Located on a 9.5-hectare site on the northern edge of Effingham, the Leewood Park masterplan proposes a sensitive, sustainable development of approximately 130 homes. The design carefully integrates with the rural landscape, bordered by established deciduous tree belts and Ancient Woodland, creating a responsible 21st-century residential model within the green belt.
Responding to the need of affordable housing in rural area, the scheme dedicates up to 40% of the properties as affordable homes. The masterplan fosters community integration by allocating significant green open spaces, including a proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to the north. This provides a vital ecological buffer and connects seamlessly to the wider Woodland Trust path network.
Guided by the BREEAM Communities framework, environmental sustainability is central to the design. The proposal minimizes the environmental footprint through highly insulated building fabrics and comprehensive sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). The inclusion of permeable surfaces, rain gardens, swales, and new ponds not only mitigates localized flood risks but significantly enhances the site's biodiversity.
Capitalizing on its highly connected location near Effingham Junction railway station, the proposal prioritizes transit-oriented development. Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including shared pedestrian and cycleways, ensure a well-connected, self-sustaining community with a robust economic and ecological future.
