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Beeches Park

Project Details

Overview

Define Planning and Design was appointed by Catesby Estates to support the preparation of a new planning application for a strategic residential site in Beaconsfield, following the refusal of an earlier scheme at appeal in December 2022 (which we were not involved in). The commission required a fundamental review of the previous proposals and a clear, evidence-based response to the Planning Inspector’s conclusions, with a focus on a genuinely landscape-led approach.

Define worked closely with the wider consultant team and the client to reshape the development approach, placing landscape, green infrastructure and long-term stewardship at the heart of a revised masterplan capable of addressing previous concerns and delivering a high-quality, sustainable place.
Define’s contribution
Define played a central role in re-establishing the design strategy for the site, providing landscape-led masterplanning and coordinating key technical and placemaking inputs.

Masterplanning and Design Evolution
  • Comprehensive review of the appeal decision and Inspector’s findings to inform a revised development strategy
  • Landscape-led masterplanning to reshape the site structure, development parcels and relationship with surrounding landscape and settlements
  • Iterative testing of layout, access, scale and landscape mitigation to address landscape, visual and character considerations
Green Infrastructure and Landscape Strategy
  • Development of an integrated green infrastructure framework to guide landscape structure, open space provision, ecological enhancement and sustainable drainage
  • Coordination with ecology, drainage and heritage inputs to ensure a multifunctional and policy-compliant approach
  • Clear articulation of landscape character areas and how green infrastructure supports sense of place and climate resilience
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
  • Preparation of a robust, GLVIA-compliant LVIA to assess landscape and visual effects of the revised proposals
  • Use of assessment findings to directly inform design decisions and mitigation measures embedded within the masterplan
Green/Grey Belt Assessment (GBA)
  • Preparation of a robust assessment of the Green Belt and the land / development to demonstrate it is Grey Belt land and meets the NPPF para 155 tests / Golden Rules
Design Coding and Stewardship
  • Preparation of design coding principles to guide future development quality and consistency across the site
  • Key input into shaping the site’s stewardship strategy, ensuring long-term management of landscape, green infrastructure and community assets to secure a positive legacy beyond planning
Consultation and Engagement
  • Active involvement in stakeholder and community engagement, helping to explain the revised design approach and respond to feedback
  • Support to the wider team in pre-application discussions with the local planning authority

    Outcome
    Through a coordinated, landscape-led and evidence-based approach, Define helped Catesby Estates to prepare a fundamentally revised planning application that directly responds to the Inspector’s earlier concerns. This received the widespread support of officers and a recommendation to approve.

    Members overturned this recommendation, and a planning appeal is proceeding although both the LPA and Rule 6 have accepted that the application is policy compliant and are now not defending the reasons for refusal at a planning inquiry in late February 2026.

    Project Team

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