The Blog / Planning

Mixed Development, Bedfordshire

12 Feb, 2025
Mixed Development, Bedfordshire

The latest planning NPPF Policy emphasises the need for sustainable long term development including landscape management.

On an edge of settlement 0.9ha site the proposed 66 bed care home and 8 dwelling scheme has been integrated around the TPO tree canopy, adjacent communal leisure uses and parkland. The approved application submitted by WSPA on behalf of Aspire LPP was supported by the DA LVIA report with emphasis on long term landscape management in an area known for heritage fruit growing.  Careful consideration was given to sw drainage in the valley setting including marginal habitat wildlife corridor links to existing wet woodland. 

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

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

Economic Conversion, Surrey

12 Feb, 2025
Economic Conversion, Surrey

Working with Lytle Associates architects DA provided landscape and ecological advice for the conversion and remodelling of a former social club into apartments. Utilising the existing access and building footprint the revitalised communal gardens are now well integrated into the suburban fabric.

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

Urban Integration, South Croydon

24 Jan, 2024
Urban Integration, South Croydon

This mixed residential development includes apartment and rear terraced units with new landscape areas including LAP play facilities on vacant backland. The application was made by WSPA who we continue to work with on a range of projects across the south-east.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coach Depot, Takeley

03 Oct, 2020

National Express were refused planning for the conversion of a mixed-use light industrial 1.5ha site to a new coach depot at Takeley near Stansted Airport in 2018.

The site lies at the edge of a Countryside Protection Zone and the reasons for refusal were the impact on the countryside and the setting of the adjacent Waltham Hall Barn listed building.

DA, working with Vail Williams Planning, were part of the successful appeal team in 2019 that demonstrated the positive reuse of PDL with the conversion of a former grain store to a coach maintenance workshop.

In addition a comprehensive landscape design and management plan with discreet external lighting unifies the present disparate site uses while enhancing the context of the listed building. When appropriate DA can call upon significant expert witness experience for realistic planning appeal advice.

Oxlease Revisit – Romsey

03 Oct, 2020
Oxlease Revisit – Romsey

DA was a member of the successful design team led by Pro-Vision Planning at Oxlease Gardens, Romsey that in 2013 gained approval for a 58 unit residential development on part of the 72 ha overall Test Valley site.

The landowner then gifted the adjacent wetland to TVBC for Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve.

The completed housing scheme is now built within a strong landscape framework. This includes the Romsey Barge Canal SSSI enhanced boundary margin and the mature native woodland canopy with linking green corridor.

Backland Basement – Teddington

29 Oct, 2018

Five years after the original application and subsequent negotiations with LB Richmond DA is pleased to note the final approval on appeal of an unusual 2 unit residential scheme. The design on redundant rear garage land includes basement living and garden space to address the key neighbourhood overlooking issues.

Green roofs, street tree planting and permeable paving are included to meet biodiversity and sustainability criteria. Granit Architects co-ordinated the submission and appeal for Petrow Estates with DA providing ecological and landscape planning advice.

Football Focus – CB Hounslow

29 Oct, 2018

After a lengthy funding process and achieving full planning approval, the new CB Hounslow FC sports centre opened earlier this year. DA working with WS Planning provided the masterplan that includes a new ground and junior playing fields around a central clubhouse with associated parking. The enhanced public footpath network now extends around the local wetland green space, riding and national gym centres. Project supporters included the Football Foundation, Mayor of London and the DCMS.

 

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