Enhancements for character areas
9.2.9 The character areas are a key focus for enhancements and could be improved through the repair, restoration, or reinstatement of damaged or lost architectural and landscaping features. However, such work should be based on clear evidence of the original design. If the original details are unknown, any proposals for alterations to the conservation area or buildings should be informed by historic research and a thorough understanding of their original design, development, and significance, ensuring that changes are sympathetic to and appropriate for the character and appearance of the conservation area. Detailed enhancements and recommendations are provided for each character area, while the following works are identified as general enhancement for the public realm and landscaping:
- Repair and improvement to boundary treatments
- Removal of inappropriate gates (too tall, too ornamented, covered with privacy screens)
- Retention and reinforcement of mature vegetation in public and private gardens
- Careful management of planting to retain glimpsed views between buildings and vistas
- Enhancement to softscaping and removal of excessive hardscaping
- Retention of garden spaces by preventing hardscaping
- Improvement and enhancement to public realm through appropriate street furniture
9.2.10 To avoid further deterioration of the landscape, the planting schemes need to be re-established and reinforced through the planning process. Enhancements aligned with Webb's original landscaping philosophy offer guidance for improving the appearance, biodiversity, plant health, and rainwater management of the site. They also address the restoration of sight lines where trees, hedging and grass verges have become overgrown or obscured by excessive hardstanding.
| Road | Dominant | Understorey | Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furze Hill | Beech, Oak, Pine, Acacia, Horse Chestnut | Flowering Cherry, Laburnum, Holly, Yew | |
| Furze Lane | Beech, Horse Chestnut, Ash, Maple | Cherry, Birch, Laburnum | |
| Silver Lane | Birch, Beech, Pine | Cherry, Plum, Laburnum, Yew, Holly | Catalpa |
| Briar Hill | Pine, Beech, Maple | Flowering Cherry, Hawthorn, Holly, Yew | Catalpa, Hickory, Walnut, Strawberry Tree |
| Birch Lane and Farm Drive | Beech, Acacia, Maple, Horse Chestnut, Birch | Holly, Yew, Flowering Cherry | |
| Rose Walk | Beech, Birch, Pine, Spruce, Fir, Horse Chestnut | Cherry, Plum, Laburnum, Holly | Strawberry Tree |
| The South Border | Birch, Pine, Horse Chestnut, Maple, Willow, Beech | Cherry, Plum | Mulberry, Walnut |
| Promenade de Verdun | Poplar, Beech, Maple, Birch, Horse Chestnut, Larch, Pine | Cherry, Plum, Hawthorn | |
| Woodcote Lane | Beech, Birch, Maple, Acacia, Lime, Horse Chestnut, Cedar | Holly, Yew, Laburnum, Rowan | Wellingtonia |
| Upper Woodcote Village | Birch, Horse Chestnut, Maple, Acacia, Cedar | Yew, Holly, Magnolia | Strawberry Tree |
9.2.11 Where existing tree species are affected by pests or disease, alternative species with a similar character may be considered. However, the table above outlining the dominant and understorey planting should serve as a guide for new planting which should be accompanied by a long-term maintenance strategy.
9.2.12 The quality and consistency of the public realm and landscaping continue to present challenges, particularly in relation to planting schemes and their maintenance. Landscape diagrams for each character area set out the predominant and understorey tree species, boundary treatments, surface materials, and established distances. These specifications help maintain the balance between built and natural elements, ensuring that the streetscape reflects the distinctive landscape character of each area.