The Site
The site is located to the west of the existing urban edge of Grimsby, adjacent to the residential communities of Wybers Wood and Laceby Acres. The site is bordered by Great Coates to the north and Laceby Road to the south. River Freshney passes through the site to the south with Aylesby Road passing through its centre.
Site Description
The site consists of primarily agricultural land, with the River Freshney bisecting the south of site. The site is divided by hedgerows varying in size and maturity. The land gradually slopes across the extent of the site, with a central slope downwards towards the River Freshney.
The western and northern edges do not have a defined boundary, with agricultural fields and farm buildings providing the wider setting, including Pyewipe Farm and Stud Farm. The southern boundary is formed by Grimsby Road and the rear of Morrisons supermarket, which is also visible from much of the southern part of the site.
Part of the northeast corner of the site is within the boundary of Great Coates Conservation Area. The land in this area is generally flat which allows views into the conservation area, and the tower of the Grade I Listed Church of St Nicolas.
A number of bridleways and footpaths pass within and around the site. The site abuts a National Grid electricity substation, which is screened by a mature woodland from the north-east of the site.
Aerial Site Location Plan
Opportunities and Constraints
Following an assessment of the site and its local context, a number of opportunities, constraints, and technical considerations were identified that have informed both the design and layout of the site:
Work with existing topography:
Work with existing site topography to positively frame features such as the River Freshney and views of existing landmarks.
Enhance landscape assets:
Retain and enhance existing landscape, ecological and watercourse features, such as the Freshney river corridor to create high quality ecological and recreational networks throughout the site.
Understand utilities:
Consideration must be given to the significant utilities, both crossing and immediately adjacent to the site, namely the large electrical sub-station and associated power lines. Proposals by National Grid for a new substation and pylons to the west of the site also need to be taken into account.
Drainage demands:
Consideration has been given to the integration of sustainable urban drainage systems from the beginning of the design process. Opportunities have been identified to utilise the site’s relationship with the Freshney chalk stream to create attenuation basins that permanently retain water and create ecological features.
Creating connections:
Create a continuous road link through the site, emphasising local distinctiveness as it passes through different neighbourhoods.
Active access:
Maximise the site’s strategic location along local cycle routes, footpaths and bridleways, as well as the close proximity to Great Coates railway station, to create an environment that encourages walking and cycling.
Heritage assets:
Preserve and enhance the adjacent built environment of both the Great Coates and Cottager’s Plot Conservation Areas.
Creating townscape:
Utilise development to frame views across the site of local landmarks such as St Nicholas Church and Grimsby Dock Tower.
Sensitive setting:
Consideration has been given to the relationship between both existing and proposed development, especially where residential areas currently back onto the site.
Creating centres:
Centralise proposed development clusters around nodal features in the street network.
Constraints & Opportunities Plan
Nodal squares:
Utilise the formation of nodal squares when create public space provision.
Urban patterns:
Replicate characteristic patterns of development, such as formal grids and ribbon developments.
Street character:
Emphasise recognised characteristics of the local street networks to create a development gives a true sense of place through its street typologies.
Local legibility:
Utilise existing characteristics within the local vernacular to create distinctive neighbourhoods that evoke the local sense of character.