FPCR were the appointed Arboricultural Consultants advising the design team for a detailed planning application for 60 homes and an apartment block on the site of the offices for ADAS, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton. Prior to being occupied by ADAS in the 1970’s, the site was the former Woodthorne House and its grounds built circa 1867. The site supported a range of trees that were a part of the original gardens or landscaping to the offices. A Tree Preservation Order was made in 1962 which applied to the majority of trees.
The developer, Barratt and David Wilson Homes (Mercia) were successful in gaining planning permission in 2012 on this challenging site for a scheme that integrated new houses with the existing tree cover to retain the character of the site and create a leafy, pleasant setting in which to live.
Due to the high quality of the tree cover, major consideration was needed for the existing trees which informed and led the development proposals. FPCR undertook a comprehensive tree survey and impact assessment in accordance with BS 5837:2012. Following the base line assessment decisions as to which trees would be removed and which would be suitable to retain in the context of the new site use was carefully considered. We also engaged in dialogue with Wolverhampton City Council’s Tree Officer at an early stage in the work.
The existing character of the site’s frontage onto Wergs Road was retained and enhanced through the addition of new trees to form a ‘tree lined’ entrance into the development, reflective of the former landscape. Further tree planting within the residential areas was also sympathetic to the historical setting securing trees for future generations.
