MAIN DEVELOPER CLIENT: Taylor Wimpey Developments
LOCAL CENTRE CLIENT: Henry Davidson Developments

Allen Pyke have been the lead landscape consultant for this major development in Bletchley, near Milton Keynes, for over 15 years. The residential estate is now nearing completion, with the eighth and final phase under construction. This complex scheme on the site of a former brickworks, comprises over 1,800 residential units, three employment areas, a school and over 50 HA of open space. Our position on the project has ranged from preparation of proposals for planning, to overseeing implementation on site, and assisting with the adoption handover to the Local Authority.

OPEN SPACE
The infrastructure landscape strategy was heavily informed by SuDS. The site features a large and very deep lake, and a small stream. Due to these elements, it was vital to ensure the proposed wetland areas required for stormwater storage offered an appropriate level of filtration, before discharging into the existing watercourse. This was achieved through the creation of reedbeds, site-specific aquatic and marginal planting. The site is now a haven for birds such as Great Crested Grebe, Swallows and Little Egret.

The site also included areas of existing woodland and a rare acidic grassland habitat. Allen Pyke has worked closely with the project ecologist, to develop a strategy for wildlife across the site, including features for the protected colony of Great Crested Newts.

The green infrastructure provides a wide range of landscape types and uses. Large areas of native meadow and new woodland are contrasted with formal sport pitches, four equipped play areas, allotments, and pocket parks. The SuDS basins are significant elements within the development’s open spaces. Allen Pyke instructed RoSPA Water Safety Audits to ensure any safety requirements were fully considered alongside the primary use as public greenspaces.

COMMERCIAL, EDUCATION AND CARE
In addition to green infrastructure, Allen Pyke provided landscape consultancy for the local centre development and primary school setting. The local centre is the main area of public realm within the development and will be a facility for both new and existing residents.

The scheme includes a supermarket as well as smaller retail units, a nursery, a care home, and public house. It is well connected to the rest of the development and wider area by a network of foot and cycle path. The primary school is located centrally and presented a challenge in relation to access and drop-offs. We worked closely with the Local Authority to plan a site that met the size and space requirements, without compromising circulation nor encouraging on-street parking.

The site contains two further employment areas in addition to the local centre. One of these areas is now the home of Taylor Wimpey South Midlands. The office premises overlook one of the large SuDS basins giving staff a beautiful and relaxing view across the water.

SPECIFIC OUTPUTS

• Landscape Strategy
• Developers Design Guide
• Planting Plans
• General Arrangements
• Clearance of Planning Conditions
• Wayfinding
• Interpretation Boards
• Water Safety Audit
• Liaison with Local Authority
• Site Supervision