Plans Revealed for Transformation of Former Brecon Beacons Army Camp
29/07/2009
Ambitious plans for a redevelopment of a former army camp in the Brecon Beacons have been revealed, following the submission of an Outline Planning Application.
Crickhowell Estates Ltd appointed LDA Design, a leading UK design and environment consultancy, to assist with its plans to transform the brownfield site at Cwrt y Gollen near Crickhowell. The proposals are for a mixed-use development which would see the creation of 200 new homes, a pre-school day nursery, a residential care home and an area for employment creation. In addition, the new development will provide more than 16 hectares of open space, comprising parkland, mature woodland and community facilities including an orchard, allotments and local play areas.
The plans have been put together following a rigorous two-year period of public consultation and stakeholder involvement, culminating in the preparation of a Development Brief, which has been fully approved by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and has the backing of the Design Commission for Wales. The Authority's own Unitary Development Plan (UDP) has earmarked the site for mixed-use development, comprising residential, employment and recreation uses within the park setting.
LDA Design prepared the masterplan and a vision for the scheme. The practice also undertook the landscape visual impact assessment (LVIA) and led the consultation process.
A spokeswoman for Crickhowell Estates Ltd said: "We are delighted to be able to confirm that we have submitted an Outline Planning Application for the site at Cwrt y Gollen. We have worked closely with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority during an extensive period of public consultation, including the establishment of a formal Cwrt y Gollen Steering Group with the intention of ensuring that the development responded to the genuine needs and concerns of the local community. This consultation process has had a significant impact upon the proposals with regards to the design and shape of the development, the mixture of uses proposed and the range of community benefits that will be provided."
Frazer Osment, partner and project leader for LDA Design added: "This is an exciting project that will shape the long term future of Crickhowell and Glanrwyney. The vision, supported by the masterplan, is to make Cwrt y Gollen an exemplar and sustainable place that makes best use of its assets, local resources and its stunning location."
Key design aspirations for the site, as identified by the steering group, include:
- A distinct identity
- An attractive place to live - a large element of which shall be affordable housing
- A secure place to work
- A stimulating place to play
- An engaging place for the young population
- A green and environmentally aware development
ENDS
Media Contacts
Carol Walsh T: 01865 887 050
