Our design approach to landscape will be guided by these five key principles.
Return to Nature
To ensure that the natural state of beauty and tranquillity of the valley is returned to nature safely, then preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The development will remove the expansive former industrial complex that blights the the natural landscape and remove the pollution, contaminants and asbestos from the environment to make the valley safe for everyone.
New buildings will be discreet and low impact, nestled between new and existing trees and biodiverse landscapes creating minimal visual and environmental impact on the amenity of the valley.
Natural assets on the site including existing trees, hedgerows and water courses will be retained, enhanced and incorporated within the new development as much as possible and in accordance with expert advice.
Minimal Environmental Impact
Low impact/low density/low level development reduces the visual impact of the development.
Approximately 60 single-storey dwellings and not 400 luxury national house builder homes will reduce the potential harm of additional traffic in the valley and beyond. Homes targeting downsizers will further reduce the number of car journeys.
Sensitive design and orientation of properties will ensure that lighting is not visually intrusive nor detract from the rural landscape when viewed from afar.
Split title properties creating freehold houses and leasehold protected biodiverse plots will hide homes within a natural landscaped setting.
Biodiversity & Ecology
The design, orientation and landscaping of new development will respect and promote nature.
A protected blue corridor will be created to protect wildlife and enhance the natural setting of the river.
Conservation and maintenance measures on the site will be appropriate to the local ecology and protect and enhance the natural habitats of local wildlife and funded via service charge and other income sources from the new neighbourhood.
Traditional mixed hedgerows, ha-ha’s and swales will define boundaries between the homes. A mix of freehold private gardens and leasehold land full of native trees, hedges and grasses will provide not only visual screening but natural habitats and biodiversity.
Hard landscaping and lawns will be reduced to a minimum with priority given to wild planting and grasslands.
Working with the Landscape
The natural characteristics of the site and its surroundings will help to determine the size, form and placement of buildings.
Factors to consider include the micro-climate, topography, existing trees, water and views that connect the built form to the landscape.
Well-being & Quality of Life
There is strong evidence that people are happier and healthier when they live in and have easy access to green surroundings.
Having green spaces nearby increases the likelihood that people will take outdoor exercise, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
By incorporating and enhancing green spaces, trails and outdoor recreation areas within the development, residents both here and further afield can enjoy the beauty of the valley while being encouraged to be active and healthy.
The new homes will be carefully positioned in clusters around several village greens. These will provide focal points within the development that can help create a sense of community among the residents, encouraging them to interact with their neighbours and where children can meet and play with their friends.