LOCAL GUIDANCE NOTE NO 7 Landscape and Development his is one of a series of local planning guidance notes amplifying development plan proposals in a clear and concise format with the objective of improving Tdesign standards. In assessing planning applications both the design of buildings and their external environment and landscape are taken into account, and on many developments, the requirement to provide a landscape scheme to the Council's approval and to subsequently implement and maintain the scheme is a condition of planning permission. The note will form a material consideration in the determination of all relevant planning applications.

It is intended that this general guidance will clarify landscape information requirements and help applicants to have a better understanding of landscape issues. As these guidelines cannot cover all situations, applicants and agents are encouraged to discuss proposals with the landscape officer prior to the formal submission of an application. Information sheets are also available on a range of landscape topics. For larger or more complex sites, applicants are advised to employ a professionally qualified landscape specialist from the outset.

General considerations Careful and early consideration of design issues, and the provision of adequate landscape information, as described in this leaflet, can help to avoid costly delays at a later stage. In assessing the landscape implications of planning applications the site context, proposed layout, future uses and maintenance all need to be taken into This leaflet is account. 7available in There is a diverse landscape character and settlement pattern within the County alternative formats Borough, with rural landscapes of particularly high quality or special historic landscape interest designated as Special Landscape Areas in Wrexham's Unitary Development Plan. In these areas it is especially important for any development to fit in with its surroundings. Planning officers can advise applicants on appropriate and acceptable solutions for any rural or urban situation before an application is submitted.

LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPMENT LOCAL PLANNING GUIDANCE NOTE NO 7

Example of site survey detail Site Survey Key - Existing landscape TP A detailed survey should be carried out before the N design of any building or landscape is begun, Poplar noting: 10 Contours in Ash O Context (e.g. adjacent , orientation of metres the site, boundary trees, views)

Tree O Soil type (e.g. clay, sandy, acid) or other surface material Shrubs Hazel, Oak Hawthorn, O Topography (ground levels, often shown as Hedge Blackthorn contours or spot heights) TP Grass O Drainage, natural and/or artificial LP Telegraph pole LP O Services (e.g. public sewer, electricity, Lamppost gas, etc.)

Post and rail O Other significant factors (e.g. features of MH Holly nature conservation or archaeological interest) fence Not to scale MH O Planning designations (e.g. Tree Preservation Orders, Special Landscape Areas, Wildlife Sites)

Landscape information required for planning applications Outline application Detailed application / Reserved matters Landscape issues must be regarded as an integral part of / Landscape conditions attached to the development process, with consideration given to the planning approval form and use of all spaces from the earliest stage. The factors listed below should be considered at any early stage Information provided should include where appropriate: by the applicant, so that information which would be helpful in assessing whether the proposal is acceptable in principle O Survey information (a separate drawing is helpful) can be identified, as well as those matters of detail which can O Details of proposed boundary treatments, including be ‘reserved’ for a further planning application. materials, height, location

O Existing boundaries O Existing and proposed levels, including information on any surplus materials to be taken off site, or fill material to O The position of existing trees and whether they are to be be imported. retained or removed O Existing trees and other soft landscape features to be O The intended uses and treatment of the external spaces retained, and methods of protection during . O The location of screening factors e.g. buildings, trees etc, O Details of all existing and proposed hard landscape within or outside the site materials, and their location O The location of other structures O Species, numbers (or planting density), distribution and sizes of proposed new planting and mixes for grass and O Any intended changes in landform wildflora seeding O The position and general type of planting O The location of any existing or proposed underground or Some types of development would benefit from a Design overhead services which could affect existing or Statement, while a detailed landscape and visual assessment proposed planting may be needed for particularly prominent development proposals. Major proposals may be subject to formal O Any areas which are required for adoption by the Council. Environmental impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. Developers should refer to other planning guidelines for Planning officers can advise on when these are needed, and standards of public open space provision in new housing at what stage. schemes

Design Statements A Design Statement for more complex sites, should include a site analysis, set out the design principles, justify the design solution, and show how it responds to the wider context as well as the characteristics of the site. The format and level of detail required will depend on the scale and likely impact of the development, but written material would not normally exceed two sides of A4. Plans and diagrams can be included where helpful. Preparation of a Design Statement may help to reduce delays in processing applications.

LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPMENT LOCAL PLANNING GUIDANCE NOTE NO 7 Example of site layout details Key - Proposed landscape N TP 10 Existing contours in metres Post and rail fence

Embankment (1 in 3 slope) Gate

Tree to be removed Paving slabs House Protective fencing for Steps up FFL 10.5 existing trees during construction Building

Existing shrubs to be FFL 10.5 Finished floor retained level

New trees LP New shrub planting

New hedging Not to scale Grass

Hard landscape Soft landscape Landscape plans This includes all hard surfaces to be This refers to all vegetation which is to be Drawings showing landscape, whether retained or formed within the site retained or planted within the site existing or proposed, should be clearly including paved areas, car park surfaces, steps, walls, fences, roads, including areas of grass, as well as to legible whether drawn by hand or with the paths, seating, lighting and other watercourses, ditches, ponds and use of computers. Information can be features. There is a wide variety of wetlands. Some areas of existing soft separated onto different sheets if natural and manufactured materials landscape may be of nature conservation necessary for clarity. For sites which available and advice can be provided interest and some may contain protected include changes of level, cross sections on which are most appropriate for the species under the Wildlife and are useful, and for some schemes purpose intended, and in character Countryside Act. Advice is available from illustrations may also be helpful. The with the local landscape. As a the Council's Ecologist if required. scale of the drawings should be adequate general rule, simple design using a for the purpose e.g. I:100 or 1:50 for limited range of good quality and detailed landscape schemes. A north robust materials looks better and point and key to any symbols used on the works better. Re-use or retention of drawings should be included. existing original materials is encouraged, such as railings and brick or stone which contribute to Related information local rural or urban landscape character. available from the Hard landscape design should Planning Department: always take the needs of the disabled into account, as well as Local Planning Guidance Notes: security and safety for all users. No.10 Public Open Space in New Housing Certain plants will be more suited to the Development, physical conditions of the site and to the No. 17 local landscape character than others. As Trees and Development a general rule, locally native species are preferable for countryside boundaries and No. 19 for large scale planting. It is also Wrexham Town Character Areas recommended that large tree species which will make a long-term contribution No. 22 to the rural or urban landscape are Sustainable Building included in landscape schemes, where space permits. Advice on existing trees No. 26 and on new tree planting can be provided Landscape and Industrial by the Council's Tree Officer or Development Landscape Officer. LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPMENT LOCAL PLANNING GUIDANCE NOTE NO 7

Implementation of the approved scheme as it is essential design topics such as planting, that sufficient funds are set aside. fencing will be covered by separate approved landscape While costs may often be a small information sheets. proportion of total development costs, schemes Landscape design does not have to the overall success of a scheme can be conventional to be acceptable, and be reliant on the landscape setting. In Where a landscape condition has developers are welcome to discuss some cases enforcement action may been imposed it will usually require a non-standard design solutions before need to be taken if planning scheme to be approved before any submitting an application. work commences. If work is started conditions have not been met. before agreement the planning permission may be invalidated. The Maintenance of Sustainable landscapes condition will state either that the scheme should normally be completed approved landscape The Council welcomes landscape within six months of first use of the schemes design which incorporates principles development, or by the end of the first of sustainability such as an ecological planting season (November to March) Developers must also give concept of landscape, use of local following first use. Works on site must consideration to the future uses of the materials, low energy consumption for comply with the approved plans, and site and the maintenance implications construction and maintenance, approval must be obtained first if of their proposals. Provision may composting, local recycling of water amendments are proposed. need to be made for the following: through surfaces which increase the mowing regimes; hedge cutting, permeability of the ground, and good It is essential that protection is woodland and scrub management; pedestrian links/cycle facilities to provided to any existing landscape watering; pruning; mulching; cleaning reduce car use. features to be retained before any of surfaces; litter removal; repairs. If other work begins on site, and that the Council is to adopt any land a this protection is maintained commuted sum will be required to throughout the construction period. assist in future maintenance and To ensure that the approved scheme management. is implemented satisfactorily the Planning conditions require that an developer is advised, particularly on approved landscape scheme is larger sites, to select a reputable maintained for a minimum period of 5 landscape contractor and to retain the years with replacement of plants services of a landscape architect or which fail to survive. It is employ a competent person to recommended that a maintenance For further information contact: supervise work on site. In order to plan or schedule is prepared. show how the scheme is to be Chief Planning Officer achieved detailed working drawings Lambpit Street, (not necessarily part of the planning General landscape Wrexham. LL11 1AR. application) may be needed. design advice Telephone: (01978) 292019. Landscape works should not be Fax: (01978) 292502. General design principles, including treated as an afterthought with www.wrexham.gov.uk inadequate time or resources allowed. landscape design, will be covered in a forthcoming Local Planning Guidance It is advised that a cost estimate or Adopted November 2003 tender price is obtained in advance for note on Design. Detailed landscape

LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPMENT