Gateway to Purley
ARBORICULTIRE - ECOLOGY - LANDSCAPE
Client
Regent Land & Developments, Vfund
Status
Planning approved
Location
Putney, London
TMA Environmental Consultants were appointed at RIBA Stage 2 to join the design team for this significant residential development in Purley. Acting as Landscape Architects, Arboricultural Consultants, and Ecologists, we developed a comprehensive landscape strategy to support a planning application for 238 residential units, 125 Network Rail car parking spaces, and ground-floor commercial uses. Our focus was to deliver a landscape-led design that enhanced ecological value, reinforced local character, and provided high-quality outdoor spaces for residents.
Project Overview
The public realm along Whytecliffe Road has been carefully reimagined to retain and celebrate existing mature trees, strengthen green infrastructure and incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Informal seating and integrated play elements are woven along key pedestrian routes, encouraging social interaction and supporting everyday use.
Five generous community terraces provide substantial shared amenity space, incorporating natural play and opportunities for social gathering. These are complemented by a series of smaller terraces focused on biodiversity enhancement and the creation of more intimate, tranquil outdoor areas. Ecological improvements form a central component of the scheme, including biodiverse green roofs, wildflower meadow planting along the railway embankment and wildlife-friendly planting throughout the site.
Our Approach
Appointed at an early stage, we collaborated extensively with the multidisciplinary design team and engaged proactively with the Local Planning Authority and Design Review Panel. This early dialogue ensured the evolving proposals aligned with planning expectations while responding to technical and spatial constraints.
Mature trees were retained wherever feasible, with new structural and ornamental planting introduced to enhance habitat value and seasonal interest. Terraced spaces were carefully subdivided into welcoming areas incorporating integrated seating, focal planting and timber pergolas, supporting both communal activity and quieter reflection. Natural play was a key design driver, with an inclusive strategy encouraging exploration and connection with nature for children of all ages and abilities, exceeding GLA Population Yield Calculator requirements.
Services
Challenges
The site required careful coordination between play provision, Urban Greening Factor calculations, ecological enhancements and existing tree retention. Safe and legible circulation was prioritised, clearly defining pedestrian routes while accommodating vehicular movement. Proximity to the operational railway introduced additional constraints, addressed through layered and resilient planting design to provide appropriate screening.
Outcomes
The resulting landscape strategy successfully integrates biodiversity, amenity and circulation within a cohesive framework. It demonstrates how a landscape-led approach can reconcile technical, ecological and social objectives within a high-density residential development, delivering long-term environmental and community value.
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Services Provided
RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 3
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Multidisciplinary input: Ecology, Arboriculture, Landscape
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Extensive Pre-application and Design Review Panel engagement
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Urban Greening Factor & Ecological Enhancement Scheme
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3D visualisations and illustrative sections (Year 1, 5, 15, and winter)
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Play strategy and provision calculations
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Maintenance and management strategy
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Arboricultural Survey and Arboricultural Impact Assessment
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Survey and Report
