Upper Hockenden Farm,
Business Park Development
ARBORICULTURE, ECOLOGY & LANDSCAPE
Client
Bemkat Holdings Ltd
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Project Type
Senior Living
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Location
Swanley
Status
Construction ​
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TMA was commissioned to produce a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) for a proposed development of business units, including warehouses, offices, car parking, and associated landscape works and access routes, on a previously developed site partially within the Green Belt. The site falls within an area identified as ‘grey belt’ in the local Green Belt assessment, which allows for limited development.
Project Overview ​
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Our work aimed to maximise the site’s potential while protecting landscape character and minimising visual impact. The development included larger units, carefully positioned and scaled to respond to the site’s topography and existing features.
Mitigation measures were integrated from the start. Mature trees were retained wherever possible. Boundaries were enhanced through planting and mounding. Building materials and forms were selected to complement the existing landscape, and access routes and associated landscape works were designed to integrate seamlessly with the site.
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Our Approach ​
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We adopted a landscape-led approach, working closely with the design team to refine proposals iteratively. By considering landscape character, visual receptors, and site features, we guided the design to meet the client’s requirements while ensuring environmental sensitivity.
Challenges​
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The project faced several challenges, including delivering significant development within a Green Belt context and minimising visual impacts on surrounding areas. Balancing development objectives with landscape and environmental constraints was critical, as was ensuring the integration of buildings and landscape works with existing site features.
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Outcomes
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The development is fully integrated into the surrounding landscape, maximising the use of the site while protecting visual amenity. The design respects the Green Belt designation and incorporates effective mitigation measures that enhance the site’s natural character. Planning applications were supported by a robust LVA and design-led solutions, ensuring sustainable and sensitive development.
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Services Provided
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Multidisciplinary input: Arboriculture, Landscape
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Landscape Visual Appraisal
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Green Belt Assessment
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Landscape Mitigation Plan
< Bemkat Holdings Ltd​