• Proximity to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA)

• Proximity to the Bourley and Long Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

• Retain a boundary fence around the perimeter to avoid disturbance to the SPA.

• Restricted car park access to only those using the facility, such as barrier or gating system

• Reduced car parking capacity to demonstrate a reduction in traffic from the site

• A transport assessment to predicted traffic movements based on new change of use.

The site benefits from a private through-road, which circles the site, provides access to a drop-off area outside the main building entrance and allows access to the multi-storey car park. There are two entrance points on Wellesley Road, which allow different approaches to the building.

The updated plans propose to redesign the vehicle drop-off area outlined in the first planning application, so that it reaches and connects to the main entrance.

• As with the first application, all appropriate transport assessments will be undertaken to understand any potential impact on local roads; however, we envisage a reduction of around 300 vehicle movements during each peak hour

• The facility will operate shift working patterns, which will reduce the ‘rush- hour’ traffic impact. Residents will not be subject to set check-in/check-out times (like a hotel), helping to reduce traffic movement.

There is sufficient car parking, including a multistorey car park, on site to meet demand – therefore, no new car parking facilities will be created.

As a result of feedback from Natural England, we anticipate operating access barriers around the site to manage traffic flow.

Residents and employees will be encouraged to use public and sustainable transport to travel to the site. The Royal Pavilion is a 25-minute walk or an 8-minute cycle from the town centre, via Wellington Avenue and Farnborough Road.

• Leaflets and notice boards to inform site users of where they can make use of the surrounding greenspace

• Information shared with all in-patients and staff, suggesting routes to take and alternative greenspaces to use, explaining the clear sensitivities of the nearby Thames Basin Heaths SPA.

• Royal Pavilion is within an area that Natural England considers could benefit from enhanced green infrastructure (G1) provision

• Multi-functional green infrastructure helps with improved flood risk management, provision of accessible green space, climate change adaptation and biodiversity enhancement.

• A Tree Preservation Order applies to all trees within the woodland within the Royal Pavilion site (shaded green area W1), including 11 specified noteworthy trees (T1 12) and a group of trees and shrubbery on the edge of the site (G1)

• Extra care will be taken to ensure the preservation of these trees in line with TPO legislation.

The plans seek to retain the existing superstructure of the building. This includes the retention of existing floor slabs, columns and superstructure, to retain as much embodied carbon as possible.

Assessments are underway, but the scheme will strive to achieve the below: 

• BREEAM Very Good standard

• Water consumption to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards

• Enhancement of the local ecology and bio-diversity

• Use of responsibly sourced materials

• Minimise the generation and disposal of waste. Increase the recycling and reuse of materials

• Consideration for measures to improve energy efficiency

• Consideration of renewable or low carbon technologies.