Landscape Architecture

Introduction

Wood’s landscape architects combine a sound technical response with imagination and creative flair to develop considered proposals that ease the planning process, meet the commercial goals of our clients and delight the end user.

As designers within an environmental and engineering consultancy, we are able to draw on a wealth of in-house technical knowledge to develop holistic, cross-disciplinary solutions for clients with complex sites. Our landscape architects regularly collaborate with planners, architects, urban designers, ecologists, engineers and water management specialists, amongst others, to deliver fully integrated multifunctional landscapes which respond to and maximise the inherent qualities and features of a site.

When working both at home and abroad, we combine a thorough understanding of the client’s brief, with a design response that reflects local character and site specific constraints and opportunities.

Our experience covers a wide range of sectors including mixed-use, residential, commercial, education, energy, transport and waste developments.

Projects range in size from landscape designs for individual buildings to environmentally integrated Masterplan for large mixed-use schemes and we work at all stages of the design process from strategic development frameworks; landscape Masterplan for outline planning applications; hard and soft landscape proposals for detailed planning applications; planting plans to discharge landscape-related conditions; full production information for tender and construction; and technical support through to completion on site.

Wood is a market leader in Environmental Impact Assessment, and our landscape team also regularly undertake Landscape and Townscape Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA and TVIA). Please see our LVIA capability statement for further details.

Heathrow Airport Expansion Heathrow Airport Limited

Project SummaryThe Airports Commission, set up by the UK Government, advised that the UK urgently needs to expand its airport ‘hub’ capacity so that it can remain connected to fast growing international markets. Having reviewed three shortlisted options, the Airports Commission has recommended that a third runway be built at Heathrow.

Wood’s Role Wood were appointed as environmental consultants and landscape architects by Heathrow Airport Ltd to support their expansion plans. Specifically we provided a suite of environmental services including mitigation strategies to: reduce the effects of increased noise; manage air pollution; minimise carbon emissions; enhance the natural environment; manage the risks of flooding; and reduce the adverse and accentuate the positive effects on the local community and heritage.

ApproachWood’s landscape architects worked closely with our environmental specialists to design proposals which would help to compensate for impacts on public open space, habitats, watercourses and rights of way. The scheme proposed extensive landscape enhancements around the airport to create a new regional park with recreational facilities, a rich tapestry of new and improved habitats and watercourses; and extensive access, for wide-reaching public benefits.

Visualisations of new parkland near Heathrow

Landscape masterplan illustrating proposed enhancements around the airport

Project SummaryA range of new build and refurbishment projects for eight schools in Tower Hamlets, delivered through Labour’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Wood’s RoleWorking for contractor Bouygues UK, Wood provided landscape design, ecology, contaminated land and engineering services. The landscape proposals were developed right through from concept, through planning, to completion on site and are all now successfully handed over and occupied.

ApproachThe challenge was to create the maximum benefit for the schools with the limited resources available and extensive consultation was undertaken with the heads, teachers, pupils, parents and residents to understand their requirements.

Each school was distinctive in its character, space and needs, resulting in quite different solutions for each. Proposals included a combination of social and external learning resources such as amphitheatres, sports pitches, hard and soft play areas, green roofs, food-growing areas, ponds and wildflower meadows. A BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for new build and ‘Very Good’ for refurbishment projects was achieved as required by BSF.

Tower Hamlets Schools, London Bouygues UK/London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Deepcut Urban Village, Surrey Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Project SummaryMasterplanning of major sustainable urban extension to the village of Deepcut, Surrey. Masterplan included 1200 homes, an extensive network of public open space and community facilities including a school, community centre, church, sports facilities and a shop.

Wood’s RoleWood was appointed as lead consultant for the project and provided a full range of multidisciplinary services. Wood’s masterplanning team led extensive consultancy support to DIO and developed the masterplan to support a hybrid planning application for the site. The scheme was granted planning consent by Surrey Heath in July 2013.

Our ApproachThe site, currently a major British Army base and headquarters of the Royal Logistics Corps, is being redeveloped as part of MOD’s ongoing rationalisation of its existing estate. Deepcut was identified as being surplus to military requirements in 2008 after detailed analysis (also undertaken by the Wood masterplanning team) concluded that co-locating operations with other complementary military training functions at Worthy Down Barracks near Winchester would provide best value. The Deepcut site will be developed by the private sector with work expected to start in 2016. Wood is also advising MOD on the masterplanning of the Worthy Down site.

The Deepcut Urban Village scheme will involve the provision of 1,200 new homes, the conversion of some existing buildings into apartments and the creation of a vibrant new

village centre with a range of mixed uses including a new school, nursery and medical facility, a food store, other retail opportunities, sports hub, public open spaces and a care home. The new urban village extension has been carefully designed to integrate with the existing Deepcut community.

The village of Deepcut is located in a unique rural heath land and woodland setting. This allows the use of mature green infrastructure and public open spaces to connect new pedestrian and cycling links to a new village green and other nearby local centres, public transport services, and recreation areas along the Basingstoke Canal. High quality new homes will be located throughout the site to create a contemporary interpretation of traditional Surrey village patterns.

Wood’s masterplanning team continues to advise DIO on the selection of a development partner for the Deepcut site and is being retained to provide advice to ensure that design quality is maintained by the private sector delivery partner. This will help DIO to meet a number of objectives, including: maximising the earliest possible and optimum receipt from the disposal of the site by avoiding delays in planning; meeting commitments made to the local community and local authority to deliver a high quality sustainable extension to the village of Deepcut to mitigate against the loss of the barracks; and meeting DIO’s own obligations for the responsible disposal of public land to meet wider government initiatives to deliver quality affordable homes, market housing and community facilities.

Thomas More Square, London Land Securities

Project SummaryThe landscape design for Thomas More Square, London seeks to redefine how commercial public realm spaces are perceived, through a sustainable approach and a softening of the existing hard square with soft, permeable surfaces and recycled materials.

Wood’s RoleWood were appointed by Land Securities to provide landscape architectural services for the project from inception to completion on site.

Our ApproachTwo spaces envelope four office buildings and provide a positive link to the nearby St. Katherine’s Dock. The largest open space introduces a series of raised, rolling lawns retained by timber and gabion cages filled with granite sets, marble and concrete slabs reclaimed from the site. The integration of a new type of paving block announces the entry points and provides a guide through the spaces as a directional band including in-ground LED lights. By increasing the area of grass and planting the habitat value, microclimate and rain water attenuation capacity of the square have been extensively improved.

The secondary space, which inhabits a shadier position, contains a grid pattern of raised gabion planters filled with re-used site materials and finished with sustainable sourced oak timber seat tops. Climbers on posts create vertical interest and a nectar source for wildlife. Honeysuckle and ornamental grasses add movement, texture, seasonal variety and scent.

Project SummaryMasterplan proposals for the redevelopment of the former Peak Freans Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey, London, into a high density mix of residential, commercial and A-class uses, in both new and refurbished buildings dating back to the 1800’s.

Wood’s RoleWorkspace Group appointed Wood as landscape architects to develop outline landscape designs for the redevelopment. The scope included a new central park, courtyard amenity spaces, streets, roof gardens, play areas and a series of public spaces along the railway line. Wood were also appointed as environmental consultants to manage the Environmental Statement and production of the technical chapters on Townscape and Visual Impact, Cultural Heritage, Ecology, Air Quality and Noise.

Our ApproachAt the heart of the site, is a central park which acts as an important interface between the residential and commercial areas. A large raised lawn forms the focus of the space for playing and relaxing on in summer. Sculptural play features are located along bands in the paving, such as a slide and moveable ‘biscuit’ benches - a reference to biscuits on factory conveyor belts. The benches can be moved aside to allow space for events, such as open air cinema and theatre productions. Water channels which collect rainwater and a pop-jet water feature provide additional play value. The pop-jets can be turned off to allow the space to be used for events.

Materials were selected to reflect the industrial heritage

The Biscuit Factory, Bermondsey, London Workspace Group

of the site: brick, cor-ten steel details and pennant paving with a high content of iron ore. Plant species were selected for biodiversity value, robustness, colour, texture and scent. A palette of rust and blue toned perennials and grasses were proposed within the park to complement the hard materials. A key feature of the central park is a ‘biscuit walk’ – a cor-ten steel structure covered in vanilla and chocolate scented plants intended to evoke memories of baking biscuits - a frequent talking point at the public consultation events.

Bespoke sliding ‘biscuit’ bench

Bespoke play feature

Tattenhoe Park Play Areas Design Brief, Milton Keynes Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)

Project SummaryTattenhoe Park is a residential development scheme for up to 1310 homes, a mixed use local centre, primary school, community facilities and other infrastructure including public open space and play areas, in Milton Keynes. A design brief for the proposed play areas was required to inform future designs and to show how they would be provided in conjunction with the planned phases of residential development, playing fields and community facility.

Wood’s RoleThe Homes & Communities Agency commissioned Wood’s landscape architects to consult with Milton Keynes Council and The Parks Trust, and to produce an agreed Design Brief that sets out the collective understanding of what is required to deliver a successful play space; the planning context; any identified opportunities and constraints; any specific detailed requirements for these play areas; and finally the budget available for the work and the strategy for implementation.

Our ApproachThe project commenced with a site visit and consultation with the Council and the Parks Trust to ascertain their views on what works and what doesn’t. Visits to successful, less successful and totally unsuccessful existing play areas in Milton Keynes were undertaken with council officers. Case studies were written up for inclusion in the brief, along with details of ‘lessons learnt’.

Planning requirements were also set out and interpreted, especially the required setbacks of ‘active zones’ from plot boundaries. Wheeled sports, such as BMX biking, roller

hockey, in-line roller blading, scooters and skateboarding, are a requirement of Neighbourhood Play Areas within Milton Keynes and therefore guidance was included in the brief on how best to integrate these. In light of noise problems that had occurred in relation to these activities, especially skateboarding, elsewhere within the city, it was decided that wheeled sports should be located more than the 40m policy requirement from the housing.

A series of diagrams were produced for the document illustrating where the play areas should be located with policy-compliant catchment areas and setbacks. The play areas would need to be integrated within existing green and blue infrastructure built as part of the enabling work. A sensible approach to risk was advised, so as not to limit the benefits of the provision which should offer children and young people challenging, exciting, engaging play opportunities, while ensuring that they are not exposed to unacceptable risk of harm.

Neighbourhood Play Areas (NPA):Totalling 0.1 + 0.4 = 0.5ha

Local Play Areas: 4 x 0.2 ha = 0.8ha

NPA 600m Catchment Radius

Indicative Active Zones

Public Open Space

Playing Fields

LPA 300m Catchment Radius

Neighbourhood Play Areas (NPA):Totalling 0.1 + 0.4 = 0.5ha

Local Play Areas: 4 x 0.2 ha = 0.8ha

NPA 600m Catchment Radius

Indicative Active Zones

Public Open Space

Playing Fields

LPA 300m Catchment Radius

Project SummaryThe largest and last of 8 schools Wood have assisted Bouygues UK in delivering as part of the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the Future programme. This new build school, to accommodate around 1600 pupils, is located on a challenging site in Bromley-by-Bow in London between the Limehouse Cut ca nal and the A12 Blackwall Tunnel Approach Road.

Wood’s RoleWorking alongside Terrell structural engineer’s Wood were appointed to provide ecology, contaminated land, engineering and landscape architectural services from inception through to completion on site.

Our ApproachThe masterplan and landscape strategy aims to exploit the advantages of the canalised location while minimising the impact of the adjacent noisy and polluted roads along the western and northern edges. The new school buildings, perimeter noise walls and woodland planting enclose a large central space overlooking the canal and provide protection from the noise and air pollution. A large hard active space, including netball court, table tennis tables and a chess board, is located in the centre of the site, enclosed by amphitheatre steps and raised planting beds. More passive green spaces are located in a spine along the eastern side, adjacent to the canal. The green spaces include a reading garden; a wildflower meadow; a butterfly garden; a wildlife pond and a food growing area. Adjacent to the dining pavilion is an outdoor dining terrace with stepped access to a grass picnic area.

Parking, cycle storage, deliveries, recycling and refuse bins are located in the more polluted areas in the southwest corner of the site, well separated from the main external social and educational spaces. Lots of new trees, a green roof and bio-diverse planting provide habitat for wildlife, seasonal variety, colour, texture and scent Every inch of external space has a defined function and

Bow School, London London Borough of Tower Hamlets/Bouygues UK

in some cases multiple functions, maximising the benefit of the landscape to the school. Full size Multiuse Games Areas (MUGAs) are located on the roof of the main building where the air is cleanest.

The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and the project was awarded a Commendation at the 2015 the Civic Trust Awards.

“It’s remarkable the way in which they have managed to place the building on the site to give protection to the

pupils and pay appropriate attention to the environment. You would barely know that there’s a major road on the

other side of the wall, and you have this beautifully landscaped garden next to the canal and can imagine this being a

place that young people will really enjoy growing up in.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of the Tate speaking to the Independant newspaper, September 3rd 2014

The Grand Union Centre, Ladbroke Grove, London Workspace Group

Project SummaryProposals for new office space, café, housing and a semi-private courtyard on a site owned by Workspace Group, adjacent to the Grand Union Canal in Ladbroke Grove.

Wood’s RoleWood was appointed to develop outline landscape designs for the central courtyard space at the heart of the development. The proposals were to form part of a brief to developers who would ultimately build the project and hand back the commercial space to Workspace. An outline scheme design was therefore developed in enough detail to give the client a reasonable level of certainty about the function, character and quality of the space: describing key features, indicative levels, hard materials and typical plant species.

Our ApproachThe space was carefully designed to meet the needs of both office workers and residents. A raised lawn was proposed in the centre of the courtyard which receives the most sun at lunchtime when the space will be primarily used. A raised edge to the lawn helps to protect the grass by deterring people from walking across it, as well as providing enough depth for sufficient topsoil above the slab. A line of small trees and plants between the courtyard and the garden helps to filter views between the offices and the housing; and a shallow water feature in the square, which references the local canal network, provides an informal play feature which can be enjoyed by all. A mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants provide colour, texture and scent throughout the seasons.

Project SummaryThis new build project for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) was part of the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the future programme. The school was relocated to a new site on Southern Grove in Bow, East London.

Wood’s Role and Description of ServicesWood were appointed by Bouygues UK to provide ecology and landscape architectural services for the project from inception to completion on site.

Our ApproachWorking closely with Avanti Architects, Wood developed a landscape scheme that provided a variety of appropriately scaled outdoor spaces for the school. A soft play area with an impact-absorbing surface for inclusive play equipment forms the heart of the external space. To one side of this is a hard play area for sports; to the other is a food growing area. A quiet social space and sensory gardens are located at the southern side of the site in separate zones connected to the play areas.

The sensory gardens are divided into two external rooms with direct access from the classrooms. The plants were especially selected for their unique textures, calming colours and biodiversity value. A raised pond and spherical water feature, which the pupils can touch, are also included for additional sensory interest. The gardens are entered on both sides under pergola structures covered in climbing plants.

Roof terraces are provided as breakout spaces for staff allowing easy access to fresh air and views. A bio-diverse living roof is also included to maximise value to wildlife and as an educational resource.

Beatrice Tate School, London Bouygues UK

A line of large trees and new hedgerow along the front of the site defines the threshold of the school, visually softening the space, while also providing environmental benefits such as air quality enhancement, habitat for wildlife; and rainwater interception.

The colours of the plants in each space and the impact absorbing surfacing were carefully selected to compliment the building, and provide different characters suited to the spaces. The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

A Green Street Vision, London Greater London Authority

Project SummaryThe Greater London Authority (GLA) wished to illustrate how green infrastructure can be used along London’s major polluted roads and cycle ways to improve air quality and for other wide-ranging environmental and public benefits. A series of images were required to articulate to stakeholders what the GLA would like to achieve and for use in reports, exhibitions, newspaper articles etc.

Wood’s RoleOur landscape architects and air quality consultants were appointed to work closely together to develop a series of green infrastructure proposals along the Euston Road and Upper Thames Street. The proposals were based on scientific evidence of air quality benefits and illustrated through a series of annotated visualisations.

Our ApproachThe Green Street Vision was developed from an initial review of scientific research on plant based pollution removal in the urban environment. The aspirational designs demonstrate how landscape interventions could offer significant air quality improvements in a range of different street environments. The Vision is illustrated through a series of conceptual collage-style perspectives. The proposals included use of pine trees and hedges which act as vegetative filters to trap particulates; segregated cycle ways using planting filter strips to protect cyclists from pollution and traffic; wider footpaths with increased tree planting where it would not inhibit pollutant dispersal; the use of green walls to trap particulates; and traffic management solutions such as use of hybrid and electric public and private transport. Although routed in an air quality enhancement strategy, the proposals also provide a wide range

of other benefits such reduction of rainwater run off, improved biodiversity and the creation of a greener, more attractive, urban environment. The Green Street Vision is now being used to explore opportunities with stakeholders, such as Transport for London and the British Library.

The project was included in an exhibition on green infrastructure by the Landscape Institute at the Building Design Centre in London and won a Merit Award for Excellence in Designing Green, Healthy Cities at the International Making Cities Livable Conference in July ‘15.

Visualisations of green infrastructure proposals in a typical high street scheme (main image) and along the Euston Road (above).

Beddington Environmental Strategy London Borough of Sutton

Project SummaryAn updated Environmental Strategy for the Beddington Strategic Industrial Location for the London Borough of Sutton (LB Sutton). The project included a review of the existing Beddington Environmental Strategy and consultation with local residents and the business community on topics such as identity, character, access and movement. The Council’s aim was to define new prioritised proposals that would give LB Sutton a clear framework for future improvements.

Wood’s RoleDuring consultation the London Borough of Sutton (LB Sutton) identified a need to review environmental factors contributing to the persisting ‘bleak and unattractive image’ of the Beddington Strategic Industrial Location (SIL). An environmental strategy produced in 1998 had proposed a series of solutions addressing the problems but only a few proposals had been implemented. The Wood landscape architecture and planning team was engaged to develop an updated strategy for the area. This involved the identification of relevant proposals not yet undertaken and; to define new proposals that would give LB Sutton a clear framework for future improvements. A significant part of the role was to undertake consultation with local residents and the business community and to develop strategies to help alleviate any concerns. This exercise was led by our planning and landscape architecture team who engaged a diverse range of internal technical experts, including town and transport planners, ecologists; and cultural heritage, air quality and noise consultants.

Our Approach

Wood’s landscape architects commenced with an initial site analysis and review of issues and then undertook interactive engagement with local residents at a public consultation workshop. Three key themes were presented for discussion and feedback:

ff Enhancing Character and Identity

ff Improving Access

ff Creating Safer Streets

Both the existing situation and possible solutions were discussed and recorded on plans and in questionnaires developed specifically for the event by Wood. The results of the consultation were then analysed and used to inform a set of strategic proposals.

The team also used their professional expertise to assess which proposals achieved the most for the least i.e. identifying ‘easy wins’ and opportunities that provided ‘value of money’ by making a significant impact in the short, medium and long term. The criteria for prioritisation also included deliverability factors such as: ownership, legal constraints, scope for collaboration/willing owners, relative costs and timescale for implementation. The final strategy will guide LB Sutton’s decision making and facilitate the development of the Beddington SIL into a greener more integrated part of the Beddington community.

Proposed green link connections through the industrial estateOpen space strategy for Beddington SIL

Project SummaryDesign of new Defence College for Technical Training for UK Ministry of Defence. Creative re-use of disused military base including new build, refurbishment, conversion and landscape design.

Wood’s RoleAs well as providing project management and general technical and environmental advice to DIO, Wood undertook the masterplanning, planning, detailed architectural and landscape design for the first phase; and urban design and landscape framework for the development of the college over a 10 year period.

Our ApproachThe Defence College for Technical Training is currently under construction at Lyneham in Wiltshire, which when completed will create a state-of-the-art tri-service (Army, Navy and RAF) trade training facility. The first phase of the project involves approximately 150000m2 of new build and 150000m2 of refurbishment and conversion of the of former RAF Lyneham, as well as extensive civil and landscape works to create the required upgraded infrastructure and external training environment.

The design includes many innovative sustainability measures, not least the savings made in terms of cost, embodied energy and resources through the creative re-use of extensive areas of the existing estate. The Wood design team undertook a thorough process of building and requirements analysis and consultation with end-users to determine a strategy for the effective re-use of buildings where this supported the creation of a first-class training environment. New buildings were carefully designed to complement the refurbishment and conversion of the existing estate, providing a combination of bespoke facilities and flexible

Aerial view of the core technical area at Lyneham. Illustrative masterplan for Lyneham.

Defence College of Technical Training, LynehamDefence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), UK Ministry of Defence

new accommodation in a series of highly energy efficient buildings designed to create visual consistency across the site and helping to provide a campus-like environment.

While extensive areas of the former airfield are designated within the masterplan to provide the required external training areas, the external environment was planned and designed to enable the development of a 160,000 panel solar array to meet the additional energy needs of the college without the need for upgrading the supply to the site. The panels, will generate 40 megawatts each year, enough to power the college and around 10,000 local homes. The proposals help DIO in meeting sustainability targets for government funded projects. Due to the careful siting of the solar array and the sensitive design of the retained and proposed landscape framework for the wider site development into which they will be integrated, the proposals are widely supported by the surrounding local communities.

The work completed by Wood on securing planning permission for the college has been commended by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West region as an example of ‘planning excellence in the south west’. Aside from the sheer scale of the application, the judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the technical work produced and extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken despite working on a very tight programme.

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Shooting Venue Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)

Project SummaryVenue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic shooting events and Paralympic archery events. The venue - the largest temporary venue outside the main Olympic Park - was created on Woolwich Common, in the grounds of the Royal Artillery Barracks, providing a backdrop for the event of the longest listed facade in Europe.

Wood’s RoleMasterplanning, planning and multidisciplinary environmental and technical support to the Olympic Delivery Authority and subsequently to the main contractor for the assembly and dismantling of the venue. Environmental and technical support included transport planning, landscape design, noise and air quality, ecology and heritage.

Our ApproachWood’s initial role was to obtain planning consent for the London 2012 Shooting venue constructed on parkland adjacent to the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south-east London. Working in partnership with LOCOG the Wood design team developed a masterplan for the venue and developed outline designs for the temporary buildings and site design. The venue masterplan had to resolve a number of conflicting design constraints and opportunities including environmental, heritage, sporting, safety, security, venue servicing and broadcasting requirements.

The Wood solution provided an innovative response that met stringent budgetary, sustainability and scheduling targets. The Wood team involved from the inception of the project remained involved throughout the process, first becoming novated to the

detailed design team and then becoming part of the design build (and de-commissioning, including site landscape restoration) team led by construction contractor Sisk.

The venue featured a number of innovative sustainable design features. These included demountable and re-usable shooting ranges (subsequently re-used at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games), ultra low waste construction design (including use of 100% recyclable internal and external plywood cladding for the range structures, using standard panel sizes to eliminate cutting and waste), naturally lit and ventilated spectator enclosures (using a double skin of 100% recyclable tensile fabric) and an innovative 24m high screen installed around the shotgun ranges to minimise spread of lead shot and amount of site clean-up required (also enhancing broadcast, competitor and spectator experience during competition). All security, spectator and venue management requirements (fencing, seating and back-of-house accommodation) were met using rented ‘off-the-shelf’ components.

The innovative design of the shooting venue was recognised in its inclusion in the American Institute of Architects International Buildings of the Year Awards for 2012.

Higher Marsh Farm, Somerset The Crown Estate/Strongvox

Project SummaryHousing development and associated public open space, riverside treatment and tree planting, on the site of a former farm in Dunster Marsh, Somerset.

Wood’s RoleThe Crown Estate originally appointed Wood to provide multidisciplinary services including planning, masterplanning, landscape design and environmental consultancy for an outline planning application. The scheme for the demolition of existing farm buildings and the erection of up to 54 residential dwellings, was granted consent in 2013.

Subsequently to this, Wood were retained as planning consultants, highways engineers, landscape architects and ecologists, by the house Strongbox to develop the scheme in further detail for a Reserved Matters Application and to discharge planning conditions. The landscape design scope was therefore taken from outline proposals through to detailed design, including planting plans and schedules.

ApproachThe landscape scheme was developed in response to a number of constraints and opportunities, including retention of a sycamore tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and other existing vegetation with habitat value; incorporation of an existing listed pillbox; and a requirement for access to the river’s edge by the Environment Agency.

The landscape proposals for the open space are divided into two distinct characters: an informal ecological area to the north and a more formal amenity area to the south. The

ecological area to the north, includes a proposed pond to provide flood storage, amenity and wildlife value; existing retained vegetation and the listed pillbox, set amongst new native trees, shrubs and wildflower meadow, footpaths and seating. The adjacent more formal amenity area includes a lawn for informal play; ornamental planting for additional colour, texture and scent throughout the seasons; and further footpaths and seating for public use.

Extensive tree planting is provided throughout the development as replacement for trees removed and for wider environmental and aesthetic benefits.

Bury St. Edmunds Hopkins Homes

Project SummaryMixed-use urban extension and associated green and blue infrastructure on a strategic development site in south-east Bury St. Edmunds.

Wood’s RoleWood were appointed by Hopkins Homes to provide multidisciplinary services including planning, masterplanning, landscape design and environmental services for an outline planning application.

ApproachThe landscape strategy, aims to build connections with the surrounding context by combining existing landscape assets with new formal and informal open spaces throughout the site. The river corridor, which provides a central linking space between the north and south parts of the development, incorporates a connected network of riverside footpaths and cycle ways, linking into existing routes beyond the site. The habitat associated with the river and surrounding wildlife corridors is protected and enhanced by incorporating buffer areas for otters and wooded corridors for bats.

Throughout the site, the landscape strategy aims to combine Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), allotments, ecological enhancements, parks, sports facilities and play areas to offer residents access to an extensive variety of multifunctional open space. Wide woodland shelter belts with hedgerow planting help soften the transition to the agricultural land beyond.

Polly Neal CMLITechnical Director, Landscape ArchitectureWood Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

Shinfield Park, Reading, RG2 9FW, UKD +44 (0)118 913 7328 M +44 (0) 7971 308233polly.neal@wood.com