Heritage farmstead · Landscape-led planning
Wealden Farmstead
A landscape-led masterplan for the conversion of a Grade I listed Wealden farmstead, working with existing features and local materials.
Project overview
Using landscape to unlock planning for a historic farmstead
Conversion of a Grade I listed Wealden farmstead required a strong, landscape-led approach to satisfy the local planning authority and heritage consultees.
The design assembled a sensitive masterplan that retained as many existing features as possible, using local materials and detailing to ensure the new interventions felt grounded in the historic fabric.
Tags
Grade I listed Farmstead Landscape-led Planning support Rural masterplan
Project snapshot
- Client
- Private client
- Location
- Wealden, South East England
- Scope
- Landscape masterplan and supporting information for planning of a Grade I farmstead.
- Key elements
- Courtyards, access, gardens, working yard space, planting and local materials.
The challenge
Respecting heritage while enabling new uses
Any changes to the farmstead setting risked impacting its significance as a listed group of buildings and spaces.
The landscape had to show how contemporary requirements for access, parking and amenity could be accommodated without eroding historic character.
Outcomes
A sensitive framework for conversion and reuse
The masterplan demonstrated a clear, heritage-aware landscape structure that supported the planning case for conversion.
Designs
Retained existing structure
Historic yard and field patterns informed the layout of new spaces and uses.
Local materials palette
Surfaces and walls were based on local stone and traditional details to knit old and new.
Convincing planning narrative
The landscape-led approach helped show that change could enhance, rather than diminish, the setting.