The Blog / Landscape planning

Special Setting, Berkshire

12 Feb, 2025
Special Setting Berkshire

In the grounds of a former private zoo located within a designated planning special landscape character area a new dwelling has been approved.

The DA supporting landscape strategy and management plan has been developed within the estate setting of a grade 2 listed building.  The new 1.5ha gardens are set around mature parkland including estate pond and enhanced walled garden enclosure.

Working with STL Architects for Amberleigh Homes the scheme includes a new driveway access within the Green Belt setting.

 

Special Setting Berkshire

Above Ancient Woodland, Surrey

12 Feb, 2025
Above Ancient Woodland, Surrey

On an elevated north facing site above designated Ancient Woodland DA supported a  private client application for a new stepped detached dwelling. The successful design addressed the significant level changes and tree protection issues to create suitable amenity space and manageable external spaces while safeguarding the sensitive woodland edge. Our tree report and positive site negotiations with Forestry England were important influences on the design approach.

We continue to work with Lytle Associates Architects across the south-east.

Listed Parkland Conversion, Surrey

12 Feb, 2025
Listed Parkland Conversion, Surrey

At the edge of the Surrey Hills AONB and set within a grade 2 listed park and garden, the conversion of former stables to a private residence was supported by our LVIA report. The associated landscape strategy included areas of enhanced green enclosure with potential space for relocated stables and sand school utilising sensitive ground modelling.

The landscape setting of the 0.79ha site will be improved by extensive mixed-age enclosure planting with bio-diversity enhancement to the boundaries and linked marginal habitats. The design including long-term management will offer a meaningful transition between the new residence and open countryside. The successful application was co-ordinated by WSPA.

Settlement Extension, Berkshire

12 Feb, 2025
Settlement Extension, Berkshire

Enclosed by an established SANG and mature woodland, the proposed new residential development required considered design. The 26 dwelling scheme was set within the mature landscape buffer defining the policy edge of settlement. Accessible linked landscape management zones were created to ensure the full establishment of the site TPO tree canopy.

These features also allowed for the enhancement of boundary BNG wildlife corridors and wetland habitat and both are key elements in the approved landscape strategy. DA provided the supporting LVIA report working with Jo Tasker Planning Consultants on the 1.48ha site.

Landscape Enclosed Redevelopment, Near Godstone

24 Jan, 2024
Landscape Enclosed Redevelopment, Near Godstone

In accordance with current NPPF Policy the protection and enhancement of existing valued landscape character is given great weight in planning decision making. The 23 unit redevelopment of a 1.2ha former animal rescue centre has been designed in a courtyard format within the existing reinforced wooded landscape enclosure and linked wetland habitat. The application submitted by Planning Resolution on behalf of Cavello Homes Ltd was supported by the DA LVIA landscape report with emphasis on long term landscape management to ensure full integration of the proposal into the Green Belt setting within the client retained outer land.  DA is working on many sensitive planning sites across southern UK where a special case must be made for successful outcomes.

Village Extension, South Oxfordshire

24 Jan, 2024
Village Extension South Oxfordshire

Originally working with Lytle Associates architects for The Oratory School in 2016, DA provided the LVIA report and landscape strategy for a 25unit residential development in a Village Conservation Area extension site within the AONB. Having gained the initial approval DA were then retained by Rectory Homes to progress the detailed landscape and tree condition application scheme for the extended 34 unit 1.48ha site including the adjacent former Woodcote Garden centre.  The successful landscape submission included an enhanced landscape framework retaining the managed TPO tree canopy with mature hedgerow envelope while creating a new inner greenspace linked by public footpaths to the village hub. The built-out Darnell Place is now fully occupied

Creative Conversion, Surrey

24 Jan, 2024
Creative Conversion, Surrey

This proposed stables conversion to private dwelling located on an elevated edge of settlement site near Epsom was won at appeal. The successful application was guided by the DA report to ensure the protection of key natural features and included creative new build siting and massing, orchard planting and pond habitat utilising sensitive spoil remodelling. WSPA co-ordinated the submission and appeal on behalf of the private client. 

Rural Retreat, South Oxfordshire

24 Jan, 2024
Rural Retreat, South Oxfordshire

The replacement dwelling application for a private client at a rural small-holding in the Chilterns AONB and AGLV required skillful design. In order to fit with local character, a farmstead approach was adopted by Napier Clarke architects with vertical timber cladding above flint clad plinths using linked mono-pitched buildings. The DA landscape report recommended reinforcing the wooded boundary enclosure and filtering of views from local footpaths. Natural permeable hard and soft landscape finishes were incorporated into the approved scheme including a long-term landscape management plan.

Care Village Transition Plan, Surrey

24 Jan, 2024
Care Village Transition Plan

At the edge of a planning Green Gap at Farnham, a Care Village is proposed that offers significant communal leisure facilities. These include an extension to the local rugby club playing fields, new tennis and bowls clubs with a central management hub. The landscape setting of the 4.48ha site will be improved by extensive mixed-age enclosure planting with new footpath links to the local nature reserve and greenspace as well as drainage and bio-diversity enhancement to the boundary stream and linked wetland margins. The design, including long-term management, will offer a meaningful transition between the existing settlement and open countryside. The pre-application inquiry submitted to WBC is being co-ordinated by HR Architects with Bell Cornwell Planning on behalf of Lamron Developments (Holybourne) Ltd.

Hambrook Extension, Sussex

07 Jan, 2023
Hambrook Extension

Working with HGP architects for Foreman Homes, DA provided the landscape strategy for a 30 unit residential development on a 1.23ha site in a village setting severed by the A27 trunk road improvements. The landscape submission included an enhanced landscape framework.

The new greenspace is linked by public footpaths to boundary marginal habitat and woodland improvements. Integrating linked SUDS drainage on this low-lying site was an important design feature retaining the mixed-age tree canopy and mature hedgerow enclosure.

Settlement Edge Integration, Sonning Common

07 Jan, 2023

This recently occupied 25 unit development for established client T A Fisher includes affordable and market units with LAP play facilities set within reinforced shelterbelts and structural landscape adjacent the AONB. DA continues to work with T A Fisher across the Thames Valley.

Integrated Design Lake View House, Kent

03 Nov, 2021
Integrated Design Lake View House, Kent

In the High Weald AONB any new development should fully consider the existing valued context. A new home has been carefully designed on the 2.75 ha edge of settlement site. The former tanyard has been managed by the family client for over 30 years with bio-diversity improvements including the establishment of an arboretum, creation of a fishing lake utilising a natural spring and recycling former railway tracks for rough grazing. 

The proposed dwelling is integrated into the south facing slope with passive energy design. Externally the new build siting, form and finishes together with the wider landscape investment will provide long-term benefits to the local environment.

DA provided the critical landscape assessment report with 3D visualisation supporting Phi Design and Build and Prospective Planning. 

DA is working on many sensitive planning sites across southern UK where a special case must be made for successful outcomes.

 

lake view plan

Suburban Apartments, Purley

03 Nov, 2021
Purley apartments

The Croydon Council housing intensification policy guided DA and the successful design team for the 7 unit apartment scheme for The Purple Pepper Partnership.

The application led by WSPA exploited the significant site topography while respecting the local street pattern and mature tree canopy.

DA provided landscape and tree protection advice in a scheme that included communal allotments and play space.

We continue to work with WSPA on a number of projects across the south-east in the residential/ leisure and private sectors.

Weybourne Extension, Surrey

03 Nov, 2021
Weybourne Extension

Working for Lamron Developments DA provided the landscape strategy for a 132 unit mixed residential development on a 4.3ha site near Farnham. 

The landscape submission included significant street tree planting with greenspace linked by public footpaths to play spaces, open amenity spaces and boundary marginal habitat improvements. The submission to Waverley BC is being co-ordinated by Bell Cornwell Planning with Harding Rose Architects.

The Glasshouse, Basingstoke

03 Nov, 2021
The Glasshouse Basingstoke

This high specification office development lies in a prominent location at the edge of the established Basing View business district. 

The passive energy 7 storey development includes communal conference facilities, gym, café and terraced roof gardens with significant vertical landscape treatment around the basement parking zone. 

DA worked with Fibonacci Architects and Woolf Bond Planning for Fishron Properties Ltd.

Enhanced Streetscene, Reigate

03 Nov, 2021

This 2 unit development for a private client has a restricted driveway access amongst a mature street tree screen.

DA provide detailed landscape and tree reports to support the successful application to Reigate & Banstead BC. These included detailed tree root protection for the new services connections within the tree management works.

 

 

reigate streetscene

 

Settlement Edge, North Cheam

03 Nov, 2021

Set in a mature residential area with prominent street trees this ‘arts and crafts’ style development respects the suburban fabric while adding contemporary design that enriches the local landscape character.

DA provided landscape and bio-diversity enhancement while assisting Planning Resolution and Flower Michelin architects for the detailed application. The scheme has now been built out and occupied.

Valued Landscape, Poynings

03 Oct, 2020
Valued Landscape Poynings

National Park Authorities correctly require the design of new development to fully consider the existing valued context.

The proposed development scale, architectural siting, form and finishes should fully respect and enhance the immediate landscape setting. Settlement edge locations below panoramic public viewpoints face greater scrutiny because of their prominence.

Full consideration of the dark skies planning policy and other special constraints were key to the replacement dwelling design at Poynings within the SDNP. DA provided the critical landscape assessment report supporting Koru Architects and Prospective Planning.

DA is working on many sensitive planning sites across southern UK where a special case must be made for successful outcomes.

 

Valued Landscape Poynings CAD

Village Enhancement, Brenchley

03 Oct, 2020
Village Enhancement, Brenchley

DA undertook the supporting tree and landscape report for a replacement dwelling on the Kent/ Sussex borders.

Our findings and the sloping wooded valley site allowed BWP Architects to create a split-level plan with home offices that exploits the afternoon sunlight while retaining and managing the longer-term trees and boundary enclosure.

We have worked with BWP on a number of projects including recently a subterranean garage scheme built at Selborne within the SDNP/ Village Conservation Area.

Shared Access, Marlow

03 Oct, 2020

In a country park Thames Valley setting near Marlow, DA is negotiating the conversion of waste ground near a water-ski club for a shared parking facility.

While local businesses will utilise the parking during the working day, public access will ensure occupancy at weekends for the local leisure amenities including lakeside green space.

The submission to Wycombe DC includes a detailed metric ecological assessment to comply with the latest government guidance together with a full landscape enhancement scheme including appropriate security lighting. The submission was co-ordinated by Bell Cornwell Planning.

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