1.4 Landscape Site Analysis

Surrounding Greenspace Typologies

Existing greenspace provision surrounding the site offers a generous variety of functions. Immediately to the west lie two large sports (cricket, football) playing fields with allotments and a skate park, which are maintained by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

To the east of Ladyfield is The Crichton, with extensive public gardens. There is also a playing field (football and archery) and the wider estate hosts Park Run, within the mature parkland setting.

Further to the east The Crichton Golf Club adjoins the estate. To the north Castledykes Park is in close proximity to the site and this links with Dock Park, a linear park lining the River Nith. West of the River Nith is Holm Park reached by a footbridge from the eastern bank of the river, that also has play facilities.

Surrounding Development Open Space

Analysing the proportion of open spaces in the surrounding areas of housing is helpful to understand the quality of open space around Ladyfield and can help inform how Ladyfield can make a positive contribution.

Castledykes (1 and 5) has a particularly low proportion of open space at approximately 12%. Kingholm Quay (3 and 4) is less-densely developed, having approximately 33% open space, however it is generally of poorer quality and consists of large areas of semi-regularly maintained amenity grass. Public tree planting in both areas is low, and generally consists of garden-variety species; both Castledykes and Kingholm Quay lack ecological diversity.

Both these developments are of their time, and represent an approach, with an absence of blue green infrastructure and high quality amenity space, that we are moving away from. Ladyfield will make a positive contribution to these existing developments, providing access to outdoor leisure and nature.

The Crichton offers an existing high quality open space provision with a large proportion of tree cover in public areas. The open space provision at Ladyfield will be guided by site constraints, opportunities, planning policy, and a desire for an exemplary and resilient approach. The open space at The Crichton provides a character reference that inspiration can be drawn from.