MALLARDS Buckler’s Hard, Hampshire DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT Landscape MALLARDS, BEAULIEU RIVER, HAMPSHIRE COAST Landscape CONTENTS 6.11 Enrichment of biodiversity .............................................................................................................................................. 8 6.12 Long-term strategy for maintenance and management ................................................................................................... 8 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................ 1 7.0 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................. 8 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Summary ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 LOCATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2 3.0 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 2 3.1 Regional context .............................................................................................................................................................. 2 3.2 Local context ................................................................................................................................................................... 2 3.3 Geology and soils, hydrology .......................................................................................................................................... 3 3.4 Biodiversity ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3.5 Climate ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3 3.6 Landscape Structure ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 4.0 SITE ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 4.1 General character ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 4.2 Area and dimensions ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 4.3 Topographical analysis .................................................................................................................................................... 4 4.4 Access ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 4.5 Vegetation analysis .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 4.6 Visual Analysis ................................................................................................................................................................ 5 4.7 Site opportunities ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 5.0 DEVELOPMENT RATIONALE ..................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1 Brief ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 5.2 Current state of site ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.3 Local Authority and Statutory Body involvement .......................................................................................................... 6 5.4 Design Generators .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.5 Ecology ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6 6.0 LANDSCAPING ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 6.1 Key objectives. ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 6.2 Character of place and its enhancement. ........................................................................................................................ 7 6.3 Fit with surroundings. ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 6.4 Relationship between buildings and spaces. ................................................................................................................... 7 6.5 Rationale for aspect, access, relation to levels, existing buildings, infrastructure. ........................................................... 7 6.6 Relationship to natural features, vegetation. ................................................................................................................... 7 6.7 Relationship to indoor spaces. ........................................................................................................................................ 7 6.8 Relationship to infrastructure. ......................................................................................................................................... 7 6.9 Materials .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 6.10 Lighting ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8 0 Balston Agius, Long Barn, Manor Farm Lane, Patney, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3RB 01380 848181 [email protected] www.balstonagius.co.uk MALLARDS, BEAULIEU RIVER, HAMPSHIRE COAST Landscape 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Introduction Located on the west bank of the Beaulieu River flowing through the New Forest to the Solent, Mallards is a wonderful 17.5 acre tree-clad site with huge ecological and horticultural potential. The proposed classical house, which replaces an existing building, has great distinction. Together, house and site will make a huge architectural, ecological and horticultural contribution to the area. 1.2 Summary The New Forest is an exceptionally important natural environment. The southern area has a complex but young geology which is low-lying and cut by several small rivers flowing into the Solent. These are tidal at their seaward end supporting a rich and diverse ecology which are designated part of the North Solent SSSI. It has a generally mild climate. Access to Mallards is via Bucklers Hard Road and Plover Drive to the north-west. The site is approximately rectangular and has a slight slope from west down to the river at the east. Once an oak wood it is now greatly diversified with 19th and 20th century introductions. There is a moderately full tree canopy with a strong underplanting of evergreen shrubs including an abundance of Rhododendron ponticum which should be removed. Dominated by trees and shrubs, views into the site are not really achievable, either from Plovers Drive, or from the Beaulieu River. Apart from the reorganization of the building fabric, there is a necessity for the inventive management of the abundant water flowing through the site to encourage and enrich the potential wildlife. There is also a major opportunity to promote the native woodland as well as develop an exciting horticulture. The brief develops these ideas to create a coherent strategy for planning, construction, planting and management. Landscaping proposals will create a suitable setting for the replacement building, the Walled Garden and the Service buildings within the context of the existing topography, hydrology and vegetation. The existing woodland will largely be retained and properly managed. The character of the place will be enhanced and buildings will be located to fit well together and with surrounding properties, trees, woodland and water. Spaces are carefully considered and will be a prime generator with a close fit between internal and external areas. Materials will be high quality and