Our understanding
DALTON BARRACKS AND SURROUNDINGS
We’ve spent a number of years analysing the site and surrounding area.
The opportunities the site presents for redevelopment are outlined in the adopted Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), covering the planned first phase also apply to the whole site.
These opportunities are identified as:
- Deliver high quality and sustainable design.
- Protect the environment and respond to climate change.
- Build a healthy and sustainable community.
- Support sustainable transport and accessibility.
A scheme that draws on the place
There has been extensive technical analysis of the site and its surroundings, and some of the key features that have informed the proposals.
In this section are some of the key areas we have examined. These are by no means all of the areas reviewed and will require further assessment and consideration during the planning application preparation process.
Heritage and military legacy
Prior to 1932, the site where Dalton Barracks is now located was principally a patchwork of fields, with the historic core of Shippon very much evident in the historic mapping from the
mid to late 1800’s.
In 1932 Abingdon Airfield (now known as Dalton Barracks) was established and was actively used for military operations in World War II including air transport. It was closed in 1992 as an RAF establishment and then became Dalton Barracks, which was established that year.
The airfield comprises mainly runways, taxiways, hardstanding and grassland areas, and is still used for occasional flying, military training, and some civilian activities. The Barracks area comprises buildings constructed principally for their function and includes large aircraft hangars.
Importantly, the DIO is keen to ensure that the legacy of the military history of the site is reflected in the masterplan proposals in an appropriate manner, whilst also acknowledging that the site will no longer remain in military use and requires repurposing and redevelopment.
The Surroundings
Access and movement
The access strategy is currently being developed as part of the planning application process and will be determined though a Transport Assessment. Working with Oxfordshire County Council, as the local Highway Authority, we will develop a robust highway model, and in due course the necessary highway works. We will include further details at our future consultations as we progress towards an Outline Planning Application.
We are also exploring public transport provision with the local operators, and there will be enhancements to local services alongside off-site footway and cycleway improvements
Drainage and flood risk
The site is not at risk of flooding. The DIO is looking at surface and fluvial water flows and how we deliver a sustainable urban drainage system that ensures surrounding areas are not put at risk of flooding due to the scheme being developed.
The local watercourses and water features will be protected from adverse water run-off, with particular attention to not making any detrimental changes to the hydrological regime of areas off-site, including the site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sandford Brook.
Local services and facilities
Providing services to support a new Garden Village is important, and we’ve been looking at the need for new local facilities and infrastructure to support the new community and provide additional services for the wider existing community.
This includes schools, community facilities, employment opportunities and other facilities, in addition to utilities infrastructure.
Green infrastructure,
landscape and biodiversity
There are a number of landscape features that require careful consideration in redeveloping the site. Most notably, the mature trees that line the internal roads and form avenues along Cholswell Road, along with the other trees within the built area.
The scheme will create significant new areas of public green space. The peripheral boundary vegetation to the site, particularly along Honeybottom Lane to the north, and along the watercourse corridor on the western boundary, will remain within the new open space.