Our landscape architect team was appointed by a contractor client to develop an Outline Planning-approved landscape scheme for this residential development. Initially, our landscape architect prepared a sketch landscape design for client and design team review. We then developed the landscape architect’s information to discharge the Reserved Matters conditions. Subsequently, we produced fully coordinated tender and construction landscape packages. We also monitored the external works during construction to help ensure compliance with the approved landscape proposals.
In addition, our landscape architect developed a coordinated palette of external materials and highway details. These details supported the Borough Highway Department’s requirements and helped integrate the landscape proposals with the surrounding streetscape.
The existing site abutted the public highway along its northern and eastern boundaries. Council housing bordered the site to the west, while private housing adjoined the southern boundary. An existing electricity substation occupied the north-east corner of the site and remained as part of the proposals.
The architectural proposals comprised four distinct residential blocks arranged in a terraced housing style. A proposed carriageway with on-street parking bisected the site from east to west. Two narrow streets ran north to south. One occupied the western edge, while the other passed through the centre of the development.
Along the northern boundary, adjoining Wheelers Cross, the proposals included additional on-street parking. Our landscape architect coordinated the landscape proposals with adoptable highway and footway standards. Furthermore, the design team carefully considered fire tender and refuse vehicle tracking throughout the site.
Each ground-floor dwelling included a private rear garden. These gardens incorporated a patio, lawn and shed. The site contained significant level differences, which our landscape architect carefully resolved within the individual garden areas.
Strategically positioned trees formed an important part of the landscape strategy. These trees occupied the areas between the south-east and south-west residential blocks and along the southern boundary. They also helped mitigate potential overlooking between the new homes and neighbouring properties.
Overall, the landscape architect integrated planting, private gardens, materials, levels and highway interfaces into a coordinated landscape scheme. The resulting design supported the planning requirements while creating a functional and attractive residential landscape.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a to 6
Client: London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Architect: Allies and Morrison
Developer/ Contractor: Jerram Falkus