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Privacy considerations in residential development
3.1.30Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
While in most urban areas, few households can claim not to be overlooked to some degree, the protection of privacy for the occupants of residential properties is an important element of the quality of
dwellingresidentialprivacyOverlooking potential and mitigation measures
3.1.31Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
Balconies, roof terraces, decking, dormer windows, windows in side elevations and conservatories all have the potential to cause overlooking problems, due to their position and orientation, particular
dwellingresidentialprivacydesignPolicy RD1 - Privacy and amenity requirements for new residential developments
RD1(B)Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
Does not unduly affect the privacy or amenity of neighbouring residents, including overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, dominance, noise or other disturbance
dwellingresidentialprivacyamenitypolicyWindow orientation for privacy and surveillance
3.1.32Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
In some instances an acceptable solution may be achieved through the orientation of windows that are capable of both maintaining privacy and provide natural surveillance on to the street. In the case
dwellingresidentialprivacydesignSpacing between buildings to minimise overlooking
3.1.33Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
Notwithstanding this, all proposals should seek to provide reasonable space between buildings in order to minimise overlooking. This will also assist in providing acceptable levels of daylight to prop
dwellingresidentialprivacydaylightdesignSeparation distances between facing windows in residential development
3.1.34Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
In general, a separation of no less than 20 metres should be maintained between facing windows of the main habitable rooms (i.e. bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms or kitchens). Where windows face a
dwellingresidentialprivacyaccessReduced separation distances below 20m
3.1.36Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
In such instances, separation distances of less than 20m may be deemed appropriate. However this would be determined on a case-by-case basis and would need to be justified by a way of a thorough analy
dwellingresidentialaccessprivacyOverlooking of existing gardens
3.1.37Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
The overlooking of existing gardens is particularly important in this context and may be unacceptable where new development proposed would result in an intrusive, direct and uninterrupted view from a
dwellingresidentialprivacyBoundary treatments for protecting garden privacy
3.1.38Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
This is often the main outdoor seating area adjacent to the property of your neighbours' house and, as a general rule of thumb, is the first 3-4 metres of a rear garden, closest to the residential pro
dwellingresidentialexternal-spaceprivacyBalcony design and screening requirements
3.1.67Belfast·SPG003 Residential Design
These minimum areas and dimensions should provide sufficient space for a small table and chairs, screened clothes drying or for residents and visitors to relax. Balconies with a larger floor area of g
flatsresidential-designexternal-spaceprivacy