This project involves the transformation of a disused industrial site in the green belt at Chobham. The new residential area of ‘Castle Green’ on Guildford Road, will be a sustainable extension to the town, creating 54 new dwellings of mixed sizes, including accommodation for 12 key workers.

Despite its location in the Green Belt, the site currently comprises an empty warehouse building of 5,100 square metres, surrounded by a substantial area of hard standing. This structure is in excess of three storeys in height and is of a scale wholly out of keeping with the character of the area. In contrast, the new designs will have minimal impact and will redevelop the land in a sustainable manner. The development achieves a high density but significantly reduces the area and volume of built form, thus allowing for the retention and enhancement of the existing woodland and ponds surrounding the site. The development will also incorporate the latest concepts in sustainable design, ranging from solar gain and water management, to controlled car use, shared transport and woodland and pond management and enhancement.

The design is of a very high standard and is guided by the landscape setting. The scheme comprises three lines of houses with their principal rooms facing due South to benefit from passive solar gains. Further groups of carefully detailed apartments and dwellings are sited at the Eastern and Western edges of the development, closing off the curving linear terraces and providing a sense of enclosure. Gaps within the curved forms prevent any impression of mass and provide walkways and view corridors through the site to the woodland beyond. At the heart of the development is a village green for the use of residents and the wider community, which will assist in maintaining the vitality and character of the village.

This high quality residential scheme addresses the redevelopment of this problem Brownfield site in a fresh and innovative way, creating a pioneering community that will increase the openness and attractiveness of the Green Belt landscape. A unique extension to Chobham, it will have a positive impact on the local environment and the amenity of surrounding residents. In this way, the proposal will hopefully provide a benchmark against which other residential schemes can be judged.