The Existing Site
 The exisiting landscape is not of intrinsic high quality and value, but some of the hedges and trees form an integral part of the character of the site and have an important function in acting as wildlife corridors.
All existing hedges and trees have been surveyed. The most sensitive and desirable specimens will be retained and protected and have had a major influence on the proposed layout of the site.
There is an opportunity to ensure that new native stock is planted to maintain the historic landscape legacy in the long term.
A small hamlet of residential dwellings lies in the middle of the proposed site enclosed by hedges and mature garden plots. These will also be retained.
Ecology and Habitats
The richest features on site for wildlife are the network of hedges with mature oak and ash trees that divide these fields. These important features have been retained within the new development.
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The landscape strategy proposes to reinforce and enhance these features while creating new corridors and areas for wildlife around the perimeter of the site.
In addition, bat flight lines have been recorded and are associated with the mature hedgelines and trees. These key features will be retained and managed to enhance their habitat and food source.
Landscape Strategy
A thorough understanding of the site opportunities and constraints has strongly influenced our proposals.
The key aims of the landscape strategy are to:
- Sensitively integrate the new scheme into the surrounding landscape without adversely affecting the wider character and appearance of the area
- Retain the most important landscape hedges and trees within the new development. These will be fenced off and protected during construction works and provide a valuable long term asset to the proposals
- Plant new native trees and hedges between plots and around the site boundaries to integrate the development into the landscape
- To retain and enhance existing wildlife corridors and create wildlife corridors around the perimeter of the site
- Create potential for increased diversity of habitats
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