Seaton Regeneration Area Plan :: Design and Access Principles

Design Proposals

5.1 This section details the design proposals for the site based on the findings outlined in the previous sections.

Use and Amount (Application area)

5.2 Overall the development proposes a mix of sustainable uses across the site, including the following elements;

Residential - up to 361 dwellings (6.26 hectares)

The development will achieve an overall density of 42dph (based on PPG3 Appendix C), including the required proportion of affordable housing located in clusters throughout the development. The housing mix will provide a variety of small and large properties suitable for a range of needs, which will attract a diverse mix of residents and in turn help create a vibrant and active community. A parking ratio of .7 spaces per residential dwelling plus 5% for visitor parking will also be provided.

Retail/Mixed Use – up to 25 dwellings and 340 sq.m of A1/A3 retail units (up to 0.39 hectares)

Mixed use development will be provided to help create constant activity and vibrancy around activity hubs. Mixed use may include retail units, cafes, or restaurants on the ground floor with residential above.

Retail - up to 7,250 sq.m of A1 units (up to 1.44 hectares)

The majority of retail development will be taken up by a new Supermarket and non-food retail store along with associated parking, a Petrol Filling Station (PFS), outdoor display areas, café and service area. The retail stores will act as activity generators and have been located in the west of the site in order to benefit from the close links with the existing Town Centre shops.

Public Open Space and Strategic Landscape (up to 2.35 hectares)

Open space has been designed to cater for the passive recreational needs of the new and existing residents including footpaths and cycle ways connecting the existing Town to the Riverfront and strategic landscaping to soften the visual impact of the new development on surrounding areas.

Tramway, Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre, SUSTRANS terminus, and community facilities (0.41 hectares)

The relocated and improved Tramway station and new Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre will help enhance the area as a tourist destination and will act as a key activity generator. Although relocated, the Tramway station will remain in the west of the site in order to attract people to the Town Centre and be clearly visible from The Underfleet. Additionally, the SUSTRANS terminus and cycle hire will also attract visitors to the area and complement the other proposed uses.

Public car parking (2.40 hectares)

There is currently a large amount of public car parking on the site, serving the Tramway and the Town Centre. There will be a significant net increase in short-term parking provision on site in order for the Town to continue to attract visitors to both the High Street and the new and improved tourist attractions within the development. There are currently circa 367 public parking spaces within the Application area. The redevelopment of the buildings fronting The Underfleet will result in the loss of some of these spaces, although this loss will be offset by an extension of the existing car park (which will accommodate circa 27 spaces). There will also be a provision of circa 27 public parking spaces within the remaining Masterplan area. The required parking standards for the retail elements of the scheme will also be met in additional parking areas and will be available for short-term parking to offset the loss of short-term parking in the north west of the site.

Use and Amount
(Remaining Masterplan area
outside application area)

5.3 Overall the remaining area of the masterplan proposes a mix of sustainable uses, including the following elements;

Residential - 114 dwellings (1.40 hectares)

The development will achieve an overall density of 7 dph (based on PPG3 Appendix C). The housing mix will provide a variety of small and large properties suitable for a range of needs, which will attract a diverse mix of residents and in turn help create a vibrant and active community. A parking ratio of .7 spaces per residential dwelling plus 5% for visitor parking will also be provided.

Public Open Space and Strategic landscape (up to 0.24 hectares)

Open space has been designed to cater for the passive recreational needs of the new and existing residents including footpaths and cycle ways connecting the existing Town to the Riverfront, and strategic landscaping to soften the visual impact of the new development on surrounding areas.

Public car parking (0.13 hectares)

There is currently a large amount of public car parking on the site, serving the Tramway and the Town Centre. There will be a significant net increase in short-term parking provision on site in order for the Town to continue to attract visitors to both the High Street and the new and improved tourist attractions within the development. Circa 27 spaces will supplement the parking provision within the application area.

Hotel/Restaurant - up to 40 bed Hotel (0.24 hectares)

A Hotel/restaurant will be provided in the south east of the scheme to help create a sense of identity and arrival when entering the Town from east and also to exploit views along the River Axe and towards the surrounding coastline.

5.4 It is important that the Seaton Regeneration Area integrates the above land uses to create a coherent sense of place. This is achieved through the understanding of the various planning, environmental, highways infrastructure, urban design issues and ensuring these are considered together throughout the design process.