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16March2011
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Retirement Care Village, Cranham

Projects

Client: Oakdene Investments Ltd
Planning consultant: Boyer Planning

Brief
Responding to a need for care facilities in Havering, our client (in partnership with English Care Villages Ltd) identified a site on the edge of Cranham that has the potential to accommodate a new retirement care village. Our brief was to undertake a feasibility study of the site and, following the decision to proceed with an outline application, to prepare assessments and proposals to accompany the application.

Approach
Our initial assessment identified the key landscape and ecological issues associated with the site. The retention of mature oak trees on the site boundary will create a mature setting for the development and the client's ownership of adjacent land provides an opportunity to allow public access as part of the Thames Chase Community Forest initiative. The proposal is for a mix of recreational use and management for ecological enhancement.

As well as providing a landscape and visual impact assessment and an ecological assessment to accompany the outline application, we developed a landscape strategy for the Care Village and an Ecological Management Strategy and Outline Management Plan for the 11ha community park.

Outcome
The site lies within the Green Belt and Havering Borough Council initially refused the application. A revised application has been submitted which aims to address the concerns identified by the council and a decision is awaited.

Last Updated on Jun022011

Approach

We are Landscape Architects and our approach is an holistic one. From the outset we come with a fresh vision, take a broad view to assess the context and challenges, look for local inspiration, propose creative solutions and devise a strategic approach. At all times we are mindful of the financial, and sometimes also the emotional, investment of the client.