Wow.
I wasn't getting email updates on this thread, so I've only just caught up on all this spirited discussion
I appreciate the sentiment that chemicals are not necessarily the complete solution, and my problems can be fairly effectively divided into front and rear, where the scenarios are quite different:
Front
(9x9m ish area) There once was lots of ornamental planting, this was hacked and left rotting by the previous owners, I've since cleared the lot, all the dead and dying stuff, dug out several tree-stump, removed 1/2 ton of stones and got to a state which is mostly flat. This area will be used for parking/turning. There might be some low-maintenance planting on an edge or two, but this will be low priority and determined once I've figured out how we need to use the space. The ground is uneven from the remains of some raised beds and stump removal, so I'm considering rotivating to get the topsoil to an even consistency, then raking level and covering with geotextile, then gravel. This will be a 3-4 year stopgap solution as I later intend to pave properly with a harder surface.
@scbk - I figure putting Type 1 down would be overkill as i don't know what preparation will be needed for the final surface, if I go permeable it'll all have to come out again.
This needs to be sorted relatively quickly, so I don't have time for a softly-softly approach
Back
This again had a lot of ornamental and or productive planting, a greenhouse, gooseberry bushes, raised sections with low stone walls, apple trees and lots of other stuff, the greenhouse has gone, and things have run rampant. I've started clearing some of the brambles and ivy, and dug out some of the ornamental grasses, but it's mostly untouched. I've two small boys that want space to run around, ride bikes and wrestle.
@endecotp &
@cwhaley - I want a clear level space in the main, turfed and maybe bordered with a bit of something low-maintenance. Whilst it would be nice to resurrect the exotic and varied planting of the previous residents, I don't have the time, knowledge or enthusiasm for tending it. I can mow a lawn, trim a hedge and that's as far as my motivation goes, I got too much other stuff on my plate.
@endecotp -The arum is not as extensive as I though, but it's in the wrong place and it's going, somehow, probably manually as I've been told it's pretty resistant to Glyphosate this time of year. I'll try to get some photos of it next time I'm out there in daylight. Its in an odd location, as you've stated I'd expect to find it in a shady area, but this is out in the open.
@sodthisforfun - I've done fresh turf in the past, and don't have an issue doing it again, but there's a lot more prep needed here as it'll be going over some pretty varied ground.
@HawkEye244 - I'm conscious of the chemicals I use, Glyphosate, if used, will be used sparingly, I've also been recommended Ammonium Sulphamate as an alternative, which on casual reading appears to have less environmental side-effects and may also prove effective in helping me get rid of a large tree stump.