Case study

Berewood

In 2012 Grainger plc acquired outline planning permission for the development of approximately 2,650 dwellings, two primary schools, employment use, leisure facilities and associated infrastructure on around 200 hectares of land to the west of Waterlooville in Hampshire. The works also included the restoration and ‘rewilding’ of 1km length of the River Wallington and the provision of numerous sustainable drainage (SUDS) features and community nature reserves. The development became known as Berewood and construction began in 2013. Our engineers have been fortunate to be involved with Berewood since its inception; providing transport, design and environmental inputs at every stage of the development process.

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Transport Planning
Infrastructure Design
Environmental Assessment

Details

The Challenge Posed by the Presence of Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species

The site incorporates numerous land uses such as semi natural and ancient woodland, hedgerows, grassland, arable land, ephemeral areas and both running and standing water. These environments provide habitat for many Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species which are protected by UK statutes such as The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments). These include many species of bat and reptile, Great Crested Newts, dormice and badgers, all of which are present at Berewood along with valuable assemblages of plants and animals.

The challenge for the Client, was to develop this huge and ecologically sensitive area, with due respect to the existing habitats and species but also to create and incorporate new areas of community nature reserve.

From the outset, we have been on hand to support both the Outline and subsequent Reserved Matters Applications with phase specific Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP). These paid close attention to the requirements of the Council Officers and the constraints identified within the numerous supporting studies, to create a useable matrix linking construction phases to the specific mitigations required.

As a further measure, our engineers have had an ongoing role in site supervision of the implementation of these CEMPs since works began on site.

Overcoming Potential Clashes Between Development and the Protection of the Environment

During this process, we have experienced and overcome many instances where development requirements have had the potential to clash with the protection of the environment. Through these, we have developed a library of good practice models and have also been fortunate to be able to use our knowledge to provide an educational experience for the local school and to provide seminars for site managers on similar sites.

Grainger plc continues to progress development at Berewood and we look forward to aiding with this innovative and inclusive project as it evolves.