RNIB Redhill

Description

The design follows a landscape led approach in order to:\r\n1. Create a Sensory Environment for All - be they blind, partially sighted or sighted\r\n2. Respect the site's greenbelt status (brownfield)\r\nThe generous and stimulating landscape changes in character from formal gardens and squares in the west to parkland and woodland in the east.\r\n\r\nA Sensory Trail meanders across the site:\r\n* Providing a safe accessible route for pedestrians\r\n* Sensory Nodes with differing, materials, textures, and aromatic planting enable way-finding, and provide opportunities to sit, rest and play.\r\n* Existing features such as a 200-year-old Lebanese Cedar Tree and historic chapel gateway provide a landscape focus.\r\nHomes have gardens, terraces and balconies. Open spaces include a play area, ecology zone and feature ponds.

Planning History

The Reigate and Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) and Tandridge District Council (TDC) boundary bisects the site. RNIB initiated pre-application dialogue with both authorities in August 2012. It was vital to build a clear consensus given the greenbelt nature of the site. Both planning committees recognised the essential need for RNIB to redevelop the site and awarded consent due to Very Special Circumstances. The high quality sensitive design was vital in securing this decision, unanimously in the case of TDC.