Avoiding skyline development:
The highest parts of the site (around Foxhole Farm) would be left free from development, with development being located in the lower and more enclosed parts of the site.
Creating new broadleaved woodland:
To introduce a new native woodland at the western edge of the site to create a wooded edge to the village
Conserving the rural character of Foxhole Lane:
A landscape buffer will be introduced adjacent to Foxhole Lane, and new native woodland planting within this buffer will ensure that Foxhole Lane retains its rural character.
Conserving the existing character of The Street:
The visual enclosure of the site means that proposed housing would only be glimpsed from a small number of locations on The Street, with the majority of this route providing no clear views of the new homes.
Providing new informal Open Space:
Approximately 55% of the site would be occupied by new public open space. This would comprise areas of species-rich grassland, native woodland, community orchard, and allotments. This area would also provide space for informal recreation; for example, the land around Foxhole Farm would provide an ideal, south-facing space with views towards the church which could be a perfect family picnic and kick-about spot.
Protecting views from St Mary Magdalene Church:
Views from St Mary Magdalene church towards the surrounding fields are one of the defining characteristics of the village of Bolney. The proposed houses would be placed on lower and enclosed land which would not be visible in these views. The rural setting of this important heritage asset and local viewpoint would thus be protected and opened up to the public.
Retaining the character of the Public Footpath
The interface of the proposed development with footpath 44Bo has been carefully considered; firstly it is important to note that views towards the settlement edge are already available from this route. Design measures undertaken reducing the visual effects on users of this route include setting back built form from the footpath, and ensuring the individual design of the dwellings that occur in the foreground of views is such to reduce their prominence. Proposed native tree and shrub planting would also be proposed along the northern boundary to filter views from year 1, and screen views in the long-term so that the enclosed, vegetated nature of this footpath is reinstated.
