Design Buy Build Issue 17 2015 | Page 20

Yard House Mews Development The proposal has more than 5sqm of space on each dwelling with access to a private amenity space, either in the form of a balcony/ roof terrace on upper levels, or rear garden on ground level units. In addition to the private rear gardens, traditional ‘front gardens’ in front of blocks A/C/D are envisaged, which will help create a feel of an urban mews narrative. A pedestrian footpath separates those gardens from the ‘Liner Park’, a continuous communal space with landscaped areas along the entire southern boundary of site - this will provide a much needed visual and acoustic buffer between the site and adjoining gardens. Finally, there are two further large landscaped spaces at the east and west ends of the site, one of which is a secure playground area; these both perform valuable leisure and ecological functions. Bike and bin stores are located to the side of the access road with a collection point at the front for easy access. Within the plan of the parking scheme, turning space has been incorporated along with suitable low level landscaping. Given the proximity to the town centre and the high PTAL rating, the scheme envisages only five parking spaces, located in the central space at the end of the entrance street. The proposal is located in an area with good access to facilities and services in a manner consistent with the wider context. 020 Owing to the size, design and position of the proposal on the site, no issues of loss of privacy or overlooking are likely to arise. The presence of landscaping to provide visual screening around the property enhances privacy. In addition, the landscaping will ‘green’ the amenity areas of the proposal creating an attractive communal area. The proposed blocks are to be provided with level access from the public domain and the allocated car parking. Accordingly, the buildings will be physically accessible to all members of the community. The communal areas are both secure and visible. Each block has its own front garden in the traditional manner.