Image supplied by Stephen George & Partners

Sketchley Brook, located near to Hinckley, is a sustainable master planning scheme in Leicestershire. The scheme is a mixed use development comprising approximately 340 residential units, retail, ancillary office space and approximately 715,000 sq ft of commercial space.

The proposal’s aim was to support a sustainable community promoting employment and community space, which aligned with the local authorities’ requirements for the site and regeneration of the area.

Services Provided
DPP Sustainability provided support and advice during the design process including:

• Technical expertise throughout the formulation of the master plan at design stage to embed these elements as part of the scheme;
• Advice on suitable renewable energy, low carbon technologies and sustainability measures. Managed the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM assessment process and integration of criteria into the scheme;
• Advice on waste management throughout construction and post development;
• Provision of a series of technical reports for the planning submission.

Achievements
• A Sustainability Assessment to promote the sustainable measures included within the scheme and promote the cumulative benefits including a green corridor and community inclusion;
• Up to a 34% energy reduction can be achieved for the development overall, incorporating a significant energy efficiency component based around passive design measures, orientation and changes to the building fabric;
• A range of renewable technology options to provide 10% carbon reduction including solar, wind and district heating options;
• The Waste Management Strategy promoted the use of bring schemes and for revised construction practices to reduce waste during both construction and operation;
• An ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating can be achieved to demonstrate the sustainability benefits of the scheme;
• A Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 can be achieved for the residential element of the proposed scheme.