Policy 27 requires development proposals to include high-quality landscape schemes, protecting existing features and enhancing biodiversity. It applies to all development proposals, with major schemes needing a comprehensive management plan. The council will support proposals that integrate with the local landscape character.
Plain-English summary of the adopted policy text below. The full text is the rule; this is the gist.
The Council will support development proposals that incorporate a detailed and high quality landscape scheme which:
i. Takes full account of the landscape character of the site and its wider setting;
ii. Retains and enhances existing landscape features that contribute positively to the setting and character of the local area;
iii. Demonstrates how existing landscape features will be protected during the construction phase;
iv. Maximises opportunities for greening, through the planting of trees and other soft landscaping;
v. Provides strong boundary treatment that integrates with and is sympathetic to the local landscape character and street scene; and
vi. Supports natural habitats and opportunities for enhancing biodiversity.
All proposals will be required to demonstrate that adequate arrangements have been made for future maintenance and management and major development proposals should be supported by a comprehensive Management Plan.
11.2.1
Landscape refers to the character, design and appearance of all of the spaces between buildings.
High quality landscapes can contribute positively to the streetscape and local character of an area, promote a sense of place, provide visual amenity, enhance security and safety, enhance the sustainability of the development, support natural habits and biodiversity an provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. To ensure that new development both integrates with and enhances its surroundings, it is essential that the design and continued maintenance of the spaces around buildings is given equal consideration to the design of the buildings themselves.
Local Plan 2016-2031 Adopted 2021 London Borough of Havering
11 High Quality Places 11.2.2
Landscape schemes will be required for all development proposals. The level of detail provided as part of the planning application should be commensurate with the size, type and location of the new development and its impact on the local area.
11.2.3
Landscape design should be integrated with the building design from the earliest stage. The scale of the landscape elements within the scheme should be appropriate to the development as a whole.
Landscape elements should be appropriate to the space actually available, and elements should not be forced into areas where they do not fit or are overly crowded. Equally, it is important that landscaped areas are of adequate size and scale to become established as well as allowing space for necessary maintenance to take place.
11.2.4
Landscape schemes should contribute to sense of place and local distinctiveness. Opportunities to enhance the landscape character or appearance of an area through, for example, planting locally native species, harnessing the topographical character of the site and retaining existing landscape features and trees are encouraged.
11.2.5
Areas of the borough with an undistinguished or poorly defined landscape character provide the opportunity to bring forward landscape schemes with their own distinct character which improve the amenity and appearance of the wider area through, for example, the planting of ornamental trees and shrubs and use of high quality contemporary hard landscaping.
11.2.6
It is important to clearly define the boundary between public, private and communal spaces in order to provide clear ownership and responsibility for all open areas around new development and increase privacy and security. Landscaping features should avoid screening areas that would otherwise benefit from natural surveillance. Boundary treatments are particularly important for the integration of new development into the local area, and should be sympathetic to the local landscape character and street scene. Front boundaries should reinforce the prevailing character of the streetscape, especially where a continuous uniform treatment forms a distinctive character. Boundary design should also complement the design materials and techniques used in the overall scheme.
11.2.7
Landscaping schemes should demonstrate a commitment to promoting biodiversity, having regard to Havering's Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Strategy (2014). Wherever possible, the opportunity to create new areas of wildlife habitat should be taken. Biodiversity can be incorporated into development through wildlife-friendly landscapes, careful choice of plant and tree species, installation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and features such as green walls, balconies and roofs, and nesting and roosting spaces. Such measures also contribute to the protection and promotion of habitat links with adjacent areas to extend wildlife corridors as defined in Policy 30.
11.2.8
In situations where development is planned to take place in an area where there are existing trees, particularly where the trees are identified as subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), a site survey and arboricultural method statement will need to be conducted to ensure no harm comes to the roots or crown of the tree during construction. Guidance can be found in the British Standard document BS 5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations) and any future replacement for this standard, on the minimum requirements which need to be adhered to.
11.2.9
A comprehensive management plan will be sought for all major applications including residential, commercial, industrial and mixed use development. The Management Plan should set out the on-going maintenance tasks, the long-term goals of the landscape scheme and how these will be achieved, typically covering the establishment (e.g. first 5 years), maturation (e.g. years 6 to 15) and long-term mature (e.g. year 16 onwards) periods.