Ponderosa · Ponderosa Business Park: Built on the site of a former scrap yard and vehicle dismantling business, located at the main entrance to Ponderosa. In . keeping with the Therapeutic

Ponderosa – vision for a cohesive community

Full circle forPRINTV5.indd 1 17/4/09 14:17:50

INTRODUCTION When we embarked on this journey over 20 years ago, it began as a desire to continue a legacy started by my parents and their work with

MENCAP.

I wanted to create an environment that would build bridges between communities and promote a wider understanding between people

from all backgrounds and abilities – a caring sharing philosophy.

Ponderosa as a venue, workplace and resource has become a vital part of many people’s lives over the past two decades and we have

created bridges between able and less able people of all ages.

This ability to create cohesive communities is now more relevant than ever. Modern lifestyles, employment patterns and attitudes have led

to alienation, mistrust and divisive attitudes – the current problems facing Dewsbury Moor stand testimony to that fact.

I believe we have an opportunity for Ponderosa to be the catalyst for regeneration and change in our area. It can, with the right

collaboration, imagination and investment, become a hub for our community and act as a standard bearer and example to all.

This document provides an overview of our journey – where we came from, what we have achieved and our plans for the future.

A future to further promote a sense of collaboration and participation that will, if we are brave, offer a real, positive influence for everyone

in our community and be hailed as an example to other areas.

H. Cook MBE

Chairman, Ponderosa


“Ponderosa – an exciting development designed to promote community cohesion and a catalyst for the regeneration of Heckmondwike and the Dewsbury Moor corridor”


OUR STORY Howard Cook acquired Park Farm in 1988. It was a 50 acre dairy farm which had been neglected for decades and as a result required a great deal of

rebuilding and investment. The land was of extremely poor quality and had become of little use to either the farmer or the surrounding community.

Howard began to redevelop the farm in 1989 and moved his building company into the farm buildings. However he felt that the space around the farm

could and should be put to good use. Howard’s family has had a long association with MENCAP and through his contacts he decided that the farmland

could be utilised by people with learning difficulties and special needs. A relationship with the Ravensthorpe education centre led to the construction of

the first greenhouse and surrounding facilities where students could experience and develop horticultural skills.

The redevelopment of Ponderosa continued in 1992 when the rare breeds farm was opened. It was built on 7 acres which was formerly a waste tip

between two disused railway tracks. The investment by Mr. Cook and his family in the farm and visitors centre has been substantial – over £1million

has been invested, improving the land, planting orchards, trees and hedges, construction of greenhouses and recycling centres etc, so creating job

opportunities for people with varying physical and mental abilities.

The dream of the Ponderosa Therapeutic Centre was now becoming a reality and it’s fundamental proposition is that it exists to try and bridge the gap

between communities, this proposition is as true today as it ever was. Everyone is welcome, whether people are able or not so able, privileged or not

and rural or urban dwellers. Caring and interacting with animals has proven to be very beneficial and therapeutic for the students with special needs and

those undergoing occupational therapy.

Ponderosa was born out of the desire to provide people with opportunities where previously non existed and continues to develop and improve year on

year, at present, welcoming over 250 000 visitors a year.

The ‘Bridging the Gap’ concept has proven to be far more visionary than was first thought as the current and future plans for this area illustrate.



1988

ACQUIRED THE FARM

1991

FIRST GREENHOUSE

1992

START OF THE RARE BREEDS

FARM

1990

NEW ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE & TREE PLANTING

1989

LAND RECLAMATION

OF DISUSED RAILWAY TRACKS

1993

FIRST LAKE CREATED

1994

CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

OF ANIMAL SHEDS

1995

UPDATED TOURIST

FACILITIES AND CAFE

1996

CONSTRUCTION OF RESPITE CENTRE &

CLASSROOMS

1997 1998

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

HISTORY TIMELINE


2001

BEEHIVE DEVELOPMENT

2000

STARTED WORMERY & RECYCLING

PLANT

2004

HOWARD COOK

AWARDED MBE

2001/2

BUILT FIRST POLYTUNNELS

1999

RE FOCUS FACILITIES TO BROADEN THERAPEUTIC

SERVICES TO INCLUDE ALL DISABILITIES

2002

FOUNDATIONS LAID FOR

BUSINESS PARK

2003

COMPLETION OF BEEHIVE

DEVELOPMENT & ROAD

INFRASTRUCTURE

2005

BEGAN CONSTRUCTION OF PONDEROSA BUSINESS PARK

2006

PHASE 1 OF CONSTRUCTION

OF PBP COMPLETED

2007

CONSTRUCTION OF LAKESIDE RESTAURANT

WINNER OF YORKSHIRE POST AWARD FOR BEST

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

2008

PBP, RESTAURANT & CONFERENCE

CENTRE OPENED


OUR STORY cONTINUEs The ongoing investment in Ponderosa as a centre of learning and care is a testimony to H. Cook’s determination

to continually improve the quality of the facilities and the care it offers to it’s visitors. The investment in the

landscaping, visitor centres, new exhibits and greenhouses is ongoing and will continue to be so. The facilities and

achievements at Ponderosa and Park Farm are well documented and have received many plaudits including Royal

visits.

However, development didn’t stop at the farm, continued investment transformed and redeveloped the entire

Smithies Lane area thus providing a link between Ponderosa and the wider urban community of Heckmondwike

creating a space which the people of Heckmondwike are proud of.

Smithies Lane and it’s river stood derelict for over four and a half years and it became an industrial eyesore.

Mr. Cook acquired the industrial areas at the end of the lane and along the banks of the river as part of his

regeneration plan. Through a combination of single minded determination and sheer hard work they have

transformed the area into an industrial park known as the Beehive. This is a mixed use area with light industrial,

high tech office space and a desirable residential development, now offering over 60 full time jobs and 14 family

homes. The total investment in this development was in excess of £5.5 million.

At the same time the Smithies Lane was rebuilt, a project that Kirklees had first recognised needed improvement

25 years ago, but funding had been unavailable. Now, after investment of £1 million the road is of an adoptable

standard, funded by H. Cook Builders.

“Dear Mr. Cook

The Princess Royal has asked me to thank you for her welcome to Ponderosa, what an amazing place, and a credit to your passion, perseverance, hard work and probably downright doggedness!

Her Royal Highness feels that this is just the start of your adventure judging by your enthusiasm and ideas and she sends her best wishes for your future projects.”

Caroline Nunneley

Lady in Waiting to HRH The Princess Royal

BEE HIVE DEVELOPMENT.

FACTORY (TOP RIGHT) BUILT

ON WASTE LAND INDICATED

IN MAIN PICTURE



REcENT DEVELOPMENTSPonderosa Business Park: Built on the site of a former scrap yard and vehicle dismantling business, located at the main entrance to Ponderosa. In

keeping with the Therapeutic Centre the Business Park is designed to be utilised by people from all sections of the community, a place where people of

mixed abilities will work along side one another.

Creating an economic bridge between communities.

The Business Park comprises of 20/30 mixed use industrial, office and retail units which overall extends to 3 720m2 (40 000 sq. ft.). Central to the

development is the stunning new Woodlands Conference Centre, a unique resource for the local area and offers facilities one would only expect to find

in large cities such as Leeds and Manchester.

In keeping with the philosophy of cooperation and collaboration, it is envisaged that the Business Park will develop in parallel with the Ponderosa Tourist

and Visitor Attractions and current plans include the creation of a state of the art wellbeing and fitness centre to further enhance the mental and physical

health of the local population.

Lakeside Restaurant: 2008 saw the opening of the Lakeside Restaurant which is central to the Ponderosa Park, and provides a focal point for

businesses, private individuals and local community events. The restaurant extends Ponderosa’s appeal to a wider audience and increases

awareness of our facilities and resources. Since it has been opened the Restaurant has hosted many diverse events from celebrations

and weddings to conferences on the environment and other corporate presentations. As a result Ponderosa has found many new

friends and advocates who now value the role that Ponderosa can and does provide our area.

BUSINESS PARK:

BUILT ON THIS FORMER

SCRAP YARD


LAKESIDE RESTAURANT OPENED SUMMER 2008


PONDEROSA – A PERFEcT FITPonderosa can and will offer this area a real opportunity for regeneration, not simply in economic terms but by offering people community spirit and a

sense of wellbeing that has been lost in recent times.

IF WE INVEST IN THE PEOPLE THE REGENERATION OF THE AREA WILL FOLLOW.

Ponderosa as a catalyst for regeneration is as relevant today as it was 20 years ago, probably more so.

The Government’s urban white paper and Sustainable Communities Plan highlights further still the strength of the Ponderosa proposition particularly as

the current agenda looks at how to create an urban renaissance and address neighbourhood decline.

The plan for urban and rural renewal highlights the need to strengthen the relationship between town and country and importantly the Urban Rural fringe is

seen as the centre of that relationship.

Ponderosa’s vision for the Heckmondwike, Dewsbury Moor corridor is to connect town and country in the pursuit of sustainable development and reflects

the 10 key functions in the ‘Sustainable Communities Plan’ which states that we should work towards creating well managed and accessible countryside

to be put within everyone’s reach. A vision is required, to inspire thoughts and actions that reflect the local character, issues, opportunities and aspirations

of a community and assist in its regeneration.

The ‘Sustainable Communities Plan’ could have been written about Ponderosa and the surrounding developments in Heckmondwike and Dewsbury Moor.


Howard Cook’s vision of redevelopment and renewal started long before government policies had begun to focus on such topics as ‘Sustainable Countryside Development’ and discussions about ‘Urban, Rural fringe regeneration’ had become fashionable.


Here are the 10 key functions of the urban rural fringe, which indicate how closely Ponderosa is aligned to this plan.

1. Providing a bridge to the countryside where green spaces are linked to the urban centre Ponderosa’s central proposition is all about building bridges between communities and has been for 20 years. It is now physically linked to the towns of Heckmondwike, Dewsbury, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe by the Spen Valley Greenway allowing residents easy access to Ponderosa and its surrounding area. This and the Spen Valley Nature Reserve is proving to be an important catalyst in bringing the local ethnic and non ethnic communities together – The Spen Valley Greenway is currently being re-routed through Ponderosa Park.

2. A Productive LandscapeYear on year Ponderosa Therapeutic Centre has expanded its agricultural and horticultural facilities, supplying an ever increasing local customer base with flowers, plants and vegetables as well as providing food for the students and has now become a key supplier to the Lakeside restaurant. The Day Care Centre gardening team have twice achieved a Britain in Bloom Award and continue to develop into new areas such as providing gardening teams to help the local community i.e. improving school and residential garden.

3. Gateway to the town The quality of the urban fringe is an indicator and advertisement for the quality of a town. Ponderosa’s developments are a shining example of investing in the quality of the local urban fringe. Built with creativity and endeavour it has helped to change many people’s perception of the Heckmondwike and Dewsbury. Moving forward it will contribute towards the future regeneration of these areas.

4. A Classroom to provide hands on learning.Ponderosa has a reputation for providing an excellent and unique learning experience. We offer educational tours and classroom facilities to school groups, incorporating recycling, horticulture and animal husbandry supported by the national curriculum. Free workshops are offered to all, in conjunction with local wildlife groups, and a hands on experience is available at the rare breed farm, we also offer an Outreach service to those groups of people who cannot make it to the centre. Currently developing an external curriculum in conjunction with Westborough High School.

5. Recycling centre, sustainable waste management and encouraging environmentally sound use of the land.Ponderosa, itself built on an ex inert waste tip, is well renowned for it’s many recycling initiatives. The centre has worked closely with Green Business Network helping to enhance and protect the local environment. The future developments include the Able 2 project presented within this document.

sUsTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLAN


6. Health Centre, to improve the physical and mental health in the community.Ponderosa has been working with and improving the health of people since it’s inception. People of all abilities have been welcomed to the centre, the benefits of a rural experience are there for all to see. We provide a day care centre and employment for adults with learning disabilities and emotional/mental problems. Our aims for the health centre are; to combat social exclusion, improve social wellbeing, sustain a positive environment, give the choice of being able to work, encourage life skills and independence and we aim for students/employees to plan their own day providing them with choice and positive opportunities.

7. An Engine for Regeneration.Ponderosa has been the engine for the Smithies Lane regeneration for the past 20 years. The vision for the future is that it can help to regenerate the town of Heckmondwike, Dewsbury and Ravensthorpe by providing a fantastic visitor attraction and place to live and work sustainably.

8. Nature Reserve to allow people to experience and appreciate wildlife.Ponderosa and the Spen Valley nature reserve are extremely accessible and enjoyed by all. Workshop days, in conjunction with a local wildlife watch group, are provided free of charge. Conservation is a priority, with supervised planting of trees, flowers and shrubs to help replicate natural growth and provide a natural habitat to encourage the return of wildlife to the area.

9. A Cultural LegacyThe countryside in and around town contains many imprints of the history of our towns and communities. The planned development for Ponderosa is to provide a sympathetic and long lasting legacy for future generations that reflect our historical past but look towards a sustainable future.

10. A place to live sustainably To meet the needs of new developments, communities have been established in the urban fringe. Creation of a balanced community combining homes and employment opportunities with green spaces – The key area of development for the future of Ponderosa.


Ponderosa’s location which connects the junction of Heckmondwike and Dewsbury Moor, provides numerous links between urban

and rural spaces. These include; cycleways, the re-routing of Spen Valley Greenway into Ponderosa Park and access to the Lower

Spen Valley Country Park. The Able 2 Project is an example of Ponderosa’s potential.

ABLE 2 PROJEcT

The Ponderosa Park holds the key to unlock an exciting social development opportunity, known as the Able 2 Project, which is located

between Heckmondwike and Dewsbury Moor.

The intention of this scheme is to regenerate an area of land commonly referred to as the Walkley Lane site. The site – former rail

embankments, part of the last major railway in West Yorkshire, and a closed capped landfill site – adjoins the panoramic Greenway route but

has been vacant for many years since the rail lines were removed. It is also located close to the Ponderosa Park.

Building land owned by Ponderosa, to the value of £1 million, has been set aside to allow the construction of an access bridge – essential for

the Able 2 project to go ahead.

The scheme will be made up of 8 separate but symbiotic zones as follows:

• Sustainable Indoor Fish Farm and aquaponic horticultural operation.

• Outdoor horticulture facility.

• Floating café and visitor centre.

• Floating training centre.

• Outdoor recreational fishing ponds.

• Water attenuation system

• Bicycle hire / repair / recycling facility.

• Improved biodiversity area.

The intention is to operate each of the above elements as one or more social enterprises, providing training and work opportunities for a

range of disadvantaged people from the local communities within this area of Kirklees. The model is based on an existing Green Business

Network (GBN) project that has been operating in Wakefield for over 6 years, and will include a wide variety of partners from the public,

private and voluntary sectors. By replicating an existing scheme, we are able to use actual data and experience of performance and impacts,

accumulated over the six years, introducing improvements and enhancements where necessary and as appropriate. When fully operational it

is expected that there will be approximately 20 people employed on the site, with an additional 24 trainees on various work programmes.

A BRIDGE TO THE cOUNTRYsIDE

PROPOSED SITE FOR THE BRIDGE


ABLE 2 PROPOSAL, IMAGES FROM EXISTING GBN SCHEME WAKEFIELD


PONDEROSA – A cLAssROOM TO PROVIDE HANDs ON LEARNING

Ponderosa has and continues to be a great success, in providing children and adults a wonderful learning experience. In order for Ponderosa Park to remain sustainable and viable long term it must develop into a customer focused open learning resource, one which answers the needs of educators and schools in the future.

Our approach involves:

• Personalised Learning – our provision will be centered around the needs of the learner.

• Special Educational Needs – enabling children and young people with learning barriers to learn to overcome these barriers

• Gifted and Talented Provision – Ponderosa is ideally suited to providing young people with out of school activities to extend their learning.

• Continued Professional Development for Teachers – It is our aim to become an open learning resource which will provide students and teachers alike with a place to enjoy learning. A multi faceted and multi disciplinary resource that can provide a valuable addition to existing CPD programmes.

• Curriculum development and forging links with local schools

Norristhorpe Junior and Infant School

Westborough High School

Headlands Junior and Infant School

Mill Bridge School

Holy Spirit Primary Catholic School

Heckmondwike Grammar School

• Growing and planting experiences

• Forest Education Initiative

• ECO schools – a programme to guide schools on a sustainable journey

• Forged close links with the Kirklees Faith Cohesion Network

A BRIDGE TO EDUCATION

Education’s purpose is to turn a closed mind into an open one.


HELPING STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY COHESION IN KIRKLEES

KIRKLEES FAITH cOHEsION NETWORK

“Under the leadership of Howard and Maureen Cook, Ponderosa has extended a warm, friendly welcome to our muslim faith

communities settled within the Kirklees area. As a result of this friendship we have worked together to develop a number of

cutting edge community cohesion projects both at Ponderosa and in our Mosques.”

Waseem Riaz: Faith and community Support Officer

The Kirklees Faith Cohesion Network which represents five local mosques in Kirklees has forged a thriving partnership and friendship with Ponderosa. Local Kirklees based mosques, working with Muslim children believe Ponderosa is a valuable resource for the local community, offering a positive vision for the future and taking into account the diverse cultural and faith needs of all different groups.


PARTNERsHIP WITH WESTBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

In 2005 we embarked on a plan to develop Ponderosa Farm from being merely a visitor attraction into an open learning resource which can provide learning facilities for all ages and abilities and become an environmental classroom, teaching people about sustainable development, farming and interaction with our ecosystem. These plans are now starting to come to fruition and Ponderosa is working closely with Westborough High School to provide the children from Dewsbury Moor with a unique opportunity to explore and develop the new curriculum.

The Ponderosa –Westborough High School project/partnership is an exciting opportunity to give the local community and its area a chance for rejuvenation. It will be enterprising, caring and forward looking with young people taking the lead on this most important issue for the future: sustainability. It will be a powerful model of extended school and based on the promotion of personal development, community cohesion, the environment and global citizenship, key areas of the QCA’s new national curriculum.

The Westborough and Ponderosa partnership encompasses and addresses many of the current educational agendas and reforms including:

STUDENT LEARNING: Students will benefit from being involved in working collaboratively with the established Ponderosa team, the planning team, the social workers, adults with learning difficulties and future residents. Reluctant and/or demotivated learners will in particular benefit from working outside the classroom.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VOICE: Students from Westborough will become advisors for Ponderosa’s future planning and development in regard to sustainability. Each member of the planning team will have a personal advisor from the schools business and enterprise course. They will develop expertise through learning and research in this field.

RESPONSIBLE CITIzENS: Students will play an important part in supporting the local community to become more sustainable as well as the school. They will work in partnership with staff at Ponderosa, other environmental experts and the wider community. Working together for the benefit of future generations will be an extremely positive way of developing community cohesion and preventing extremist behaviour – a concern in our area.

ALL AGE ExTENDED SCHOOL: As this extended school will be an all age school, the staff from Westborough intends to offer opportunities for learning to staff and residents of Ponderosa as this is seen as a mutual partnership where all work and learn together. Also as Westborough’s other specialism is in Performing Arts, workshops and entertainment will be on offer for Ponderosa’s residents and workers.

Working together with a unique model led by young people who are in return acquiring long life skills and understanding for a better future can only raise educational standards and support Westborough and its community to become an eco-school/community by 2020.


CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

“Learning at and with Ponderosa will inspire learners as it will often take place outside the classroom working collaboratively and

therefore will be more active and relevant. It will be motivating as the aims of the project will make a difference to their futures.

They will see the direct impact of their contribution and the work across the curriculum will be connected to sustainability and

Ponderosa.” DR SARAH WILD – WESTBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

The new curriculum promotes life-long learning and clearly the partnership will enable all learners whatever their age and ability, to have the opportunity to develop skills they will need for life.

• Personal development and well-being are central to the project.

• Citizenship is a key aspect of the new curriculum where pupils will learn about different forms of action, the importance of democratic participation, making a positive contribution.

• Skills based The partnership and projects will without doubt develop all the skills outlined in the new curriculum as there will be daily opportunities for them to be ‘independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self-managers and effective participators.

• Improved standards & achievement: Raise aspirations and achievement as learning will be exciting and relevant and encourage all to be ‘successful learners, confident learners and responsible citizens’ which are the three aims of the new curriculum.

Full curriculum plan is available on request from Westborough High School.

“Sustainable development principles must lie at the core of the education system”

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN NCSL


fUTURE DEVELOPMENTsPonderosa Park is the catalyst for regeneration of the local area and a resource that people can be proud of.

It already has the ability to be a positive cohesive force in the community, its geographical location is perfectly

suited to its role in regenerating the local economy and providing residents of the area with a fantastic rural

amenity. Its capabilities as an open learning resource are self evident. Local schools and education centres are

formulating curriculums around its learning potential, mosques and community centres understand the power of its

ability to galvanise people and create mutual respect.

It also has the ability to become a beacon of hope and optimism for the whole country to illustrate how people of all ages

can learn, work and play together in a harmonious and sustainable environment. The future for Ponderosa is that we should create the

conditions for people to LIVE within Ponderosa Park.

The following pages present a vision of an eco-friendly development plan…

PONDEROSA – cONTINUING cARE RETIREMENT cOMMUNITY (ccRc)

Ponderosa has and can continue to be a regenerative and cohesive force for our area, however this will require considerable investment and

planning. Therefore we see the development of the Ponderosa CCRC Eco-Complex as a vital component in the plans for the future.

There are 2 fundamental reasons why we have chosen to create an environmentally friendly retirement village

1. The core philosophy of Ponderosa is the creation of a caring and sharing environment and by creating a

sustainable place to live for people who deserve a happy and healthy retirement helps to complete the circle.

2. The financial implications of a development on the scale proposed will provide much needed funding

for the continued development of Ponderosa Park

A place for everyone regardless of age, ability, background or belief.


BUSINESS PARK

ABLE 2 & RECYCLING PROjECTS

RARE BREEDS fARM

OPEN LEARNING RESOURCE

WOODLANDS CONfERENCE CENTRE

THERAPEUTIC CENTRE & MARKET GARDEN

RESTAURANT fACILITIES

RURAL VISITOR ATTRACTION

PROPOSED ECO-COMPLEX

WELLBEING & fITNESS CENTRE

A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, LEARN AND ENjOY SUSTAINABLY


PONDEROSA CCRC Eco-Complex

In order to become a cohesive force in the community and develop in line with the functions of the urban rural fringe, it is proposed that part of

Ponderosa Park should become ‘a place to live sustainably’. In line with our mission to complete the circle this development will be a Continuing Care

Retirement Community. Designed by award winning architects Cartwright Pickard* for people of retirement age offering an unparalleled quality of life,

it is set in beautiful countryside, close to urban facilities and with a chance to connect and interact with people of all ages. A sustainable concept in

retirement living, providing a happy and healthy alternative to traditional housing for people of the 3rd age.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities are described as “an all embracing comprehensive alternative to both sheltered

housing and residential care providing for a whole range of needs and individual circumstances” DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2004

WHAT IT OffERS

This will be a unique offer where people are able to live independently and securely in their own homes and yet is designed to promote a strong

community spirit with opportunities for social engagement, an example of this is the central community building* which will form the hub for activities

and social gatherings.

The location is an idyllic setting where housing units will be placed in natural meadow surroundings with water features and open spaces, this landscape

strategy has been designed by landscape architects Whitelaw Turkington**. Opportunities to grow and develop gardens and allotments will be enjoyed

by residents and community alike. The design of Ponderosa CCRC will be as much about its external environment as the buildings and it’s core

objective is to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

WHY Is IT DIffERENT

In addition to the unique way in which the Ponderosa CCRC will be constructed, managed and work with it’s surroundings, it is our intention that it will

be an environmentally sustainable place to live – Ponderosa CCRC will be a state of the art ‘eco complex’

All aspects of design, construction and ongoing management will be eco-conscious, from low energy and water use through to traffic and transport

management. Ponderosa CCRC will be carbon neutral and an exemplar site for sustainability. Details of all aspects of the design, construction and

impact on the local area are documented within the planning proposal and supporting appendices.

*PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 1 CARTWRIGHT PICKARD – DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

** PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 2 WHITELAW AND TURKINGTON – PONDEROSA CCRC LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

A PLAcE TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY



DEsIGNED TO BE SUSTAINABLEPonderosa CCRC is proposing to provide 116 units along with a central community building which will incorporate a 40 bed residential care

home and in addition we propose to create a further 46 affordable family homes designed to provide extra family support. This development

will offer older people an attractive combination on independence and security as well as opportunities for social engagement and an active

life, the central community building will form the hub of the site and become a focal point for all activities.

The proposals for the village have been developed with a view to achieving a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 and for the care home a

BREEAM rating of excellent.

KEY sUsTAINABLE fEATURES

• EnErgy and CO² emission reductions through heat and power conservation

• WAtEr – Reduction in water consumption to 80 Lt/person/day

• MAtErIAlS – Reducing the environmental impact through the use of carbon neutral construction materials

• SurFAcE WAtEr run-OFF* – Managing and control surface water run-off with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) to reduce flood risks

• WAStE – Facilitating reduction and recycling of household waste, managing and reducing by design construction waste.

• POllutIOn** – Avoidance of substances with Global Warming Potential (GWP), control and reduction of Nitrous oxides emissions (NOx)

• HEAltH And WEll-BEIng – Setting standards for natural light, sound insulation, private space and “Lifetime Homes”

• MAnAgEMEnt – Providing home user information and instruction, reducing the build process impact by good management by design.

Planning for home security.

• EcOlOgy – Surveying the local ecology initially. Protect, enhance and develop ecological features and be mindful of the building footprint

* PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 6 WATER STRATEGY – FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT 6A – SUDS 6B

** PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 7: SOUND & NOISE SURVEYS – 7A & LAND QUALITY ASSESSMENT – 7B


Here is a brief summary of some of the different aspects that will work together to make the Ponderosa CCRC sustainable and unique.

Further details of all of the points listed are available in the Appendices.

WATER:

Efficient water saving devices will be used throughout the individual units, with the use of a rainwater harvesting system purpose built to maximise efficiency. Use

rainwater and possibly grey water harvesting systems to reduce the water demand per person per day and be available for plant irrigation. This system may work in

conjunction with a balancing pond which will supply any additional water needed.

TRANSPORT*:

Ponderosa will provide a series of infrastructure improvements to promote sustainable travel.

• Ease congestion and pollution and also encourage a healthy lifestyle

• Safe and convenient links will be provided to connect to existing public transport, cycle and pedestrian facilities within the surrounding area

• Low car parking provision proposed throughout the development to encourage sustainable travel

• A new bus service will be provided to link the development with Heckmondwike town centre. The bus service will collect passengers from two convenient locations

within the site and from other parts of Ponderosa such as the business park

• A car club will be introduced to reduce car dependency where residents will use a small fleet of energy efficient cars

• A Travel Plan will be followed throughout the life of the development to monitor the sustainable transport measures and promote its use for residents and visitors

• Given the nature of the development uses and sustainable transport measures, the traffic impact will be low and easily accommodated on the local highway network

*PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 3 HY CONSULTING: TRANSPORT ASSESSMENT – 3A & TRAVEL PLAN – 3B


ENERGY:

Designs for the reduction of total energy consumption of the building to reduce the produced CO² emissions rate. The reduced energy and CO² levels are

achieved by a number of methods: Building fabric heat losses to be 100% better than the 2006 building regulations standard. Internal lighting to be provided

by means of high frequency energy saving fittings. External fittings used appropriately and with time and daylight control systems. Provide space for external

clothes drying. Supply and encourage the use of A and A+ rated white goods.

Low and zero carbon energy technologies to be used to supplement the energy needs, Solar thermal heat panels for water heating, Ground and possibly air

source heat pumps for domestic heating feeding to under-floor heating systems. New technology thermal stores for storing solar and renewable heat when

plentiful and using at cooler times.

Orientation of building to maximize winter solar heat gains and control high solar summer gains such that air conditioning is not required.

Recovery of heat where possible from fresh air ventilation systems.

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS:

Ponderosa CCRC will be constructed using the latest environmentally conscious building techniques and materials available. The scheme will be developed

using A/A+ rated materials from the Green Guide for Building Specification will as much as possible being sourced locally. Triple glazing and super insulation

will also be used to help with energy efficiency and extensive use of timber in the construction allows a large proportion of the materials inventory to be

classified as carbon neutral. To further enhance the scheme’s environmental credentials all construction will be contained within the workshops at Ponderosa

Park and built by local craft and trades people. This will drastically reduce the carbon footprint during the construction phase by reducing carbon miles usually

incurred by transportation and commuting. The materials and specifications are illustrated in Appendix 1*.

ECOLOGY & LANDSCAPE DESIGN:**

The Ponderosa CCRC Eco-Complex landscape proposals relate to national, regional and local planning guidance, by delivering a sustainable urban fringe

development which is respectful of its greenbelt setting. Open space provision within the Eco-Complex adheres to Kirklees open space recommendations,

and ensures that community and amenity requirements are met. In addition, the site planting strategy is based on Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plans, thereby

mitigating potential negative ecological impacts, and striving to increase biodiversity.*** Furthermore, the ‘green fingers’, together with additional buffer

planting, mitigate possible adverse impacts on key views, and the development contributes positively to the visual quality of the site and its surroundings.

Ponderosa CCRC Eco-Complex will constitute a positive addition to the Heckmondwike urban fringe, by forming a sustainable development of high ecological

value, which emphasises community gains and underpins community cohesion.**

* PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 1 CARTWRIGHT PICKARD – DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

** PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 2 WHITELAW AND TURKINGTON – PONDEROSA VILLAGE LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

*** PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 4 ENTOTAX CONTRACT SCIENCE REPORT


LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN: APPENDIX2 WHITELAW TURKINGTON 5.1


CIRCUMSTANCES FOR DEPARTURE FROM GREEN BELT POLICY*

1. Creation of links to Spen Valley Greenway through the Ponderosa site to connect with the North Road, Marmaville Greenway and the Calder

Valley cycle link.

2. A most suitable site for Heckmondwike to provide a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) village within easy reach of the town

centre whilst also on the rural fringe for the provision of a quality of living environment.

3. To provide Sustainable Homes the site is to be development to CfSH code level 5 and BREEAM excellent at a significant cost which is only

offset by virtue of the land being in Howard Cook’s ownership. Open market value of the land would preclude to provision of a CCRC to such

demanding levels of Code 5 and BREEAM excellent.

4. The provision of dedicated retirement homes of one and two bedrooms as proposed will in reality release existing housing stock – notably of

larger houses of several bedrooms – to the local housing market and in so doing helps mitigate the demand for those larger homes in the

area. N.B. If the proposed site was to be developed for normal housing there would be a demand for larger houses with greater space

around them thereby actually making less valued use of the green belt land.

5. The recreational facilities that are already in existence to enhance the quality of life of residents namely; the existing Ponderosa visitor

centre, restaurant, and facilities. The new Gymnasium and well being centre as part of the Ponderosa Business Park (planning already

granted) planned for opening 2009/10. The Connections to the local cycle and footpath networks together with additional links created

by the scheme. The facilities at Woodlands conference centre.

6. Bridge to access the Able 2 Project with an estimated £1 million land value set aside to allow access to the site via a new bridge. The

bridge unlocks access to Able site, allowing links also to the Greenway and a lost Walkley Lane footpath.

7. Mitigation of any visual impact and improvement of the landscape, flora and fauna by the site enhancements developed by the landscape

architecture team Whitelaw Turkington.

8. Full transport links to urban centres established as part of the project. Creation of a Ponderosa Car Club and encouragement of car sharing to reduce the

need for vehicle ownership and use. Promotion of cycle use (cycle storage in homes) and a cycle club.

9. Educational links forged with Westborough High School – Business College – providing curriculum based studies around sustainability and conservation.

A PLAcE TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY

* PLEASE SEE APPENDIX 5 DAVID STORRIE ASSOCIATES – SUPPORTING PLANNING STATEMENT


Our mission statement as published in 2004 is as relevant today as it has ever been:

To provide everyone, regardless of age, background or ability, access to an

enjoyable, exciting experience in an open environment based on sustainability

and education.

The Ponderosa Village will be designed to provide an environmentally conscious and sustainable place to live.

However it’s most important role will be to create and promote a greater cohesion in the local community.

Traditional forms of retirement housing can be divisive and create barriers between generations, Ponderosa’s core objective is, and always has been,

to build bridges between people and therefore the role of this village will be to integrate people of all ages. The children from schools like Westborough

and the students from the therapeutic centre will benefit immensely from interacting with the residents of the village. These residents will provide the

community with an invaluable resource where knowledgeable and experienced people will be given the opportunity to mentor and help educate the

younger generations.

Our goal is to create a place to live, work, learn and enjoy our area together, sustainably.

cREATING A COHESIVE COMMUNITY


ALL ENQUIRIES TO: Ponderosa Therapeutic Centre, Park farm, Lodge Lane Norristhorpe, Wf 15 7PG


Documents

Ponderosa · Ponderosa Business Park: Built on the site of a former scrap yard and vehicle dismantling business, located at the main entrance to Ponderosa. In . keeping with the Therapeutic