Q: How will you ensure the new development doesn’t increase the risk of flooding in surrounding areas?
A: The development has been designed to incorporate a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) to carefully manage water draining from the site. It involves managing the movement of surface water across the site using dry ditches, ponds and green spaces to slow down the rate of run off. Water from the site will eventually drain into the on-site reservoir. From here, water is discharged into the River Rother at a carefully controlled rate, which has been agreed with the Environment Agency.
Q: Will there be any new play areas for children?
A: Waverley has been designed to offer a whole host of play areas and physical activities throughout the new community. There will be play areas in both Waverley and Highwall Parks, and Waverley Park will feature an exciting adventure playground integrated into the surrounding environment.
Q: How will you ensure that public transport can cope with the increased demand?
A: New, sustainable public transport systems will be introduced to serve the town’s residents – enhancing the services available to people across the region. The town’s park & ride facility will be within a five-minute walk of most households in Waverley. Frequent buses with regular connections to services in the wider region will encourage residents to use public transport. An interchange located at the park & ride will also connect the town with the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for South Yorkshire. This advanced transport system, using the latest Euro standard vehicles, will provide rapid, direct access to the centres of Sheffield and Rotherham. To help reduce the amount of traffic on the roads, extensive footpaths and cycle routes will connect all parts of town’s residential and commercial districts - encouraging people to walk or cycle to work.
Q: How safe is the new town for pedestrians and children?
A: The town’s safe, sustainable transport system will give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, with a network of cycle paths and bridleways giving access to all areas of the town. There will be a 20mph zone in all residential streets, with traffic-calming to 10mph in certain areas. All parks and open spaces will be overlooked by houses and apartments, enhancing public safety through passive observation by residents.
Q: How will the new town be integrated with local communities?
A: Road networks in the town will link seamlessly with surrounding communities. Every opportunity will be taken to link Waverley’s new footpaths and bridleways with those in the surrounding countryside and communities, so that the town is fully integrated with its neighbours. Residents living in existing communities around Waverley will enjoy easy access to the wealth of recreational amenities offered by the new town.
Q: How will the lakes be incorporated into the development?
A: Three inter-linked lakes were created by the restoration of the site, effectively forming a single water body to the south of the planned town. The waterfront will become the principle recreation area for the town, offering a host of leisure, sporting and entertainment activities, as well as stylish waterfront apartments. The lakes also add ecological value to the site as potential habitats for wildlife.
Q: How will Waverley live up to its sustainable billing?
A: On-site electricity generation will supply all of Waverley’s needs, all buildings will be designed to maximise energy efficiency, rainwater and grey water will be recycled, waste will be minimised and public transport will be accessible to everyone.
Q: Will any job opportunities be created?
A: Yes. As well as being a thrilling place to live, Waverley will provide an inspiring place to work. Commercial developments at Waverley are set to bring investment, skills, training and around 7,000 jobs to the region. The town’s Advanced Manufacturing Park already hosts pioneering organisations in the fields of research and technology. The adjoining Highfield Commercial district will combine government offices with retail and leisure facilities. Together these two zones represent a nationally significant employment hub, supporting the area’s economic regeneration. Further jobs will be created in the town’s many shops, restaurants, recreational and community facilities.
Q: When will the development be completed?
A: The residential areas of the site, along with the supporting community, parkland and other public areas are due to be completed in four super-phases over the next 20 years. The town is expected to be completed by 2030.
Q: Will the Waverley link road form a part of the planning application for the Waverley new community?
A: No.
Q: Won’t the new town be a drain on local amenities and resources?
A: Waverley is being developed as a totally self-sustaining community, with its own on-site electricity generation, transport network, primary schools, shops, recreational facilities and community amenities. Rather than being a drain on existing local resources, it will introduce a host of new facilities that will benefit surrounding communities.
Q: What types of housing will be built at Waverley?
A: Almost 4,000 new dwellings will be created, including a mix of apartments and townhouses, terraced and detached homes to suit every budget and taste. Singles, couples and families will find carefully planned, attractive homes to fulfil their every need. Up to 25% of the dwellings created will be designated as affordable homes.
Q: Isn’t this just another housing estate?
A: Waverley isn’t just another housing development – it’s a complete integrated and self-sustaining community. A host of leisure and community facilities will be created on site, from shops and restaurants to health and community centres. Two new primary schools will be built, as well as parks, play areas, sports pitches, footpaths and nature trails. All of these amenities will benefit people throughout the wider region. Housing will be arranged on attractive terraces, with views down to the lakes, interspersed with trees and local parks. So much open space, combined with abundant recreational opportunities, will encourage a healthy way of life among the town’s residents and local people.
Q: Will any new outdoor spaces or parks be created?
A: Waverley has been designed as an attractive, landscaped town with an abundance of green space. Most homes will be no more than a five-minute walk from a local green space or one of the town’s larger parks. Highwall Park will offer a range of sporting and recreational facilities, from football pitches to play areas, set within a beautiful formal landscape. Waverley Park, located within the green belt at the southern end of the town, will be a vast expanse of natural wild space, comprising native woodland, lakeland, wetland and grassland habitats, with wildflower meadows, footpaths and bridleways. Overlooking the town is the large green mound of Waverley Hill, providing an impressive vantage point and a pleasant place to take a stroll.
