Hankinson Duckett Associates (HDA) is a professional consultancy, combining landscape architecture, masterplanning, ecology, heritage and other expertise, to resolve design and planning issues.
Our work involves the implementation of landscape and restoration projects, and advice on the environmental aspects of commercial, residential and recreational development for private and public bodies throughout the UK. Our skills include masterplanning, landscape and visual impact assessments, landscape character and capacity assessments, co-ordination of Environmental Statements, planning appeals, design briefs, ecological assessment, protected species and arboriculture surveys and advice, and river restoration. We provide a comprehensive approach to project work which adds value through innovative and appropriate solutions.
HDA was formed in 1998 and became employee owned in 2020. The practice is a registered member of the Landscape Institute, and the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. HDA is also a member of Safety Schemes in Procurement, and has SMAS Worksafe accreditation as a designer and contractor.
Landscape Planning
HDA has extensive experience of Landscape Planning, informed by our experience as Expert Witnesses, and through providing landscape advice to South Oxfordshire District Council. We maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of the planning system, including national planning guidance and relevant case law originating through appeal decisions. We have successfully promoted sites through the planning system, both for private developers and for local authorities – supporting their Local Plan through the production of evidence base studies.
Landscape Design
HDA is a Landscape Institute registered practice and all our senior Landscape Architects are Chartered members of the Landscape Institute (CMLI). We offer bespoke design solutions, providing advice from project inception to completion. We have successfully helped clients promote land for development through site analysis and initial concept design, and are often retained to produce designs for planning and construction.
Masterplanning and Urban Design
HDA’s Urban Design team is specialist in placemaking. We work collaboratively with our landscape, ecological, arboricultural and heritage colleagues to design great places for people that are deliverable and create value.
For over 20 years, HDA has successfully applied this approach to residential, mixed-use and public realm schemes across the UK. Our analytical and creative approach achieves responsive and attractive proposals that maximise the potential of schemes.
Ecology
The HDA ecology team is proud to deliver an exceptional standard of service which is demonstrated by our successes in providing practical and cost effective solutions to our clients.
Ecological advice is provided in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), and we maintain a full working knowledge of the latest developments in wildlife legislation, policy and guidance.
Use the link above to download an ecology survey schedule which sets out the optimal time of the year for the variety of surveys which HDA undertakes.
Arboriculture
HDA provides a wide range of arboricultural services, in the context of both large and small scale development and construction schemes. Our expertise includes BS5837 Tree Surveys and assessments, production of detailed method statements, Health and Safety inspections, tree valuations, advice on Tree Preservation Orders and other relevant legislation including High Hedges.
Our in-house arboricultural capability allows seamless integration of tree-related issues into the overall landscape design and masterplanning process, adding value and delivering effective and innovative design solutions.
Built Heritage
HDA’s in-house expertise also includes the historic environment. HDA undertakes heritage character appraisals to inform masterplanning, and assessments of the significance of heritage assets (including assessment of the contribution made by their setting). We also assess the impact of proposals on heritage assets, to inform planning applications and appeals, and to meet the requirements of the NPPF, making use of specialist expertise relating to the historic environment.
Expert Witness
HDA’s landscape architects and ecologists are experienced at presenting evidence to Planning Inquiries and Appeals, and appear at Examinations In Public and other hearings.
