Land South of Water Lane, Angmering
James Blake Associates were appointed in 2019 to provide ecological, arboricultural, and landscape design services for a planning application covering approximately 9 hectares of land on the edge of the existing settlement of Angmering. The site lies adjacent to the A280, with the South Downs National Park beyond to the east. The northern part of the site is characterised by an existing wetland that extends along Water Lane, featuring prominent vegetation, marginal scrub, mature trees, and expansive wetland meadows. This ecologically valuable area has been retained and is now actively managed.
The western parcel of the site lies in close proximity to the Angmering Conservation Area and was therefore designed to refl ect and respect the local character. A playable Public Open Space, including a Local Area for Play (LAP) at the site entrance, was created using Natural Play principles in keeping with the surrounding landscape and the nearby Conservation Area. Further play provisions, including a SuperLEAP and two additional LAPs, were developed through consultation with Arun District Council to ensure alignment with local character, community needs, and the Council’s standards.
Substantial strategic landscaping has been delivered along the site boundaries, with particular emphasis on screening views from the A280 and the South Downs National Park. The northern boundary required close collaboration with drainage engineers to integrate a SuDS feature that complements the surrounding wetland character while protecting sensitive habitats.
