Junction 33 Local Centre

The Challenge

Evolving an outline design for a local centre, prescribed by consented 'townscape' principles, into a detailed design to support a full planning application. The key challenges evolved around demonstrating compliance with key principles whilst demonstrating a development proposal that is commercially and technically viable and deliverable. This made more complex by a sloping site.

Our Role

The Urbanists collaborated closely with Persimmon Homes and their technical and commercial advisors to develop a high quality local centre at the heart of Phases 4 and 5 of Llanilltern Village. A key aspect of this process involved critically reviewing the principles established at the outline planning stage, ensuring that the proposed commercial floor space and residential apartments were optimally integrated within the available space. The design solution was driven by the ambition to create a vibrant, mixed-use destination, featuring a high-quality public realm, inviting social spaces, and the formation of a distinctive ‘high street’ character. 

This vision was carefully balanced with the technical and operational requirements of the development, including waste management, servicing logistics, parking provisions, and accessibility considerations, to deliver a sustainable and well-functioning urban environment. The Urbanists landscape architectural and urban design and masterplanning teams worked together seamlessly to ensure a multidisciplinary approach.

The Outcome

This comprehensive design process ensured a positive outcome by striking a careful balance between commercial viability, placemaking, and technical feasibility. The emphasis on a vibrant mixed-use environment, complemented by inviting public spaces and a well-defined ‘high street,’ fostered a strong sense of place and community. Furthermore, meticulous attention to servicing, parking, accessibility, and operational logistics ensured that the development was not only visually appealing but also practical, sustainable, and future-proofed. As a result, the local centre is positioned to thrive as a dynamic and functional hub, enhancing the wider Llanilltern Village development.