Portfolio - Our Work - ACD ENVIRONMENTAL

Our Portfolio

TWO GATE LANE

Overton

Our arboriculture, ecology and landscape architectural departments were originally instructed to prepare public exhibition material alongside appropriate documents and drawings in support of a planning application, as well as work for the subsequent S278 applications that followed. This included tree survey, tree protection plan, combined arboricultural impact assessment and arboricultural method statement (all in line with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations), biodiversity impact calculator report, habitat metric, habitat management and monitoring report, Ecology Impact Assessment, landscape masterplan, detailed hard and soft landscape proposals, multi-functional green space plan, and landscape specification document.

Following installation ACD Environmental were subsequently instructed to undertake post installation site visits and inspections and CAVAT Assessments and worked closely with Hampshire County Highways to achieve a successful agreement. CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees) is an assessment model originally created by the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) which aims to provide a fiscal value to trees which can then subsequently be used as mitigation for the removals within Council owned land. The use of CAVAT is becoming increasingly common in planning process, especially as part of county Section 278 agreements, and can be seen within many local planning policies.

FOREST ROAD

Warfield

This project included a multi-disciplinary instruction for our arboricultural, ecological and landscape architectural departments. Our instruction included tree survey, tree protection plan, combined arboricultural impact assessment and arboricultural method statement, Ecological Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Enhancement Report, Biodiversity Metric, landscape masterplan, detailed hard and soft landscape proposals, a landscape specification and landscape management plan.

The site has a unique set of arboricultural constraints which involved close collaboration between our arboricultural team consulting and working alongside the tree officer to provide bespoke solutions, including specific arboricultural technical notes and bespoke surfacing solutions. Our instruction has continued into the construction period with attendance to on-going arboricultural monitoring throughout the duration of the development conditioned at approval. All monitoring visits are undertaken in accordance with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations. Findings are reported back to the client following the site visit with a clear summary provided outlining any urgent or recommended actions and our arboricultural team remain contactable to deal with issues as they arise in real time.

HEADLEY COURT

Epsom

An interesting project in a former Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey. The site included Listed Buildings alongside more modern, temporary Ministry of Defence (MOD) buildings and infrastructure. The grounds included formal parkland and gardens, which had been left in an unmanaged state whilst retaining the structure that originally existed.

Our multi-disciplinary team which included our team of arboriculturist, ecologists and landscape architects were instructed to undertake a full suite of surveys including tree surveys (in line with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations) and specific technical notes relating to Ancient Woodland, ecology surveys including the full suite of bat, reptile, and grassland surveys, recording of original garden features worthy of retention and a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment was undertaken to assess the likely change in use, potential impact of the removal of temporary MOD buildings and additional residential housing within the wider grounds of Headley Court. This was also supported by further landscape masterplans, public consultation material, and sectional elevations to support an Outline Application.

WATERS EDGE

Mytchett

This site was a brownfield redevelopment of a former sports club which had declined over the years and offered potential residential opportunities. In consultation with the local planning authority this site and its redevelopment was deemed to have potential impacts on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA). As such, to relieve any potential amenity pressures a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) needed to be included as part of the overall redevelopment. Working alongside the local planning authority, Natural England and the SANG adopting party the SANG was developed and approved.

We were instructed to prepare a full suite of ecology surveys including input into the Environmental Statement, botanical/ BIC reports, reptiles and badger surveys, alongside specific maintenance strategies for protected species. Our arboricultural work included both tree and woodland reports (in line with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations) and arboricultural technical notes. Our landscape architects then coordinated the various disciplines and stakeholders to prepare a sensitive landscape package which not only delivered a SANG but also a high-quality environment which utilised existing landscape features. The proposals included attractive vistas over lakes and walking routes for residents and the wider community.

STRATTON BUSINESS PARK

Biggleswade

A commercial project in the heart of Bedfordshire in which ACD Environmental was instructed to provide arboricultural, ecological and landscape architectural surveys, consultancy and design services. We worked alongside the wider design team to deliver the allocation phases and then to support further phases through the planning process. Our remit included tree surveys, arboricultural method statement, tree protection plans (all in line with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations), Ecological Impact Assessments and a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (in line with GLVIA3) which formed chapters within the Environmental Impact Assessment for both phases 2 and 3. The ecological constraints included a badger population and ground nesting birds (skylarks) which required specific mitigation measures.

Part of the remit included biodiversity net gain, looking at the baseline conditions, using the metric and working with the design team to provide appropriate landscape and biodiversity features to ensure a net gain. This included bespoke design of the on-site attenuation features to provide a multi-functional drainage facility that considered biodiversity enhancements, alongside ecological and landscape visual mitigation. To support the various applications our remit also included landscape masterplanning and sectional elevations.

GREENHAM ROAD

Newbury

Originally instructed to prepare an arboricultural and landscape architectural package to support a Reserved Matters application including landscape management and maintenance plans, and an arboricultural method statement (both based on third party data and information).

Following production of our arboricultural package of works, ACD Environmental were further instructed to undertake arboricultural monitoring visits during the construction period with bi-monthly attendance carried out to ensure the ongoing suitability of tree protection measures and vitality of the trees on site, ensuring that any elements requiring remediation are quickly identified to the client and site staff.

WEYBURN WORKS

Elstead

The redevelopment of a former commercial site which constituted brownfield development in Greenbelt, within the Surrey Hills Natural Landscape and that could have a potential amenity impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA). The project included both residential development, a care home and a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). ACD Environmental was instructed to assist with both the clearance of post-planning conditions and site supervisory roles. Our remit was to ensure that existing arboricultural, ecological and landscape features were protected and enhanced and that the site delivered a high-quality SANG for residents and the local population to use.

The existing woodland and Public Rights of Way were retained and enhanced including additional native planting, and a new circular walking routes which had links to the new residential development. The site was bound to the north by the River Wey along which a new wetland meadow was created and included raised boardwalks that retained existing habitats and provided a circular walking route. We provided a full suite of landscape architectural design services including SANG masterplanning, detailed landscape proposals, construction details and interpretation/ information board design. We continued to have an involvement in the project during construction works offering Ecological Clerk of Works services and European Protected Species monitoring. Post development we continued to undertake audits to ensure that the landscape and biodiversity features had not only been installed in line with the approved landscape proposals but that the maintenance of such features was being undertaken correctly.

ST MARY’S AND ST PETER’S SCHOOL

Marlborough

ACD Environmental provided ecological inputs in relation to works to build a new primary school. A strategy to retain opportunities for roosting bats in relation to a historical common pipistrelle bat roost was provided comprising five bat boxes integrated within the masonry and mounted on external walls to the new school. The grounds were found to support a population of reptiles and translocation works were carried out to an agreed off-site receptor site at Southwick Country Park, which was enhanced through log piles/ hibernacula. Reptile fencing was installed, and a sensitive vegetation clearance followed by a soil scrape was carried out under supervision by ecologists. A total of 311 slow worms and two grass snakes were found by the ecologists and translocated to this receptor site.

The project provides an example of a solution-focused approach and the successful implementation of bespoke mitigation strategies. ACD Environmental were subsequently invited by the developer to deliver a presentation where this site was used as a case study.

WHITEHOUSE FARM

Chichester

Originally an active arable farm with mature native hedgerows, hedgerow trees, a stream, naturally damp areas, the site was allocated through the local plan process to be built out in two phases. Permission was granted for development including residential, a local centre (including community buildings and play areas), a primary school, areas of formal open space, incidental open space and a Suitable Alternative Greenspace (SANG) to relieve potential amenity pressures on the Chichester Harbour Special Area of Protection (SPA).

ACD Environmental was instructed initially to provide arboricultural and landscape architectural services. This included tree surveys (in line with BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations) and landscape masterplanning. Our remit evolved as the project did to provide detailed and bespoke designs for the various elements throughout the planning process. Our original work and subsequent instructions were then novated over to the various consortium contractors who continued to use our consultancy services to provide landscape architectural Clerk of Works services and to assist with Requests for Information during the construction process. Post construction, we undertook several post-installation audits highlighting areas which do not comply with the approved landscape proposals or ongoing maintenance strategies associated with the SANG.

LAND AT GREENHILL LANE

Hallow

ACD Environmental was asked to provide landscape architectural services for this project which included the production of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment in line with GLVIA 3 and current character studies, green infrastructure strategy document, open space design, play area design and a bespoke detailed soft landscape design which responded to local plan requirement and reflected local landscape features and elements. ACD Environmental also participated in the well attended public consultation event and included supporting material for presentation as well as attendance to answer landscape related questions.

The scheme consisted of permanent pastureland that had been allocated through the local plan process, a Public Right of Way, boundary hedgerows with mature trees all overlooked by existing residential properties. Although allocated, the site was sensitive due to the proximity of local amenities and adjacent properties. Our team of landscape architects worked with the project design team, local planning authority and community to prepare a scheme which was sensitively designed whilst also meeting client requirements.

LAND NORTH OF CLAYDON MILLS

Hassocks

ACD Environmental was originally instructed to provide arboricultural and landscape architectural surveying, consultation and design services to support a post-planning submission. Our instruction included the production of a tree survey report, liaison and consultation with the design team to discuss the emerging layout and arboricultural, landscape architectural and amenity opportunities. We then provided additional technical information including tree protection plans, combined arboricultural impact assessments and method statements, landscape masterplan, fully detailed hard and soft landscape proposals, specific details for the open spaces, and multiple play area proposals including informal trim trails, formal Local Area of Play (LAP) and Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP). We also provided landscape architectural input into the Design and Access Statement, working alongside the wider design team to contribute to the overall document.

The bespoke open space design included the creation of educational spaces which were prepared in coordination with the local school and included a pick-up/drop-off space that formed part of the main entrance into the site. The wider open spaces included community orchards, areas of edible planting, community growing spaces and community activity areas to host events such as apple days, picnics, small local festivals, and storytelling events, A network of sustainable drainage systems intertwined the open spaces and contributed towards the visual amenity, naturalistic appearance, and biodiversity. Specific habitats have been created including new woodland and scrub planting to provide mitigation and enhancement for a local dormouse population. Along with strategically located native buffer planting along the site boundaries as required by the South Downs Authority. Connectivity was an important consideration throughout the design process, including amenity connections with the existing community and new residents, physical connections with existing the existing bridleway and cycle path and vegetation connections through the centre of the site.

BASINGSTOKE GOLF COURSE

Basingstoke

Formerly Basingstoke Golf Course, this site was allocated in the Local Plan for 1,000 residential dwellings. ACD Environmental has a long history with this site providing coordinated arboricultural and landscape architectural services, initially asked to provide a tree survey, arboricultural impact assessment and to undertake a veteran tree identification, our instruction evolved to provide tree protection details, tree buffer plans, arboricultural impact assessments specific to S278 works, tree strategy plans and technical notes. Our arboricultural team worked alongside the wider design team to provide technical advice associated with building adjacent to veteran trees and ancient woodland. Our ongoing works include a CAVAT report (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees) which assigns values of trees and the contribution that they make to the development. CAVAT assessments calculate a unit value for each square centimetre of tree stem, and by extrapolation forms the average cost of a range of newly planted trees. This basic value can be adjusted to reflect the degree of benefit that the tree provides to the local population.

Our landscape architectural team had an active involvement in the core design team, working alongside the project architects, engineers and planning team to provide bespoke landscape solutions to complex changes in levels, environmental constraints and interesting amenity opportunities. We were pleased to offer strategic landscape masterplans, specific details for entrances, open space and play area design. Our team of CGI and graphic designers provided bespoke presentation material to support the planning process providing information for both public consultation and the various planning applications.