Developer Avery Healthcare have recently announced a public exhibition on Thursday 23 November at The Beeswing, which will be a useful opportunity for local residents to view their plans for a care facility on the old Satra site.
I have submitted the following comments as part of the consultation process. Hopefully they will allow the developer to address the concerns of local residents in their final planning application.
In principle, I welcome the proposed scheme as it will deliver much-needed residential care facilities and jobs in the area, whilst simultaneously refurbishing and re-using the vacant and overgrown Satra site.
The site slopes heavily towards the neighbouring residential area and so some care will need to be taken to ensure an appropriate built form, particularly in respect of houses on Severn Way and Avon Close. Appropriate boundary landscaping may help to reduce the impact for neighbouring properties.
Satra House itself is of some historic and architectural value to the area, and I would support any efforts to retain this and tastefully integrate it into the wider development.
Finally, care needs to be taken to ensure access to the development is managed sensitively. The front access on Rockingham Road should ideally be prioritised. Rear access onto Avon Close would be less appropriate, as this is a small residential road unsuitable for a potential increase in traffic.
