Design Statement to inform an Eco-town

Matrix Partnership was commissioned by Whitehill Town Council to undertake a Town Design Statement for the parish in anticipation of Whitehill & Bordon becoming one of the country’s first Eco-towns, to be situated for the most part on land being vacated by the Ministry of Defence.  Set on the East Hampshire county border, this garrison town is located in an attractive landscape, rich in both historic and ecological value.  However, owing to poor planning and design quality as well as a lack of contextual sensitivity throughout the last century, the built form of the existing settlement is largely unsympathetic and uninspiring.

Working closely with local residents and stakeholders, Matrix Partnership established the features that define the character of Whitehill & Bordon, and have been important in informing a series of Design Guidelines that aim to inform future developments within the locality.

Interestingly it was agreed between the various parties involved in the design statement process that, given the general lack of quality and distinct character in the built form of the existing town, new developments should take the opportunity develop a new style and character that responds in the first instance to the surrounding landscape, rather than being constrained by existing or traditional types of development.  It was also agreed that, in view of the generally weak building design heritage in the area. New development should have the freedom to express contemporary eco-design principles rather than be constrained to by existing development types.