Bolnore Road
ARBORICULTURE, ECOLOGY, LANDSCAPE
Client
Frontier Estates
Project Type
Senior Living
Location
West Sussex
Status
Planning approved​
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Images
Broadway Malyan
TMA Environmental Consultants were appointed as Landscape Architects for a new care home located on the edge of an established residential area. The scheme includes parking, entrance landscaping, communal resident gardens and a dedicated staff garden, with a focus on delivering safe, accessible and functional outdoor spaces that integrate sensitively with the surrounding context.​​
Overview
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The site is defined by mature trees and established boundaries within a constrained suburban plot. The landscape framework provides a principal communal garden, secondary seating areas and a separate staff garden, creating a hierarchy of outdoor spaces for different user needs.
Existing trees were retained wherever possible to maintain structure and screening, with new planting introduced to enhance privacy and ecological value. Clear, legible routes and strong visual connections from internal spaces encourage year-round use and passive supervision.
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Our Approach
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TMA was involved from the pre-application stage, including attendance at Design Review Panels, ensuring landscape design played a key role in mitigating visual impact, protecting boundary trees and increasing biodiversity.
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The gardens were designed in accordance with Stirling University guidance for dementia-friendly landscapes. Circular walking routes support independent movement, while clearly defined spaces and regular seating points encourage engagement and rest. Planting prioritises sensory and seasonal interest, with structural species and climbers adding vertical interest and enclosure.
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Smooth, level paving ensures safe access, and timber features introduce warmth and a domestic character. Orchard planting, bird boxes and meadow areas were integrated to support biodiversity and create a more therapeutic environment.
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Challenges
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Key challenges included managing level changes to achieve step-free access, safeguarding mature trees, and providing effective boundary screening to minimise impact on neighbouring properties. The design also needed to carefully balance safety, visibility and stimulation for vulnerable residents.
Outcome
The completed landscape delivers accessible, secure and engaging garden spaces for residents and staff. Retained trees provide structure and maturity, while new planting strengthens privacy and biodiversity. Features including pergolas, water elements and wildlife areas provide year-round interest, supporting both active and passive use within a cohesive and carefully considered setting.
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​Services Provided
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RIBA Stage 3 – Design Development
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Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture and Ecology
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Pre-application strategy and Design Review Panel attendance
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Landscape Strategy for Planning, including Proposal Plans and Design & Access Statement
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Arboricultural Survey and Arboricultural Impact Assessment
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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Nocturnal Bat Emergence and Re-entry Survey
RIBA Stage 4 – Discharge of Conditions
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Detailed Planting and Hard Landscape Plans
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Landscape Management Plan
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Bat Licence Application
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Clerk of Works
