The comprehensive or phased redevelopment of the Albion Works site (Map 1) will be supported where proposals deliver a mixed-use scheme in general accordance with the Community Masterplan for Albion Works, and where all of the following criteria are met:
1. Mix of uses a) The scheme provides a mix of business, community and residential uses, including: – a range of dwelling types consistent with Policy 3; – employment-generating uses such as workshops, studios, offices or start-up business units; – the potential for a local convenience shop and/or community facility consistent with Policy 5. b) The overall mix must achieve a compatible balance of uses, avoiding dominance by a single use.
2. Acceptable uses a) Non-residential uses must be compatible with a mixed residential environment. b) Preferred uses include light industry (Use Class E(g)), offices, R&D, craft workshops, and warehousing with low levels of HGV traffic. c) Small-scale retail or food and drink uses ancillary to the wider scheme may be included. d) Proposals for uses likely to cause significant disturbance or conflict with residential amenity will not be supported.
3. Layout and integration a) The layout must establish connections with surrounding streets, with safe pedestrian and cycle links to Long Leys Road. b) Development adjoining West Common must incorporate an active, landscaped frontage and avoid blank rears or service yards facing the Common. c) Public access through the site should be provided via footpaths and open spaces, to create a permeable part of the neighbourhood.
4. Design and environment a) Development must accord with the design and sustainability requirements of Policies 1 and 2, and reflect the site-specific principles in the Community Masterplan. b) Biodiversity enhancements must be integrated, including street tree planting, sustainable drainage features, and ecological measures such as bat and bird boxes. c) Lighting must avoid harmful impacts on the ecology of West Common.
5. Traffic and access a) Primary vehicle access must be from Long Leys Road, with junction safety assessed. b) Development must reduce HGV traffic relative to historic industrial uses. c) Servicing arrangements must minimise noise and disturbance to existing and new dwellings. d) Parking provision must be sufficient but not excessive, having regard to site accessibility. e) Contributions toward off-site pedestrian crossings on Long Leys Road will be sought where necessary to ensure safe connections.
6. Phasing a) Proposals may come forward in phases where consistent with the Community Masterplan. b) Development that would prejudice the comprehensive regeneration of the wider site will not be supported.