Plympton Pathfields, The Latest News

8. March 2001 - Pathfields raise 'unsightly' concrete wall with Beazer Homes

spot the difference...

At the February discussions with Beazer Homes, the Pathfields Group raised concerns about the appearance and safety of the new concrete retaining wall at the site entrance and culvert outfalls.  The stark concrete finish to the high wall is not in keeping with the character of the site and surrounding landscape and the Pathfields Group wanted to know if Beazer Homes would consider 'cladding' the concrete surface to blend more successfully with existing local stonework.

The Pathfields Group carried out a brief survey of types and styles of retaining walls locally and looked at how the bank of the Long Brook is treated along its course.  The findings have been sent to the Technical Director of Beazer Homes for consideration.  The Group was also worried that in the event of  a flood when water is now allowed to collect in a deep pool before the stone bridge on Dark Street Lane,  a child or animal falling into the water would find it difficult to climb out faced with the high smooth sides of the concrete wall.  Creating a more natural stone surface would increase safety and allow plant life to 'soften' the appearance of the wall.  The Environment Agency's Conservation Officer has also expressed a desire to see the existing concrete bank sections removed to reveal more of the bridge stonework and improve the natural appearance of the bank.

"Here is an opportunity for the developers to make a material and significant difference to improve the appearance of the site entrance.   At the moment, the concrete wall and drain outfalls look like something more akin to an industrial setting or sewage works.  A little imagination and sympathetic landscaping of the engineered works on the site would raise the quality of the development".

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