Our landscape architect team was appointed by a developer client to prepare the landscape design for this proposed residential development. We then produced landscape architect information to support the detailed planning submission.
The approximately 0.45ha development plot has a broadly rectangular form. A steep passageway connects the site to Edith Walk and Worcester Road high street. The site slopes steeply from west to east. Existing features include several car parks, buildings, retaining structures, mature vegetation and significant trees.
The southern boundary adjoins Edith Walk, while private residential gardens define the northern boundary. Both boundaries rise steeply from the site. To the east, a supermarket walkway adjoins a retaining wall between 2.5m and 4.25m high. To the west, another retaining wall separates the site from a private car park and the rear gardens of a public house. Furthermore, two existing vehicular entrances serve the site. One connects to Worcester Road through a passageway, while the other connects directly to Edith Walk.
The site contains a significant number of existing trees. Most are Category B trees, with one Category A tree also present. These trees mainly occur along the southern, eastern and northern boundaries. Our landscape architects therefore developed the landscape design around the retention of as many existing trees as possible.
The proposed development comprises two residential blocks at the centre and north of the site. Commercial units front Edith Walk to the south, while flats sit above car parking along the western boundary. Consequently, the landscape design needed to respond carefully to the site’s steep east-west gradient. At the same time, the landscape architect needed to support compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations.
Each private house required its own garden. This presented a challenging design opportunity for our landscape architects. Several gardens incorporate split levels, while one garden sits above the existing ground level. These solutions create usable private amenity space while responding sensitively to the site’s complex topography.
The design team adopted Home Zone principles throughout the public realm. Flush surfaces create a more integrated relationship between the footway and carriageway. In addition, our landscape architects carefully selected paving materials to create a clear distinction between pedestrian and vehicular areas. This approach improves pedestrian safety and supports a legible wayfinding strategy.
The ecological strategy also incorporates a wildlife corridor along the eastern and northern boundaries. Existing native vegetation forms the basis of this corridor. Where necessary, we supplemented it with additional native planting. As a result, the landscape design retains and strengthens existing ecological connections across the site.
Our landscape architects also worked closely with the civil engineer to coordinate the proposed tree planting pits with the surface water drainage strategy. This integrated approach helps reduce surface water runoff from the development. Furthermore, it supports the long-term health and establishment of the proposed trees.
Overall, the landscape architect’s design responds to the site’s steep topography, existing vegetation, ecological value and challenging boundaries. The proposals combine residential amenity, public realm improvements, sustainable drainage and biodiversity enhancements within a coordinated landscape design.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 1 to 3
Client: Elevate Property
Architect: JM Architects