Abbey Barn North, High Wycombe

HIW07: Abbey Barn North, High Wycombe The site as shown on the Policies Map is allocated for an assumed number of 100 dwellings. Development of the site will be supported where: a) It is sensitively designed to reflect and consider of the “bowl” shaped topography and sloping nature of the site. b) Footpaths, cycle and bridleways are provided through the site to link Abbey Barn Lane, Deangarden Wood, the former railway line, the former ski-slope, Kingsmead Road/Bassetsbury Lane and Deangarden Rise c) The site access and layout do not result in substantial engineered structures that would impact upon the landscape character or appearance of the ararea.t provides financial contributions towards any road improvements deemed necessary once a viable highways solution has been developed. d) It provides off-site highway, pedestrian and cycle works including: • A contribution to improvements to London Road • Contribution towards local bus provision improvements. • Provision of/financial contributions towards upgrades/new Public Rights of Way. • Upgrades to Wendover Way for active travel. • Improvements to walking, cycling and horse riding along the old railway line east from the site to the bottom of Spring Lane. e) There is no loss or deterioration of the woodland margin of Deangarden Wood, and it maintains at least a 15-metre buffer between the development and the woodland. f) It enhances the ecological value of Deangarden Wood to ensure the increased recreational use of the wood does not lead to a negative ecological impact. g) There is retention and long-term management of a substantial area of the chalk grassland habitat. h) The development minimises impact upon the wider views over and through the valley from the surrounding landscape. i) It retains the characteristic wooded backdrop to the settled valley floor. j) It retains the mature woodland in the eastern corner to ensure its landscape contribution to Deangarden Rise, Abbey Barn Road and Kingsmead Road are maintained. k) The removal of young woodland along Abbey Barn Lane is minimised to maintain the sylvan character of the lane and mitigate for any loss through replanting. 6.350 There are several ecological constraints on and adjacent to the site which will need careful consideration when bringing a proposal forward including a Biological Notification Site (unploughed calcareous grassland) and ancient woodland. 6.351 To protect the character of the landscape and accommodate the number of dwellings suggested, conventional dwellings with gardens would not be appropriate. Innovative schemes that provide dwellings within a landscape setting are required. 6.352 There are opportunities to support and contribute towards bus routes to aid the integration of the site with High Wycombe, particularly the Wycombe eastern orbital route. 6.353 The northern end of the site is crossed by the former Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line which is safeguarded by Policy TR9. 6.354 There are several opportunities provided by the development to enhance pedestrian and cycle links, green infrastructure and habitats both on and off the site. Public Rights of Way upgrades will help to create an Active Travel corridor including but not limited to: a) Connecting Abbey Barn South site to north of the former ski slope b) Access to Abbey Barn South site via Abbey Barn Park. c) Access to Lime Avenue from the site to form part of a corridor between the site and High Wycombe town centre. d) Using Wendover Way for access to the town centre. e) Facilitating North-South movements and connect to existing routes through Deangarden Wood and to link to Spring Lane using the historic railway. 6.355 The site’s visibility means that development proposals need to ensure that any landscape impacts are minimised, and long-distance views of the site are maintained. 6.356 A development brief has been prepared and should be used as a starting point when developing an application for this site.