Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Urban Design
VELINDRE CANCER
CENTRE
Outline Planning Application
Design and Access Statement
Prepared For:
Velindre NHS Trust
23-05-2017
Australia
China
Hong Kong
Singapore
United Kingdom
Contact
Nick Durham Senior Associate
ndurham@hassellstudio.com
Ashley Munday Principal
amunday@hassellstudio.com
Contents
HASSELL
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T +44 20 7490 7669
HASSELL
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Cardiff United Kingdom CF10 3BD
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@HASSELL_Studio
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Registered in England and Wales
Company Number 7545819
01 02 03 04 05
Introduction
Context and Analysis
Design Evolution
Development Proposal
Planning Assessment
Page 04
Page 10
Page 34
Page 46
Page 66
INTRODUCTION
01
01 _Introduction
executive summary
This Design & Access Statement supporting the
Outline Planning Application for the new Velindre
Cancer Centre has been prepared in response to the
guidance provided in Technical Advice Note 12:
Design Guidance on Design & Access Statements
(2012).
The purpose of this Statement is to;
_Explain
_
the design principles and concepts that
have been applied to the development;
_Demonstrate
_
the steps taken to fully appraise the
context of the development and how the design
responds to the context;
_Explain
_
the policy or approach adopted for access,
and how policies relating to access in the
Development Plan have been taken into account;
and
_Explain
_
how any specific issues which might affect
access to the development have been addressed.
While the content with regards the appearance of
the building is for illustrative purposes only the
document outlines a series of parameters to define
land use, scale, access and landscape quality.
Scheme Overview
The new Velindre Cancer Centre extends the Velindre
NHS Trust’s presence as the largest clinical oncology
centres in Wales, and top 10 in the UK. It forms an
important milestone in it’s wider initiative to improve
cancer outcomes in South East Wales, known
strategically as ‘Transforming Cancer Services.’ The
strategy includes the construction of a new
37,000sqm facility for non-surgical specialist cancer
treatment at Velindre supported by a number of
outreach services embedded into local
communities.
Outline Planning Application
During the design phase of the project, the team
held a series of pre-application meetings with the
Planning officers at Cardiff City Council to develop
the scheme and discuss it’s impact on the local
heritage context, the site’s ecology and wider traffic
and transport implications.
Since it’s establishment, the current Velindre Cancer
Centre has outgrown demands and is now in need of
expansion space to not only improve it’s care and
outcomes, but also offer a better patient experience
and scope for industry leading research and study to
take place. The new Cancer Centre at Velindre will
include facilities for radiotherapy, systemic anticancer therapy, diagnostic imaging, outpatients,
pharmacy services and inpatient beds. The building
will be designed with the needs of the patient at its
core, reinforcing the reputation of Velindre as a
centre of excellence for cancer treatment. The new
facility will also aim to make Velindre an
international focal point for research & development
with an emphasis on expanding clinical trials and
improving the translational research links between
‘bench’ and ‘bed’.
Section 03 further explains the designers’ research,
testing, and evolution of the idea driving the
development proposal
Section 02 of this Design and Access Statement
includes a site analysis and illustrates the project’s
relationship with the existing urban and landscape
context.
Section 04 of this document includes the outline
development proposal for the scheme, and includes
strategic landscape design proposals for the
scheme.
Documentation
This Design and Access Statement illustrates the
architectural design of the proposed building and
the integrated landscape design. The report should
be read in conjunction with the following technical
reports:
_Planning
_
assessment
_Alternative
_
site assessment
_Whitchurch
_
Health Campus Masterplan
_Ecology
_
assessment
_Transport
_
assessment
_Air
_ quality assessment
_Noise
_
assessment
_Cultural
_
assessment
_Landscape
_
& visual impact assessment
_Lighting
_
statement
_Hydrology
_
& hydrogeology statement
_Ground
_
conditions
_Utilities
_
statement
_Waste
_
statement
_Socio-economic
_
statement
Section 05 includes a summary of the Planning
Assessment
The quality of the surrounding landscape offers the
potential for an architectural experience that is
closely connected with the surrounding natural
beauty. The proximity to existing nature reserves,
flourishing meadows, and wildlife will be capitalised
upon to enhance the health and wellbeing for staff,
patients, and visitors alike.
6
Velindre Cancer Centre
Proposed
Sketch
view
Main
of proposed
Entrance main entrance to the Cancer Centre
7
02 _Contextual Analysis
Strategic Context
The Welsh Government has set a very clear ambition
for cancer care in Wales within the Together for
Health: Cancer Delivery Plan 2012 – 2016 which sets
out standards for the quality, safety and experience
of care that the population of South East Wales
should receive. Velindre Cancer Centre (VCC) is the
largest of the three clinical oncology centres in
Wales and one of the ten largest regional clinical
oncology centres in the United Kingdom (UK
Radiotherapy Equipment Survey, 2008). VCC is also
the sole provider of non-surgical specialist cancer
services to the catchment population of 1.5 million
across South-East Wales, from Chepstow to
Bridgend and from Cardiff to Brecon.
radiotherapy patients could receive their initial
consultation at an outreach clinic in the facilities of
their Local Health Board and their treatment in
locations closer to home through the provision of a
Velindre Cancer Centre radiotherapy satellite site in
the most appropriate location.
The existing Centre opened in 1956 and has since
grown incrementally in response to changes in
technology and demands for increased capacity. The
quality of the service provided to patients at VCC is
rated very highly, although it is recognised that the
quality and function of the hospital environment
impacts upon patients and the service they receive.
Due to the age of the facility there are issues with
noncompliance with statutory requirements such as
Health Building Notes (HBN’s) and the need to meet
targets for energy and environmental management.
The VCC is currently at a tipping point in its ability to
provide high quality care at the existing facility in
the face of increasing referrals into the service and
increasing complexity of treatment which requires
modern technology and clinical practice. The future
reputation of Velindre Cancer Centre could be put at
risk and will reduce its ability develop its reputation
nationally and internationally and provide the
highest quality patient care to which it aspires.
The founding principle of the future service model
for Velindre aligns directly with the strategic intent
of care close to home: ‘All care and treatment
provided at home or close to home unless it is
unsafe or does not provide the patient with the best
outcome possible’. To achieve this, a radical
redesign of services is required based around a ‘hub
and spoke’ model which would enable approximately
60% of chemotherapy patients in South-East Wales
to receive their care and support at home or close to
home. Furthermore, a large proportion of
8
Velindre Cancer Centre
Context model of existing Velindre Cancer Centre
9
CONTEX T & ANALYSIS
02
02_Contextual Analysis
Location
Site
The site is situated in north Cardiff approximately
one kilometre north of the centre of Whitchurch
Village and 6 kilometres north of Cardiff City Centre.
Coryton Interchange, which connects the M4, A470
and local highway network is located approximately
400 metres north of the site.
The site area is aproximately 14.5 hectares. This
comprises 7.8 hectares of undeveloped land that will
accommodate the new cancer centre (landscape,
open space, parking, Maggie’s Centre, energy centre
etc.) and 6.7 hectares of land to deliver the access
routes.
The main site area is undeveloped land which was
previously used in part for horse grazing. There are a
number of informal paths across the site which have
been formed by local users.
CARDIFF
City Centre
Severn Estuary
Cardiff Bay
12
Velindre Cancer Centre
13
Village Hotel
02 _Contextual Analysis
urban context
Asda Supercentre
University Building
Whitchurch Cardiff Golf Course
Coryton House
Local Highway and Transport Network
The site is not currently accessible by vehicle. The
closest main roads to the site are Longwood Drive to
the north and Pendwyallt Road (A4054) and Park
Road (A4054) to the northeast and southeast.
Longwood Drive is connected to Pendwyallt Road
and Park Road via the Coryton Interchange. The
Interchange also provides access to the M4 and
A470. As previously described the main site access
will be provided from Longwood Drive via Asda and
the emergency access will be provided from
Pendwyallt Road via the Hollybush Estate.
The nearest bus stop to the site is on Pendwyallt
Road, approximately 100 metres northeast of the
site. Services from the bus stop provide access to
the city centre and wider Cardiff area. Further bus
stops are located along Pendwyallt Road and Park
Road. Coryton Railway Station is located
approximately 200 metres east of the site. The
station serves Coryton, Whitchurch and Pantmawr.
It is the terminus of the Coryton Line and is located 8
kilometres north of Cardiff Central Railway
Station via Cardiff Queen Street Railway Station.
Whitchurch Hospital Campus
The Whitchurch Hospital Campus is located beyond
the site’s southeast boundary. Whitchurch Hospital
is located in the centre of the campus. It was built in
the early 1900’s as a psychiatric asylum and became
the main centre for mental health services in Cardiff.
These services have now been transferred to a new
facility in Llandough. The hospital buildings are
accessible from Park Road via an access with a
formal gatehouse. The northern frontage of the
campus comprises an open area of green space laid
out for bowls, football, rugby and cricket with
associated facilities including a cricket pavilion and
changing facilities for the bowls club. The hospital
campus is located adjacent to the green space. The
chapel is contemporary to Whitchurch Hospital and
is derelict and in need of repair. A large car park is
located to the front of the chapel
The George Thomas Hospice is located within the
west of the campus. The hospice provides specialist
home-based palliative care for patients and their
families. The hospice occupies a modern building
located to the west of the hospital campus and is
accessed from Park Road via the internal road
network. Velindre Cancer Centre is located in the
southeast of Whitchurch Hospital and is accessible
from Velindre Road. Lletty Newydd Continuing Care
Bungalow is also located in this area. A gatehouse is
located southwest of Whitchurch Hospital. It is
accessible from Velindre Road and disused. The
gatehouse is located adjacent to a vacant
brownfield site that is in the ownership of Velindre
Cancer Centre.
Residential Development
Clos Coed Hir is located to the east of the site
adjacent to the Whitchurch recreational fields. It is a
private residential estate that consists of detached
properties (two storey) and a terrace of town
housing (three storey). The site is accessed from
Park Road.
The Hollybush Estate is a residential development
located to the northeast of the site. The estate
includes four ten-storey tower blocks that are
prominent features on the local townscape and
landscape, and four other smaller residential blocks
(two-four storeys). One of the smaller blocks
includes commercial units. Access to the estate is
provided from Pendwyallt Road. Coryton Primary
School is located north of the estate.
Coryton House Historic Park and Gardens
Coryton House is located north of the site. The
House is a large Edwardian town house that was
built in 1900 by John Cory, a prominent and wealthy
Cardiff ship owner. Extensive gardens surrounded
the house and included an orchard, walled garden,
glasshouse and pond. Later in the century some of
the gardens were cleared for redevelopment while
other parts of the grounds were neglected. The
conversion of the house into a children’s school in
2007 led to the grounds being repaired and
conserved. Part of the significance of Coryton House
Historic Park and Garden derives from its survival.
Most of the formal and informal gardens remain
undeveloped from their original layout as
commissioned by Cory. The gardens consist mainly
of woodland, made of tall, dense trees and smaller
areas of grass lawn. There are two significant views
identified within the park, both extending from the
house to the woodlands in the south of the garden
and beyond its boundaries. The disused railway
cutting is situated within it.
Asda
An Asda superstore is located north of the site. The
store is accessible from Longwood Drive and is
served by a large car park. An Asda petrol station is
located north of the main store on the other side of
Longwood Drive. A McDonalds is located in the west
of the Asda site and is accessible from the same
access that serves the superstore. The Village Hotel
is located to the east of the
Asda site.
area by a steep wooded slope, while to the
northwest it is separated by fields and further areas
of woodland. The Melingriffith Water Pump (a
scheduled monument is located on this section of
the canal), approximately 650 metres south of the
site. The main site access is located to the east of
the canal, and at its closest point would be
approximately 76 metres from the canal.
Coryton Station
Site for Cancer Centre
Forest Farm Industrial Estate
Chapel
The Grade II listed hospital chapel occupies a
central position within the campus green space and
is contemporary to Whitchurch Hospital. The
building is disused and in need of repair.
GE Healthcare
A GE Healthcare premises is located northwest of
the site. The company provides medical imaging and
information technologies, medical diagnostics,
patient monitoring systems, drug discovery, bio
pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and
performance solutions services. The site consists of
a series of operational buildings, parking areas and
internal green amenity spaces. A mix of business
and light industrial units are located south of GE
Healthcare.
Glamorganshire Canal
A section of the Glamorganshire Canal is located
south and northwest of the main site area. The
Glamorganshire Canal was built between 1790-1794
to connect Merthyr Tydfil and the Rhondda Valley to
Cardiff’s dock. The canal was an important feature in
the industrial landscape but was closed in 1951
after decades of declining use. Today the canal and
the footpaths that interface with it are used by
walkers from the local community. The section of
canal includes two locks (the Forest Lock and
Middle Lock) which both remain working today. To
the south the canal is separated from the main site
Forest Farm
Velindre Cancer Center
Surrounding Building Types
Residential
Public Amenity
Whitchurch Hospital
Glamorganshire Canal
Whitchurch Library
Retail
Schools
Church
Farm
Health
Library
High Street
14
Velindre Cancer Centre
15
Whitchurch High School
02_Contextual Analysis
landscape context
There are a number of statutory and local designated
sites within close proximity to the site. Those closest
to the site are identified below.
Glamorgan Canal / Long Wood SSSI
The SSSI is located southwest and northwest of the
site and is legally protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The SSSI is an
artificial wetland ecosystem adjoining a river terrace
woodland of considerable antiquity. Beech is a major
constituent of the woodland. A range of habitats from
open-water, alder carr, scrub and deciduous woodland
are included within the designation. The
Glamorganshire Canal is located within the
designation, the eutrophic water from which supports
a characteristic flora and fauna that includes a range
of macrophytes and a number of macro-invertebrates
that are locally important. At its closest point to the
site the topography is steep, but there are several
paths that navigate the slope down to the canal
Vegetation within the designation is dense and largely
obscures summer views out from the woodland
footpaths. Occasional partial views west towards
Radyr, or down to the Glamorgan Canal are possible
but are heavily filtered by tree canopies.
Glamorgan Canal LNR
The LNR is managed by Cardiff Council and includes
the SSSI and land south west of the SSSI, the disused
railway cutting north of the site, and the remaining
area of open meadowland to the north west of the site.
The LNR was formed in 1967 but the designating
features for the site are unknown. Friends of Forest
Farm, which was formed in 1990, actively contribute to
the protection of the LNR and promote the study of
the flora and fauna located within it.
Whitchurch Green Fields SINC
The site is designated as the Whitchurch Green Fields
Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
It was designated for its neutral grassland.
Coryton Heronry Wood Site of Importance for Nature
Conservation
The Coryton Heronry Wood Site of Importance for
Nature Conservation is located 100 metres north of
the main site area, but adjacent to a section of the
proposed northern access. The site is designated for
birds and includes a mixed woodland containing
conifers and ornamental trees.
Disused Railway Cutting
A disused railway cutting is located adjacent to the
development’s northeast boundary. The wooded sides
of the former railway cutting fall within a Local Nature
Reserve designation. The cutting is steep and wooded.
Public access is available along the floor of the
cutting. Access into the cutting is provided from the
south via the Adopted Highway that connects to
Pendwyallt Road or from the north via a steep flight of
steps that connect to brick-built over-bridge near
Asda.
Coryton Herony Wood
Local Nature Reserve
Whitchurch Hospital Park and Garden
The Whitchurch Hospital Park and Garden is located to
the southeast of the development site. It is grade II
listed on the Register of Landscape Parks and
Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. The
historic park and garden includes the core of the
Whitchurch Hospital Grounds and includes eight
grade II listed buildings. The closest listed building to
the site is the Grade II listed Whitchurch Hospital
Chapel (180m from the site).
Long Wood SSSI
Railway Corridor
Whitchurch Green Fields
Glamorgan Canal
Coryton House Historic Park and Gardens
Coryton House Historic Park and Gardens is located
north of the site. It is grad on the Register of
Landscape Parks and Gardens of Special Historic
Interest in Wales. Parts of the gardens are designated
as the Coryton Heronry Wood SINC
Whitchurch Hospital
Playing grounds
Wildlife Corridor
Dense and overgrown pathway dividing the green field
meadows with the rest of the Whitchurch Hospital
grounds.
Flood risk zone
Surrounding Natural Features
Railway Corridor
Glanmorgan Local Nature Reserve
Whitchurch Hospital
Park and Gardens
Long Wood SSSI
Wildlife Coridoor
River Taft and Canals
Whitchurch Hosptial Park and Garden
Coryton Herony Wood
Whitchurch Green Fields
16
Velindre Cancer Centre
17
Drawing Not to Scale
02_Contextual Analysis
Access and Connectivity
The site is located close to the busy transport
corridors of the M4 (east-west) and A470 (northsouth) which meet at Coryton interchange.
Pendwyallt Road connects Whitchurch and the site
directly to the interchange and can be very busy at
peak times. Recent road improvements have been
carried out at the interchange to alleviate traffic
issues and the development should aim to not
significantly add to existing flows. The masterplan
exploits the proximity to existing sustainable
transport corridors both on-site (bus, walking and
cycling) and off-site (train and potentially light-rail)
to encourage a shift to their use.
Public Transport
Existing public transport connections would be
incorporated into the development, where feasible.
Pendwyallt Road runs along the eastern boundary of
the site and is a Strategic Bus Corridor within
Cardiff’s Sustainable Transport Vision and a number
of bus stops are located on Pendwyallt Road, Park
Road and Velindre Road within walking distance of
various areas of the site. Pending discussion with
bus providers the existing bus routes could be
diverted to serve the new Cancer Centre and other
developments within the site. Siting new bus stops
at key locations such as the new development
mixed-use core and high density residential blocks
would increase usage and target busy locations.
The masterplan would;
_meet
_
the objectives of Cardiff Council Sustainable
Transport Vision by connecting to and enhancing
the existing public transport connections within
Whitchurch, and link to the wider Cardiff area
_support
_
the ambitions of Cardiff Council’s ‘Liveable
Design Guide’ to kick-start a step-change in travel
behaviour by making sustainable travel more
appealing
Primary vehicular access to the mixed-use and
residential areas would be from Park Road to the
east. A bus connection is proposed to the health
campus via the northern access from Coryton
Interchange. Pedestrian access is readily achievable
from the south and east, and to a more limited
extent from the west. There is very limited potential
for access from the north. Existing bus stops are
within easy reach from the site on both
Park Road and Velindre Road and buses are frequent
on a number of routes and would provide residents
and site users with a realistic, sustainable travel
alternative.
Whitchurch Green is within walking distance of
Coryton train station beyond the north east corner of
the site, which Provides a frequent (every 30
minutes) and reliable rail link to the city centre.
Access to the station is either from a flight of stairs
from Park Road or from Park Crescent which gives at
grade access.
to/ from the hospital campus and would serve the
proposed hospital and masterplan site.
Specialist service vehicles
Specialist service vehicle movements will be key to
accessing the health campus, and mixed use
elements of the site. The health campus is to be
accessed from the north via Coryton Interchange
with a secondary, emergency route being available
through the Hollybush residential estate. Park Road
offers the most convenient access point to the
mixed-use areas of the site.
Train
The proposed development is within walking
distance of Coryton train station which provides a
frequent and reliable link with the city centre. The
residential and mixed-use development would
access Coryton Station either via a flight of steps
onto Park Road or a level access along Park
Crescent.
The masterplan has provided a pedestrian route out
of the existing vehicular entrance onto Park Road
which would direct commuters across the
pedestrian crossing towards Park Crescent and
Coryton train station. It is proposed to improve the
accessibility of the new health campus to the train
station via a new pedestrian link under Park Road
and over the disused railway line via an old stone
railway bridge. A waymarking strategy for the site
would ensure that routes to the station are clearly
signposted to promote usage.
Other Motor Traffic
Private vehicles should be catered for within the site
but will be limited to certain routes. 20mph speed
limits and design features to reduce traffic speeds
will be used appropriately on internal road networks
to promote safe cycling and a pedestrian/ child
friendly environment.
Light Rail
As part of the South Wales Metro project it is
understood that there is consideration of re-using
the disused railway line to the north of the site as a
light rail/ tram or bus route. This route would create
a link to both the retail (Asda and McDonalds) and
industrial estate (GE Healthcare) at Coryton. It is
unclear as to whether the link would continue any
further north west than Coryton given the significant
works required to cross the M4 interchange. There is
potential for Coryton Station to also be used for the
light rail link or for a new station to be sited on the
small open space accessed from Park Road which
directly adjoins the disused rail corridor. This
potential site would be accessible by foot/ bicycle
Parking
Parking should be provided in key locations to
Cardiff Council guidelines with suitable disabled
provision. Sufficient parking should be provided for
each type of development, the arrangement should
be integrated into the schemes and not provide large
expanses of car parking that will dominate the
spaces.
Vehicular and Public Transport Links
Site for Cancer Centre
Access route to Cancer Centre site
rail station
bus stop
Coryton roundabout (connection to M4)
Pendwyallt road (to Cardiff city centre)
secondary road
unclassified road
rail line
18
Velindre Cancer Centre
19
02_Contextual Analysis
Access and Connectivity
transport stops.
Direct and convenient routes
Pedestrians prefer relatively direct routes and the
scattered nature of Whitchurch’s facilities provides
plenty of alternate routes between two places which
Cycling
provides the variety and interest that encourages
The new Cancer Centre and other developments
walking. The siting of residential land uses to the
within the site would require Green Travel Plans to
maximise use of sustainable transport opportunities south of the site locates residents closest to existing
facilities supplemented by the proposed mixed-use
for staff and visitors. Cyclists are catered for in the
Development in the centre of Whitchurch Hospital
masterplan in line with the Cardiff Cycle Design
Guide 2011. The site will be as permeable/accessible campus.
as possible to cyclists with cycle lanes provided on
roads and traffic speed reduction measures to
increase safety for cyclists. Further provision within
the development will be on shared use footpaths
within the open spaces, linked to the road network
to provide a choice of routes for cyclists of varying
confidence.
Opportunities could be investigated for operation of
a bike hire outlet to encourage physical activity and
Pedestrians
use of local recreational routes and National Cycle
The relatively level nature of the site makes access
Network (NCN) – Route 8 which connects Holyhead
to all abilities of pedestrian feasible. Pedestrian
to Cardiff and runs alongside the River Taff to the
friendly areas, traffic speed reduction measures,
west of the site and is referred to as the Taff Trail.
clear lines of site and logical crossing points will
The Trail is well used by commuters as well as
contribute to making the development a safe
recreationally. There are few dedicated cycle routes
environment for all. Access provision for varied
in Whitchurch and the NCN route is accessed
levels of ability shall be incorporated through
consultation with relevant user groups as advised by relatively easily from the hospital campus via the
existing road network. There are no designated cycle
Cardiff Council’s Access Officer. Incentives to
ways on Forest Farm Road, Velindre
improve health and wellbeing is a key feature of the
Road, Park Road or other surrounding residential
development which will build upon the presence of
streets. A waymarking strategy for the site would
the new health campus. Accessibility and
ensure that routes to the Taff Trail are clearly
inclusiveness are viewed as being intrinsic to the
signposted to promote usage. Pedestrian shed
design and should be incorporated into all aspects
describes the area within walking distance from a
of the development. Tree-lined boulevards are
proposed through the development, long key routes, town or neighbourhood centre. The quality of
to direct non-car users through the site and connect walking routes should also be taken into
key destinations, such as the high street, with public consideration, as should the topography, which can
both affect the viability of use for many residents.
transport stops. The residential development is
Ideally homes should be within:
based around the concept of home zones, coupled
• 5 minutes’ walk (400m) of public transport stops;
with on-street parking, trees, and other design
elements which act as buffers between pedestrians • 10 minutes’ walk (800m) of shops and facilities
Whitchurch is a very walkable neighbourhood with a
and traffic, and reduce traffic speed. Low traffic
speed restrictions to maximum 20mph and creation variety of destinations within walking distance
including commercial establishments (retail and
of pedestrian priority spaces that are child friendly,
will encourage walking to local destinations and the office), civic establishments (religious and
education) as well as public open spaces and public
homezone areas will feature areas for communal
The masterplan meets the aims and objectives of
Cardiff Council’s Sustainable Transport Vision by
connecting to, and enhancing the existing public
transport connections to integrate the site within
Whitchurch and the wider Cardiff area. The
masterplan promotes the ambitions of Cardiff
Council’s Liveable Design Guide to kick-start a
step-change in travel behaviour by making
sustainable travel choices the most convenient to
get to and from the new development.
Site workers, residents and visitors will be
encouraged to use sustainable modes of transport
by the prominence of walking and cycle routes and
access to facilities in the layout of the site.
Pedestrian and cycle routes will be safe and visible
and should be designed in accordance with
Sustrans Design Manual and Cardiff Council Cycling
Design Guide.
seating and planting. Parking strategies will be
required by each development to consider
anticipated demand and reasonable provision.
Pedestrian, Cycle, and Public Transport Links
Site for Cancer Centre
Access route to Cancer Centre site
rail station
bus stop
hiking trails
pedestrian connection
advisory cycle route
National Cycle Route 8/Taff Trail
rail line
20
Velindre Cancer Centre
21
02 _Contextual Analysis
Whitchurch Health Campus
Glamorganshire Canal
Long Wood Nature Reserve
Mature tree screen and escarpment
Site of SSSI
Wooded slope 20+m
above canal
The Whitchurch Green site occupies approximately
33 hectares and incorporates the Whitchurch
Hospital campus and Velindre Cancer Centre facility.
The hospital campus is bounded to the south by
Velindre Road, to the east by Park Road (A4054), to
the north by fields and to the west by a Nature
Reserve (Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve &
Forest Farm) and SSSI designated woodland called
Long Wood, dropping down in level to Forest Park
Road, River Taff and Glamorgan Canal with housing
beyond.
The site comprises a number of facilities;
Velindre Cancer Centre
The Centre opened in 1956 and has grown to
become one of the largest cancer centres in the UK.
Access is via Velindre Road. The buildings are
generally one storey in height. Further capacity is
required to upgrade and modernise the Centre and
options are being explored to deliver a new facility.
Whitchurch Hospital
The hospital was built in the early 1900’s as a
psychiatric asylum and became the main centre for
mental health services in Cardiff. The hospital
buildings are Grade II listed. Access is from Park
Road. The buildings are generally two storey in
height with a prominent water tower. The rear
grounds are Registered Parks and Gardens and
exhibit a parkland character of lawns and mature
planting. The gardens feature six Grade II listed
timber shelters. The site is accessed from Park Road
via a formal gateway and Gatehouse.
Playing Fields
The northern frontage of Whitchurch Hospital
comprises an open area of green space laid out for
bowls, football/ rugby and cricket with associated
facilities including a cricket pavilion. An access road
provides a circulatory access road around the green
space with a large central car park and further areas
of grass and parkland trees.
Bowling green
Railway line
Sports ground
Coryton Halt Station
Former Farmland
Located within the northern extents of the
Whitchurch Hospital campus. Previously grazing
land the fields are now populated by long grass and
scrub vegetation.
Chapel
The Grade II listed hospital chapel occupies a
central position within the campus green space and
is contemporary to Whitchurch Hospital. The
building is disused and in need of repair.
Lletty Newydd Continuing Care Bungalow
A continuing care facility is located in a modern
building accessed from Velindre Road to the
southeast of the hospital campus.
The Lodge
The gatehouse located on Velindre Road, is
understood to have once served Velindre, a private
house located to the southwest of the hospital
campus. The building is understood to be disused.
George Thomas Hospice
The hospice provides specialist home-based
palliative care in Cardiff for patients and their
families. The hospice occupies a modern building
located to the west of the hospital campus and
accessed from the peripheral internal road network.
Cardiff and Vale Admin Building
A modular building sited adjacent to the hospital
chapel.
Melingriffith Feeder (formerly built for
the nearby tin mill, now disused)
Velindre Cancer Centre
Stone footbridge
Brownfield Site
Located in the south western corner of the
Whitchurch Hospital campus and previously the site
of a country house “Velindre”. Formerly proposed as
the site for a new Mental Health Hospital the site
was cleared of a number of healthcare buildings and
has remained vacant since the hospital scheme was
cancelled.
Sports grounds
22
Dismantled railway
and footpath
Wildlife corridor & footpath (public highway)
Public walking and bike trails
along picturesque canal
River Taff
Brownfield Site
George Thomas Hospice
Existing Velindre Cancer Centre
Grade II Heritage listed buildingsHeight restrictions apply to site 2
outline planning by Planning Authority
and CADW
23
02 _Contextual Analysis
Site Character
Site Boundaries
The main site area boundaries are characterised by
vegetation consisting of scrub, mature trees and
shrubs. The vegetation is particularly dense along
the northeast and southeast boundaries where it
continues beyond the site to form woodland. The
woodland to the north includes the disused railway
cutting, while the woodland to the south includes
the Glamorgan Canal. The vegetation along the
northwest boundary separates the site from a
further field that is also framed by vegetation. The
vegetation along the southwest boundary separates
the site from the Whitchurch Hospital grounds and
is dissected by an Adopted Highway. This route is
demarcated by dilapidated fencing, and is
overgrown by the surrounding vegetation.
The main site access would be provided from the
existing roundabout on Longwood Drive and would
approach the site from the northwest. En route it
would pass through Asda land, woodland, the
disused railway cutting and field adjacent to the
site’s northwest boundary. The emergency site
access would be provided from the Hollybush Estate
and approach the site from the northeast.
The access would commence from the local road
that dissects Cedar House and Sycamore House,
and would pass through woodland and the disused
railway cutting. Pedestrian access would be
provided via the Adopted Highway at the point where
the site’s northeast and southeast boundaries meet.
The access would connect to Pendwyallt Road and
Coryton Railway Station and would pass through
woodland and the railway cutting.
Topography
The highest point of the main site area is the
northwest boundary which ranges between 51m
AOD and 57m AOD. From the northwest boundary
the site slopes down to the southeast boundary
where the ground level is between 41m AOD and
43m AOD. At its highest point the northern access is
57m AOD (where it leaves the Asda Car Park) and
approximately 51m AOD at its lowest.
The highest point of the emergency access is
approximately 48m AOD (where it leaves the
Hollybush Estate) and 43m AOD (where it enters the
site). The proposed pedestrian route is
24
Velindre Cancer Centre
elevated over the river floodplain, lacks intervisibility with the river and interfaces with the
adjacent high-rise Hollybush residential towers and
the Whitchurch Hospital tower. Two local character
areas have therefore been identified to define the
landscape character of the site. These are the
Whitchurch Hospital Remnant Pasture, which
Ecology
applies to the main site area, and the Mature
Grassland constitutes most of the main site area
Woodland, which is located north and south of the
and it is dominated by cocksfoot and Yorkshire fog
development’s northeast and southwest boundaries
with creeping thistle, bramble, creeping bent,
and defines the areas where the access routes are
buttercup, hogweed, ragwort, ribwort plantain,
sweet vernal grass, crested dogstail red clover, black proposed.
The Whitchurch Hospital Remnant Pasture area is
medick and English oak. Scrub and woodland
characterised by rough grassland and scrub,
characterise the proposed site access routes. The
enclosed by dense, broadleaved woodland and
scrub is mostly bracken scrub, while the woodland
consists of cherry laurel, horse chestnut, sycamore, shrubs. The landform is gently undulating, former
pastoral farmland subdivided into a network of
hazel, ash, holly, willow and bramble. The ground
fields of varying scales with some overgrown field
flora and beneath the woodland is shaded and has
hedgerows remaining. Landform and vegetation
limited species diversity. It includes traveller’s joy,
nettle and wood avens. Himalayan balsam is located combine to reduce intervisibility between fields and
create a sense of enclosure. The site is the largest
in the north of the site and beyond.
field and is linear in nature and offers long views into
The site contains grassland fields, scrub and
the distance, most notably looking south to the
woodland areas that are considered suitable to
Whitchurch Hospital tower and beyond to Cardiff
support badger, breeding birds, reptiles, common
City Centre. The field adjacent to the site’s northwest
invertebrates, dormouse and commuting and
boundary is the most characterful and attractive
foraging bats. There are no ponds located on the
and is managed as part of a larger nature reserve.
site, but the site does contains suitable habitat for
The tranquillity of the area is compromised by
foraging and hibernating great crested newts. The
sounds from neighbouring developments, most
site contains limited features to support otter and
notably in the northern fields where the sound of
water vole.
vehicles using the M4 is particularly notable.
Further details on the site ecology following is
The Mature Woodland area is defined by the extent
provided in the baseline section of the Ecology
chapter. The chapter has been informed by targeted of steep-sided landform, with a landcover of dense,
mature woodland. Landform within the area is either
species surveys.
steeply sloping towards the River Taff floodplain or
The site is the Whitchurch Green Fields Site of
within the disused railway cutting. The tranquillity of
Importance for Nature Conservation. The site was
the area is compromised by traffic noise from the
designated for its neutral grassland. SINC’s are
M4 and the adjacent, busy suburb of Whitchurch.
protected at local authority level by the
Further details on the landscape character of the
Development Plan and Town and Country Planning
site is provided in the Landscape Visual Impact
Act
Assessment chapter.
approximately 43m AOD as it enters the site, but it
inclines gradually as it approaches the Hollybush
Estate and Pendwyallt Road. The disused railway
cutting that would also be used as a pedestrian
access is approximately 39m AOD.
Landscape
In local landscape studies and LANDMAP data the
site would be part of the River Taff Corridor
Character Area. However, while the site exhibits
some of the key landscape characteristics of this
area it does not exhibit all or most, since it is
Existing photograph of Northern grassland meadow
25
02_Contextual Analysis
Existing Landscape Qualities
The existing site is dominated by its landscape
qualities from un-manicured grassland for the body
of the site to heavily wooded fringes that drop away
into a ravine along the south western edge.
The landscape strategy will seek to retain these
qualities and seek to restore and enhance the
existing nature while embedding the new buildings
into it.
Panoramic view looking east from the meadow across the building site towards the water
tower rising from the existing Whitchurch Hospital grounds and to centre of Cardiff beyond
26
Velindre Cancer Centre
Stone footbridge over the disused railway corridor, now a popular hiking spot for locals.
Hiking trails on the steep escarpment through the local nature reserve between the meadow
and canal to the south.
HASSELL
© 2016
Views of the trails overlooking the Glamorganshire canal and Long Wood SSSI. Admired for its natural
beauty, panoramic views and variety of trails, the site is frequented by hikers, bikers, dog walkers and horse
riders.
02 _Contextual Analysis
historic context
The proposed development site was originally used
for agricultural purposes and on tithe maps from the
mid-19th Century was listed as being associated
with the small farmhouse known as Ty-Clyd which
was situated just outside the south eastern corner
of the site. The main Velindre Estate was located to
the South of the site closer to the Melingriffith
Tin-works.
The tin plate works were established prior to 1750
and by the end of the century was the largest tin
plate works in the world. The works were closed in
1957, however the remaining water-pump remains a
scheduled monument. During the early 19th
Century the Blakemore family took ownership of the
tin-plate works and were instrumental in
establishing a thriving community of workers and
their families which became known as ‘Melin dre’
(mill place) which has subsequently become
Velindre.
During the last decade of the 19th Century the
railway line was constructed to the north of the site
which now defines the northern boundary with the
Local Nature Reserve.
In the early 20th Century the purchase of the
Velindre Estate by Cardiff Council and construction
of the Cardiff City Mental Hospital (Whitchurch
Hospital) had a big impact on the surrounding
landscape although the proposed development site
remained used for arable farming. During this
period Coryton House to the North of the site was
also constructed.
In an effort to preserve some of the ancient
woodland in the Whitchurch area, a nature reserve
called Forest Farm was formed in 1967. It is centred
on the last remaining open stretch of the
Glamorganshire canal, which still holds fresh water
to a quality good enough to provide a good hunting
ground for kingfishers, herons and many other
species. Forest Farm became a recognised Country
park in 1992 and there are now over 150 acres of
trees and grassland within a few minutes’ walk of
the development site.
28
Velindre Cancer Centre
Aerial image of Whitchurch Hospital in the foreground looking toward central Cardiff beyond, from 1937
Historic Map of Whitchurch Hospital circa 1920
29
02_Contextual Analysis
constraints
A detailed analysis of the existing site has been
undertaken to identify constraints and opportunities
which have informed the development of the design
proposals. Key constraints to the future
development of the site include;
Listed Structure and conservation areas
The site does not form part of a conservation area
but is adjacent to a number of listed buildings and
settings including Whitchurch Hospital and its
grounds and gardens to the South and Coryton
House to the North. The essential setting for
Coryton House includes the dense woodland to the
North of the development site which forms a
terminus to the significant views from the House
itself. Development within the site must consider
the potential impact on these views.
within it.
Adjacent to the site along the Southern boundary is
the Longwood SSSI which is protected under the
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. In order to protect
the SSSI a 15m wide buffer zone should be retained
along the West, South and East boundaries of the
site. The site also sits adjacent to the Glamorgan
Canal Local Nature Reserve which includes the SSSI
and the land along the disused railway corridor.
Parts of the gardens associated with Coryton House
are also designated as the Coryton Heronry Wood
SINC.
Presence of the SSSI and Local Nature Reserve are
likely to constrain the developable area and
therefore ecological surveys are required to
determine the presence of species that may require
protection and to identify key mitigation measures.
Although there are no specific restrictions on the
Access
developable area of the site it is considered that the
Achieving appropriate vehicular access is
greater proportion of the existing site area should be
challenging as the site is isolated from the local road
maintained as landscape with the total built area of
network by the adjacent Local Nature Reserve,
roads, footpaths, parking and buildings kept to a
Whitchurch hospital campus and privately owned
minimum while recognising the need to achieve
land with housing and retail uses. A significant new
appropriate internal clinical adjacencies.
road infrastructure will be required to provide
vehicular access to the site. The existing road
Arboriculture
network (Park Road) suffers from congestion and
A number of Tree Preservation Orders apply across
the impact of increases in traffic will have to be
the SSSI and LNR, however only one TPO applies
assessed in detail
within the development area.
Pedestrian and cycle access is generally from the
East via Coryton station and the bus stops on
Pendwyallt Road. The natural desire lines which link
the site to the wider network must inform the
development of the site master plan so that
entrances and access routes are placed
appropriately.
Ecology
The site is the Whitchurch Green Fields Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The site
was designated for its neutral grassland habitat and
is protected at local authority level by the
Development Plan and Town and Country Planning
Act.
Geology & Topography
The site has a gently undulating landscape with a
general fall of approximately 10m from the North
Western boundary to the South East. Steep slopes
along the Northern and Southern boundaries to the
SSSI and LNR define the site boundary and will
restrict development within the site to preserve
slope integrity.
Stakeholders
A number of important stakeholder groups existing
in the local area, including the Friends of Forest
Farm who actively contribute to the protection of the
LNR and promote the study of flora & fauna located
Adjacent properties
The Whitchurch Hospital Campus sits to the East of
the site although the wildlife corridor along the
South Eastern boundary forms a visual barriers
between the two areas. To the North of the site are
the residential properties within the Hollybush
Estate including a number of high rise residential
blocks. Although the LNR forms a visual barrier to
the Hollybush Estate a number of apartments in the
upper levels of the residential blocks overlook the
site. Due to the nature of the prevailing winds from
the South East the positioning of the energy centre
will need to be carefully considered to ensure that it
has no detrimental impact on the residential tower
block.
There are no specific Rights of Light issues
identified on the site. The height restrictions
associated with the significant views from Coryton
House should prevent any overshadowing of the
properties on the Hollybush Estate.
Functional adjacencies
The functional requirements for the new Cancer
Centre will dictate the internal adjacencies and have
a significant impact on the building form. Velindre
prides itself on providing a patient centred service
and the form of the building should reflect this
ambition whilst considering the restrictions of the
site. It is anticipated the various clinical functions
will be arranged in a compact footprint over multiple
levels to minimise internal travel distances for
patients and staff and to lessen the impact of the
building form on the surrounding landscape.
TPO (protected tree)
steep slope
15m SSSI buffer zone
Long Wood SSSI
Local Nature Reserve
indicative utilities
site boundary
proposed access route
30
Velindre Cancer Centre
31
02_Contextual Analysis
opportunities
The re-development of the site presents a number of Topography & building form
The required adjacencies for the clinical functions
unique opportunities for the new Cancer Centre
will dictate the optimum footprint but the need to
development;
optimise the landscape areas suggests an
opportunity to develop a compact plan arrangement
Access
Creating a new dedicated vehicular access route for of clinical zones spread over a number of levels and
linked horizontally by a public street and vertically
the Cancer Centre site could help to alleviate
by dedicated lift and stair cores. The gently sloping
congestion on the existing road network, diverting
topography provides an opportunity for the building
traffic away from Pendwyallt Road, Park Road and
to directly engage with the adjacent landscape at
Velindre Road which will improve traffic flows
multiple levels. So an entrance at the higher
through Whitchurch. Proving sufficient car-parking
northern side of the site would allow for public
on site for staff, patients and visitors will also help
spaces on the lower levels to have direct access to
reduce pressure on the street parking in the
landscape gardens at the southern end of the site.
Whitchurch area.
Connectivity
The existing network of footpaths which approach
and cross the site should be maintained and
improved where necessary to encourage staff and
visitors to use public transport from Park Road and
the adjacent Coryton station.
The new site will offer the potential to divert main
bus services with an appropriately designed internal
road network ensuring buses have sufficient space
to turn and drop as close to the main entrance as
possible.
The footpaths which cross the site linking the Local
Nature Reserve to the SSSI and Taff trail should be
retained where possible to maintain a sense of
permeability to the site. The Cancer Centre is a
public building and access for the local community
across the site will help the building to embed itself
and encourage long term engagement with the
community.
Connections with the cycle network should be
encouraged and appropriately designed cycle paths,
storage and changing facilities will help encourage
staff to cycle to work.
The site also offers the potential for proper
separation of cars, pedestrians and service vehicles
which will help to reduce congestion and simplify
way-finding.
landscape connecting the existing networks of
public footpaths and cycle-ways, improving
permeability while retaining the important
connections on which the local residents depend.
The existing tree lines along the northern & southern
boundaries create a nominal line of maximum height
for the new building so that it is naturally screened
from the local residences, nature reserve and SSSI,
however introducing some height at the centre of
the building form will also offer the opportunity for
long distance views from key spaces whilst keeping
the perimeter massing at an appropriate scale.
Landscape
Developing the site for the new Cancer Centre
provides an opportunity to reinforce and improve the
edges along the SSSI and nature reserve through
careful clearance and appropriate planting of native
species.
The existing grassland meadows are an important
local feature and the landscape strategy for the
redevelopment has the opportunity to retain and
enhance the existing habitats as well as creating
new habitats to improve biodiversity. Careful
planting of new species alongside the existing
grassland could help to encourage new species onto
the site as identified in the ecology report.
The landscape strategy for the development should
strive to create a new recreation resource
encouraging patients and staff to use external
spaces to relieve stress and aid recovery. For local
residents the landscape strategy should provide
new amenity routes through an informal and native
neutral grassland
existing hiking trails
access and views to nature reserve
softened edge condition
site boundary
pedestrian link to public transport
32
Velindre Cancer Centre
33
DESIGN EVOLUTION
03
03_Design Evolution
Stakeholder Engagement
Statutory engagement
A programme of engagement has been ongoing
during the preparation of the outline planning
application. The engagement process allowed the
technical team and client to inform and engage with
relevant stakeholders prior to the statutory planning
consultation process. The process also allowed
stakeholders to develop an understanding of the
background to the project and provide feedback on
the developing proposals, allowing the design team
to better appreciate the important issues at an early
stage in the design process
of Operational Groups who have focussed in more
detail on the specific requirements of each
department or clinical function. Also the process
has been supported by staff with specialist
knowledge such as infection control, IT and facilities
management as well as input from patients and
their families.
Two stakeholder workshops were held in early
September and late November 2016 along with a
public exhibition. A more detailed description of the
events and relevant feedback fully documented in
the consultation report that is included in the
planning application.
Access for all
The Transforming Cancer Services programme have
also engaged with a number of external stakeholder
groups in a bid to understand the barriers which may
exist to people accessing clinical services provided
by Velindre. The key groups identified included
people with a physical or learning disability, hearing
impairment, visual impairment, the elderly
community, the young community, and those with
mental health conditions. The purpose of this
engagement was to invite feedback on how the
design of the new Cancer Centre can promote
accessibility for all, and to ensure that all relevant
guidance and standards are considered during the
design development phase.
In addition to above the design proposals have also
been informed by pre-application meetings with the
Local Planning Authority (formal and informal) and
statutory consultees including Welsh Government
and Natural Resources Wales. Details are provided
in the consultation report.
Finally, the EIA has been subject to statutory
pre-application consultation as required by Part 1A
of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. The outcomes of
the statutory pre-application consultation are also
set out in the consultation report.
Engagement with Clinical teams
During the design development phase the design
team worked closely with the clinical teams at
Velindre to ensure that the proposals reflect their
needs and aspirations for the future clinical service
delivery.
This arrangement has ensures that the process has
been collaborative and inclusive with as many staff
as possible being given the opportunity to contribute
to the developing design
The group engaged with a number of external bodies
including other NHS bodies, charities and
supporting organisations to discuss potential
barriers such as physical, economic, communication
and attitudinal barriers. The engagement included
one-to-one interviews, meetings and workshops and
the feedback has been collated into a report by the
TCS team which has been used to support and
inform the development of the proposals.
The clinical engagement exercise was coordinated
by the lead design group who have been responsible
for developing the form, massing and detailed
functional adjacencies within the new building. The
Lead Design Group have been supported by a series
36
Velindre Cancer Centre
Functional adjacencies diagram
37
03_Design Evolution
design concept
Velindre Cancer Centre aspires to ensure that the
patient is at the heart of everything that it does. The
concept for the new building is based on it being the
physical embodiment of this service aspiration.
The concept is based on the idea of a patient hub,
surrounded by core clinical functions which are then
closely integrated with the surrounding landscape.
The concept has evolved around the aim to deliver
best practice adjacencies for the core clinical
functions as well as considering how the flows for
patients, staff and visitors are optimised via key
circulation spaces and the patient hub.
In addition options have been explored to not just
give the building as an object a relationship to the
existing landscape but ensure that the internal
spaces also have a more direct and enhanced
relationship with this landscape.
The primary idea is to place both the patient hub
facilities and the landscape at the heart of the new
Cancer Centre
Concept visualtion showing core clinical functions dispersed through the landscape
38
Velindre Cancer Centre
HASSELL
© 2016
39
03_Design Evolution
design principles
A series of design principles have been established
that have been utilized throughout the design
process to test the emerging options against.
Strongly adhering to these design principals at every
stage has ensure the key concepts are retained and
the scheme has conceptual clarity.
1
CLOISTER=HUB
The cloister is the primary circulation but also a hub
of communal and public spaces for staff, patients,
and visitors. Spaces like waiting areas, cafés,
receptions and libraries can become rooms in the
garden.
40
Velindre Cancer Centre
2
3
4
CAPTURE THE
LANDSCAPE
HARD AND SOFT
EDGES
SCULPTURAL
ELEMENTS IN THE
LANDSCAPE
The cloister captures a slice of the existing
landscape for the Cancer Centre like a cookie-cutter.
The cloister presents itself to the landscape with a
transparent edge. Internally the distinction between
building and landscape is blurred through the
extension of the “in-between” spaces that are
semi-indoors.
Pavilion-like folly structures dotted through the
cloister courtyard and grounds contain a variety of
amenities such as a multi-faith room, cafe, unique
waiting rooms, meditation pods, and garden houses.
HASSELL
© 2016
5
LANDSCAPE TO
LANDSCAPE
Rather than being in a corridor or within an atrium
looking out, the cloister allows people to experience
the landscape internally and externally.
6
LEGIBLE CIRCULATION
The cloister provides a singular legible element of
circulation that connects everything. It also allows
people orienting views across the garden to see
where they are going.
7
BACK OF HOUSE
The least favourable northern edge of the site is
where the building form presents a harder edge to
the landscape, and hides services and car parking
out of sight and mind.
41
03_Design Evolution
Conceptual Options
A series of design principles have been established
that have been utilized throughout the design
process to test the emerging options against.
Strongly adhering to these design principals at every
stage has ensure the key concepts are retained and
the scheme has conceptual clarity.
1
42
2
Velindre Cancer Centre
3
4
5
6
Central public accessible landscape option, study model
43
03_Design Evolution
Conceptual Options
The preferred option was to create an internal
cloister that captured the qualities of the existing
landscape while also giving the new building a clear
primary circulation system that related to both the
internal and external landscape.
The cloister will stitch the buildings together as a
singular identity but also allow the different clinical
departments their own identities within this whole.
Aerial image of Whitchurch Hospital in the foreground looking toward central Cardiff beyond, from 1937
44
Velindre Cancer Centre
Study model of centralised landscape cloister option
45
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
04
04_Development Proposals
Access
Main Site Access
The main site access will be from the North of the
site via the existing roundabout on Longwood Drive.
The roundabout and access road into the retail park
will be upgraded as part of the development. The
new access road will continue through the retail
park and cross the disused railway cutting via new
bridge and enter the meadow fields to the South of
the bridge passing through a small area of woodland
before entering the development site.
The width of the access road will be 11.3m including
a 7.3m wide carriageway suitable for two-way
vehicle movements and a 4m wide combined cycle/
pedestrian path. Crossing points are strategically
located to interface with the wider footpath and
cycle networks. The proposed bridge structure
allows for continued access along the cutting and
new stepped access will be provided from the new
footpath into the cutting on both sides of the bridge.
Once inside the Cancer Centre site highway passes
the proposed Maggie’s Centre and decked parking
area to a drop-off zone outside the main building.
Adjacent to the car park the highway splits into two,
one route accessing the car-park and drop-off and
the other follows around to the north of the building
to connect with the emergency access route and the
service yard. Parts of the route inside the main site
area would be at grade, but some sections would be
below grade (up to 5m) to ensure suitable access to
the service yard.
The access road has been designed to respond to
the site topography. The use of embankment,
cutting and at grade reflects localised topography of
the site. The landscape proposals described below
will further soften and screen the appearance of the
road to reduce its visual impact
48
Velindre Cancer Centre
Emergency Access
An emergency access will be delivered through the
site’s North-Eastern boundary via the Hollybush
Estate. The access will be created from the existing
highway network that dissects Sycamore House and
Poplar House in the South of the estate and enter
the site passing through the Local Nature Reserve
and bridging the railway cutting. Once inside the
site the emergency access route joins with the main
service access road as described above. The access
will be closed to vehicles except for a very rare event
of a major emergency and would therefore be gated
to prevent uncontrolled use by vehicles and
pedestrians.
Landscape proposals
The intention is to create a high-quality, safe,
inclusive and welcoming approach for patients, staff
and visitors that reflects the character of the
proposed Cancer Centre.
The intention is to create a pleasant, varied and
interesting approach to the Cancer Centre with
views into the surrounding landscape, with some
visual separation from the retail park. The road will
be landscaped to supplement the existing grassed
embankments and mature trees within the retail
park with new avenues of tree planting, formal
hedging and seasonal bulb planting. The proposed
hedging and tree avenue are intended to screen
parked vehicles and create a green corridor leading
Pedestrian access
to the Cancer Centre against the mature woodland
An existing adopted highway runs along the South
backdrop of the Local Nature Reserve. The route
Eastern boundary of the site connecting the new
follows a curved alignment before entering the
Cancer Centre to link with bus stops on Pendwyallt
Velindre campus. Native tree and shrub planting
Road, residences within Whitchurch and Coryton
Railway Station. This highway is currently overgrown would be used to mitigate against the vegetation
and will be cleared and re-surfaced with appropriate removal required to construct the bridge structure
and a new pedestrian link is proposed from the road
lighting to ensure safe access. To the North of the
into the disused railway corridor which is a popular
Cancer Centre the existing link to Pendwyallt Road
recreational route. Native grasses would also be
will also be upgraded with new hard surfacing and
sown on the embankment and cutting slopes of the
lighting to create a safe and appealing route for
commuters. The existing footpath will also extend to proposed road to mitigate against their loss as a
Coryton Station, subject to proposed redevelopment result of the scheme.
works at the Station. It is proposed that the new
New native tree and shrub planting will also be
connection will follow the route of the existing
implemented to compensate for the vegetation
cutting underneath the road bridge and will also
require new surface treatment and lighting. Areas of removal required to construct the new emergency
access road and bridge. The native planting, once
existing vegetation will require management to
mature, will provide visual screening within views
maintain open site lines and encourage passive
towards the new Cancer Centre Areas of existing
supervision from the road and adjacent properties
amenity grassland within the estate would be
to encourage usage by the community, staff and
supplemented with specimen tree planting to
visitors.
provide visual screening of the bridge, with
additional bulb planting to provide further seasonal
interest.
Detailed Design statement
The design of the new access road has been
developed in consultation with key stakeholders and
on the basis of thorough analysis and research. A
detailed description of the design drivers is included
in the Environmental Statement but a summary of
the key design points are as follows;
_Proposed
_
upgrades to the roundabout on
Longwood Drive are based on detailed transport
modelling accounting for the increased volume of
traffic to the new Cancer Centre
_The
_
alignment of the access road was chosen for
its minimal impact in terms of ecology, transport
and service utility diversions when assessed
against a number of options
_Road
_
widths have been minimised to limit the landtake and impact on the Local Nature Reserve
_Cycle
_
lane included to encourage active transport
to the new Cancer Centre following engagement
with Cardiff Council.
_Bridges
_
are proposed spanning the existing cutting
to retain access for walkers and maintenance for
Cardiff Council and DCWW
_New
_
pedestrian access routes between the cutting
and bridge structures to improve connectivity
_Proposed
_
planting along the new bridges to reduce
visual impact on the railway cutting, and to
minimise impact on local wildlife
_Access
_
road responds to existing site topography
and landscape proposals will further reduce its
visual impact
_Secondary
_
site access will be for emergencies only
to minimise disruption to the residences of the
Hollybush Estate
_The
_
access will be gated to prevent staff and
patients parking in Hollybush and walking across
the bridge
_The
_
new pedestrian route from Coryton Railway
Station will improve connectivity and access to
public transport
Extent of enabling works
49
04_Development Proposals
layout and quality
The main Cancer Centre building will occupy the
south-eastern corner of the site situated away from
protected landscape areas and specified buffer
zones.
Energy
Centre
The form of the building is based on a sequence of
building ‘fingers’ containing specific clinical
functions that radiate out from the central
landscape cloister. The relationships between the
clinical functions have been informed by
consultation with the various stakeholder groups
and will optimise travel distances for patients, staff,
materials and waste.
Maggies
Centre
The central cloister will ‘capture’ the grassland
qualities of the existing landscape while also giving
the new building a clear element of connective
tissue that binds the different departments together
while maintaining a connection to both the internal
and external landscape.
The ‘departmental fingers’ will afford views out from
the circulation cloister and garden while also
allowing the qualities of the existing picturesque
landscape to infiltrate between and into the building
form itself. At many key junctions around the cloister
the external landscape will almost ‘touch’ the
internal garden.
50
Velindre Cancer Centre
car park
Cancer
Centre
Building
cloister
garden
Summary Schedule of areas
Parameters Plan: Layout
51
04_Development Proposals
Height and form
The height of the proposed development has been
informed by a number of factors including the
required internal functional adjacencies, existing
tree heights in the Local Nature Reserve and SSSI
and the protected views from Coryton House to the
North. The aspiration is that the building heights
follow the existing tree line to minimise its visual
impact.
+10
+10
The new building includes a significant increase in
floor area from the current Cancer Centre and it is
important that the development retains the
welcoming human scale of the existing building. The
proposed building will use the existing site
topography to conceal its mass, presenting a two
storey facade at the main entrance while the
internal floor levels drop with the topography
towards the South of the site presenting three and
four storey elevations to the landscape areas. By
following the topography with the internal floor
levels the building provides direct access to external
landscape from waiting and day spaces across
multiple levels.
The more inpatient and staff areas are located on
the upper levels offering longer distance views over
the surrounding landscape but with improved
privacy from the immediate landscape areas. The
central support block introduces some additional
height at the centre of the building from where its
impact will be least visible.
+12
+0
+14
+8.1
+14.6
+23.9
+14
+8.1
Typical North-South site section
+14.6
+14.6
+14
52
Velindre Cancer Centre
Parameters Plan: Heights
+14
53
54
Velindre Cancer Centre
55
04_Development Proposals
Green strategy
Lowland Meadow Grassland and H4 Neutral
Grassland Habitat
The project ecologist has identified the importance
of returning areas of existing bramble scrub to
lowland meadow and H4 neutral grassland in order
to enhance the ecological, pastoral and historical
value of the site. The southern fringe will feature
areas of lowland meadows with a high number of
grasses including crested dog’s tail, red fescue and
herbs such as bird’s-foot trefoil and ox-eye daisy. H4
neutral grassland habitats are proposed for the
north east margin and will be distinguished by a high
frequency of grasses such as red fescue and
Enhance Woodland Edge (15m Protected SSSI Edge) common bent-grass. These will be coupled with a
high ratio and diversity of forb species including
The trees located within the SSSI and LNR sites are
bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip and buttercups, giving the
classified as Category A trees and are expected to
contribute a high level of ecological and scenic value grassland a characteristic flowery appearance.
The long-term success of the grassland habitats will
for a further 40 years.
be determined by correctly implementing traditional
The woodland located south of the meadow area is
management techniques such as hay-cutting,
dominated by oak and beech with fewer ash trees.
The under storey of the SSSI is made up of hazel and reseeding and grazing.
Hibernacular features suitable for reptiles, such as
holly. The woodland in the LNR beyond the north
grass snakes will be located on south facing slopes
boundary contains a large number of ash and
that provide opportunities for basking before and
smaller native species.
after hibernation. Varied levels of shade from
New tree planting within the 15m protected zone
vegetation such as hedges and rough grasses with a
will be natural in character and will be planted with
minimum height of 150mm will contribute to
a selection of standard, select standard and heavy
creating a comfortable environment that protects
standard beech and hazel trees. The soil on the site
from aerial predators.
has been classified as boulder clay and will require
plenty of farmyard manure to break up the heavy
Marshy Grassland Habitat
soil.
A marshy grassland habitat for grass snakes will be
Nectar rich single-flowering varieties such as
located at the woodland border It will be composed
hawthorn, roses and daisies will increase
of rough grasses, log piles and compost heaps,
biodiversity and are easy for bees and butterflies to
creating a suitable habitat for egg laying and
pollinate.
hibernation and will support a community of
amphibians such as common frogs and toads which
grass snakes prey on.
Wildlife Corridor
The design of the Wildlife Corridors will serve as
both a habitat and ecological link between the LNR
and SSSI. Dense, continuous native hedges will be
planted around the perimeter of the site, promoting
a sustainable population and re-colonisation of
dormice in the surrounding woodland areas. Laurel
in particular has been identified along the southern
boundary and should be removed and replaced with
native species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel
and Field Rose that will provide sequential flowers
and berry rich fruit.
56
Velindre Cancer Centre
Birds and Bats
Bird boxes introduced to the site, should be
appropriate for woodland / hole dwelling species
and be located away from potential human
disturbance. All bird boxes will be as widely spaced
as possible in order to avoid territorial conflict with
ready access nest holes that are unobstructed by
branches. It is best practice to face the box between
north and east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and
the wettest winds.
It is even more critical that bat boxes remain
undisturbed and should therefore be placed even
further towards the rear of the denser woodland
plot. They require a habitat that attracts and
supports insects which foraging bats can feed on.
Flowers that vary not only in colour and fragrance,
but also in shape are particularly encouraged.
Likewise, single flowers which have a tendency to
produce more nectar than double varieties are also
promoted. Flowers with insect-friendly landing
platforms and short florets, like those in the daisy or
carrot families, will attract insects. Pale flowers are
more easily seen in poor light and therefore attract
insects at dusk.
57
04_Development Proposals
illustrative masterplan
1
23
2
The vision is to create a wonderful healing
environment, within this lovely undulating
landscape, enhanced to gently but confidently
nurture patients back to health.
Design Principles
_Work
_
with and amplify the existing natural
landscape character by focusing on native
vegetation, water and/or wildlife that soothe
patients;
_Take
_
advantage of views towards the surrounding
woodland;
_Mitigate
_
negative psychological and physiological
responses by limiting hard materials such as
concrete and by buffering noisy, confusing urban
surroundings. Minimize strong fragrances as they
can have a negative affect on patients about to
undergo treatment;
_Create
_
a calm, engaging, soothing and natural
environment to improve health and well-being of
patients, staff and visitors;
_Provide
_
a welcoming, friendly and accessible
landscape, especially at arrival that helps to
reduce stress and fear and inspires positive
feelings;
_Plan
_
a clear, legible and familiar sequence of
spaces that allow patients, staff and visitors to
make choices, seek privacy and experience a sense
of control;
_Use
_
local materials;
_Maximise
_
connections and natural distractions
- psychological, physical, visual - between
buildings and landscape; and
_Create
_
a variety of character zones and features of
interest that provide a multi-sensory experience
that promote overall well being thereby causing the
Cancer Centre to feel less clinical and intimidating.
An informal, picturesque landscape
The existing landscape is an inspirational starting
point for our design approach: A beautiful,
undulating grassland, embraced by a mature
woodland edge. We will retain this tranquil setting
as much as possible by maintaining and enhancing
the grassland character, crafting a network of
picturesque views throughout the site and providing
people with a varied, informal experience.
21
3
5
16
4
3
24
26
Safe, legible connections
Within this attractive landscape, we will introduce a
system of primary, secondary and tertiary pathways
that will be easy to identify, some direct and short
whilst others will be meandering and inviting,
depending on their purpose and user group.
27
6
7
15
10
12
A variety of landscape characters, activity and
experience
A series of defined spaces will relate to the
architecture, whilst views and paths will provide
accents within an otherwise naturalistic landscape,
providing places of contemplation and social
therapy.
The landscape and buildings will be integrated
seamlessly with the building settling into the
landscape, and the landscape enveloping and
permeating the building.
A landscape for all seasons
We will carefully balance native and non native plant
species to create a landscape that maintains
interest throughout the seasons, especially during
the bleak winter months.
25
8
21
18
13
9
22
14
18. Enhanced wildlife corridor to be planted with native berry
rich species
1.
TPO Oak Tree with 13m radius protection zone
2.
Enhanced Lowland Meadow Grassland / H4 neutral
grassland
3.
Native hedgerow
20. Long Wood SSSI (existing)
4.
367 no. capacity carpark for patients
21. Existing pedestrian path through Long Wood SSSI
5.
6.5m wide main access road to hospital with side walk on
south side
22. Glamorganshire Canal (existing)
6.
Entry Plaza with perennial planting to main entrance and
patient drop off, ambulance waiting area and cycle racks to
hospital. Security bollards protect the entrance.
7.
Perennial planting and cafe folly and seating for staff,
patients & visitors
8.
Central Sun Glade with native trees and planting, picnic
lawn, follies, natural stone route to reception in Admin block
and meandering remedial path
9.
Contoured landscape feature connecting cloister with gravel
path to the north
15
16
19. Protected buffer zone (15m wide)
14
23. Local Nature Reserve (existing)
24. 28m dia. service yard / plaza
25. Access road into Service Yard
26. Disabled parking bays at grade
11
27. Purple Haze shade loving feature meadow
20
17
19
10. Marshy grassland meadow habitat and mown pedestrian
paths
11. Ecological wetland and buried attenuation tanks with 4000
sq m capacity
12. Timber decks with cafe seating with grassland meadow
13. Productive gardens with raised timber planters on
permeable gravel surface
14. Informal permeable gravel path with green views looking out
over tall trees and shrubs
15. Timber deck with terraces and seating and native trees
16. Informal mown meadow pedestrian path
17. Timber boardwalk over ecological wetland
58
Velindre Cancer Centre
Illustrative Masterplan
59
04_Development Proposals
proposed car parking and
vehicular routes
main road to
M4 corridor
Proposed Car Parking and Vehicular Links
Velindre Cancer Centre is committed to the delivery
of an effective travel demand management strategy
to minimise traffic effects on the surrounding
highway network. The delivery of an appropriate
level of car and cycle parking on the development
will form part of this strategy, but set firmly within
the context of ensuring the delivery of a quality
development.
emergency/
service
access road
Car Parking
There will be a surface car-park located within
walking distance from the main Cancer Centre
reception. It will have a minimum capacity of 367
spaces and will be organised over two levels, one of
which will be partly underground. The upper level
will be open to the elements.
2 parking decks
367 spaces
service yard area
A further car park mainly assigned to staff will be
situated beneath the cloister and will have a
capacity of 500 spaces.
underground
access route
2 parking decks
500 spaces
In addition 12 car-parking spaces will be allocated
for the Moggies Centre.
Vehicle Links
The improved grassland meadow areas will form a
high quality ecological landscape with opportunity
for low key recreational spaces. As such, there is no
intention for general vehicular access to be provided
apart from the main access route that will connect
the Coryton Interchange, car park, ancillary
buildings and the main entrance. Cycle and
pedestrian access will be segregated from the main
traffic flows.
Necessary access for maintenance and service
vehicles will be provided via the main access route
and will link to the back of house service area in the
north east and back out to the A4054.
Maintenance access will also be required around
the full length of the building perimeter to allow for
facade maintenance, cleaning and replacement of
major items of equipment.
car park
main access route
underground link
service access
site boundary
60
Velindre Cancer Centre
Vehicular routes and car parking
61
04_Development Proposals
proposed walking, cycling &
recreational links
Active pedestrian networks and cycle ways will be formed
with careful consideration to the relationship and treatment
between the Cancer Centre development and private
boundaries. The design of the networks will be inclusive to all
members of society, abilities, disabilities and age groups. The
pedestrian and cycle networks will also maximise connections
between the surrounding open spaces and the wider context
by providing links between other green areas and hiking trails
both within and outside the development.
Whilst the site will largely be open at all times, limited
pedestrian access will be granted through the cloister for
security and maintenance purposes.
Hard surfaces and paths will not pass through the identified
15m wide buffer zone along the edge of the SSSI.
site boundary
access
primary pedestrian route
cycle route
leisure route
hiking trails
62
Velindre Cancer Centre
Pedestrian & cycle links
63
04_Development Proposals
appearance
The overall appearance of the new Cancer Centre
should not be about making a distinct object but
about creating a calm backdrop to the existing
landscape.
A strong vertical rhythm of jointing should be
established to mirror the verticality of the peripheral
tree coverage and bind the departmental fingers
together as a family of forms.
This primary rhythm should then be then in filled
with facade elements that are either transparent,
semi opaque or reflective (and opaque) depending
on the functional requirements of the building plan
at any zone or level.
While varying ranging from transparent to reflective
it is proposed that these elements are of the same
colour range with a view to giving the overall building
appearance a consistency along with a subtle
variation
As the planning application is outline in nature with
all matters of detail reserved for future
determination the appearance of the building will
not be agreed at this stage of development, but
rather during the detailed stages of design.
However, it is considered appropriate to set some
guidelines at this stage.
64
Velindre Cancer Centre
65
PL ANNING ASSESSMENT
05
05_Planning Assessment
The Planning Assessment report sets out the
relevant national and local health and planning
policies which define the context for the proposed
development. It has also examines the proposals
against these policies having regard to the
development parameters, site conditions, and
predicted impacts.
Health policy context
The need for the development of a new Cancer
Centre at Velindre is established by the Welsh
Government strategy Transforming Cancer Services
in South East Wales. The existing facility cannot
achieve the requirements for future Cancer Care and
therefore it is necessary to construct a replacement
facility on a new site during which time the existing
facility will remain operational. The new Facility is
proposed to be of exceptional design quality set in
natural landscape which will make a significant
contribution the well-being of staff, patients and
their families.
This Act places a responsibility on all public bodies
in Wales to ensure all developments are sustainable.
Key policy objectives of the PPW include achieving a
nation which maintains and enhances a diverse
natural environment and a healthier Wales. The
policy also sets objectives for good design,
conservation of the historic environment and
minimising environmental risk.
To support the WG’s Policy a number of Technical
Advisory Notes have been published to provide
guidance on how to achieve sustainable
developments. TAN 12 includes advice on key
objectives such as access, character, community
safety, environmental sustainability and movement
while TAN 5 provides advice on how land use
planning should contribute to protecting and
enhancing biodiversity.
The Cardiff Local Development Plan was approved
on 28th January 2016 and is based on the vision for
Cardiff to become a world class European city with
The scale of the proposed development is necessary an exceptional quality of life at the heart of a
to accommodate anticipated future service demand, thriving city region. Within the LDP the proposed
development site is unallocated however it sits
to increase operational efficiency, and to offer
adjacent to a number of significant areas such as
flexibility to respond to future medical and
the Taff river corridor, Local Nature Reserve, Site of
technological advances. These requirements
combined with the environmental constraints of the Special Scientific Interest and Whitchuch Hospital
site (height, boundaries etc.) define the development Historic Parks & Garden.
parameters for the building.
Planning history context
A planning permission was granted by the Planning
The requirements for car parking have been
Decision Committee of the Welsh Assembly
minimised so far as possible having regard to the
Government in July 2001. The permission (reference
predicted need for patients and staff, and
95/1195N) was for a mixed-use development across
considering sustainable transport requirements.
the proposed site and adjacent Whitchurch Hospital
Campus. In the permission the area for the
Health policy also identifies the significant
development site was allocated for 85 houses.
challenge faced by the National Health Service to
adapt and improve working methodologies in order
The original expiry date of the permission was the
to provide appropriate levels of care now and in the
30th July 2006, but applications to extend the
future.
permission were granted in March 2006, May 2010
and January 2014 (reference 10/02301/DCO). An
Planning policy context
application to extend the permission by a further
The latest edition of the Welsh Government’s
five years is currently being considered by Cardiff
‘Planning Policy Wales’ (2016) includes changes to
City Council (reference 16/01530/MJR).
reflect the ‘Well-being of Future Generation Act’.
68
Velindre Cancer Centre
Planning permission for a new Maggies Centre on a
site to the West of the existing Velindre Cancer
Centre was granted in April 2015 (reference
14/00584/DCO).
Conclusion
The planning application for the development is in
outline form only with all matters of detail reserved
for future determination. It has been subject to
rigorous and comprehensive evaluation through the
formal EIA process which has resulted in a broad
range of recommended mitigation and enhancement
measures to offset the predicted impacts. This
Design and Access Statement and the
Environmental Statement demonstrate that the
development has been designed appropriately to
respond to the character of the site and surrounding
area, and to minimise, as far as possible, the impact
on the site, its ecology and surrounding ecological
and cultural designations. The development would;
_be
_ highly accessible by vehicle, foot and bicycle;
_be
_ legible and permeable; would interface with the
existing footpath network surrounding the site;
_provide
_
a safe and secure environment;
_include
_
a sustainable drainage system that
prevents off site flooding;
_be
_ limited in its height and scale to reduce its
landscape and visual impact and its impact on the
setting of the adjacent heritage designations;
_would
_
deliver an ecology and landscape strategy
that would screen views of the development from
the surrounding local area and incorporate areas of
grassland and replacement tree planting;
_deliver
_
enhancement to off site retained habitat.
The Planning Assessment considers that whilst the
development of the new Cancer Centre will clearly
have inevitable environmental impacts, these will be
reduced to acceptable levels through mitigation and
enhancement. The planning Assessment considers
that having regard to the level of compliance of the
scheme with planning policy, the EIA evaluation of
the impacts / mitigation, the benefits of the location,
and the overwhelming wider health need for the
project, that on balance outline planning permission
should be granted.
69
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