Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development·Page 24·3.5.5
Low-maintenance landscaping and safety considerations
Landscaping should be designed to be low-maintenance, avoiding frequent pruning or weeding. Safety precautions should be considered, particularly for blue infrastructure and SUDs, with pedestrian movement kept within designated paths whilst minimising safety barriers and physical interventions where possible.
Designers should ensure that landscaping proposals are as far as feasibly possible low maintenance, whereby they do not require frequent pruning, weeding or cleaning. This may impact the selection of plants species, surface materials and street furniture. It is also important that adequate safety precautions are considered for example where a scheme seeks to incorporate blue infrastructure and suds. Here the design should aim to keep pedestrian movement within designated paths orientating people away from any perceived risks. In some cases, this can be managed through innovative planting and landscaping. Where possible the use of safety barriers and physical interventions should be avoided as such infrastructure can lead to a cluttered and unwelcoming space.
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