Leicestershire County Council granted consent last week for a new area of public park to the west of Thorpe Astley. FPCR provided ecology, arboriculture and landscape support for the full planning application and were responsible for master planning the scheme. The site had formerly been used as a construction compound for a new road bridge over the M1. The proposals reconfigure and reimagine existing spoil mounds to deliver an exciting and diverse extension to neighbouring areas of parkland.
The design process was iterative and involved consultation with neighbouring communities, local Parish Council members and Braunstone Town Council. The masterplan successfully incorporates a range of new habitats to deliver a biodiversity net gain overall, not a simple achievement given the brownfield nature of the site and high baseline score.
New features requested by local communities included a dedicated and fenced area for exercising dogs off the lead, a range of walking and jogging routes, new woodland, ponds and an orchard. New footpath and cycle paths provide much improved connectivity. We are proud that the new park will transform a disused site for public enjoyment and benefit, whilst also making space for nature and providing habitat improvements.
We look forward to continuing to support the scheme as it moves on-site and becomes a reality.
