LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

In the Local Plan, Ravensthorpe is a ‘Restricted Infill Village’. Housing Policy HS 22 and clauses 4.88 to 4.92 apply.

Action recommended for householders, landowners, community groups.

• Plant native species to retain landscape character and to benefit wildlife within the village. Local native broadleaf trees include Ash, Elm, English Oak.
• Mature trees should be retained wherever possible, and tree roots should be protected by fencing during building work, trench digging and ploughing.
• The West and East Haddon Roads have ‘avenues’ of mature trees. Replacement of any diseased or uprooted trees along these routes will help to maintain their visual quality.
• Existing hedges should be retained where possible to form boundaries.
• Local hedgerow species should be encouraged rather than fast-growing evergreens. Local species include Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Holly, Elm, Field Maple, Hazel and Ash.
• Hedge heights, except for specific screening purposes, should be approximately 2metres maximum in the interests of highway safety and good neighbourly relations.
• Hedge laying is a traditional local skill and should be encouraged as it provides work and leads to healthier hedges.

The needs of wildlife are the concern of everyone