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Adequate enclosure and space scale
4.3.4-4.3.5Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Making an area feel safe and secure is an essential component to its success. The scale of development can also impact levels of enclosure. Where spaces are narrow, taller elements may introduce clima
site-planningexternal-spacenon-domesticdwellingAnimating public spaces in residential, office and mixed-use schemes
4.3.7Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Within residential, office and mixed-use schemes, it is important to animate public spaces to provide opportunities for social interaction. Spaces should be clearly defined, overlooked and accessible
dwellingcommercialnon-domesticsite-planningexternal-spaceaccessFostering inclusive design - children's infrastructure
4.5.1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Public realm has generally been colonised by vehicular traffic which makes the need for communal and private residential amenity spaces more critical. Increasingly the council has moved to prioritise
dwellingnon-domesticresidentialaccessexternal-spaceplacemakingDesigning for an aging population
4.5.2Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
By 2036 one in four of the UK's population will be over 65 years of age. Designing for an aging population and incorporating 'healthy aging' characteristics to buildings and spaces, whereby older peop
dwellingnon-domesticaccessibilityaccessplacemakingInclusive design through high-quality form and appearance
4.5.3Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
The form and appearance of buildings and spaces can contribute to a sense of inclusion and cohesion. Proposals will be encouraged to provide consistent high-quality design to ensure the 10 qualities o
dwellingnon-domesticaccessibilityaccessplacemakingPolicy DES1 - Principles of urban design (inclusive design requirement)
DES1(e)Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Planning permission will be granted for new development that is of a quality, sustainable design that makes a positive contribution to placemaking by: (e) Fostering inclusive design that promotes acce
dwellingnon-domesticaccessibilityaccessplacemakingsite-planningNatural surveillance and safe places
4.5.4–4.5.5Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Successful streets, open spaces, public squares and parks appeal to a diversity of users and activities. This is achieved in places where people feel safe and welcome. The relationship between buildin
site-planningexternal-spacepublic-buildingnon-domesticBuilding layout to promote overlooking and activity
4.5.6Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
The layout of proposed development should promote a sense of natural surveillance/overlooking. When determining how buildings front the street, the location of doors, windows and balconies and/or exte
site-planningexternal-spacenon-domesticAvoiding blank facades and inactive frontage
4.5.7Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Large areas of blank facades and inactive frontage do not contribute to the streetscene, create empty streets with reduced footfall, reduce levels of natural surveillance and encourage anti-social beh
site-planningexternal-spacenon-domesticDiversity of land uses
4.6.1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Places that are welcoming and sustainable offer a wide range of uses that help support people to live, work and socialise. They should be well connected to local facilities and the natural environment
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningpublic-buildingActive frontages
4.6.2Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Well-designed buildings that front onto streets and public spaces contribute to the vibrancy and richness of our streetscape. All levels of development can impact the functionality of a space from sma
commercialnon-domesticsite-planningexternal-spacePolicy DES1: Principles of urban design - active frontages and land use diversity
DES1(f)Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Planning permission will be granted for new development that is of a quality, sustainable design that makes a positive contribution to placemaking by: (f) Promoting a diversity of land uses that provi
site-planningcommercialnon-domesticActive frontage and street vibrancy
Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Active city centre streets that spill out and generate vibrancy and activity throughout the day and into the evening should be encouraged.
non-domesticcommercialpublic-buildingsite-planningExternal storage and waste management areas
4.6.4Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Consideration should also be given to the location of external storage areas for waste management. Dedicated and suitably designed areas within the boundary of the development should be identified so
site-planningexternal-spacenon-domesticcommercialMaximising energy efficiencies in new development
4.9.1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
New development should seek to provide sustainable, energy efficient buildings, minimising their carbon footprint both during construction and through the buildings lifecycle. While the guidance set o
energynon-domesticdwellingEfficient use of natural resources including water, energy and materials
4.9.3Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Well-designed developments should efficiently use and conserve natural resources such as water, energy and materials to help mitigate the impact of development on the environment. Areas where this can
energynon-domesticdwellingPolicy DES1: Maximising energy efficiencies through passive design and renewable energy
DES1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Planning permission will be granted for new development that is of a quality, sustainable design that makes a positive contribution to placemaking by: (i) Maximising energy efficiencies in buildings t
energynon-domesticdwellingsite-planningErskine House, Chichester Street Case Study
Case Study 6Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
As a Civic Trust Award Regional Finalist in 2021, Erskine House comprises Grade A office accommodation in addition to active retail space at ground floor. The 8-storey development has also achieved BR
non-domesticcommercialenergyProtection of amenity - general principles
4.10.1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
In order to achieve sustainable developments throughout the city, it is important to consider their functionality. Well-designed homes and buildings should aim to create attractive and welcoming space
non-domesticdwellingexternal-spacesite-planningDesign considerations for daylight and sunlight
4.10.3Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Developments should therefore take account of; • The design and layout of internal spaces, window placements and in larger scale developments the incorporation of light wells and atriums to ensure com
dwellingnon-domesticexternal-spacesite-planningPolicy DES1 - Amenity and overshadowing requirement
Policy DES1 (j)Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Planning permission will be granted for new development that is of a quality, sustainable design that makes a positive contribution to placemaking by: (j) Ensuring no undue effect on the amenity of th
dwellingnon-domesticexternal-spaceImpact of parking and servicing at street level - Design considerations
4.11.1Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
Parking and how it is accommodated within development schemes can have an impact on the overall design quality of a place. Well-designed car and cycle parking will need to be considered as part of mos
non-domesticdwellingaccessibilityexternal-spacesite-planningServicing and utilities design and location
4.11.6Belfast·SPG005 Placemaking and Urban Design
The servicing of new developments should be considered from the early stages of the design process so as to avoid retrofitting measures later on. This is to ensure development is serviced well without
site-planningdrainagenon-domestic