Knowle relocation project: the PegasusLife 'vision' >>> >>> "We strive to make all our projects unique, relevant and inspiring"

The planning application for Knowle 
16/0872/MFUL | The construction of an assisted living community for older people comprising extra care units, staff accommodation and communal facilities, including a kitchen, restaurant/bar/cafe, a well-being suite comprising gym, treatment rooms and pool, a communal lounge and storage facilities; car parking for residents, visitors and staff of the assisted living community; comprehensive landscaping comprising communal and private spaces; and associated groundworks. | Council Offices Knowle Sidmouth EX10 8HL

is expected to go before the District Council's planning committee (the DMC, or Development Management Cttee) next month:
Development Management Committee agendas - East Devon

A correspondent has pointed to the rather nice webpages of the developer PegasusLife where they espouse their 'philosophy' - all of which seems to contrast with the reality proposed on the ground for Knowle.

Here are some excerpts:

THE FIRST STEP
We are always inspired by the land we work on: its history, its surroundings and its future.

There seems to be very little respect or 'inspiration' towards the heritage and context of the site:

Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "How buildings sit in their landscape"

Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "The gardens used to be one of the jewels in Sidmouth's environment, but are now in a sorry state."

BEYOND BRICKS & MORTAR
The architects and designers we work with see buildings as a way to contribute sensitively to the town or city they are situated in.

The buildings will not 'contribute sensitively' to any aspect:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: a far more imposing development than assumed? >>> Part Eight: 'the replacement buildings would be highly intrusive, changing the townscape from several angles.'
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project >>> a far more imposing development than assumed? >>> Part Seven: pictures based on measurements are very different to the official artist's impression

LIVING LEGACIES:

The Wildernesse estate in Sevenoaks sets the bar, with its Sweet Chestnut tree planted to commemorate Henry VIII’s first wedding and its lime tree avenue in honour of the Duke of Wellington.

This seems to contradict the proposed removal of the Ginkgo biloba:
Futures Forum: A new plaque for the historic ginkgo in the Knowle park ..... “There is no need to make a TPO, as it is not at risk from untoward management or removal.”

Here is the whole shebang:

We believe that the current sector is not doing enough to meet the expectations of people in this country. That’s why we strive to make all our projects unique, relevant and inspiring, from the day we first discover a site, to moving day, and beyond.

THE FIRST STEP

We are always inspired by the land we work on: its history, its surroundings and its future.

We work on sites that are situated in the centre of town, served by good transport links and have a close-knit community and lots of things in the social calendar. 
Whether a piece of land is home to a mansion or a car park when we find it, we always uncover the stories that make it unique.
In Lichfield, the ancient ‘Monks Walk’ community garden shaped the gardens and design of our development, while our building in Canford Cliffs was specifically designed to sit in sympathy with the Chines of the area. Our approach preserves the history and beauty we find, and enhances it over time.

BEYOND BRICKS & MORTAR

The architects and designers we work with see buildings as a way to contribute sensitively to the town or city they are situated in.

Each development is designed to be an attractive, subtle addition to the street. Their doorways open up to bustling, hidden spaces that unfold around greenery and walkways.

Architects look closely at local vernaculars, materials and history to shape their designs. They’re as excited about preserving past architectural gems as they are creating new ones. One Bayshill Rd in Montpellier, Cheltenham, is an instance where its Grade II listed villas have been faithfully restored, then joined by a modern design that brings expansive space and light.

Inside all of our developments, long, dark corridors are banished, and buildings are laid out as a series of sociable spaces. This lets people bump into each other as they go about their day-to-day lives so that a genuine community can arise through shared interests and habits.

LIVING LEGACIES

We are as inspired by the next 500 years in the future as we are the last 500 years in the past.

Landscapers can read the earth to discover the vision of past landowners. These plans inform our work so that it will stand the test of time. From the much-loved parks of London to the village greens all around the countryside, they aren’t simply attractive spaces, they’re places of use to a community.

The Wildernesse estate in Sevenoaks sets the bar, with its Sweet Chestnut tree planted to commemorate Henry VIII’s first wedding and its lime tree avenue in honour of the Duke of Wellington.

DETAIL ORIENTED,
INSIDE AND OUT

The quality of design and materials goes from the very front doorstep all the way into the smallest details of individual properties.

Light, space and intuitive movement are at the heart of all of our homes. Open plan living spaces have details such as lightweight sliding doors and ergonomic handles to make the little things so easy they’re imperceptible. Rooms can easily be adapted into a bedroom or study. Apartments are designed with people and their possessions in mind, resulting in significant storage space, so that valued belongings can take pride of place.

Outlook is also a key consideration, and all properties are laid out to maximise views, whether of the gardens or surrounding scenery.

LIVE WELL

All these elements together to create a place where people can have the lifestyle they want.

Creating an experience is not about filling a building with all the latest features to make a good sales pitch: it’s about asking the right questions. How do people want to live? What really matters to them? What is relevant and suitable to this particular place? Our emphasis is on good food, good health and good company.

It’s not enough that there’s a restaurant in a building. We champion local artisans and independent businesses, we put glass panels around the kitchen so people can see their food being made every day, while long communal tables make neighbours strike up conversation with each other. Spas and gardens are relaxing areas, while fitness facilities are designed to be unintimidating and intuitive, easily adapted to a range of interests and abilities. These places, and the staff we hire to run them, are there to let people continue the activities they care about.

A new philosophy for retirement apartments - PegasusLife
.
.
.