Landscape
A landscape and visual impact assessment has been carried out as part of the Environmental Statement.
Existing vegetation
Our plans recognise the importance of the Brecklands Environmentally Sensitive Area and in particular the Pine Lines, which will be retained, protected and enhanced wherever possible. The landscape strategy for Kings Warren focuses on the Pine Lines as the main landscape feature, and as part of our strategy, we will fill in the gaps in these lines with Scots Pine.
The major types of vegetation found on site are Breckland Pine Lines, Hedgerows and Shelter Belts, Woodland and Tree Groups. A full description of tree species can be provided upon request*. There are 3 tree preservation orders (TPO) that relate to the Kings Warren site, TPO No. 360 1974, TPO No. 3 1994 and TPO No. 4 2005
The tree belts form the basis for the public open spaces we have planned for Kings Warren. We will use these as ‘green routes’ through the existing vegetation, creating a sense of space and providing a separation between pedestrian/cyclists and road traffic. By filling in the gaps in the existing tree belts with new planting, we will be helping to strengthen the existing ‘wildlife corridors’ which cross the site and link to the woodland areas beyond.
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Landscape infrastructure
New structural planting will be an important feature of the landscape of Kings Warren and will help to define the spaces of the development. We will also reinforce existing planted boundaries, and new planting along the main access route will help to soften the line of the road.
Our planting strategy for Kings Warren includes species common to the area to ensure vegetation is sustainable and that it will benefit wildlife. We will use a wide variety of plants so that the vegetation in each residential area, or ‘character zone’, compliments the different materials and colours of the buildings. Ornamental planting will be used around house frontages.
Play Areas
Provision for play areas at Kings Warren will be in accordance with the National Playing Fields Association ‘The Six Acre Standard’ (2001 edition), which means there will be the recommended six acres of recreational space per 1,000 people as a minimum, located throughout the development.
Our existing planning permission allows us to also provide a neighbourhood play area adjacent to the playing fields, which will include three football pitches and a cricket square; whilst two local play areas are proposed to the north and south of Kings Warren.
