car park and landscape design - amazon web services€¦ · car park and landscape design 6 car...

20
Car Park and Landscape Design Design Guidance Note

Upload: others

Post on 31-Mar-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

Design

Guidance Note

Page 2: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

2

Introduction

This Guidance Note covers the main aspects oflandscape design and planning around smallsports facilities although the principles apply toall building facilities. For a sports facility tofunction efficiently it is essential that the designof the landscape and external spaces isconsidered at the outset. The allocation of suffi-cient funds to this aspect of the overall designwill result in:

� an attractive and inviting environment thatpeople enjoy

� improved long-term appearance of thefacility

� reduced running and maintenance costs.

Design briefs for a sports facility must alwaysinclude the following requirements:

� adequate funds allocated to external worksand landscape design

� measures taken to minimise long-termmaintenance and repair

� the design promotes safety and security

� the design promotes access by all sectionsof society

� consideration of the overall shape, colourand form of the buildings, and theirsurrounds, to create an invitingenvironment that will attract users

� consideration of sustainability issues.

For the best results a chartered landscapearchitect should be appointed.

The consequences of ignoring the design ofthe external environment can be costly andseverely affect the long-term viability of afacility by discouraging users or increasingmaintenance costs to an unsustainable level.

First impressions of a building are created by the surrounding landscape.

Page 3: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

3

Strategic planning

User profile

The potential range and types of visitor must beexamined at the strategic planning stage. Acombination of several, or all, of the followinggroups will have to be accommodated:

� casual visitors

� participants

� organised groups (including school parties)

� spectators.

The physical requirements of users will befurther influenced by the need to consider thelikely programme of usage that will be employed:

� For whom are the facilities beingdeveloped?

� Will use be year-round or seasonal?

� Will there be competitions and organisedspectator events?

� Will use be by day and night?

� Will schools and clubs use the facilities?

Location

Locate the facility with a view to encouragingparticipation. A new sports facility should belocated to be easily accessible to a range ofpotential users and, ideally, in a prominentposition. This can be assisted by:

� Finding a site central to a catchment areaor close to a busy thoroughfare.

� Locating the facility in an easily accessibleand visible place.

� Promoting all forms of transport accessincluding public transport, bicycle and on foot.

When analysing the suitability of a siteensure that:

� There is sufficient space for the proposedfacility and space for future expansion.

� There is adequate space for car parkingbased on local authority standards and anypotential overflow requirements.

� Access is available for service andemergency vehicles.

Robust detailing and careful composition in anurban environment.

Existing conditions

The character of a sports facility will be influ-enced by its location, whether it is to contribute toan existing urban streetscape, or be located in aparkland setting. Initially the site will need to beanalysed in the light of the expected usage andpotential restrictions. Making the most appro-priate decisions when planning the site willmaximise value for money. The features andplanning issues that will inform the site layout are:

� Existing site: slopes, water and structures.

� Existing planting: all trees must besurveyed and their condition and amenityvalue assessed by a competent personsuch as an arborist. Identify trees and othertypes of vegetation to be removed orretained. Establish whether treepreservation orders exist.

� Site boundaries/perimeters: establishlocations and find out who owns theneighbouring land.

� The existence of rights of way andeasements.

� Context: consider indigenous materials andplant types.

� Town planning issues.

� The location of main services.

� Access and security: visibility, lighting,roads and footpaths.

Page 4: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

4

Physical requirements of proposals

Requirements of the activities to be located onthe site:

� Orientation: building entrances should beorientated away from the direction of theprevailing wind. Viewing positions shouldnot face the setting sun. Pitches should beorientated to avoid low sun angles.

� Car parking requirements.

� Protection of users from the elements: sun,rain and wind.

� Views into the site or features that mayneed to be highlighted or screenedaccording to use.

� Maintenance requirements: costs and long-term sustainability. For example, reducingthe requirements for day-to-daymaintenance and replacement of items.

A landscape design includes the layout and orientation of the sports facilities including detailed design of carparking, access routes, signage and planting.

Football

Page 5: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

5

External access

Access to sports facilities should be obvious andeasy for all users. The sports facility and its mainentrance should be clearly recognisable and wellsignposted from the access route. Generally,user provision falls into three broad categories:

� users: casual visitors, participants,organised groups and spectators

� operational staff

� services and emergency access.

Sites should be designed to achieve minimumconflict between users arriving on foot, bybicycle or by vehicle. Fully integrated provisionmust be made for disabled visitors.

Pedestrians

Provide safe, suitably surfaced routes into thesite with adequate lighting. Do not expectpedestrians to share the road and avoid, as faras possible, causing pedestrians to crossvehicular routes. Surfaces for pedestrian useshould be smooth and even, suitable forbuggies and wheelchairs.

Provide external assembly areas for teamsand groups of children and, if possible, coversome of these.

Cyclists

Access roads should be wide enough forcyclists and passing traffic. If necessaryprovide a separate cycle track with its ownentrance. It is important to discourage cyclistsfrom using the pavements or pedestrian areas.Dry, secure bicycle parking and locking up facil-ities should be provided close to the entrance.The ideal is for bicycle parking facilities to bewithin sight of reception. The building canopycan be extended to provide sheltered parking.Provision of safe cycling facilities and routes isespecially important for children.

Vehicular access

Access from the highway, routes in and out ofthe site, and the location and planning of thecar park will influence the success of the projectand the safety of its users. Proposals shouldalways be discussed with local authorityhighway engineers and, in some cases,traffic/environmental impact studies will need tobe carried out.

A dedicated footpath with olfactory and tactile information will assist visually impaired people.

Cycle parking close to the entrance should have acanopy.

Page 6: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

6

Car parks

Most local planning authorities have specificcar parking standards and these varybetween authorities.

The user profile will give a good indication ofthe need for parking provision, includingwhether parking and turning space is requiredfor coaches, minibuses and so on. It may bethat the facility has the occasional need foroverflow car parking for special events or bigmatch days. Dependent on layout and visibilitytraffic speed control mechanisms, such asspeed bumps, may need to be introduced.

In all cases car parks need to accommodatevisitors of differing abilities. Requirements include:

� Smooth, hard surfaces. Unbound surfacessuch as gravel are not suitable.

� Dedicated parking bays that comply withthe minimum standards for disabledpeople. At least 5% of all car parking baysmust be reserved for disabled visitors. Theymust be clearly identified, both on the baysurface and with a vertical sign immediatelyadjacent to the bay.

� Illumination that avoids the creation ofcontrasting pools of light and darkness.

� Safe pedestrian routes, with dropped kerbs,from the car park to the building.

� A drop-off bay adjacent to the mainentrance that is long enough to allow ‘tailloading’.

� Gathering points for coach drop-offs.

In addition vehicles need to access the buildingfor deliveries, servicing and emergencies, andhardstanding next to the appropriate entrancemust be provided.

When planning the car park consider more thansimply the car park surface and cars. Bear inmind the visual impact it will make, often greaterthan that of the facility itself. Provide forplanting, shade by trees, safe access acrossand around the car park. Ensure that the designis linked to, and enhances, the appearance ofthe building.

Car parking bay and loading bay dimensions.

Use planting to improve the visual appearance ofthe car park and to provide shade.

NO PARKING

2.40

02.

400

3.60

0

5.000

900

3.20

0

1.20

0

Line for overhangingbays

Dropped kerb

Preferred dimensions on right

Minimumdimensionson left

6.60

0

2.400

Flush kerb here

Clear space allows for tail-loading

Disabled parking bays

Dropping off point

Page 7: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

7

Conventional bay Conventional bay AlternativeWith overhang strip

Kerb

Overhangstrip

Kerb

Plantingdamaged

Wastedspace

Kerb

Planting

Typical section through overhanging strip.

Timber edge

Reduced build up toallow plant growth

Gravel, planting orother finish

4.200

5.000 5.000 4.200

800

Car park overhang strips reduce the cost of hard surfaces and limit damage to the surrounding planting.

Security

Security means the protection of users as wellas the protection of facilities from vandalism,abuse and misuse. The keys to good sitesecurity are:

� Visibility in and out of the site.

� Visibility within the site and the use ofpassive supervision, that is to say windowsoverlooking potentially vulnerable areasand the reception overlooking the car parkand service areas.

� Adequate lighting of main routes in and outof the building including car parks.

� Appropriate height and location of planting.

� Good general ambience around the facility.

� The design of buildings and external layoutto avoid the inclusion of corners that canconceal people by day or night.

Hard surfaces – detail design

'Hard landscape' is the term sometimes given toanything built outdoors such as paving, roads,steps and walls.

Materials

A vast range of materials in different finishesand colours is available for paving purposes.Selection must be based on engineering andaesthetic qualities and successful applicationwill depend on good detailing and thoroughunderstanding of the product.

Avoid loose cobbles or stones that can beremoved or thrown, and ensure that loosegravel is not used where it will inhibit access fordisabled people. The following list is notexhaustive, rather it gives a general introductionto some of the more easily available materials.

Page 8: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

8

Material Comments

Bitumen: smooth

In situ concrete: textured

Concrete slabs: smooth or textured

Concrete blocks: smooth or textured

Use: Roads, footpaths and cycle paths

For: Hard-wearing

Low maintenance

Against: High cost

Use: Roads, footpaths and cycle paths

For: Low cost

Easy to repair

Available in a variety of colours and finishes

Against: Poor visual appearance if not well planned and detailed

Short lifespan

Use: Roads, footpaths and cycle paths

For: Low cost

Good visual appearance if detailed correctly

Against: Poor visual appearance if detailed incorrectly

Use: Footpaths and light traffic

For: Good visual appearance if detailed correctly

Against: High cost

Liable to break if not detailed correctly

Paving materials: an overview.

Page 9: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

9

Material Comments

Shingle unbound: textured

Aggregate resin bound: textured

Clay/brick paving: smooth or textured

Stone paving: smooth or texturedUse: Footpaths

For: Good visual appearance

Low maintenance

Against: High cost

Use: Footpaths

For: Good visual appearance

Against: Maintenance required

Difficult surface for wheelchairs and pushchairs

Vulnerable to vandalism

Use: Light traffic and footpaths

For: Good visual appearance

Low maintenance

Against: High cost

Use: Roads, footpaths and cycle paths

For: Good visual appearance

Low maintenance

Against: High cost

Paving materials: an overview (continued).

Page 10: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

10

Footpaths

Generally, main footpaths should be wideenough to allow two wheelchairs to passcomfortably. The norm is 1.8m and 1.0m is anabsolute minimum at pinch points. If footpathsare too narrow or have sharp-corneredjunctions, wear will occur on adjacent grassareas. Junctions with other footpaths should besplayed or rounded. Routes across roads orparking areas must include dropped kerbs, andtactile surfaces should be used to warn peoplewith visual impairment of impending dangerssuch as vehicular routes.

Footpaths should have a maximum gradient of1:20 with flat pauses at intervals of no morethan 8m. If a footpath is steeper it must beclassified as a ramp. This means that a gradientbetween 1:20 and 1:15 should have a slip-resistant surface and handrails. A maximumgradient of 1:12 can be used if the length is notgreater than 5m.

External steps have lower risers and longertreads than those used internally. Handrailsshould always be provided no matter how shortthe flight, and minimum landings of 1500mmclear should be provided at the top and bottom.To assist visually impaired visitors tactile,textured ribs should be provided parallel to the

top of each flight to warn of the presence of atripping hazard.

Deterrent paving

Careful thought and design can eliminate theneed for deterrent paving. It is often unsightlyand difficult to maintain.

Car parks

Gradients for drainage should be consistentand avoid sharp changes in level in areas ofadjacent paving or planting. By keeping thelevels simple, construction costs are reducedand the surfaces are more user-friendly.

Overflow car parks

Occasionally, at times of increased use, areaswill need to be designated to accommodateadditional car parking. Surfacing can be gravelor reinforced grass. Reinforced grass can be aconcrete or plastic matrix that allows grass togrow within cells of rigid material, or plasticmesh worked into topsoil that is seeded in theconventional way.

None of these options is particularly cheap andall must be installed on a compacted sub-grade.If very occasional parking is required in thesummer months grassed areas can be used.

Example of a durable bay marking in granite setts.

Becomes mud dueto desire lines

Grass will not growdue to lack ofwater and sun

Eaves overhang

Main entrance

Corners are expensive to maintain

Direct ro

ute

Plan pathways to follow a direct route, avoid sharpcorners and ensure planting has sufficient light.

Page 11: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

11

Site furniture

Furniture must be robust. Simple designs areoften preferable as they tend to be stronger andeasier to replace if damaged. Careful selectioncan reduce costs and enhance the appearanceof a facility. Site furniture comes in a bewil-dering array of styles, colours and materials.Steel, cast-iron, timber (hardwood andsoftwood) and recycled plastic are some of thematerials available and consideration should begiven to appearance, cost, lifespan, source andmaintenance. Hardwoods must be from asustainable source. Steel is strong, but ifpainted will need repainting. Galvanised orpolished aluminium finishes are perfectlyacceptable and reduce maintenance costs.

Bollards

Bollards are used to guide and control trafficand illuminated models are available. Theymust be used sparingly as they can beexpensive, hinder and obstruct circulation andbe visually intrusive. Good design can reducedependency on bollards. For example, could araised kerb do the job just as effectively? Incertain locations coloured bollards may beeasier to see.

Concrete bollards. Types of waste bin.

Litter bins

Bins should be located to avoid damage fromvehicles and discomfort to users arising fromunpleasant smells. Maintenance costs will bereduced by ensuring that they are wellpositioned and emptied regularly. Whenselecting a waste bin look for one that is durableand easily emptied. Remember that plastic binsare flammable.

Chewing gum and cigarette dispenserscarefully positioned next to the entrance helpreduce cleaning and maintenance costs. Binsmay also be required for dog litter.

Timber bollard with markings to improve visibilityand stainless steel bollards.

Page 12: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

12

Seating

For what purpose are the seats intended? Willthey be located in the waiting area or are theyfor people watching events? Note that elderlypeople prefer seats with backs and arms toassist sitting and standing. The location, userand intended use need to be considered. Arethe seats to be placed in the sun or in theshade? Are they for spectators or players?

The materials used will make the surface warmor cold: metal and stone seating is cold, timberis warmer. Like bins, seats should have securebelow ground fixings.

Types of bench.

Choose light fittings to avoid light pollution.

Light fittings are vulnerable

to vandalism

Shaded top avoids light pollution Reflector fittings protect

light source

Signage

Signs are important sources of information andreinforce the image of facilities. They shouldadvise people of opening times, entrance feesand any restrictions in force. This informationmust be accessible to the public even when thefacility is closed. All signs should be part of acomprehensive signage system that has beencarefully considered to ensure they are:

� carefully located with minimal clutter

� clear, simple and logical

� non-reflective.

Lighting

Lighting will usually be required for car parksand footpaths. It may also be required for flood-lighting pitches. Avoid light pollution not only forthe benefit of local residents but also for wildlife.This is particularly important if the facility abutsany form of nature reserve or valuable wildlifehabitat. Avoid sodium (yellow) light. Light fittingsshould be chosen to direct light down to whereit is required. Floodlighting should always bedirected away from residential and natureconservation areas. Planting can help reducereflected glare from large areas of paving.

Lighting is critical for security and safety. It ispreferable to achieve a consistent low level oflight rather than high levels of light in pools thatcause shadows.

Page 13: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

13

Structures

These may be required in the form of binstores, cycle racks, maintenance sheds orpergolas. They should be considered as part ofthe overall design of the facility.

Bin stores: site for ease of access from thefacility and for easy refuse collection. Theyneed to be located away from main circulationareas and screened from view. Timber fencingis usually appropriate.

Cycle racks: preferably located near the mainentrance, in full view and under cover. The localauthority, will usually advise on the number ofspaces required.

Maintenance sheds: site to provide clearaccess to spor ts pitches. If appropriate,dropped kerbs should be provided to allow easeof access for vehicles. Visibility needs to begood to avoid potential conflict betweenvehicles and pedestrians.

Types of light fitting.

Gabion retaining wall using metal basket containingstone and rock. Retaining walls.

1.5m

1:3

1:4 for grass

This retaining wall and foundation is lower cost and has less visual impact

Pergolas: these are good for providing shadewhen covered with climbing plants, particularlyif it is not possible to plant trees or they areconsidered inappropriate.

Level changes

Any construction work will increase costs.Occasionally, it is necessary to build retainingwalls to take up level changes but, with a littlethought, slopes with grass or shrubs or acombination of slopes and retaining walls canbe used.

If an element of screening is required, it cansometimes be achieved with ground form andmounding rather than walls and fencing.Ground form can often be more sympatheticand can be used as a way to avoid takingmaterial off-site, which is expensive. However,this is a skilled operation and advice should besought to prevent the ground form appearingalien and artificial. The gradient of slope mustbe considered in practical and safety terms.

1.5mThis retaining wall and foundation has high cost and high visual impact

Page 14: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

14

Water disposal

Water is a precious resource and must be usedwisely. Water resource management togetherwith plant species selection and management,are critical considerations when planningexternal areas.

Determine where services enter the site earlyon in the planning process. Undergrounddrainage can be expensive and is often unnec-essary. Try to avoid lengthy runs of pipework tosave on expensive excavations and movementof materials.

If at all possible water run-off from paving,roofs, and pitches should be directed to soak-aways, balancing ponds or existing watercourses. However, check first with the localEnvironment Agency office.

Large car parks create extensive areas of waterrun-off and these must be taken to a petrolinterceptor.

Planting – detail design

The term ‘soft landscape’ is sometimes used todescribe areas of grass and planting.

Plants are used to provide colour and texture tomake sites attractive, and to perform particularfunctions such as screening, defining routes,marking edges or to provide shelter and shade.

If correctly specified and planted trees and shrubsincur minimal maintenance costs. The plantingseason runs from October to March, however thebest time to plant is in the autumn. For cost-efficiency and to avoid waste the buildingprogramme must take this into consideration,

Grass

Although grass is relatively inexpensive toestablish, regular mowing and maintenancecosts are high. A wildflower meadow may be anappropriate alternative to close-mown grassand will thrive on poor quality soils therebyomitting the need for topsoil. Meadows requireonly one or two cuts per year but all cuttingsmust be removed.

Drainage channels should be flush with thesurrounding surface.

Drain channels should be shallow

Block paving should be laid evenly and cut neatly

Avoid complex patterns

18mm maximum gap

Small changes in level help to distinguish traffic routes

Grids, gratings and covers should be laid flush with the surface

18mm maximum gap

Planting to the perimeter of a building can protectexternal walls from graffiti and damage.

Grass can be established using turf or seed.Seed is cheaper but takes longer to establishitself and is best sown in the autumn. Turf ismore expensive but the effect is instanta-neous. Additionally, turf will better toleratebeing laid in the spring or summer, althoughthis should be avoided.

The maximum gradient for grass slopes is 1:4for safe mowing. Grass for pitches, bowlinggreens and tennis courts is dealt with in detail ina separate Guidance Note.

Page 15: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

15

Avoid steep slopes.

Shrubs

Shrubs add colour and texture and low shrubscan be an alternative to grass. Climbing plantsare a cheap way of screening service areas orfor covering blank walls. Shrubs should not betaller than 0.5m in areas where clear visibility isrequired alongside footpaths or in car parks, forexample. Tall shrubs are suitable along bound-aries and against buildings where they can actas deterrents to graffiti.

It is sometimes tempting to plant fast-growingspecies such as leyland cypress or Russianvine, but these can cause maintenance diffi-culties later. If in doubt seek advice from alandscape architect.

The selection of species is usually based oncriteria such as growing conditions: type ofsoil, sun/shade, rainfall and so on, appearance,size and availability. It is necessary to decidewhether ornamental species such as lavenderor firethorn, or native species such ashawthorn and hazel are most appropriate. Thisis usually dependent on the location of the site,cost and the final desired effect.

Essentially, shrub planting is most effectivewhen it is used simply and in scale with itssurroundings. It is perfectly acceptable to usebold blocks of the same species saving isolatedspecimens to mark entrances or routes. Inschemes that are intended for public use,species should be robust and able to withstanddamage. This is usually achieved by selectingthose that are readily available and not too

Simple, bold planting can be effective and requirelow maintenance.

Use all the space available

1:4 or 1:51:3 1.2m

1:31.2m

Too steepambitious. For example, choose Ilex aquifoliumwhen selecting holly rather than Ilex aquifolium‘Golden van Tol’, which may only be availablethrough a specialist supplier.

Use peat-free composts. If the use of herbicidesis unavoidable, ensure they are biodegradable.

Hedges and hedgerows

’Hedge’ is usually the term given to a clippedor ornamental hedgerow. Hedges normallycomprise one or two species such as firethorn,beech or berberis, whereas hedgerows arenormally native plants comprising four ormore species that might include blackthorn,hawthorn, hazel, elder and often tree speciessuch as ash or oak.

Hedges are a potentially low cost alternative tofences or walls. Hedgerows should be allowed togrow naturally and will therefore need more spaceand less maintenance than a clipped hedge.

Trees

Trees can filter dust and provide shelter andshade. They can be relatively inexpensive andgive an instant effect. Although they obstructvisibility only marginally at eye level, they mayobstruct the vision lines of security cameras.The siting of cameras is therefore critical and, ifthey are to be installed, should be consideredas part of the overall design concept.

Page 16: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

16

Trees help assimilate new buildings into theirsurroundings. The size of trees when they areplanted depends on budget, location andrequired effect. They tend to establish betterwhen planted young, but this means they aremore susceptible to vandalism and the effecttakes longer to achieve.

Remember that all trees, even conifers, droptheir leaves. Deciduous trees, for example oakand ash drop their leaves in autumn, providinglight in winter and shade in summer.

When considering the foundations of newbuildings and other structures take into accountthe roots of existing and newly planted trees. Itis important to consider problems that fastgrowing varieties may cause at a later date.Trees with a high water uptake such as poplaror willow may also cause problems later,however if used correctly they can help withwater management.

Carpet bedding

Carpet bedding can be very attractive. It is,however, labour-intensive not only duringplanting but also because of the level of day-to-day maintenance required, neither is it sufficiently robust. For these reasons it isconsidered inappropriate for sports facilities interms of value for money.

Soils

Every effort should be made to conserve anyexisting topsoil on the site. It may be necessaryto obtain a chemical analysis to help identify thequality of the topsoil.

Visibility is maintained below the tree canopy.

Topsoil for planting should generally bespread to a depth of 400mm for shrubs and100–150mm for mown grass. The finished levelof topsoil after settlement should be 30mmabove surrounding paving. It is also importantto consider the quality of any imported fillrequired to make up levels.

Topsoil retained for reuse should be stored on-site in heaps no taller than 1.5m. Once topsoilhas been spread, heavy machinery and vehiclesshould be prohibited to avoid compaction.

Newly planted areas should be covered with aminimum of 50mm of bark mulch.

Protection of planting

New planting can be vulnerable to vandalismand accidental damage. It is sometimesnecessary to protect new plants with temporaryfencing. The fencing usually remains in placeuntil the plants have become established about12–15 months after planting.

In some locations new planting may also needto be protected from deer and rabbits.

Tree roots like width rather than depth so give them as much space as possible.

1200 minimum internal

Free draining

1m insufficient

Scalpings and debris must not be allowed to accumulate

Page 17: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

17

Maintenance

Landscapes need to be maintained andmanaged to conserve investment. However,with some thought costs can be kept to aminimum. It can be tempting to reduce mainte-nance operations to minimise costs. Don't! Thiswill only incur higher costs later on.

Grass

Although cheap to establish, grass is expensiveto maintain.

Shrubs

If planted correctly at the right size and densitylittle or no maintenance should be requiredafter two years. It is critical that weeds arecontrolled during the establishment period andthat, if necessary, the shrubs are watered intimes of drought.

Trees

Trees need minimal maintenance. From time totime they must be inspected for rot and disease.Advice can be obtained from local authority treeofficers or from an arborist.

Plants need to be protected if they are going toestablish themselves successfully. It is usual fora 12- or 24- month maintenance contract to belocked into a planting contract. Failure to

include a maintenance contract can nullifyguarantees that the landscape contractor would otherwise give.

Sustainability

The Government has a vision of sustainabledevelopment:

� effective protection of the environment

� prudent use of natural resources.

Biodiversity is an intrinsic part of sustainabledevelopment. It is about conserving andimproving the richness of our natural habitats.Sport England believes that these objectivesshould be met wherever possible in the designof sports facilities. Consideration of theseissues, including materials used and appro-priate long-term maintenance, must be given toall aspects of design.

Cost planning

It is crucial, as for all aspects of a buildingproject, that adequate funds are allocated to theexternal works at the outset. These costs needto be reviewed periodically as the projectprogresses. A chartered landscape architectcan assist with this. More complex projects maybenefit from the additional involvement of achartered quantity surveyor.

Use bold blocks of planting and plant to the edge.A wildflower meadow may be especially suitable ina rural location.

Page 18: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

18

A poor example of tree protection. It is essential tosafeguard trees during site works.

Construction on-site

Good planning during the construction phasewill protect existing features such as trees andhedgerows. It is important to protect any treesthat are to be retained, at least in accordancewith current British Standards. Define clearlyhow the works are to progress, together withtemporary roadways and the location of fencingto control site vehicles.

The risk of fire and correct storage of materialsmust also be controlled. Tipping of waste mustnot be permitted and the contractor mustdemonstrate that excess materials will bedisposed of correctly off-site.

Newly planted trees, shrubs and new turf mustbe protected from the activities of trades andsub-contractors. Vehicles must not be allowedto cross topsoil and controls must be in place toavoid excess compaction. Much of this iscommon sense and can be applied throughcompetent site management.

To avoid excessive land-take, try to ensurethat temporary surfaces are located wherepermanent areas of paving or structure areplanned – this will eliminate waste and reducecosts. It will also ensure a more successfulscheme at the end of the day.

Programming of the works is critical. It is mostimportant to plant trees and shrubs at thecorrect time of year, that is from October toMarch. While planting is possible outside thisperiod it can entail constant watering or result inexcessive and unnecessary plant losses,

or both. It is much more cost-effective andsustainable to delay planting if the buildingprogramme does not correspond with theplanting season.

Consultants

Chartered landscape architect

One way to help ensure that best value isachieved for landscape proposals is to seekspecialist advice for all or part of the project.Chartered landscape architects work in asimilar way to engineers and architects. Theyoffer technical expertise and design skills, oftenworking on projects from inception tocompletion and beyond. They can assist withplanning applications, par ticularly if theproposed development is in an environmentallysensitive area.

Depending on the size of the project it may beappropriate to engage a chartered landscapearchitect for part of the scheme to advise onspecific aspects such as planting.

For further information contact the LandscapeInstitute (telephone 0171 738 9166).

Other consultants

A chartered landscape architect will be able toadvise when other specialists are required.These may include:

Engineers: to assist with civil engineering,retaining walls or water management.

Quantity surveyors: to assist with costplanning on complex projects.

Arborists: to advise on tree-retention andmanagement.

Ecologists: to advise if the site is of a partic-ularly sensitive nature.

Planning supervisors: projects over a certainsize are subject to a statutory obligation toappoint a planning supervisor to oversee healthand safety issues.

All these experts can be brought in for shortperiods for specific aspects of a project or beinvolved for the whole scheme, depending onthe complexity of the task.

Page 19: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Car Park and Landscape Design

19

Sport England aims to lead the development of sport in England byinfluencing and serving the public, private and voluntary sectors. Our aim is:

more people involved in sport

more places to play sport

more medals through higher standards of performance in sport

Sport England Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. Sport England, its servantsor agents shall not at any time, in any circumstances, be held responsible or liable to any party in respect of any loss, damage orcosts of any nature arising directly or indirectly from reliance placed on the material in this publication, or any other guidelines or

policies issued by Sport England. This information has been prepared as a basic guide only and should not be viewed as asubstitute for obtaining comprehensive expert or professional advice.

This guidance and Sport England policies on Lottery funding applications are subject to change from time to time, including variationsrequired to comply with governmental directions on the application of Lottery funds. Sport England reserves the right to amend,

supplement and/or discontinue, at its absolute discretion for whatever reason, any or all of the guidelines set out in this publication.

Attractive planting can significantly improve theappearance of sports buildings.

There are a number of Guidance Notes on related

matters. A current list is available from:

Sport England Publications

PO Box 255, Wetherby LS23 7LZ

Tel: 0990 210255. Fax: 0990 210266

Sport England is the brand name of the

English Sports Council which is the

distributor of Lottery funds to sport.

© Sport England, July 1999

SE/886/5M/7/99

16 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0QP

Tel: 020 7273 1581. Fax: 020 7273 1710

www.english.sports.gov.uk

Design concept by GDA Creative Solutions

Produced by NBA Tectonics

Printed in England by Belmont Press

Page 20: Car park and landscape design - Amazon Web Services€¦ · Car Park and Landscape Design 6 Car parks Most local planning authorities have specific car parking standards and these

Ref: 886£10

ISBN 1 86078 101 2