Keele University’s student accommodation at “The Hawthorns” was built between the 1960s and 1980s. The Hawthorns (pictured) is a locally listed building, but was subject to 1960’s era extension, along with construction of 4 storey accommodation blocks in and around its grounds.
The 1960’s era accommodation is no longer fit for purpose, so working with Seddon Homes, the University drew up proposals to re-develop the site for 85 new family homes and open space. This will release funds for construction of 453 new student rooms at the main Keele campus.
Part of The Hawthorns is in Green Belt and the Keele Village Conservation Area and there are two locally listed buildings in the site, along with numerous TPO trees, some dating to Victorian times, with much infill planting from the 1960s. The Hawthorns and the Villa (the listed buildings) will be retained in residential use and their settings enhanced.
TEP’s landscape specialists supported the masterplanning process and prepared a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. TEP developed detailed landscape proposals, including planting and hard landscape treatments to complement the Conservation Area. TEP also designed the green space network and play area.
TEP carried out a detailed tree survey, and calculated Root Protection Areas and prepared an Arboricultural Method Statement to articulate tree protection measures. TEP also developed replacement tree planting proposals. Planning permission was granted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in early 2016.
TEP is also retained by the University to carry out ecological surveys elsewhere on its estate, in connection with new build projects.
