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We have just purchased a site to build a house. The site has been infilled to make it level but this has meant the west boundary has a sharp slope, about 30m long and 2m max high and borders a field. it is over this boundary that we will have a view of the town and sea. Planning consent requires us to show how we are going to plant this boundary so that the house does not stand out as being huge because it sits so high due to the infill but also keep our view.




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If the gradient of the slope is steep (and your use of the word 'sharp' suggests it is) and 2metres high, you really need a landscape architect to draw up plans, preferably one with an extensive knowledge of plants. You can sometimes find someone qualified in landscape architecture and garden design, but the landscape architect is necessary to both design something that fits the planning permission, and who will plan to prevent erosion of the slope. If the gradient isn't steep, but slopes gently over some distance, then its not so essential to use a landscape architect.

It certainly sounds like some trees are essential - they anchor the soil down quite well, but the placing of them so they don't completely block your view is a job for a professional who's viewed the site and your plans for the house, or the house itself and the exterior.

31 Oct, 2017

 

This sounds crazy to me. Plantings are living and hence transitory. Also it takes years for planting effects to come into fruition successfully-(meaning that the plantings look exactly like what was presented in the architectural drawings).Is the planning board willing to wait for the effect they so desire and if so what is their timeline before they, and the town, start becoming a big pain in the butt to you? ...pardon my language but they are:(

31 Oct, 2017

 

It's a necessary part of the planning process in some locations, Loosestrife - its more a statement of intent to be submitted for approval, which the planning department will see is carried out, once they've accepted a design. Trees planted within the next year, providing they're not just Birch, will be there for many decades, so its not about an instant effect, its the intent of the planting design over time they want to see.

31 Oct, 2017

 

Agreed Bam but it would be best to affirm and not infer that they are not looking for an instant effect. In any case this is going to be a very costly endeavor sad to say. I hope the lending bank, if one was required, does not get wind of this impediment.

31 Oct, 2017

 

I agree with Loosestrife2. New York and Long Island has some of the strictest building codes in the world. However, it's always possible to apply for a variance if nobody else objects, but you'll need to jump through a lot of hoops and some will 'pass the envelope under the table'.

The above scenario is flat out crazy. I don't get why somebody would build a house on landfill at such a steep angle. It seems very unstable and nature always wins. Please consult a Risk Management Attorney and here's an article that illustrates where I'm going...

4 dead amid major flooding and mudslides
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-storm-los-angeles-20170217-story.html

1 Nov, 2017

 

Repeater - I have sent you a private message, please check your home page on the site.

1 Nov, 2017

 

Repeater is n the UK and both whilst both Bathgate and Loosestrife are very knowlegable people they are both in the United States. There comments to this question indicate that there planning regs are very different to ours.

1 Nov, 2017

 

Many regulations here in the US that I know of are in place to avert disaster. Disasters don't just happen in the US. Now think of this - a house built on landfill, on a steep slope, during a torrential rainstorm - would you & your family feel safe sleeping the night there? I'm just saying be cautious.

1 Nov, 2017

 

Its difficult to see how you can obscure the house and still see your view? How tall would your screen need to be?
If the house is actually huge perhaps you could screen both ends and keep your view in the middle?

1 Nov, 2017

How do I say thanks?

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