Landscape Design

Delivering Cane Hill was dependent on defining an approach to address multiple site challenges. Our design responds successfully to key policy constraints including designation as Greenbelt, as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and its importance as an Archeology Priority Zone. The Greenbelt designation, combined with the site’s topography meant that the development was particularly sensitive to views from surrounding areas. A ridge rises steeply to the south of the town centre and runs north to south through the centre of the new development. Along this spine, significant numbers of mature trees and pockets of woodland are protected by a blanket Tree Preservation Order covering over 1000 trees. We responded to this by mapping every tree on site so they could be preserved. .

A landscape first approach at Cane Hill sets the new development within a mature framework of woodland, hedgerows and trees, providing a desirable green neighbourhood from the outset. This ambitious project has created a strong sense of identity that provides new facilities for Coulsdon and opens up access to the Greenbelt. Cane Hill strengthens links to Coulsdon Town Centre and opens up public access to inaccessible farmland with a series of recreational trails that connect to long distance walking routes such as the London Loop and Farthing Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as creating links to Coulsdon South Railway Station.

A green infrastructure network links the open spaces within the development, combining recreational spaces and play with enhanced wildlife corridors and biodiversity. It encourages a healthy lifestyle by offering various uses and characters to appeal to a diverse audience. The new village green forms the focus of residential life at Cane Hill and provides the perfect start to walks that enjoy the dramatic landscape of the North Downs chalk uplands.

A new country park is the principal organising feature of the public realm. The neighbourhood is structured around this. It provides a walking and cycling route that winds through the existing mature trees. The park forms part of a series of recreational trails suitable for a wide range of abilities, from short circular walks within the site, to longer distance trails connecting to the wider countryside.

We worked closely with ecologists, arboriculturalists and sustainability consultants to create a picturesque landscape that reinforces local distinctiveness. Species rich chalk meadows are located on rising ground and mature woodland on clay uplands. A network of ditches and ponds form an integral part of the SUDs strategy.