Howe Barracks

We worked with planning consultants Now Planning and Peter Brett over 8 months to achieve consents. Negotiation over highways and S106 issues continued for seventeen months.

the site

This site of a former barracks adjacent to World Heritage sites presented unique challenges to embrace. 2km of SSSI, a critical view to Canterbury Cathedral, steep slopes and protected trees have allowed our approach to excel.

sports pitches

Sport England debated the level of sports pitch provision. A pitch has however been provided along with the retention of existing buildings as pavilions. These are open to the wider community.

client aspirations

The client aspired to commemorate the regiments which had used the site over 200 years. This legacy has been achieved in several ways:

• A proposed new twelve acre park
• Retention of three (non-listed) buildings for community use
• Creation of allotments and orchards.

place making

neighbourhoods

The development is arranged into 'neighbourhoods' of differing densities. These reflect the location and prominence on site.

The lowest density neighbourhood, with the highest expected values, overlooks the Cathedral Park. Neighbourhoods to the East are located along a pedestrian spine footpath. This gives easy access to the town and maximises views into the site.

open space & biodiversity

Significant areas of open space bisect the site. These have an ecological and water management function and allow an integrated blue/green infrastructure.

Water run off from the site will be reduced and biodiversity greatly increased. This is a valuable part of the 'place-making' approach to design.