Rumwood Green

Drawing on our broad experience, Rummey Design’s approach has been to formulate options to the stakeholders and client and the relative benefits of each to facilitate decision-making.

The evolved scheme befits its location as the new southern gateway into Maidstone, as well as being a distinctive, self-contained local community in its own right.

A decision is expected in Autumn 2016, with commencement of Phase 1 in 2018 after Reserved Matters.

context

The edge-of-town site relates to listed buildings. An important ‘driver’ is the proximity of the Grade 2* listed St Mary’s church by William Butterfield, which becomes the focus of views from the site.

design aspirations

The design aspired to create a new neighbourhood in the expanding Maidstone, not merely 'housing'.

Distinctiveness is important to the client and designer.

a new neighbourhood

The new neighbourhoods' mixed-use centre is carefully sited to serve the new residents (approximately 2,500), and existing residents, whilst respecting the integrity of the adjacent settlements. This creates a range of residential environments and dramatically improves this degraded landscape and habitat.

important design considerations

• Bus routes
• Density gradient
• Open space distribution
• School location

development form & landscape character

The development forms a series of discrete neighbourhoods. Greenspace separates it from existing settlement and a new edge to Maidstone is formed, restoring degraded landscape character.

open space

Approximately 40% of the site will be open space providing a new ‘common’, heathlands, orchards, and play space with access for local people and creating a definite ‘edge’ to the town.

views & setting

As part of our investigations prior to designing the masterplan key views and enclosure were considered.

water & drainage

These will be used positively for place-making, flood storage protection and environmental improvement.