Public consultation for Phase 1B at Otterpool Park launches

13 July 2023

Following a Community Planning Lunchtime Launch at Westenhanger Castle on 11 July, work will now begin to develop plans for Phase 1b, the Hilltop and Woodland Ridge character areas of Otterpool Park.

JTP architects and masterplanners have been selected to work on Phase 1b and will be rolling out the programme to engage collaboratively with local stakeholders and communities throughout the design process.

The work to create the framework masterplan and design code for the Hilltop and Woodland Ridge neighbourhood area will:

• Ensure that the site can be delivered efficiently and to the highest quality of placemaking protecting the overall vision and design objectives for Otterpool Park.
• Guide all future developers and operators on the site.
• Meet the requirements of conditions to the planning application set by the local planning authority (LPA) prior to reserved matters being submitted.

Community Planning Day | Saturday 9 September | 11am – 4pm | Sellindge Village Hall

The Community Planning Day will encompass a drop in exhibition; a post-it note workshop exploring issues, dreams and solutions; and hands-on planning workshops.

Report Back of the Vision | Wednesday 20 September | 6.30pm – 8pm | Westenhanger Castle

Following the Community Planning Day JTP will take on board the feedback received and draw up the vision for the Hilltop and Woodland Ridge neighbourhoods.  Community members and stakeholders will be invited back to hear and comment during the Report Back session.

In an effort to gain as much input from local residents and stakeholders, there will be a big push to promote the consultation events using leaflets, posters and social media. The Otterpool Park and JTP teams will attend various local events and meetings over the summer. The project website provides both a video and copies of the presentations made at the launch, a digital flythrough of the Phase 1b area and there is also an interactive map so that people can leave comments that will be fed into the process, should they not be able to attend any of the events.

Following the consultation events, a Community Review Panel will be set up with local people helping to shape the emerging Framework Masterplan & Design Code.  The aim is to complete the draft Framework Masterplan and Design Code by the end of 2023 with the finalised documents submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council in Spring 2024.

The Phase 1b consultation builds upon the existing achievements and work undertaken to create the masterplan and design code for Phase 1a, which focused on the Town Centre and Castle character areas.

Julia Wallace, Placemaking Director at Otterpool Park LLP, said: “It’s great to start the engagement process for Phase 1b and we’re keen to receive as much input from local stakeholders and the community as possible. We have intentionally scheduled the Community Planning Day to avoid peak holiday season and the school holidays, and it will take place at the weekend to allow as many people as possible to attend. The approach for this consultation is focused on community placemaking through understanding, engaging and creating with those attending the events.”

Graeme Phillips, Partner at JTP the architects and masterplanners overseeing the work, commented: “We are delighted to be appointed to work with the Otterpool Park team to develop the Phase 1b proposals for new neighbourhoods at Hilltop and Woodland Ridge. Over the coming weeks, we will be meeting with the local community as we work towards the community planning day in September, where we will co-create the vision for the new neighbourhoods. We hope as many local people as possible will attend and help inform the vision for these areas.”

For more information about the Phase 1b consultation, visit: https://www.otterpoolpark.org/phase-1b/