The Society provided the following response to the Wheat Quarter consultation which closed on 1 November 2024. Standard questions had to be answered. The developer plans to submit for planning in the first week of December 2024 – a date that looks very challenging.

If you wish to be involved in future meetings with the developer, then let the Society know via wgcsociety@gmail.com.

Society response on the feedback form as submitted:

1. Do you prefer the approach we are taking to the redevelopment of the site, or the existing planning consent for 850+ homes?
   Answer: YES;
   Reasons: The new approach is refreshing as it provides less density and is more sympathetic to the Garden City.

2. Do you agree with our plans for the renovation and repurposing of the Silos, Boiler House, and Grain Store?
   Answer: YES
   Reasons: We all want to see good community uses from the heritage facilities.

3. Do you agree with the design and mix of our homes, including a retirement living community, Build to Rent and townhouses?
   Answer: YES
   Reasons: Ultimately, the mix is based on the developer’s analysis of the market. There is not much detail in the consultation but we would expect that home sizes will meet the assessment of local need.

4. Do you agree with our plans for recreational and community facilities, including an apart-hotel and public open spaces?
   Answer: Don’t know,
   Reasons: Overall we could agree with the proposals to maintain viability, but there is insufficient information in the consultation. We would like to see a conference facility/community space. The public open spaces appear to be very small. The shortened footbridge is good; if its delivery were accelerated, it would be welcomed by residents.

5. Do you support our plans for transport, access, and parking? (EV charging/car hub/cycle spaces)
   Answer: Don’t know
   Reasons: Very little detail has been provided at the consultation stage, so it is hard to give a definitive answer. The parking provision is very low. Supplemental provisions should be explored, e.g., season tickets for using town centre car parks. The issue of potential overspill parking is important and should be addressed. Other suggestions include access to rental EVs and bikes, a lockable sheltered bike facility, etc.

6. Is there anything you think we have not considered as part of the plans?
   Answer: YES
   Reason: We had hoped to see more detail in the designs at this stage, especially as a full planning application is scheduled for submission by 6 December 2024. Many details are still to be worked up.

   Issues to be considered in the application include:

   • Views of the silos from the town centre/train station appear to be compromised – please review/demonstrate actual views.
   • It is understood that the social/affordable housing provision will be the subject of a future viability report.
   • Section 106 Community infrastructure (improvements to education, healthcare, highways, etc.) will be considered separately as part of the Planning Application. Residents will be very interested to be consulted on these plans.
   • It is expected that the site will be served by sustainable energy (e.g., solar panels, the existing Energy Centre on Phase 1 of the South site).
   • The loss of the Production Building impacts the gravitas of the Silos; the massing appears to be informed by site viability rather than resident needs.
   • Public art and sculpture details are unclear.
   • It is understood that public access will remain open on Hyde Way throughout construction.
   • Public access to a high-level viewing area (in addition to an expensive restaurant) would be appreciated.
   • Townhouse design should complement Garden City principles, e.g., materials choice, cul-de-sacs, non-linear streets, etc.
   • The climbing proposals for the silos would benefit from input from local climber Buster Martin.
     Read more about Buster Martin here..