Residential area
The masterplan currently proposes a series of ‘development zones’ in which new residential houses are proposed. The design and type of homes within each of the zones can vary so that there are easily recognisable areas of the development, that are interlinked with areas of green public open space and pedestrian/cycle routes. The dwellings within the zones can be use building materials that are prevalent in Manthorpe, that will help to maintain the local character.

Where possible, car parking for new developments can be located at the rear of properties, so that streets are safe and pedestrian and cycle friendly. The proposed masterplan is designed to promote good and inclusive connectivity by sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and walking.

Houses can be arranged to look onto a landscaped SWALE which acts as a sustainable form of storm water drainage. The SWALE can be grassed and incorporate small trees and reed beds that can help to enhance ecology and create character. There can be landscaped spaces close to the SWALE, with footpaths and cycleways for people to use instead of using their cars to get from one part of the development to another.

The existing trees and hedges in the south of the site can be mostly retained to maintain ecological habitats. Green public open space, which can be used for walking, cycling and recreation can be located close to and incorporating the existing trees. It can be accessible to both existing and new residents. The open space can also incorporate a series of small ponds that will create character within the proposed development.

Neighbourhood Centre
neighbourhood centre can be a centrally located and accessible area of the development where local amenities are provided. There can be several small shops, a small convenience supermarket, a medical centre and live-work units to help promote local and new businesses.

A new one form entry primary school and a small pre-school can also be located within the neighbourhood centre. It is positioned close to landscaped green space, and public open space together with a good network of pedestrian and cycle routes.

The neighbourhood centre would be an identifiable space within the development that can create a familiar place to meet. A bus stop can be located to provide linkages to Grantham town centre.

The amenities can be formally located into a ‘square’ arrangement with framed views of St Wulframs Church and St Johns Church. The space and the height and arrangement of the buildings within the neighbourhood centre can be designed to address views into the development by car or by foot, and are also aligned to take advantage of views of the existing context and features along the skyline.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
The Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can be located in this part of the site. The development can consist of apartments and a communal village centre. It could also include small bungalows arranged to create an informal street feel and use some of the architectural features and materials similar to some of the older buildings in Manthorpe.

The Continuing Care Retirement community (CCRC) is located so that local shops and medical amenities in the neighbourhood centre are a short walk away. Similarly, there is a large area of green open space close by, that can be used for walks and linkages to High Road and Manthorpe. The green open space can also have recreational facilities such as a bowling green or a cricket pitch.

The CCRC buildings are designed to frame the views of St Johns Church, so that the spire can be seen from various points around the development. Viewed from within the development, the CCRC can be a formal and identifiable building, helping to create a gateway towards the neighbourhood centre.

The CCRC can also include bungalows arranged in an informal and low density pattern. This will have the ambience of a quiet street and overlook an area of green space, where a bowling green could be located.

A new road will connect to Rosedale Drive to provide access to emergency vehicles only.

Residential area (east side)
It is intended that the existing fields to the north of St John’s will be newly opened up to public access as green public open space. The existing landscape will be enhanced with new tree planting, so that this is sympathetic to the ‘parkland’ approach found on the nearby Belton House Estate.

The residential area proposed for this part of the site will be partially visible, from High Road beyond St John’s Church. It is therefore particularly important that the design of these houses picks up on the architectural themes that currently exist in the village of Manthorpe. The approach to this residential area can be low density with large family homes on individual plots. Only glimpses of these new houses will be seen through the trees. The houses will have adjacent sized south facing gardens. The boundary treatment to the gardens adjacent the running furrows can be visually permeable with structure landscaping provided to emphasise this natural watercourse.

The southern side of the new access road leading into the development can be tree-lined and well landscaped, behind which the new houses can sit. The fronts of the new houses can face the new access road in the traditional way.

The residential area can be accessed from a single access point off the smaller secondary roundabout. The access can be emphasised by the positioning of a small formal mews of large townhouse properties, with a framed view of a new pond adjacent the running furrows, and views of the landscaped ‘parkland’ beyond.