Keele Campus

Keele University Campus

Purpose

To support sustainable growth of the University.

Rationale and Evidence

National policy and guidance

Local Plan policies.

Strategic importance of the university.

Growth plans for the university.

Need to consider wider impacts.

High sensitivity, due to Keele Hall designated historic park and garden, Keele Hall Conservation Area and numerous listed buildings.

General policies still apply, but are augmented by the specific Keele University Campus policy.

KUC1: Keele University Campus

1. Sustainable development of the Keele University campus, which accords with the University Masterplan,  will be supported. To be sustainable, development must preserve or enhance the built, natural and landscape environments of the campus, against the context of design, heritage, environment, transport and other policies in this neighbourhood plan. 

• Development must complement the landscape features of the campus, including preserving trees, woodland and water features.

• Development within the setting of Keele Hall and the designated Keele Hall Historic Park and Garden must demonstrate very high standards of design, including architecture, urban design and landscape design.

• Development must preserve and should take opportunities to enhance historic buildings and their setting.

• Development that includes new public realm or changes to the public realm must preserve or enhance the landscape character of the campus, recognising the importance of the public realm in terms of sustainability, amenity and recreational use. 

• New buildings or extensions to buildings must respond to the historic built and landscape context by demonstrating exceptional design quality, adding to the architectural diversity of the campus, using very high-quality, durable materials with a high standard of finish. Innovative, creative and distinctive design solutions are positively encouraged.

• Development must include balanced transport provision, taking account of Policy KTI1.

• Careful consideration must be made of impacts of development on parking in Keele Village centre, and amelioration of such impacts. This includes provision of adequate levels of student, staff and visitor parking, taking account of projected increases in demand.  

• Car parking areas must be designed as an integral part of the design, layout and landscaping of development. They should include sensitive landscape design and use of permeable and durable surface materials with a high standard of finish.

1. The creation of multi-level parking is supported, particularly where it would enhance overall parking provision, whilst also releasing existing surface car-parking areas for landscaping and recreational use.

1. Additional, convenient, secure, covered storage facilities for cycles must be provided to support additional floorspace. This may include taking opportunities to upgrade existing cycle storage facilities.

1. Development should take opportunities to enhance or create attractive, convenient and safe pedestrian and cycle links through the campus and to Keele Village.

1. The reversal of previous harmful alterations to designated and non-designated heritage will be supported. The reinstatement of the Students Union building to a more original state is encouraged.

1. Development that helps to integrate the teaching campus and the science and innovation park will be supported.

1. Development to expand community facilities within the campus is encouraged.

Interpretation:

The policy recognises the strategic importance of the campus and ongoing need for growth. At the same time, it recognises the distinctive historic and landscape character of the campus.

The policy augments other policies in the neighbourhood plan, which also apply to the University Campus. To meet the requirements of the policy, it is essential to understands the historic landscape and built heritage context of the site.

Particular emphasis is placed on the quality of landscape design, building design and the quality of the public realm. The public realm includes green and urban spaces, landscaping and paths. Car parking is also part of the public realm. The need for well-designed carparking areas could include use of contrasting materials, rather than painted lines.

The policy does not encourage stylistic imitation of buildings, recognising that architectural diversity and creativity are part of the character.

Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable transport, including careful consideration of transport impacts on Keele Village.

The policy supports reinstatement of historic buildings, where harmful alterations have taken place. The specific mention of the Students Union recognises its significance as a non-designated heritage asset and example of post-war heritage (but in a much altered state), with group value to the listed chapel.