Once a large Victorian hospital outside Preston, Whittingham is now largely vacant, containing numerous buildings and structures, some in a derelict state. Some are of heritage interest, including the Grade 2 listed St. John’s Church. The site was acquired by Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) from the NHS in 2005.
TEP first helped HCA to manage the site and secure outline planning permission for approximately 650 new homes and associated community facilities.
TEP carried out detailed protected species surveys, focussing particularly on bats and badgers, present in some buildings and amongst the mature woodland. We identified appropriate mitigation measures to conserve the species and enable development.
We also prepared full tree surveys to BS5837 standards and identified appropriate rootzone protection measures.
We combined information from the ecology and arboricultural surveys to identify different character areas, in order to inform the landscape masterplan.
Following grant of outline planning permission by Preston City Council, TEP was appointed by the preferred developer, Taylor Wimpey, to discharge conditions and prepare detailed open space and public realm designs. These reflected the different character areas and included bespoke boundary treatments.
Pending full redevelopment, TEP acts as HCA’s Managing Agents, to maintain the fabric and integrity of the key features of the site. Our Managing Agency services include landscape management, water safety and arboriculture.
Whittingham is a high-profile site, so TEP liaises with site security contractors, the NHS, Lancashire Police and adjacent landowners. The effectiveness of our service is demonstrated by the client’s use of TEP to provide additional consultancy, such as the procurement of structural engineering services and bat licences to repair St John’s Church.
