We were appointed as landscape architects by a project manager representing a well-known supermarket chain for this new-build store in Witham, Essex. Initially, our landscape architect team prepared a sketch landscape design. This allowed discussions with the Local Authority’s Landscape Officer and helped establish an agreed design approach.
Once all parties approved the proposals, our landscape architects developed the detailed landscape architect’s information required for the Reserved Matters submission. We then prepared a comprehensive landscape architecture package to enable the tendering of the external works. In addition, our landscape architect provided site monitoring services throughout the construction period, continuing through to project completion.
The site already had outline planning consent for a retail development. Therefore, our landscape architects worked closely with the project architects to develop a landscape design that met the Local Planning Authority’s requirements. At the same time, the design needed to satisfy the supermarket operator’s specific requirements for the site and its setting.
The existing treed edge at the north-west corner formed a particularly sensitive landscape feature. Consequently, the Local Authority’s Landscape Officer placed significant importance on retaining and extending this vegetation. We therefore incorporated native tree and shrub species to strengthen the existing landscape structure.
Furthermore, the landscape design introduced several large landmark trees at the site corner adjacent to the roundabout. However, the supermarket operator also required clear views of the store from passing vehicles. Our landscape architects therefore needed to balance visual screening, landscape integration and commercial visibility.
Through careful coordination, we resolved these competing requirements within the overall landscape design. As a result, the final landscape architecture proposals satisfied the planning requirements while also meeting the operational and visual requirements of the end user.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: D to L
Client: Churchmanor Estates Co. Plc.
Architect: BCR Infinity Architects