Land to the East of Holt Road, Horsford. LANDSCAPE STRATEGY - REVISION C Original Issue Date - October 2016 CONTENT

Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford. LANDSCAPE STRATEGY - REVISION C Original issue date - October 2016 CONTENT

Introduction Planting Palette Context Tree species Landscape Character Shrub and herbaceous species (of benefit to wildlife) Views and Topography The Site Boundary treatments Boundaries Conclusion Landscape Design Strategy Landscape Management Strategy Landscape Design Principles

The Landscape Proposal Proposals Landscape Masterplan

Public Open Spaces POS adjacent to phase 1 and on eastern boundary POS adjacent to Green Lane Formal POS

The Village Green Character Areas Primary street Public Open Space boundary Countryside edge Side streets Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 01

INTRODUCTION

Liz Lake Associates has been appointed by David The Site encompasses agricultural fields located on Wilson Homes (Eastern) to provide landscape design land east of Holt Road as well as a section of Green services for a proposed residential development in Lane. The Site is connected by road to Green Lane to 1477 A2 01 e offi [email protected] www.lizlake.com Destinations & Strategic links Horsford. The site is a continuation of the work carried the north of the Site. out at the Butterfly Mill development, also by David Site location and links to surrounding points of interest

Wilson Homes (Eastern). LEGEND Horsford Forest Site boundary

Node The landscape design brief requires the residential Proposed link Horsford properties to be integrated into the surrounding Forest Existing footpath/link context. The brief for the landscape design has been Marriot’s Way refined in collaboration with the client and design team.

Context Located in the county of Norfolk, the 27.8 acre site (area within the application boundary) is located in the Conifer forest with dry and wet heathland. northern part of the Village of Horsford. The Royal Norwich Golf Club

The nearest city is Norwich, approximately 9km south; Norwich International Airport is 5km to the southeast of the Site; The Royal Norwich Golf Club 7km to the south; Wroxham Broad is 10km to the east and the

Marriot’s Way former Site of Horsford Castle, a Norman castle, 2km to the south. Although these locations are import features Hellesdon of the Site context, they are not directly affiliated to the Application Site. The Site is outside of the airport’s The Royal Norwich Golf Club flight path and has no water bodies that are within the Golf club on the edge of Hellesdon, to the south of site Site or in the Site’s immediate vicinity. The Application Site in Horsford shown in north Norfolk context

Marriots Way - footpath & bridleway

Marriott’s Way provides a green corridor from the heart of Norwich into the countryside along a disused railway.

© COPYRIGHT LIZ LAKE ASSOCIATES Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2015 Licence No.100007196 © Crown cop yright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.0100031673 Project: Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford | Client: David Wilson Homes (Eastern) | Date: October 2016 | Scale: NTS | Status: Final Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 02

INTRODUCTION

Landscape Character The Landscape Character Assessment for the area notes Broadland District Council’s Landscape Character the importance of boundaries in relation to settlements. Assessment map, Figure 3.5 by Chris Blandford To retain the qualities of the character area designers Associates designates the Site’s character as ‘Horford should: ‘Seek to ensure that potential new Woodland Heath Mosaic’ with the East of England developments comprise a fully integrated landscape Landscape Framework classifying the area under and urban design strategy, which is consistent with ‘Forested Estate Sandlands’. From this it can be deduced the local landscape character and screen existing that the forested areas around the Site are of great and potential harsh settlement edges’. Currently the importance to the location. vegetated boundaries are an important feature of the Application Site and as such will be encouraged to thrive and are to be enhanced. The closest area of forest is to the north of the Site named Horsford Forest; a County Wildlife Site (CWS) Views and Topography designated forest. This forest is a conifer forest with The topography of the surrounding area is relatively Holt Road boundary of site. Location of altered junction to Green significant areas of dry and wet heathland and is flat with no significant changes in ground levels, Lane. Flag Cutters property to be retained adjacent to the Site on the opposite side of Green Lane. combined with mature field boundary vegetation the views into the Site are limited. As such only short range views from the Site’s immediate boundary will afford The Greater Norwich Green Infrastructure Delivery views of the proposed dwellings. Plan (July 2009) notes the forest’s importance to Norwich, stating that it ‘has an influence … Views out of the site are limited as the topography of highlighting its importance from the city scale the site is largely flat with a gentle gradient lowering upwards as a recreational resource’. The forest also has from north to south. This currently allows views biodiversity value by supplying habitat for two rare towards Phase 1 of the development. insect species, the Bog Bush Cricket and the Silver- Studded Blue Butterfly, also containing a variety of other flora and fauna. Green Lane showing field boundary on right and Horsford Forest on left Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 03

INTRODUCTION

The Site Vegetation on field boundary to be retained Tree to be retained The Site is currently part of an open arable field with vegetated field hedgerows in the north (identified as Boundary of residential properties H156, H157 and H171 on report P230311-PD-21) that compartmentalise smaller fields. These hedgerows David Wilson Homes Horsford Phase 1 consist of Ilex aquifolium and Crataegus sp and are considered to be of good quality (Category B) by Tim Moya Associates Arboriculturalists and contain a number of trees (also Category B). Trees T152, T153, T154, T155, T160 in these hedges are to be retained and THE SITE hedges are to be felled. For more details refer to Tim Moya Associates ‘Arboricultural Report - Assessment of trees in relation to development for planning purposes’ P230311-PD-21.

Photograph of site from Green Lane looking south across the site Although there are a number of trees surveyed, many of the trees fall outside of the Site boundary and therefore of trees within rear gardens and most properties have The northern boundary fronts onto Green Lane. There are contextual features that are pertinent to the feel of timber fences that adjoin the Application Site. Also is a dense field boundary which is on the boundary the site and will not be altered or damaged owing to located on the eastern side of the Site is an engineering line of the Site and creates a separation between the development. Tree cover, whilst relatively low owing to works which has a vegetated boundary line. Lane and field. On closer inspection this field boundary the sites primary use as an agricultural field enhances vegetation consists of a number of deciduous native screening and shortens views. The southernmost section of the Site borders Phase shrub and tree species as identified in Tim Moya 1 of the Horsford development which is currently Associates Arboricultural Report (P230311-PD-21). Boundaries under construction. This area is proposed to be a Also on the northern boundary are a small number of The boundaries to the Site are largely vegetated. The Public Open Space area that separates the two phases residential properties. These properties have vegetated westernmost boundary consists primarily of the rear of development. The easternmost boundary of the margins that are shared with the Site. This particular gardens to the existing properties on Holt Road, Olive Application Site is an arable field. A post and wire fence boundary includes a number of large trees that will be Crescent and The Shrublands. There are a scattering divides the arable land and defines the boundary. of benefit to the Site design. Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 04

LANDSCAPE DESIGN STRATEGY

The landscape proposals help to contribute to the of movement across the site to surrounding areas, • Establish ecological corridors that traverse the site, quality of the semi-rural character by creating a series including links with surrounding public rights of way enhancing existing boundary vegetation and creating of open spaces and pedestrian networks that enrich the and connections to recreational resources i.e. Local new wildlife linkages. local environment establishing a distinct sense of place. forest. The landscape composition responds to the semi- rural character of the site, providing a transition from rural to • Where space allows implement a robust, visually the built form of Horsford. appealing planting scheme which is both attractive and relates to adjacent character and streetscape. The proposed planting scheme will relate to orientation and hydrology creating a contextually appropriate scheme.

• Use of hard landscaping materials that fit the character of the area and where appropriate are permeable therefore incorporating free draining hard surfacing, reducing surface water run-off. Horsford Forest a local recreational resource

• Incorporate native trees and shrubs (where space permits) to encourage wildlife and enhance the habitat Views of David Wilson Homes Horsford Phase 1 value of the site.

Landscape Design Principles: • Retain and re-use existing topsoil for use on site following construction where appropriate. • Create an integrated landscape scheme which relates to the surrounding rural character whilst having • Ensure that boundaries to the site are given careful its own sense of place. consideration and serve as vegetative buffers. This will follow LCA guidance and serve to create privacy and • Create safe and attractive public spaces with make sure the site has a natural feel. pedestrian routes. Ensure good connectivity and ease Example of Horsford village landscape pattern (Google Earth) Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 05

THE LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS

Proposals Landscape Masterplan The proposed development offers an opportunity to secure recreational benefits for the local community as well as for new residents through the provision of a new framework of public open space which will contribute to the green infrastructure provision within the village. Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 06

THE LANDSCAPE PROPOSAL

The integration of 259 dwellings at the proposed • Green Lane frontage is to be re-enforced with native development within north Horsford is enhanced by the tree planting. This is to include tree species found in sensitive response to the village character and adjacent adjacent Horsford Forest to visually link the Site to its rural landscape and the creation of landscape features context and take on the character of North Horsford. throughout the development. Specifically: This approach ensures that transition from rural to semi-rural is less abrupt and more gradual. Retaining • This scheme will be ‘set’ within its character setting the majority of existing hedges on this boundary is vital by relating to the open fields to the east and forested to screening the Site from this frontage and retaining areas to the north. Views are often restricted or filtered ecological Site features. by proposed and existing trees which is typical of the current location and helps the proposed scheme to fit • ‘The Village Green’ will be pedestrian-friendly and in to the context. The development pattern and layout used for both informal play and active recreation. This Early sketch proposal showing importance and dominance of of the proposal, as developed by Boyer architecture, generous and well overlooked green is to become a • the green link throughout the design process is derived from Horsford village to the south and feature of the Site and an asset to Horsford. This public integrates in an effort to fit the proposals in with the space will be for the community. Creation of small ‘greens’ throughout the development adjacent residential framework. This Site is to connect enhance the village character of the development, with the village to become part of the whole and design • A ‘green link’ that runs north to south through the providing opportunity for primary ‘large’ tree plantings proposals seek to ensure this. Site serves as a vital ecological link through the site, within the built form and informal play space. linking to Horsford Forest. • Working with the drainage strategy created by • Establish a landscaped zone to the eastern Site Richard Jackson Associates to include underground boundary to provide a transition and integration with collection of surplus water. This will ensure water from the surrounding agricultural character. This can also be roads is collected swiftly and held appropriately; water said of the southern boundary, adjacent to Butterfly Mill on driveways permeates through block paving and soft Development. These spaces connect and are to contain landscaped areas contribute to the management of a number of trees of which most will grow to become rainfall. large parkland specimens.

Heathland landscape incorporated into Green Lane boundary Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 07 Native hedgerow and timber post and rail fence

LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

Native hedgerow Street trees Bus Gate on all roads

Tarmac road

Village Green

Central Public PHASE 1 Open Space Trees around Pump station POS Native hedgerow and Sub station

Local Equipped Parkland Local Area for Area for Play trees Play and formal Tree planting to Block paved side roads POS create green link Retained native hedge Existing trees retained Native hedgerow

Heathland planting in POS

POS Entrance to site Street trees on all roads

Tarmac road

Existing tree retained

Block paved side roads

Tree planting Native hedgerow akin to Horsford Forest Native hedgerow

New road junction with revised landscape Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 08

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

The design proposals afford large amounts of open space proposed tree planting using species that are found in The Site’s overall open space provision will accord with for everyone to enjoy. These spaces are multifunctional, Horsford Forest. Furthermore, this area is proposed to Broadland District Council’s Supplementary Planning providing adequate space for recreational games, dog contain pockets of heathland planting of Erica cinerea, Document on Recreation Open Space. walking, exercise, sport, ecological enhancement and Ulex gallii and Calluna vulgaris. This will extend the many other purposes. area of this rare habitat type which at one time covered Norfolk prior to plantation planting. Furthermore, this POS adjacent to phase 1 and on eastern boundary will create habitat for the Silver-Studded1 No. Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Robin Hill' Blue Butterfly 6 No.Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' found locally. This linear strip of soft landscape separates the two 7 No.Dryopteris filix-mas developments by David Wilson Homes (Eastern). Large E 9 No. Abelia x grandiflora 'Francis Mason' 2

Formal POS 7 No.Choisya ternata 'Sundance' Signage to be secured at the entrance in to the houses will flank each side of this space with their A Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet' play space The formal Public OpenAucuba Space japonica is 'Crotonifolia' named as such as it 3 frontages turned to create a dialogue with the proposed D Premium grade turf under grass matting B breaks away from the rural concept of the rest of the Site B A largely grassed area. The space does not have an intended E C Grass matting 'ecosmart' surfacing provides a to deliver a differing character type that is hidden in a safer surface for the play equipment whilst function and as such is to be treated as an informal rural 1 preventing wear. D Pathway by others space that will be the location for a number of parkland secluded area of the development.1 No. ThisMalus 'Golden Hornet'is by no means C style trees such as Oak and Scots Pine. to say that this area is not predominately vegetated, as E Softworks by others

it is, but it is to say that the spaces are slightly straighter POS seeding by others F The eastern edge of this space will have a large native than anywhere else on the Site. This space contains a Local Area of Play for young children that is safe, owing hedgerow that separates the Application Site physically Refer to DWG 1477 A2 04 F but not visually from adjacent farmland. to the perimeter estate railings and hedges that surround the area, and convenient, owing to its position in the POS adjacent to Green Lane development. There are a number of proposed trees This linear section of POS is geographically located as spaced evenly around the perimeter of this area that the closest area of the development to Horsford Forest. shade the area slightly and create formal structure. An A curtilage of soft landscape has been designed into the oak is to become the most dominant tree in the space. Site layout so that houses are set back from Green Lane, Finally flower beds, designed for winter colour and A therefore allowing existing soft landscaping i.e. trees and summer flower surround a circle of hard landscape with hedges to become features of the landscape. The existing benches arranged to be in the sun and at Norleg Race car Orchard Street Coxes seat Orchard Street Tydeman litter bin trees are to be combined with an extensive amount of angles appropriate for conversation.LE43512U 1800mm 1 2 3

Images are an indicative representation, colours and specification subject to change Playspace Layout BDW Eastern Counties Horsford Phase 2 - LAP

01604 821 843 www.tclgrp.co.uk Quote Ref. : 12831 Revision : - Scale : 1:100 @A1 Drawn By : A.Marshall Date Drawn : 24/10/2016 Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 09

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

The Village Green The largest of the spaces by area is the Central Public Open Space, which is designed as a traditional village green. This space comprises of elements found at traditional village greens in the east of England and is E D Signage to be secured at the entrance in to the intended to be used in precisely the traditional fashion, A +0.75m play space as a meeting place and recreational asset. The space is C 2 Premium grade turf to mounding and under B defined by a row of Lime trees that are evenly spaced grass matting around the perimeter of this POS in combination with D+0.75m Grass matting 'ecosmart' surfacing provides a 4 C timber bollards that will create a barrier to vehicles but 5 safer surface for the play equipment whilst 6 preventing wear. will be permeable to pedestrians. The western edge of D Mounding works to various heights created using spoil generated on site. Additional the space is to be planted with trees for ecological value +1.50m F suitable fill and topsoil by others if required. D Proposed tree's by others and creates a substantial section of the north to south 7 E ecological green link. The final element of this POS 1 is the Local Equipped Area of Play designed as a space F POS seeding by others B 3 of imagination and fun for all children in Horsford. The design combines natural and purpose built play equipment. This transpires in design terms into a play area surrounded by mounding with tree planting and boulders in suitable positions that also contains slides, A balancing equipment and climbing nets that encourage E children to use differing skills as they play. Encircling individual play equipment pieces will be rubber matting combined with grass that will make fall zones safe but +0.75m will remain in character with the natural feel of the D space. Benches and bins are also provided within this amenity area.

Norleg 1.25-1.5m Stainless steel Norleg Angled balance beam Sik Holz Bee Colony springer Norleg Horizontal net Norleg Robinia stepping stilts embankment slide 50cm wide with platform LE20530U 1.36 LE20904U LE20538U LE21112U/LE21086 6 Orchard Street Coxes seat 1800mm 1 2 3 4 5

7 Orchard Street Tydeman litter bin

Images are an indicative representation, colours and specification subject to change Playspace Layout BDW Eastern Counties Horsford Phase 2 - LEAP

01604 821 843 www.tclgrp.co.uk Quote Ref. : 12831 Revision : - Scale : 1:100 @A1 Drawn By : A.Marshall Date Drawn : 24/10/2016 Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 10

CHARACTER AREAS

The design proposals for the Application Site see the Primary street Countryside edge Site split into character areas. Whilst ensuring that a cohesive design is created, it is important that there is 8 variety in the street scene which translates in design 6 terms into having different features, material colours 1 5 and plants on selected road types. The character areas 2 4 are designed in such a way that they will flow into one 1 another and there will be no breaks in continuity. 3 2 4 7 Primary street 3 Design principles to be used on the main (type 2) roads that run through the centre of the site. 1 Tarmac surfaced road 5 Estate railing 0.9m high 1 ‘Autumn Gold’ colour permeable 4 Planting at base of house 2 Tarmac surfaced footpath 6 Low hedges behind railing block paving road and driveway 3 ‘Silver Haze’ colour permeable 7 Planting 2 Lawn Public Open Space boundary block paving driveway 8 Tree planting on street scene 3 Copses of proposed tree planting Design principles to be used around the central POS. 4 Lawn where space permits

Public Open Space boundary Side streets Countryside edge 4

Design principles to be used on side streets and private 7 3 8 9 2 1 5 driveways that are adjacent to areas of open space, this 4 1 3 also contains some parking areas. 5

Side streets 2 Design principles to be used on secondary (type 6) 6 roads, this includes some parking areas. 9 4

1 Tarmac surfaced road 5 Estate railing 0.9m high 1 ‘Silver Haze’ block paving road 4 Planting 2 Tarmac surfaced footpath 6 Timber bollards around POS 2 ‘Silver Haze’ colour permeable 5 Lawn where space permits 3 ‘Silver Haze’ colour permeable 7 Low hedges behind railing block paving driveway block paving driveway 8 Planting 3 Low hedges 4 Lawn (public or private) 9 Tree lined roads Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 11

PLANTING PALETTE

To reflect the character of the site and the surrounding Hedging to the front of properties will be used Tree species: area through tree planting, while providing a strong extensively. All hedge plants are evergreen and will Acer campestre ‘Elegant’ identity to the development, the planting palette be used to define the boundaries of properties, thus Amelanchier lamarckii comprises of a range of plants suitable to the location, creating defensible space from the street scene. Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Robin Hill’ expected climate, soil conditions and aspect. Betula pendula ‘Tristis’ The majority of plants proposed on the scheme are to Carpinus betulus A range of tree species are proposed for the Horsford Site. be shrubs. This shrub based plant palette will provide Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ It was felt that above all other elements of the landscape, it summer flower colour and winter structure and will Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck will be the trees that unite this site with its context, create be largely evergreen. A plant palette of this nature will Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ structure and add longevity to the proposals. The range of create a vegetated setting to all properties. A smaller Pinus sylvestris trees will be extensive and appropriate to the contextual amount of herbaceous species, ferns and grasses will Prunus padus ‘Albertii’ tree palette. Some varieties of tree have been selected for complete the palette and will ensure that seasonality is Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ their suitability to survive in the street scene. All trees are not a forgotten element of this planting design. Quercus robur to be planted in soft landscaped areas and collectively Sorbus aucuparia ‘Aspleniifolia’ the network of trees will help to establish green corridors Finally, bulbs are to be planted at important nodes on Tilia cordata ‘Rancho’ through the Site of benefit to wildlife. site. The only bulb species to be used will be Narcissus pseudonarcissus, a wild variety of daffodil. Shrub & Herbaceous species (beneficial to wildlife): Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ Hebe ‘Great Orme’ Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ Pyracantha ‘Sappho Yellow’ Rosa ‘Fru Dagmar Hastrup’ Skimmia japonica ‘Kew White’ Anemone hupehensis ‘September Charm’ Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’ Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Quecus robur Pinus sylvestris Polypodium vulgare Pyracantha ‘Sappho Yellow’ Polypodium vulgare Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 12

BOUNDARY TREATMENTS

Boundary treatments are an important consideration The Site boundary to the south is to be less understated with regards to the Application Site. The thresholds and the threshold of the Site is to merge into the with the context must be treated dutifully and have Butterfly Mill development by way of extensively been designed to respect the adjacent land. This aligns grassed areas with pedestrian and bus links. The line with The Landscape Character Assessment for the area of sight between the two development phases is to be which notes the importance of boundaries in relation to filtered owing to extensive tree planting, however this settlements. To retain the qualities of the character area will be an entirely permeable boundary. designers should: ‘Seek to ensure that potential new developments comprise a fully integrated landscape Boundaries to the east and west of the Site are similar Example of proposed native hedgerow and urban design strategy, which is consistent with in their nature. These boundaries are to see extensive the local landscape character and screen existing and and tall native hedgerow planting to a height of potential harsh settlement edges’. Analysis of the local approximately 2m tall when planted. These areas are area provides evidence of vegetated boundaries, mainly indicated on the masterplan. The existing boundary used as field boundaries. treatments to the rear of properties on the west side of the Site are to remain in place and are not to be Currently the existing vegetated boundaries are an replaced. The native hedgerow will be placed adjacent important feature of the Application Site and as such to the Site boundary on this side of the site, serving as a will be encouraged to thrive and are to be safeguarded native corridor for animals and for screening purposes. Example of proposed timber post and rail fence on east boundary and enhanced where they are indicated to be retained The western boundary adjacent to the agricultural (shown in Tim Moya Associates ‘Arboricultural Report farmland is also to be planted with a linear native - Assessment of trees in relation to development for hedgerow in combination with a timber post and rail planning purposes’ P230311-PD-21). Existing hedge which will mark the site boundary line. boundaries are to be retained as much as possible on the boundary of the site to Green Lane. The Landscape Management Plan submitted by Liz Lake Associates outlines specific management regimes that will promote the health of the existing hedgerow. Green Lane showing retained field boundary on right Land to the east of Holt Road, Horsford - Landscape Strategy 13

CONCLUSION

Landscape Management Strategy The long-term maintenance / management of the landscape will be covered in a detailed management plan which has been provided as part of the planning application to Broadland District Council.

Overall the scheme responds positively to the surrounding semi-rural character and environment. The sensitive integration of the scheme, using plants of local origin and where possible, retaining and enhancing important views both from, within and surrounding the Site promotes a smooth transition from the agricultural hinterland to the built form on the edge of the village of Horsford. Stansted Office | Unit 1, The Exchange, 9 Station Road | Stansted Mountfitchet| CM24 8BE | t: 01279 647 044 Bristol Office | 1 Host Street | Bristol | BS1 5BU | t: 01179 271 786 Nottingham Office | 49 Stoney Street | Nottingham | NG1 1LX | t: 01157 843 566 w: lizlake.com e: [email protected]