LE05 - Landscape – Above Green

(5 credits available)

Aim

To ensure that the character of the landscape is respected and, where possible, enhanced through the location of features and design appropriate to the local environment.

Assessment Criteria

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

Pre-requisite

The suitably qualified ecologist confirms that the detailed landscaping and planting design and site-specific protection measures conform with the ecology strategy prepared under LE 01 – Ecology strategy.

Ecological landscape

One credit

Criterion 1 is achieved.
At least 60% of tree, scrub and herbaceous planting consists of appropriate native species (or other ecologically appropriate species where recommended by the suitably qualified ecologist to complement the local landscape).
A commitment is made to appoint an ecology supervisor of the construction team or chief ecologist to ensure the ecological strategy is implemented throughout the construction phase.

Two credits

Criteria 1 to 4 are achieved.
Water efficiency is considered in the selection of tree, scrub and herbaceous planting specifications and any associated irrigation systems. This is informed by the water strategy in RE 03 - Water strategy.

Three credits

Criteria 1 to 6 are achieved.
At least 80% of tree, scrub and herbaceous planting consists of appropriate native species (or other ecologically appropriate species where recommended by the suitably qualified ecologist to compliment the local landscape).

Four credits

Criteria 1 to 8 are achieved.
There is a commitment to prepare and implement a landscape management and maintenance plan to ensure the long-term achievement of the ecology objectives and their maintenance during occupation.
The plan should allow for planned maintenance and protection and will be in place for areas that are not covered by the local authority for at least the first five years from the time the development is occupied.
The plan should also establish appropriate and enforceable responsibilities for management and maintenance that have been agreed and set out in accordance with the ecology strategy under LE 01 – Ecology strategy.

Sustainable landscape design

One credit

Criterion 1 is achieved
The proposed landscape design has been developed with reference to the community needs outlined in consultation for SE 07 – Public realm.
Existing landscape features and landmarks considered to be important will be preserved in the new development.
The proposed landscape design has been assessed by an independent design review panel to ensure the design achieves environmental, social and aesthetic outcomes (see GO 03 – Design review).

Compliance Notes

Ref

Terms

Description

CN1

Suitably qualified ecologist . See criterion 1

See the compliance notes forLE 01 – Ecology strategy. Please note that the detailed landscaping and planting design can be carried out by a landscape architect or other professional.

CN2

Ecology supervisor of the construction team or Chief ecologist. See criterion 4

A suitably qualified ecologist commissioned to monitor the construction of development and give advice on the implementation of mitigation and/or compensation measures.The ecology supervisor of the construction team or Chief ecologist can be the suitably qualified ecologist employed to implement the Ecology Strategy (LE 01 – Ecology strategy)

This role is designed to ensure that the ecology strategy is implemented at the appropriate time and by a person with an appropriate level of experience. It is not necessary for this person to be on site at all times during the construction phase however they should be involved at key points where there is a specific risk or opportunity for ecology (as outlined in the ecology strategy). This role can be fulfilled by number of different people where required. A representative from the local authority can perform the role of the ecology clerk of works in cases where the local authority is not the client.

CN3

Calculating the percentage of planting. See criterion 3 and 8

When calculating the percentage of tree, scrub and herbaceous planting this should account for the total area of the assessed development.

The percentage area includes both existing planting which is being retained and new planting proposed as part of the masterplan for the site. The percentage is based on the area of planted ground occupied by native or other ecologically appropriate species and is not based on the percentage increase in the number of species.

Evidence

Criteria No.	Final Assessment
1–3, 6 & 8	Written confirmation from the suitably qualified ecologist.
4 & 10–12	A written commitment from the developer.
14–16	Documentary evidence of consultation and a copy of the design specification.

Additional Information

None.