This snapshot taken on 18/01/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

Canklow

Rotherham

Process

Canklow was chosen to test whether support from an enabler could have a direct impact on an affordable housing development proposal. South Yorkshire Housing Association was keen to take advantage of the free advice to ensure that their development proposal would do justice to a promising site.

The CABE enabler engaged in activities to help the client realise their aspirations:

  • conducted a preliminary site visit and client meeting with South Yorkshire Housing Association and Rotherham Council
  • undertook a study of available information, including a draft scheme for SYHA’s site
  • issued a report and recommendations
  • helped in briefing of masterplanning consultants
  • commented on each draft of a more detailed development principles document.

Reporting on the initial proposals

The CABE enabler commended South Yorkshire Housing Association's ambition to deliver something different and innovative but felt there were flaws in the approach. The proposals drew heavily from the layout and form of an exemplar project elsewhere in the country. They did not use or relate to the specific attributes of the site and had a weak relationship to the existing context.

The CABE enabler also observed that the proposals lacked a proper delivery strategy. This would mean that development sites in the wider area would be considered separately as they came forward, failing to address the broader regeneration issues and opportunities already identified in the council’s area development framework.

Commissioning the design team

The CABE enabler’s report led to two major changes:

  • Cartwright Pickard, a practice with a strong track record in housing design, was appointed for masterplanning and detailed design work in March 2006
  • Cartwright Pickard was jointly commissioned by South Yorkshire Housing Association and Rotherham Council to look beyond site C3 and prepare a wider development framework for the whole Canklow area (going into more detail than was possible in the existing area development framework).

The study would make useful baseline information available to developers on other sites and offer guidance on the standards expected. This would help Rotherham Council achieve its wider objectives and help South Yorkshire Housing Association inform and structure a new response to their site.

Developing revised proposals

Cartwright Pickard prepared two reports drawing on many of the CABE enabler's recommendations.

  • Initial ideas for site C3 included an appraisal of the site, a review of the client's brief and preliminary design ideas
  • Development Principles for Canklow was a more detailed design statement produced in July 2003.

The CABE enabler commented on drafts of each document, in support of Rotherham Council's broader aspirations.

CABE and Transform South Yorkshire's involvement ended after completion of Development Principles for Canklow.

Delivering 71 new homes

Proposals were developed using thorough site analysis and a keen appreciation of the context and of the prospects for change in the wider area. The planning officer's report on the planning application concluded that "the design of the dwellings is innovative and contemporary, which accords with the guidance set out in PPS1”. 

Sue Ellis, cabinet member for neighbourhoods in Rotherham Council, announced, "we are particularly pleased that the 71 homes are affordable because getting your first home is becoming increasingly difficult and we are delighted that there has been no compromise on quality and design".

Work started on site in September 2007, with phase 1 of the development completed in February 2008 and phase 2 in July 2008.