We were appointed by a landscape contractor client to provide landscape architect services for an 82-house and 28-flat residential development. Our role focused on preparing information to satisfy the landscape-related planning conditions.
The 1.2ha development plot forms part of a former Southern Water site. The irregular site contained several buildings, areas of hard standing, grassland and numerous trees. Furthermore, the site falls approximately 6m from the main entrance towards its northern corner.
The proposed development comprises nine terraces of houses and flats. Each property has dedicated parking to the front. In addition, every house includes a private rear garden with a patio and shed.
Our landscape architect focused on rationalising the approved planning layout. We also developed a coherent palette of hard landscape materials and robust planting. As a result, the landscape design provides a consistent approach across the development.
Coordination with existing and proposed below-ground services formed another key part of our landscape architecture scope. Therefore, we prepared a standalone drawing to demonstrate that the landscape proposals had been fully coordinated. This information helped the Local Authority assess the detailed landscape design.
The Local Authority also required details of off-plot planting alongside the site boundary. This planting sits within the adjacent playing field. The landscape architect specified a mixed native hedge and native tree planting scheme.
The landscape design also supports pedestrian safety throughout the development. Carriageways encourage drivers to travel slowly and carefully. For example, we specified contrasting paving materials at pedestrian crossing points and changes in direction.
In addition, the landscape architect incorporated kinks and sharper turns into the carriageway layout where possible. These measures help reduce vehicle speeds and create a more pedestrian-friendly residential environment. Consequently, the landscape architecture contributes to both the character and functionality of the development.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a
Client: Total Protection
Architect: Level Architecture
Developer/ Contractor: L&Q