New Communities

Brooklands Farm

Project Details

Client
Hallam Land Management
Location
Whitstable, Kent
Year
2023- present
Services
Masterplanning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture

Overview

Define Planning and Design are appointed to lead the masterplanning, architecture, oversee design development of the green infrastructure strategy and prepare the landscape and visual impact assessment in support of proposals for Brooklands Farm, a mixed-use neighbourhood on the edge of Whitstable, Kent.

The project seeks to deliver high-quality housing (1,350 dwellings), employment space, a new local centre, extensive movement network and a comprehensive green infrastructure network, responding to the site’s sensitive setting close to coast, countryside and existing communities.

Define’s contribution

Define’s input was central to shaping a resilient and well-integrated scheme. Our multi-disciplinary, landscape-led approach including:

Design Development & Masterplanning

Detailed site investigation, landscape and visual baseline analysis and opportunities and constraints mapping

Iterative design development of layout and architectural principles, fully coordinated with highways, drainage, ecology and heritage specialists

Preparation of illustrative layouts, parameter plans and placemaking strategy to articulate a clear development framework

Local Centre Study

Developed more detailed architectural proposals for the local centre, proposing how a mix of commercial and community uses could work together as a key focal point of the scheme.

Design & Access Statement (DAS)

Authorship of the DAS, communicating design rationale, response to site context and alignment with planning policy

Supporting sketches, diagrams, masterplan and narrative to explain design principles and how the scheme achieves cohesive neighbourhood outcomes

Townscape character analysis and results integrating into character and placemaking design principles

Green Infrastructure Strategy

Development of a Green Infrastructure (GI) Framework, integrated with drainage, active travel, public open space and biodiversity targets

Landscape character analysis, strategic planting design and thematic GI guidance to support climate resilience, nature recovery and community wellbeing

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)

Preparation of a robust LVIA for inclusion in the Environmental Statement (ES), including baseline review, seasonal photography and cumulative assessment

Identification of appropriate mitigation measures and evaluation of residual landscape and visual effects

Stakeholder and Design Engagement

Delivery of Design Review Panel materials and attendance to secure strategic design feedback

Ongoing participation in pre-application meetings, design team workshops and in person and online public consultation events

Production of public consultation website, regularly updated to explain the emerging scheme proposals

Outcome

Define’s landscape architecture, masterplanning, architecture and urban design leadership helped to articulate a clear, evidence-based and visually grounded vision for Brooklands Farm.

Our work ensured that landscape and green infrastructure are integrated as strategic assets within the scheme, supporting biodiversity, sustainable drainage, healthy streets and community connectivity.