Our landscape architect team was appointed by a developer client to prepare the landscape design for this proposed mixed-use development in Romford. We also prepared landscape architect information to support the detailed planning submission.
The approximately 0.3ha development site fronts South Street, Romford. The plot has a relatively rectangular form and is generally flat. Currently, the site forms part of a builder’s merchant yard and an adjacent grass verge. The yard comprises mainly asphalt and concrete surfaces. To the north, the site adjoins the end gable of an existing residential development.
The proposed development combines commercial units, car parking and residential accommodation. The commercial units and parking occupy the ground floor. Above, six floors provide residential accommodation. In addition, a communal roof garden sits at level one.
Our landscape architect focused primarily on the level one roof garden. The garden occupies the podium deck above the ground-floor car park. Therefore, the landscape design needed to respond to several requirements. These included private patio spaces for residents and a communal garden with both open and intimate areas. The garden also incorporates play provision and measures to improve residential privacy.
We introduced raised planters across the podium landscape. These planters provide sufficient soil depth for small trees and specimen shrubs. In addition, they accommodate ornamental shrubs and herbaceous planting. Consequently, the planting creates attractive and sheltered spaces for residents to use and enjoy.
Our landscape architects worked closely with the structural engineer throughout the podium landscape design. Together, we coordinated tree and planter locations with the structural strategy. This approach helped minimise additional loading on the structural slab. It also supported the long-term performance of the podium landscape.
At the South Street frontage, the landscape design incorporates a delivery vehicle lay-by, cycle storage and tree pits. Our landscape architect carefully designed the tree pits to provide adequate uncompacted soil volume beneath the paved surface. Furthermore, we selected tree species suited to the challenging urban environment.
We also incorporated ecological measures within the landscape proposals. In particular, we introduced wildlife-friendly planting to an awkward triangular area along the northern elevation. This approach improved the ecological value of an otherwise constrained space. In addition, we incorporated wildlife-friendly planting throughout the wider landscape wherever practicable.
Our landscape architect prepared an Urban Greening Factor calculation to support the planning application. The proposals achieved an Urban Greening Factor of 0.41. This exceeds the Greater London Authority target score of 0.40.
Finally, we prepared an Existing Play Provision Assessment to support the landscape proposals. The assessment identified existing play facilities within the vicinity of the development. It also reviewed their quality and suitability. We based the assessment on the guidance within the Supplementary Planning Guidance, Shaping Neighbourhoods: Play and Informal Recreation.
Overall, our landscape architect services integrated landscape design, urban greening, ecology, play and residential amenity. The resulting landscape strategy responds to the site’s constraints while creating a high-quality environment for future residents and visitors.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 1 to 3
Client: Caerus Developments
Architect: Dunnett Craven Architects