Greengage produced a suite of social sustainability reports for Friends Farm Limited to support a hybrid planning application in Essex for up to 360 homes, flexible commercial space and an on-site Special Educational Needs (SEN) School, along with open space and a community sports pitch.
A Health Impacts Workshop was held with the architectural team prior to design freeze to discuss local needs identified through the initial baseline assessment. This assessment drew on a range of data sources to develop an understanding of the local community surrounding the site and the wider Essex context. The workshop explored a series of design measures and guiding principles to ensure that health and wellbeing considerations remained central to the design process.
Credit: sixfootstudio
Our work involved the production of:
- Health Impact Assessment
- Equalities Impact Assessment
- Education Assessment
- Open Space Assessment
- Play and Sports Facility Assessment
- Youth and Community Facility Assessment.
These assessments identified the positive impacts the proposed development would have on new residents and the existing community, providing much needed private and affordable homes (50%) in Essex. The on-site SEN school provides an innovative hub for the existing ‘Omnia Foundation’ who support children with special needs. The school provides facilities to support outdoor learning and one to one teaching in a safe environment. The site also provides a 9v9 artificial grass pitch available for school and community use, fostering connections and encouraging outdoor exercise. The requirement for these assessments demonstrates Rochford’s positive commitment to community health and wellbeing.
Credit: sixfootstudio
Credit: sixfootstudio
Mitigation and enhancement measures were identified and will be secured and implemented under a future reserved matters application. This included S106 agreements and utilising specific design guides relating to health and wellbeing, and will contribute to a positive scheme going forward. This includes the Essex Design Guidance Planning for Safer and More Inclusive Places for Women and Girls.
