2.8 Existing Boundary Conditions

Transcription

1 2.8 Existing Boundary Conditions The plot areas are currently bordered to the west by a mature hedge, which runs parallel to Brent Terrace. To the east, the plot areas are bound by the existing garden fences to the rear of properties along Clitterhouse Crescent. Existing adjacent boundary fence - height varies Existing mature Hedge to boundary Existing overgrown shrubs/vegetation Existing amenity grass Existing mature hedge to the West of Brent Triangles Existing mature hedge to the West of Brent Triangles from Brent terrace Clitterhouse Crescent Brent terrace

2 2.9 Cultural Heritage The most distinctive historic feature of the area is the Brent Terrace railway cottages and the extensive sidings and railway lines of the Midland Mainline railtrack to the west. In an area largely dominated by retail parks and post-war housing, this terrace to the West and the sidings provide a distinctive historic reference, which could be used as a theme to inform the choice of materials and any artwork proposed within the scheme. Railway Sidings at Cricklewood 1905

3 2.10 Existing Site Character The development plots 53 and 54 are overlooked by historic railway cottages which run along the length of Brent Terrace, and although post war properties form the backdrop to the eastern boundary, these properties are elevated and are not immediately seen in the context of the plots. The Victorian Terrace provides the most distinctive backdrop to the development and provides the dominant vernacular reference. The Terrace, once known as Midland Brent Terrace, backed onto the Midland Mainline railway, and provided accommodation for workers at the adjacent sidings. The Terrace is characterised by the use of red brick and slate roofs, with low brick walls forming the boundaries to rear and front gardens. The architectural style seen in Brent Terrace is also characteristic of other railway cottage developments in the immediate area. Materials for both the buildings and the hard landscape elements could reference those seen in the railway cottages, with opportunities to explore the use of materials which reference the railways and railway sidings which still dominate the area today. In some locations terraces back onto each other, and the rear gardens take the form of a linear communal green space. The landscape proposals for the residential development could take their influence from this local and historic urban design form, through the provision of communal garden space. Local garden boundary character Local vernacular of brick railway cottages - Brent Terrace Communal space adjacent to properties

4 2.11 Summary of Existing Site Conditions The appraisal of the existing site conditions above has identified the following issues: Planning application boundary Proposed residential plots are overlooked by existing Brent Terrace properties Existing hedge provides valuable visual amenity and wildlife value, although it requires improvement to achieve its optimum potential. The development plot areas slope significantly from the eastern boundary to the western (hedge) boundary. Public access points at the north and southern ends of the development plots need to be integrated and overlooked to ensure passive surveillance There are only 1 or 2 trees worthy of retention within the development areas. There are variable boundary conditions to the eastern edge of the site. Existing Category B tree Existing trees Existing hedge Grass Overgrown vegetation Overlooking from adjacent properties Public access points to open space and Brent Terrace Clitterhouse Crescent Brent terrace N

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6 3.0 Proposed Landscape Strategy

7 3.1 Landscape Strategy The Landscape Strategy set out on the following pages has been developed in response to the opportunities and constraints identified from the assessment of the existing site context on the preceding pages. The masterplan for the residential plots has been developed to accord with a number of planning requirements, most notable of which, is the requirement to provide a green corridor along the length of Brent Terrace. It is intended that the residential units will sit behind a new hedge to replace sections of he existing hedge lost to development, as well as fulfilling the requirement for a green corridor in this location. The key principles of the Strategy are as follows: 1. Reinforce and manage the existing hedge where this can be retained to create a distinctive frontage to the residential development, and to promote biodiversity. 2. Create clear and distinctive gateways into the residential plots, which provide a sense of permeability. 3. Provide new hedge planting where sections of existing hedge are lost to replicate existing character in the long term 4. Provide native hedge planting to the eastern boundary adjacent to existing residential properties to create a buffer between the proposed development and the existing properties. Existing trees to be retained Existing hedge retained and improved Clear and distinctive gateway into plots Car park entrances New native hedge planting to boundary Storm water attenuation provided by permeable paving Woodland understorey planting Ornamental shrub planting 5. Create a number of different wildlife habitat areas to enhance biodiversity, including biodiversity green roofs. 6. Provide a clear boundary to help reinforce a sense of ownership within the development 7. Provide doorstep play area to Plot 54 New Claremont Park Clitterhouse Crescent Brent Terrace N

8 3.2 Landscape Masterplan 1 2 Communal Garden Doorstep play area to be provided with raised planter and seating areas for quiet recreation and play. Car Parking Areas Permeable paved car parking areas surrounded by ornamental planting, native trees and espaliered trees to rear walls of car parks. 5 6 Biodiversity Roof Provides additional habitat and water attenuation. Native Wildlife Areas Woodland edge planting to the eastern boundary provides opportunities for wildlife, with log piles and bird and bat boxes provided. Also provides screenin between new and existing properties. 3 Residential Frontages Planting to front elevations provides clear threshold to residential properties 4 Rear Garden Spaces High quality hard paved spaces afford flexibility to residents, with back gardens divided by timber screens

9 3.3 Planting Strategy The Planting Strategy has been developed to provide an attractive setting to communal areas, and a robust screen between the new and existing residential developments. The existing hedge will be retained as far as possible, providing a green foil to the development, and creating a shady and woodland character which provides the theme for planting through the development and into the parking courts. Planting within the central parking courts will reflect the characteristics of a cottage garden, with scented climbers, herbaceous planting and espaliered fruit trees, providing a soft and seasonally varied backdrop to the central spaces. Biodiversity green roofs will be provided to the residential blocks and bike sheds to further enhance biodiversity within the development. Existing Retained Trees Proposed Trees Retained Native Hedge Native Hedge Planting Amenity Grass Areas Woodland Edge Planting Ornamental Shrub Planting Biodiversity Green Roofs Clitterhouse Crescent New Claremont Park Brent Terrace N

10 3.3 Planting Strategy - Parking Courts Cottage Garden Planting Planting proposals for the central parking courts seek to reflect the character of small cottage gardens - gardens with incidental seasonal colour provided by herbaceous planting, against a backdrop of flowering tree species and espaliered fruit trees. Tree Species: Climbers: Rosa New Dawn 3L Caned Rosa White Cloud 3L Caned Lonicera periclymenum 3L Caned Hedera helix 2L Caned Hydrangea petiolaris 3L Caned Trachelospernum Jasminoides 3L Caned Magnolia Grandiflora m MS Malus Braeburn 15L 2 tier espaliers Pyrus communis Conference 15L 2 tier espaliers Shrub Species: Planted at 3 plants per m², 3L pots minimum. Chanenomeles x Superba Epimedium rubra Euonymous Silver Queen Hebe Mrs Winder Polygonum Darjeeling Red Rosa Kent Herbaceous Perennials: Planted as 3L pots 3 per m² Allium Purple Sensation Anenome Honorine Jobert Aster novi-belgii Blue Bouquet Bergenia Silberlicht Echinacea purpurea Geranium x cantabrigiense Karmina Hedge Planting: Carpinus betulus 90/120 cm ht Transplant

11 3.3 Planting Strategy Native Hedge and Woodland Edge Planting A native hedge will be planted to replicate the character of the existing hedge which runs along the length of Brent Terrace, where this has to be removed to facilitate development. The new hedge will include a wider variety of species than at present and will form part of a strategic green corridor. Woodland Edge planting will be provided along the eastern boundary of the site, to screen views between the new development and Clitterhouse Crescent. Species will include: Tree species Acer campestre C/S 20-25cm girth Alnus glutinosa Ftd 3.5-4m Betula pendula Ftd m Malus syvestris C/S 14-16cm girth Prunus avium C/S 16-18cm girth Quercus robur C/S 16-18cm girth Salix pentandra C/S 16-18cm girth Sorbus torminalis C/S 16-18cm girth Trees to be planted in groups of 2-3, or as individual trees at approximately 10-15m spacings. Understorey species Cornus sanguinea 90/100 cm ht Transplant 20% Corylus avellana 90/100 cm ht Transplant 10% Crataegus monogyna 60/75 cm ht Transplant 40% Euonymous europaeus 60/75 Transplant 15% Ilex aquifolium 3L pot Transplant 10% Ligustrum vulgare 60/75cm ht Transplant 15% Viburnum opulus 60/75cm ht Transplant 5% Ground Flora Typical Native hedge Typical Native hedge Crataegus monogyna Betula pendula Planted as wildflower plugs in areas shown on planting plans at 10/m 2 Allium ursinum Asplenium scolopendrium Primula vulgaris Anemone nemorosa Convalliia majalis Viola odorata Arum maculatum Geum urbanum Native Hedge Images Sorbus aria Anemone nemorosa

12 3.3 Planting Strategy Hedgerow Margins A hedgerow seed mix which includes wild flowers and grasses will be introduced to the verge areas either side of the existing hedge where retained and to the replacement hedge planting to provide seasonal colour, and to enhance biodiversity. EH1 Hedgerow Mixture Supplied by Emorsgate Seeds Sowing Rate 4gm/m 2 EH1 contains wild flowers and grasses that are tolerant of semi-shade and is suitable for sowing beneath newly planted or established hedges and on woodland edges, rides and glades. Wild Flowers % Latin name Common name Hedgerow Margin 0.5 Achillea millefolium Yarrow 1 Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 1.5 Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard 2 Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed 0.4 Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil 2 Galium album - (Galium mollugo) Hedge Bedstraw 2 Geum urbanum Wood Avens 0.2 Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John's Wort 1.4 Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy 1 Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 0.5 Primula veris Cowslip 2 Silene dioica Red Campion 1.5 Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion 1 Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort 1.5 Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley 0.5 Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard 1 Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch 20 Grasses % Latin name Common name 10 Agrostis capillaris Common Bent 2 Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass (w) 6 Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome (w) 35 Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogstail 1 Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass (w) 26 Festuca rubra Slender-creeping Red-fescue

13 3.3 Planting Strategy - New Native Tree and Hedge Planting along Brent Terrace Elevation of proposed development at time of planting Footpath Link to Clitterhouse Crescent New Native hedge 1.5m high at time of planting Existing 5m High Hedge to be retained Individual trees, 6m height at time of planting Existing 5m High Hedge to be retained Elevation illustrating planting at five years growth Footpath Link to Clitterhouse New Native hedge 3-4m Crescent high at 5 years Existing 5m High Hedge to be retained New Native hedge 3-4m high at 5 years Existing 5m High Hedge to be retained Clitterhouse Crescent New Claremont Park Brent Terrace

14 3.3 Planting Strategy - Biodiversity Green Roofs Green Roof Planting Green roofs are proposed to bike stores and new buildings in order to provide valuable habitats for local flora and fauna. Grasses - ER1 Turf Roof Mixture supplied by Emorsgate Seeds Combined seed mix to be seeded at 4gm per m², on a mm substrate of crushed brick or site arisings mixed with 20% organic matter Wildflowers % Latin name Common name 1 Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 1 Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch 0.5 Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed 0.4 Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil 1 Galium verum Lady s Bedstraw 0.5 Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John s Wort 1 Iberis amara Wild Candytuft 1.5 Knautia arvensis Field Scabious 0.5 Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit 1 Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy 0.6 Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax 2 Lotus corniculatus Birdsfoot Trefoil 0.6 Malva moschata Musk Mallow 0.5 Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram 0.5 Plantago media Hoary Plantain 1.6 Poterium sanguisorba - (Sanguisorba minor) Salad Burnet 1.6 Primula veris Cowslip 0.5 Prunella vulgaris Selfheal 1 Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary 1.5 Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious 1 Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion 0.2 V erbascum nigrum Dark Mullein Grasses % Latin name Common name 2.4 Briza media Quaking Grass (w) 32 Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogstail 22 Festuca ovina Sheep s Fescue 16 Festuca rubra Slender-creeping Red-fescue 1.2 Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-grass (w) 6 Phleum bertolonii Smaller Cat s-tail (w)

15 3.4 Hard Landscape Materials Strategy The adjacent streetscape is characterised by the railway cottages of Brent Terrace. These Victorian cottages are predominantly of red brick with slate roofs and the proposed residential buildings are to use a similar palette of materials and tones of natural browns, reds and greys. The proposed hard landscape palette aims to complement these textures and tones, and also to reflect themes from the area s railway heritage. Paving areas will include tones of reds and greys, with lighter bands of flush kerbs to indicate railway tracks in some locations. Garden frontages will be characterised by low brick walls and railings to match the architectural brickwork with feature railings to some properties. Street furniture will be predominantly timber and cast iron to reflect the Victorian heritage of the immediate locality. It is also intended that hardwood timber screens form the boundaries between rear gardens. Pre-cast concrete units to pedestrian surface. Brindle coloured, small unit sizes, 200x300mm. Permeable pre-cast concrete units, 200x300mm to vehicular roads, colour brindle. Permeable pre-cast concrete units to parking bays. Unit size 200x300mm. Colour red. Parking bays delineated using flush conservation kerbs. Permeable pre-cast concrete slabs to front gardens and rear garden paths. Colour grey, laid in staggered rows. Clitterhouse Crescent New Claremont Park Brent Terrace

16 3.4 Hard Landscape Materials Strategy Surface Materials Boundary Materials Grey Tones reflect the aesthetic of the railways Bullnosed block kerb edges to roadways Low brick walls and railings to front gardens to match building materials Red/grey Tones reflect the aesthetic of the railway cottages Permeable paving blocks to be used in roadways Proposed timber screens to rear gardens

17 3.5 Bike and Bin Stores Bin Store and Bike Store Solutions Freestanding communal bin store rows adjacent to Terrace Green roof to bike shed Josta 2-Tier Bicycle Racks Self contained steel frame bin store Potential to provide bug wall to bike shed Josta 2-Tier Bicycle Racks

18 3.6 Biodiversity Strategy The proposed Residential Development area is currently predominantly poorly maintained amenity grassland, with intermittent tree and scrub planting to the eastern boundary, and a mature hedge which runs along the western boundary to Brent Terrace.. The planting and biodiversity strategy has been developed to maximise the opportunity for habitat creation and species diversity and planting palettes have been developed that focus on native species. Working with the Ecology Consultants, Watermans, the following objectives for biodiversity on Plots 53 and 54 have been developed. These have been incorporated into the landscape design and are summarised below: Mount bird and bat boxes onto existing trees and proposed buildings to provide habitats for London Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species such as house sparrow and starling, and bats such as Common Pipistrelle which have their own species Action Plan under the London BAP. Create small log piles to provide habitat for invertebrates within the proposed structure/woodland planting using any dead wood from tree removal and ongoing maintenance. Monitor for the presence of invasive weeds in the future and remove in accordance with approved methods by Specialist Contractor. Protect existing habitats and species where retained. Create new opportunities for local wildlife on the site as part of a green corridor of stepping stones within the local area. Retain existing trees and shrubs along the eastern boundary, unless removal is advised for arboricultural reasons. Use predominantly native tree and hedge species in proposed planting strategy. Fruit and flower bearing trees incorporated within courtyard parking areas provide a valuable food resource for bees and other wildlife Existing hedge retained in part, and managed to create a more diverse structure than at present. Provide diverse woodland/hedge habitats to the eastern boundary with tiered structure, including shade tolerant ground flora. Create attractive and diverse green roof habitats to bike sheds to provide foraging habitat for birds, bats and invertebrates such as bees and butterflies.

19 3.6 Biodiversity Strategy Biodiversity Strategy Diagram Bird Boxes 2no. Schwegler 1SP Sparrow Terraces 2no. Schwegler 3S Starling Nest Boxes 2no. Schwegler Swift Boxes No.17 2no. 1B Shwegler Nest Boxes Log Piles Bat Boxes / Tubes 2no. Schwegler 2f Bat Box 1no. Schwegler Bat Tube 1FR 1no. Schwegler Bat Roosts 1FQ 1no. Schwegler Summer & Winter Bat Roosts 1WQ Existing trees retained Proposed trees Ornamental Shrub Planting Native Structure Planting Amenity Grass Areas Native Hedge Planting Retained Native Hedge Notes: For detailed locations refer to General Arrangement Drawings: