Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to prepare landscape architect information for a detailed planning submission. The proposed residential development replaces eight existing dwellings and their associated gardens.
The development plot is approximately square in shape. Existing dwellings and rear gardens adjoin the north-east, south-east and south-west boundaries. Meanwhile, the north-west boundary fronts the busy Leatherhead Road. The site also has a significant level change, rising by approximately 3m towards the rear. In addition, several established ornamental trees grow within and immediately outside the site boundary.
Due to the existing topography, the design incorporates lower-ground-floor parking along the Leatherhead Road frontage. This parking sits beneath the private patios. Consequently, our landscape architect carefully considered the level transition from Leatherhead Road to the main courtyard. The design provides vehicle access while also creating a safe, accessible route for pedestrians.
At the heart of the development is a landscaped communal courtyard. Private parking spaces sit around its perimeter. At the centre, ‘The Green’ provides a shared amenity space for residents. Our landscape design incorporates planting, seating and informal play features. Furthermore, ‘The Green’ helps intercept surface water runoff from surrounding paved areas. It therefore forms an integral part of the site’s sustainable drainage system (SuDS) strategy.
Our landscape architects also carefully considered the Leatherhead Road frontage. The landscape design uses planting to soften this prominent boundary. In addition, seating creates opportunities for pedestrians to pause and use the space. A hit-and-miss brick pattern works with the planting to create an attractive finish around the car park ventilation structures.
The rear garden boundaries were designed to reduce the visual impact of the development on neighbouring properties. Therefore, our landscape architect proposed substantial native tree planting along these boundaries. This approach helps integrate the new residential development into its existing landscape setting.
Following consultation with the Local Authority and a Design Review Panel presentation, our landscape architects incorporated the resulting comments into the design. This process included simplifying the courtyard paving strategy. It also introduced additional native plant species to strengthen the planting palette.
Overall, the landscape architect’s design responds to the site’s topography, existing vegetation and surrounding residential context. The proposals combine high-quality landscape design with accessible circulation, communal amenity space, biodiversity enhancements and sustainable drainage. As a result, the landscape strategy supports both the character of the development and its relationship with the surrounding area.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 1 to 3
Client: Ross Sloan Investments Ltd
Architect: Clive Sall Architecture