Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to prepare a landscape design for this proposed mixed use development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission.

The development plot is approximately rectangular in shape and fronts onto South Street, Romford. The existing site is relatively flat and occupies part of the builder’s merchant yard and a grass verge. The existing builder’s yard surface is primarily asphalt and concrete. To the north of the plot is the end gable of an existing residential development. The development area is approximately 0.3ha in size.

The proposed built form consists of commercial units and car parking at ground level with residential dwellings located above. The residential element is located over six floors, with a communal roof garden situated at level one.

The main focus of our landscape design was the level one roof garden. This was located on the podium deck above the ground level car park. This needed to provide a number of private patio spaces; a communal garden which provided a series of open and intimate spaces and incorporated play; and privacy for the residents of this development.

Raised planters were used at podium level to provide an appropriate depth of topsoil in which small trees and specimen shrubs could be panted. These planters also enabled the panting of ornamental shrub and herbaceous plant species. This planting helped to create spaces that were private and a joy in which to inhabit.

Our landscape architects worked closely with the structural engineer when designing the podium deck landscape. We ensured the proposed tree and raised planters were located appropriately so as to minimise excess loading on the structural slab.

Within the footway to the South Street elevation a delivery vehicle lay by, cycle storage and tree pits were accommodated. The tree pits were carefully designed by our landscape architects to ensure they had a adequate volume of uncompacted topsoil beneath the paved surface. The tree species was carefully selected for this environment.

Part of our ecological strategy was the introduction of wildlife friendly planting to an awkward triangle of land at the north elevation of the building. In addition, where possible, wildlife friendly planting was used throughout our proposals.

We prepared an Urban Greening Factor calculation to support our proposals. Our proposals achieved a factor of 0.41, which is above the Greater London Authority’s target score of 0.4.

In addition, to support our landscape proposals, we prepared an Existing Play Provision Assessment. This identified the existing play provision within the vicinity of the proposed development and assessed their quality. This was carried out based on the guidelines as set out in the Supplementary Planning Guidance – Shaping Neighbourhoods: Play And Informal Recreation.

We were appointed by a developer client to develop a landscape design for this proposed residential development with commercial units and parking at ground floor and basement levels. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission. The application was also for the erection of an extension and associated landscape to the rear of a recently completed mixed use development.

The existing development plot is rectangular in shape. The northern portion of the plot is occupied by a dilapidated, unoccupied public house, which is to be demolished. The southern section is occupied by a newly built mixed use development. The application area is approximately 0.32ha in size. The east elevation of this development plot fronts onto the High Street. Its west boundary abuts a number of rear gardens to the adjacent private dwellings.

There are a number of existing trees within the adjacent private gardens. The majority of these trees will remain unaffected by the proposals contained within this application.

The proposed building, at the north section of the plot, is to contain 30 residential dwellings over 5 floors with commercial floor space and undercroft car parking at ground level. The building is 6 stories high and occupies the front part of the plot in this location. The rear section of the plot is occupied by above ground car parking. The basement, which occupies this entire section of the plot, is to accommodate additional car parking and cycle parking.

Our scope at ground level was to prepare a landscape design which incorporates a screen the ramp down to the basement car park; planting over the podium deck slab to the basement car park and to opportunities for tree planting to help screen the mass of the building when viewed from the private dwelling to its east. Part M compliance, pedestrian safety, clear wayfinding and providing attractive views were the main considerations for our landscape architects when designing this space.

As the majority of the ground floor external space is occupied by car parking, it was necessary to accommodate a shared amenity space on the roof of this building. Our landscape architects designed the Level 6 roof garden as four distinct “rooms’, each bound by planting. These “rooms” provide opportunities for a number of different groups to use this roof space privately at the same time. One of the “rooms” has been designed as a play space and contains age appropriate equipment for children up to 5 years of age.

The planting palette for the roof garden was carefully considered by our landscape architects. Plant material was selected for their ability to thrive in this exposed environment; provide opportunities for pollinating insects; and provide attract environments in which to relax and play.