Gladman – One of the UK’s largest speculative developers of industrial and distribution space
Client
Approach
We undertook a landscape and visual impact assessment to assist the design of a residential site in Northamptonshire, in line with best practice guidance established by the Landscape Institute. The appraisal considered the potential effects of the proposed development upon the landscape and visual character of the site and its wider setting. This involved conducting desktop research to understand the landscape character through map based research and analysis, reviewing local policy including the local plan for the area, identifying the key viewpoints which could be impacted upon by development on the site and undertaking a photo viewpoint audit of the site surroundings and distant viewpoints from significant locations and rights of way. This allowed the production of a detailed assessment to determine the effects on the views and landscape. Producing a clear summary in tables listing viewpoints, effects and mitigation required.
Impact
Our detailed assessment allowed us to identify potential areas of mitigation required within the masterplan and create a mitigation plan which included buffer planting and retention of the majority of trees and hedgerows, providing a sound basis for the production of a landscape sensitive masterplan and allowing us to successfully defend the planning application at appeal.
