We were appointed by a manufacturer client as landscape architect for a proposed stainless steel fabricating workshop extension. We developed the landscape design and prepared landscape architect information for the detailed planning submission. We also produced external works tender information and construction information. Subsequently, the client novated our landscape architect services to the contractor for the construction phase.
The proposed workshop extension connects to the west and south-west elevations of the existing building. The landscape architect scope covered the surrounding external areas. These areas include vehicle circulation, loading facilities and parking.
The development occupied a greenfield site west of the existing building. A newly built residential estate lies immediately west of the site, at the urban edge of Gamlingay. Meanwhile, manufacturing workshops occupy land to the east. Overall, the application area covered approximately 0.9 hectares.
The landscape architect designed a loading yard west of the proposed building. The yard sits centrally along this elevation and accommodates servicing activity. Furthermore, 4.5m-high acoustic fencing encloses the yard. This approach helps limit potential noise effects on nearby residential properties.
The landscape design incorporates Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) across most external work areas. In addition, permeable paving provides the proposed vehicular running surfaces and service yard.
The external environment presents specific pedestrian safety considerations. Therefore, our landscape architect considered Part M requirements throughout the external space design. The design also considered safe pedestrian movement around vehicle circulation and servicing areas.
Several existing trees stand along the south-eastern site boundary. We retained these trees as part of the landscape design. Furthermore, appropriate protection measures safeguarded the trees during construction.
Our landscape architects carefully selected the proposed planting palette for this exposed site. The planting uses species of native provenance wherever appropriate. In addition, the selected plant material can withstand the site’s environmental conditions. It also supports pollinating insects, nesting habitats and food sources for native birds.
Overall, the landscape architect integrated planting, access, drainage, servicing and safety requirements into a coordinated external works strategy. The resulting landscape design supports the proposed industrial development while responding to its residential and urban-edge context.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a to 6
Client: KMG Systems
Architect: BCRi
Developer/ Contractor: Cocksedge