Future trends it is noted that the town ofChelmsford has grown very significantly in the 20th Century. Riversideopen spaces have been retained but are under pressure from a variety ofurban fringe activities including the expansion of horse grazing. Additional

Landscape character

The majority of the Writtle College estate is occupied by fields and openspaces that are in integral part of the educational provision, indeed theCollege calls its estate 'The Green Laboratory'.

The major land uses are distributed across the estate and the 50 fieldscontained within the College boundary. The range of uses includes highquality gardens and parkland areas through to areas used for teachingstudents how to use and maintain agricultural machinery. In some casesfields are used for arable cropping, including some contracted out forpotato production, or for grazing, or as set aside. The College has a longestablished stewardship scheme.

Research also takes place in areas of the estate in relation to bothconservation and crop production. The distribution of land use across theestate has changed in line with the diversification of rural activity. Duringrecent years commercial horticulture including the area given to fruitproduction has reduced, whilst grazing for equine and land required forsports activity has increased.


Land use

Students at work

High quality gardens

Grazing

Arable cropping

The College has a special role with regard to nature conservation as it isboth substantial landowner and the provider of environmental andconservation education courses. The objective of the College is to becomean exampler of best practice through the protection of existing natureconservation assets and the enhancement of the estate for natureconservation benefit.

This currently falls into the following areas:

• Protected species; there area number of statutorily protected specieson the College estate including bats, great crested newts andbadgers, which must be considered in the light of any proposals.

• Designated areas; land on the eastern boundary of the estate isdesignated in the Local Plan as a Site of Importance for NatureConservation and requires managing in line with best practice.

• College conservation sites; College staff currently manage a number ofsites across the estate with the objective of enhancing their natureconservation value.

• Countryside Stewardship; the College has entered into a CountrysideStewardship Agreement for the estate. The primary focus of thisagreement is the treatment of boundaries and field margins toenhance their nature conservation value.

The underlying nature conservation objective for the landscape strategy isto promote biodiversity by ensuring that links are created, enhanced ormaintained between areas identified as having nature conservation value.The river corridors are of particular significance within this network. Withinthe 'countryside reserve' practical, educational and experimental uses of theestate will respect the ecological network that will be established.


Nature conservation

Traffic flows

A volumetric vehicle count survey was undertaken in July 2003 by EssexCounty Council using an Automatic Traffic Counters.

This count recorded 13000 vehicles per day (two-way) were recorded onthe A1060 Roxwell Road east of its junction with Lordship Road. Morningpeak hour (08.00 - 09.00) was recorded at 1495 vehicles (two-way) and1416 vehicles (two-way) were recorded during the evening peak hour(17.00 - 18.00)

An average of 9800 vehicles per day (two-way) were recorded on LordshipRoad at its junction with Fox Burrows Lane with 1241 vehicles (two-way) and1134 vehicles (two-way) in the morning and evening peak hours respectively.

A count taken on Tuesday 2 December 2003 showed the flow to be some11117 vehicles per day (two-way).This increase is probably due to the factthat the December survey was taken during term time with students andstaff at maximum numbers.

Vehicular traffic to educational establishments differs from the 'typical'traffic flow profile in that arrival and departure profiles are less markedthan for many other types of development. The main arrival period atWrittle College occurs over the two hour period 08:00-10:00 reflectingflexibility of the College day. Similarly evening departures occur earlierthan the public highway peak hour traffic. For example, peak hourdepartures from the College are between 16.00 -17.00 whereas peak hourtraffic flows on the public roads surrounding the College are recordedbetween 17.00 and 18.00.

Parking

The college provides car parking for staff and students and visitors which ismanaged through a permit system. The College currently has capacity topark about 700 cars.

The College provides under cover cycle parking, including secure cageswhere cycles can be kept locked under CCTV surveillance. In additionspecific parking places are set aside for motorcycles.

Public transport

The college is served by routes 45 and 45A, which provide a 15 min servicebetween Moulsham and Writtle Village Green and by coach route 32(Chelmsford to Ongar) which provides services for travellers from furtherafield and runs hourly from Monday to Saturday.

College transport

The College actively provides a range of transport services, Including:

• A free morning and evening minibus service to and from Chelmsfordrailway on a first come first served basis.

• A morning and evening minibus service from Bishops Stortford,Coggleshall, Grays, Harlow, Hornchurch, and Southend, taking variousroutes into College. Places on these minibus services are allotted ona priority basis to Further Education students.

• Concessionary fares schemes are available for Further Educationstudents from Essex County Council,Thurrock, and SouthendBorough Councils. Students may also apply for bursary supporttowards their travel costs.

Traffic and parking Public and College transport


The main College campus is approximately 3km from the centre ofChelmsford and is within 800 metres of Writtle Village Green. Because ofits dispersed nature the College has numerous vehicular and pedestrianaccess points.

Pedestrian access

There are a number of Public Rights of Way (footpaths and bridleways)through the College estate. In addition the College has created a numberof permissive paths that enable links to be made between the existingRights of Way. These have enhanced the amenity of the existingfootpath/bridleway system for local residents and visitors.

Cycle access

Improvements and an extension to on-campus cycle routes have recentlytaken place. The Sustrans National Cycle Route number 1 has recentlybeen extended into the northern part of the College grounds. EssexCounty Council have constructed a commuter cycle route from Writtle toChelmsford. This route passes the College sports field and the site of aproposed all-weather sports surface on Fox Burrows Lane.

Pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access

Opportunities for Development

There are considerable opportunities for intensified use on the currentlydeveloped sites without adverse impact on visual amenity or the locallandscape character. Outside the current developed College sites there arelimited opportunities for new development that would not adversely affectthe existing local landscape character. Three areas do have potential fornew development and are indicated on the figure opposite.

Area 1

New development could be accommodated on low-lying land between thereservoir and the main campus for the following reasons:

• The new reservoir currently being excavated provides anopportunity to provide an important physical and visual transitionbetween the rural landscape to the west and the setting ofdevelopment to the east.

• There is an opportunity to sensitively locate new buildings into theland form.

• There are limited views from the wider landscape and opportunitiesfor effective screen planting.

• There is an opportunity to improve the current transition betweenthe developed campus and the rural landscape to the west withbuilding forms and layout that relate well to the developed campusand a more sympathetic rural edge treatment.

Area 2

Residential development could be accommodated in Area 2 for thefollowing reasons:

• Development would not be detrimental to the landscape setting ofthe village.

• The village edge located on rising ground above the river valleywould be maintained.

• The integrity of the valley floor would be maintained.• New development would be viewed against the skyline of the

existing urban edge.• Existing buildings already occupy a significant portion of this area.

• There are opportunities to extend the wooded edge to the villagewhich, seen in the context of conifers on higher ground, currentlyprovides a distinctive edge to the village.

• College ownership of adjacent land would allow for substantiallandscape proposals to enhance the urban edge.

Area 3

Residential development could be accommodated in Area 3 for thefollowing reasons:

• Development would not be detrimental to the landscape setting ofthe village.

• New development would be viewed against the skyline of theexisting urban edge.

• Recent development provides a sense of urban enclosure.• Vegetation along the green lane section of Lawford Lane limits views

from the north east.• The urban fringe character of this area is capable of accommodating

residential development without loss of local landscape character.• College ownership of adjacent land would allow for substantial

landscape proposals to enhance the urban edge.


As one of the premier colleges in the country training students in landbased disciplines, the landscape of the Writtle Estate is one of its mostvaluable assets. Currently the College is seeking to expand and wishes toidentify possible sites for educational and research use and for studenthousing. To fund the proposed expansion the College is interested in thepossibility of identifying sites for market, affordable and key workerhousing.

The initial assessment of the Constraints and Opportunities that the estatepresents in the light of these objectives and in conjunction with theproceeding information can be summarised as follows:

The existing situation

• The character of the landscape is determined firstly by the rivervalleys which contain views within each valley system.

• An intimate wooded landscape to the north and belts of treeplanting to the west also restrict views.

• The village of Writtle is closely related to the College estate, whichprovides the landscape setting for the village and extensive publicaccess to the countryside.

• The College retains a separate identity in the landscape both due toits physical separation and the scale and grouping of the buildings.

• The College buildings, although dispersed across the estate, aregenerally well integrated into the landscape.

• The College lies across the boundary of two Local LandscapeCharacter Areas and this is evident on the ground where the easternside of the estate, containing the main College buildings, relates tothe Chelmsford and Environs Character Area whilst the westernsection of the estate is representative of the Central EssexFarmlands Character Area.

• Cow Watering Lane is a distinctive feature in the landscape,representative of one of the key characteristics of the Central EssexFarmlands Character Area.

• The central section of the estate bounded by Cow Watering Lane,Writtle village and the Main Campus has the greatest intervisibility -with views to and from the edge of Writtle Village.

Landscape constraints and opportunities

The strategic framework reflects the College vision and:

• Sets high standards of sustainability.• Is consistent with national, regional and local planning policy.• Sets a framework for future planning applications.• Allows flexibility over time.• Is practical and deliverable.

The key principles to be embedded into the future development of theCollege are summarised below under key headings.

Educational excellence

To realign the estate to match the changing needs of the curriculum by:

• Catering for the growth of the college by ensuring there is sufficientaccommodation for teaching of an appropriate standard.

• Developing clear and distinctive identities for Further and HigherEducation on the College campus.

• Establishing facilities for research and development by college staffand former students.

• Increasing the amount of residential accommodation for students andstaff.

• Taking advantage of the potential for maximising the efficient use ofthe College by increasing the number of courses and conferences.

Sustainable College estate

To improve the quality of the College Estate whilst maintaining apredominately rural campus by:

• Respecting and enhancing the local landscape character.• Protecting existing sites of nature conservation.• Creating new ecological links between the nature conservation sites.• Achieving significant improvements in the biodiversity of all campus

habitats.• Making efficient use of land.• Developing on previously built or developed land wherever practical.

Sustainable built environment

To improve the quality of the built environment of the college by:

• Preserving archaeological sites/remains within the College complex.• Conserving all buildings of architectural interest & historic merit.• Seeking to re-use vacant & underused buildings before erecting new

buildings.• Ensuring development schemes reduce impact on natural resources.

Aims Underlying principles

The Strategic Development Framework


The Strategic Development Framework sets out a comprehensive androbust set of principles to guide and influence the development of thesubsequent masterplan. The College vision clearly sets out the importanceof developing a 'sustainable estate'. It is integral to its curriculum activitiesand is an essential starting point for the preparation of the StrategicDevelopment Framework and the subsequent masterplan.

• Ensuring existing and proposed buildings are well designed andmaintained and contribute to the local environment by initial designand during and after construction.

• Ensuring the internal design of buildings allows for flexible use.

Sustainable transport

To reduce journeys requiring fossil fuels to, from and within the campus by:

• Reducing the impact of the car within the College.• Managing the supply of car parking.• Encouraging and promoting alternatives to the car.• Improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.• Concentrating college facilities to reduce the need to travel.• Investigating ways of maximizing use of the planned 'Park and Ride' site.• Implementing a Green Travel Plan.

Energy

To reduce carbon emissions by 2021 by:

• Reducing consumption of natural resources.• Orientation of new buildings to maximise solar gain.• Investigating the potential of biomass and wind generation.

Water

To meet all campus water needs other than for drinking, without depletingor deterioration of ground water tables or existing streams, ponds andother water courses and bodies by:

• Introducing sustainable drainage networks where practical.• Preventing water run off from buildings and hard surfaces.• Recycling 'grey' water from college buildings.

Economic sustainability

To ensure the College can continue to develop by:

• Releasing surplus value from land on the College Estate.• Contributing land for low cost housing for staff and others.

Community

The College will continue to develop strategies and plans with the activeparticipation of all interests, without discrimination, within the campus, withlocal communities and with regional, national and international communitiesand groups to fulfil the College Vision and wherever possible, to help meetthe needs and aspirations of others.


The masterplan will address these issues and suggest more detailed actionsfor the College through a detailed sustainability appraisal. This will be basedupon the Sustainable Development Framework for the East of England(EERA 2001) and the Regional Sustainability Toolkit jointly developed byEERA, East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and Go-East.

Sustainability Appraisal

2 Potential for new building without loss of mature trees.3 North side of campus well structured with high quality character and

significant educational resource. Link and extend character to otheradjacent areas.

4 Opportunity for infill building on car park.5 Major element of circulation system in need of enhancement.6 Area of disparate buildings and land use. Opportunity to rationalise

and re-build increasing building heights.7 Current transition from campus buildings to wider estate

unsatisfactory due to lack of permeability and suitable edgetreatment. Appropriately sited buildings in a landscape setting couldimprove the views from the north and west.

8 New development should relate to the existing campus and theproposed extended parkland setting along Cow Watering Lane (9) andshould be feathered into the landscape. Ground level of potentialdevelopment to be at similar level to two storey blocks, cut into slope.

9 Existing character at eastern end of Cow Watering Lane, parklandsetting with hedgerow edge, to be extended and supplemented alonglane westwards to provide landscape setting for new buildings.

10 Small wood as visual buffer to maintain separate identity for OrchardHouse, provide ecological links and create enclosed landscape.

11 Highway improvements should not erode the intimate quality of theLane. Reinforce boundary hedges but allow occasional views acrossthe countryside.

12 Additional planting to increase screening in views from north.13 Potential to retain haul route but permanent road would require

significant engineering works at river crossing and Cow Watering Lane.14 Significant opportunity to use reservoir to link characters of amenity

landscape to the east and the rural landscape to the west and south.15 Opportunity to create south facing area for nature conservation

benefit.16 Structure planting to provide screening for potential long term

development. Retain all alders until new planting is established andconsider retaining some alder belts to illustrate a feature ofagricultural history. Consider replanting hedgerows on historic fieldpattern with hedgerow trees and small woods.

17 Structure planting to: increase screening in views from south-west; actas a shelter belt; create an enclosed landscape linked to the reservoir.

18 Additional planting required to visually contain non agricultural uses.19 Consider visual appearance of area including buildings on road

frontage. Review building use and opportunities for redevelopment.Upgrade pedestrian link to main area of campus.

20 Potential to improve visual appearance of the College estate as part

of the urban gateway to Writtle College.21 Potential for redevelopment.22 Fields retained in arable use.23 Sports field use has created urban fringe character. Contain land use

in this area and avoid use of ornamental species.24 Maintain character of Green Lane (Lawford Lane) with management,

opening up occasional views.25 Manage SINC in accordance with best practice, to achieve nature

conservation objectives.26 Area proposed for residential development with strengthened

landscape edge.27 Areas to act as separation between the village and the developed

areas of the College. Existing nature conservation management tobe extended to link to Site of Interest for Nature Conservation(SINC) on River Wid to east.

28 Potential for redevelopment of Daws Farm stud for residentialdevelopment.

29 Potential area for residential development with strengthenedlandscape edge, linked to wood. Allow views out over the valleyfrom new housing.

30 Visually important woodland combines with backdrop of maturespecimen conifers to create an effective, visual edge to the village.

31 Works required to redundant reservoir to create scrape, or similar,for nature conservation benefit.

32 Local effects of cycleway alignment should be considered beforeconstruction, to allow for mitigation and incorporation into futureplans. (See Note H).

33 Cow Watering Campus:Top section of north-west gable end ofTempo Indoor Ménage (T) clearly visible in views from the north-west. (See Note E) Views from south and west completely screenedby substantial woodland planting. Any development extension shouldbe to the north-east.

34 Sturgeons Farm enhanced by parkland character of field between theListed Building and Cow Watering Lane. Protect the setting of theListed Building.

35 Sturgeons Farm is a distinctive feature in views from the north-west.New development should retain isolated character of farm house.

36 Potential for enhancement of original barns.37 Sturgeons Farm Campus: potential to enhance the more attractive

existing buildings, ranging from one to two and half storeys high.Generally not visible in the wider landscape. Any new developmentshould not exceed existing building heights.

38 Signage and surfacing should respect rural identity.


Objectives

• Reinforce the Local Landscape Character.• Maintain integrity of river valleys through appropriate land uses and

management.• Maintain opportunities for views across the landscape.• Maintain separation between Writtle College and village and between

Writtle and Chelmsford.• Promote biodiversity through habitat creation, enhancement and

conservation.• Enhance urban gateway to Writtle village.• Locate new development where it can be integrated into the

landscape and relate effectively to existing development.• Increase efficiency of land use.• Integrate new reservoir into the estate landscape.• Make Writtle College Estate an exemplar of best practice for rural

land use and management.

General proposals for achieving objectives

A Increase tree cover with small woodlands and hedgerow trees, andreinforce hedgerow pattern.

B Use structure planting to create framework within which futuredevelopment can be contained.

C Remove ornamental species from countryside areas and replace withindigenous species.

D Establish ecological links: land set aside for enhancement for natureconservation as part of estate wide network.

E Specify 'low visibility' coloured roofs and elevations for new buildingsand when repainting/refurbishing.

F Maintain most intensive development on main campus site andnormally avoid single storey buildings.

G Consider use of outdoor classroom structures that giveshelter/protection in poor weather conditions.

H Construction of cycleways or other hard surfaced paths should be aminimum 3m from existing hedges and vegetation. Routes shouldeither avoid the canopies of adjacent trees or special measuresshould be employed to secure the long term future of the trees.

Specific proposals for achieving objectives

1 Parkland landscape makes significant contribution to setting ofbuildings and enhances urban gateway to Writtle College.

Landscape strategy

Specific zoning proposals

A Increase size of existing ‘Special Policy Zone’

To allow the College increased flexibility to continue to develop, inparticular the construction of additional student housing and new teachingfacilities.

B 'Special Policy Zone' around the Cow Watering/Sturgeons Farm sites

A detailed boundary for these zones will be put forward in the finalmasterplan following further consultations with the College and the localcommunity.

C Main Campus

• Develop as centre for teaching and administration.• Increase density of development.• Additional student accommodation.• Retain high quality amenity landscape.• Rationalise car parking.

D Lordship Campus

• Teaching retained.• Develop centre for research and 'reach out' activity.• Rationalise car parking.

E Cow Watering Campus

• Develop as centre for FE.• Centre for animal care.• Equestrian facilities.

F Sturgeons

• Develop as centre for FE.• Livestock.• Base for arable.• Potential centre for equine activities (including relocated stud).

G Sport field

• Develop sports facilities including all weather pitch.• Erect new sports hall.

H Agricultural service engineering

• Removal of low quality building to improve setting of Listed Building.• New buildings to be more in keeping with Listed Building.• Enhance area around Tithe Barn/King John Hunting Lodge.

The following sites have been identified through the site appraisal as havingthe greatest potential for development. These will be subject to furtherinvestigation and consultation during the preparation of the masterplan anddetailed boundaries defined.

I East of the lake

• Area for additional student housing.• Enhanced 'student village.' • Additional teaching space.• Opportunities for recreational use.

J Daws Farm

• Release of site and adjoining land for housing.

K Land off Lawford Lane

• Release of land for housing.

L Genus

• Focus for commercial activities allied to the College, for example aveterinary practice.

M A gap is maintained between the College and the village.

N The boundary of the ‘Special Policy Zone’ and the Strategic Gapshould be consistent around the Lordship Campus.


The proposed zoning of the College site has been illustrated indiagrammatic form to demonstrate how the College wishes to develop andto indicate in broad terms the major land uses.

The masterplan will be developed in consultation with the College,Chelmsford Borough Council and local people and will provide additionalinformation to support the zoning. It will, where appropriate, put forwardboundaries for approval.

Overall Spatial Strategy

By 2021 the majority of the site will still be used by the College as a corepart of its curriculum activities for teaching and research. Animals willcontinue to be grazing in some fields, whilst others will still be used forarable cropping, machinery practice, nature conservation, amenityhorticulture and recreation.

Discussions within the College are continuing to agree the mostappropriate location of some of the animal care and equine facilities. It isanticipated that the main focus for College development will be within theexisting sites in line with the overall development principles.

Where the College owns houses adjacent to possible development sites onthe perimeter of the village it could also participate in a suitabledevelopment opportunity, for example along Victoria Road.

Site zoning


E

F

B

K

G

D

M

J

H

N

A

C

I

L

Overall Principles

• Priority for pedestrians and cyclists over the car within the College Estate.

• Ensure all College properties can be serviced.• Car parking relocated away from immediate vicinity of buildings.• Rationalisation of vehicle access points.• Rationalisation of car parking.• Improve facilities for coach and minibus pick up and drop off and

for minibus parking.• Further provision of covered cycle parking and changing facilities

for cyclists.

Specific Proposals

A Two way access road from Lordship Road to serve new car park.B Fox Burrows Lane upgraded and new vehicle access point to

Lordship Campus created to serve new car park.C Provision of controlled pedestrian/cycle crossing on Lordship Road

to benefit pedestrians and cyclists on Sustrans route.D Develop east/west route for pedestrians, cycles and College

transport only.E Restricted access.

The proposals for a Park and Ride site in the 'Writtle Corridor' may offerfurther opportunities to achieve a modal shift in travel patterns but this issubject to discussion with Essex County Council and the bus operators.

Green Travel Plan

The continued development of the College Travel Plan will be carried outalongside the programmed development of the College Campus to ensurethat mode shift possibilities are maximised.

The Travel Plan will include measures to:

• Manage the use of car parking by staff and students.• Increase travel awareness.• Encourage car pooling.• Encourage people to walk or cycle to College.• Promote bus use.• Reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles and private cars for off

campus travel.• Improve safety.• Use of alternative communication technology to avoid unnecessary

travel.


Access and parking strategy


DA

E

C B

E

E

The Strategic Development Framework is the first stage in production ofthe College's masterplan. It is fundamental to defining the College ‘SpecialPolicy Zone’, within which development would be sited. This, in turn, willbe subject to wider consultation as part of the Local DevelopmentFramework for Chelmsford Borough Council.This will guide physicaldevelopment throughout the area over future years up until 2021.

This Strategic Development Framework is intended to assist the College,surrounding neighbours, funding institutions and planning authorities indealing with change. It incorporates a landscape strategy, site zoningproposals and access arrangements that should improve the environmentalquality of the College. A further aim is to provide a stimulating academicand social environment for the College's future students within anattractive setting, to which the community also have access.

The Framework identifies opportunities for releasing surplus College landadjacent to the village in order to accommodate a need for housing arisingfrom the College's growth and for the adjacent village. The benefit arisingfrom funds released by surplus land, would in turn help fund the vision ofregenerating the College and its infrastructure to meet the regional,national and international educational challenges for the years ahead. AsWrittle College progresses into its second century, this Framework aims todeliver the plan and the means to develop a sustainable campus for a globalprovider of rural economic development.

The next steps
