OOBE’s Chris Shiels explores the meaning of landscape-led masterplanning and counters some common misconceptions about the discipline.
Shiels said: “Investors often see landscape as an afterthought or just an aesthetic cost. We address drainage and Biodiversity Net Gain first. This stops bolted-on solutions later, which are the number one cause of costly planning delays and redesigns.
“High-quality public realm isn’t just ‘pretty’; it’s proven to increase residential values by up to 20% and commercial rents by 10-15%. It’s the first thing a tenant or investor sees.
“We use the site’s natural assets to drive the layout. Every square metre of external space must perform a functional and financial role—it’s about value, not just cost.”
