New Planning Application Requirements
From the 1st of this month (October) all planning applications, without exception, will have to be accompanied by a full Tree Survey Report and an Arboreal Culture Method Statement which, for clever garden designers, could mean a steady stream of bread and butter income to supplement their design work, especially while the housing market holds its breath through these difficult financial times.
Greater Priority on Soft Landscaping
And for designers with a flair for planting schemes, there’s more good news now that CABE Space and other organizations are supporting a new campaign to give soft landscaping (greenery/plants) more priority in new developments.
Budget Allocation and Developer Challenges
The suggestion is that 2% of the total budget must be spent on planting and green space, and local authorities will have to crack down on developers who don’t fulfill this approved and planned landscaping. The trouble is, and this is good news for the proactive designer, most developers are not landscape designers, so even if they plant a few trees, they probably won’t be the right kind.
Opportunities for Designers
Some of our graduates have left the course and, not only established successful design practices, but also broken into journalism (again, a good way of supplementing your design income and getting your name known), to write about the importance of good design planting, etc. etc ng, etc, in various local and national newspapers and magazines.
CABE Recruitment Drive
And so talking of CABE – which stands for The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and which is the body that advises the Government on architecture, urban design and public space – there’s currently a great opportunity for other would-be scribes who have qualified in design on our course, because this organisation is now actively recruiting design experts to put together a new 20-strong panel of freelance expert writers for 2009-11.
Networking for Opportunities
So, and I know we’re still a few weeks off, but if you’re thinking about drawing up your Christmas party invite list, you might want to include the names of a few local developers and architects and start building a supplementary income stream to get you through the current financial crisis, especially if you are just out.
Final Thoughts
With new planning requirements, increased focus on green spaces, and organizations like CABE supporting landscaping initiatives, garden designers have a golden opportunity to expand their role in development projects, secure consistent income, and make meaningful contributions to urban greenery.
FAQs
Q1: Why are Tree Survey Reports now required for planning applications?
A: They ensure that developments include proper green space planning and protect existing trees.
Q2: How much of the development budget must go to landscaping?
A: 2% of the total project budget must be allocated to planting and green space.
Q3: What is CABE, and why is it relevant to designers?
A: CABE (The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) advises the government on design and public spaces and offers opportunities for designers.