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Introduction and Overview of Masterplanning Approach
1.1.1 - 1.1.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The issues facing our urban areas such as housing growth and urban repair are complex and sophisticated and therefore require innovative responsive solutions by all those involved within the regenerat
site-planningnon-domesticMasterplanning Approach Requirements for Major Development
1.1.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Setting out a masterplanning approach for new major developments should outline a comprehensive plan of how an area can potentially be developed in accordance with the aspirations set out within the L
site-planningexternal-spaceRequirement for Masterplans in Major Development Applications
1.1.4Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Masterplans will be required for applications that are defined as 'Major development' applications as outlined within Regulation 2 of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Irelan
site-planningPurpose of guidance
1.2.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
This Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) provides advice and guidance specific to placemaking and urban design. It applies to the Belfast City Council area and is intended to be a point of reference
site-planningnon-domesticStatutory basis and related guidance
1.2.2-1.2.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
This SPG represents non-statutory planning guidance that supports, clarifies and/or illustrates by example, policies contained within the current planning policy framework, including development plans
site-planningnon-domesticdwellingRegional Development Strategy 2035 - Urban and Rural Renaissance
2.1.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The RDS provides regional guidance under the three sustainable development themes of economy, society and environment in relation to design issues. Policy RG7 supports urban and rural renaissance by r
site-planningexternal-spaceurban-designStrategic Planning Policy Statement - Good Design and Placemaking
2.1.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The SPPS outlines that good design can change lives, communities and neighbourhoods for the better. It also outlines that new buildings and their surroundings have a significant effect on the characte
site-planningurban-designexternal-spacePlacemaking - Asset Identification and Vision Development
2.1.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The SPPS states that the key to successful placemaking is identifying the assets of a particular place as well as developing a vision for its future potential. This includes the relationship between d
site-planningurban-designexternal-spaceLocal Development Plan Strategy - Strategic Policy Framework
2.2.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The Local Development Plan (LDP) Plan Strategy provides the strategic policy framework for the plan area as a whole across a range of thematic areas. It sets out the vision for Belfast as well as the
site-planningurban-designSPPS Design Quality Requirements
2.2.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The SPPS states that poor design should be rejected, particularly proposals that are inappropriate to their context, including schemes that are clearly out of scale, or incompatible with their surroun
site-planningnon-domesticdwellingLocal Policies Plan Overview
2.2.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Once adopted, the Local Policies Plan (LPP) will set out site-specific proposals in relation to the development and use of land in Belfast. It will contain local policies, including site-specific prop
site-planningHolistic approach to site understanding and analysis
3.1.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
How well a place is understood will be one of the most important aspects of how successful a scheme will be. Applicants will need to undertake and communicate this understanding of a sites context cle
site-planningmajor-developmentConsideration of adjacent plots and site characteristics
3.1.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Prior to setting out an overarching vision and design principles, consideration should be given in the first instance to the unique characteristics of the site including the availability of any adjace
site-planningmajor-developmentConsultation with adjacent landowners
3.1.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Applicants are therefore encouraged, where appropriate, to consult adjacent landowners early on to ascertain the benefits that a joined up approach may bring to the masterplanning process and the wide
site-planningmajor-developmentPolicy DES2: Masterplanning approach for major development
Policy DES2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Planning permission will be granted for major development where it accords with the following masterplanning principles: (a) Adopt a holistic approach to site assembly, layout and design that is mindf
site-planningmajor-developmentMasterplan as a dynamic document with flexibility
3.1.4Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
It is important that when adopting a masterplanning approach for major developments that the applicant considers the masterplan as a dynamic document that incorporates a degree of flexibility and does
site-planningBalancing connections, spaces and buildings in site assembly
3.1.5Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Successful places strike a harmonious balance between connections, spaces and buildings. Plot sizes, the shapes of buildings including their scale height and massing are factors to be considered in es
site-planningexternal-spaceTesting multiple proposals through masterplanning
3.1.6Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
By utilising a masterplanning approach several varying proposals can be tested. Such tests may include; • Where developments occur in areas where archaeological remains of the city's historic environm
site-planningconservationFlexibility in block and plot design for uncertain future uses
3.1.6Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
In cases where the intended use is not yet established it is important that the blocks and plots contain a degree of flexibility so as not to overly restrict their future use.
site-planningnon-domesticPermeability and movement priorities for different user types
3.1.6Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
What levels of permeability are provided for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and other vehicles? Are pedestrians and cyclists allotted adequate priority throughout the site?
site-planningaccessaccessibilityMicroclimate and energy efficiency considerations
3.1.6Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
How will the built form affect microclimates? Can site conditions be utilised to increase energy efficiencies?
site-planningenergyStructured masterplan approach - demonstrable outcomes
3.1.7Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
In responding to these queries, the level of detail provided should allow for greater certainty and provide the basis for a structured masterplan approach which demonstrates; How streets, squares and
site-planningaccessaccessibilityexternal-spaceIntegration with existing published strategies and frameworks
3.1.8Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
With regards to how the proposal connects and integrates with its wider context, cognisance should be given to any existing published strategies that may have a bearing on the site. These may include
site-planning3D modelling and visualization of masterplan approach
3.1.9Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the masterplanning approach process using 3D model imagery, and where appropriate utilise VUCITY.
site-planningDesign Statements
3.1.10, 3.1.11Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Design Statements can be an effective tool in prescribing broad design parameters for small to medium sized sites to illustrate the thought processes underpinning the design. They can be used as a mea
site-planningmajor-developmentDesign Codes
3.1.12, 3.1.13, 3.1.14Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Once masterplanning principles are formulated, further detail can be set out in the form of Design Code depending on the size and complexities associated with the site. The level of detail provided ca
site-planningmajor-developmentdwellingDesign codes as evidence-based framework for masterplan implementation
3.1.15Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
This provides the council with a strong, evidence-based framework document to help guide and inform the roll out of development across the masterplan, irrespective of which developer/applicant comes f
site-planningnon-domesticLayout design on sloping sites and topographical constraints
3.1.16Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Particular care will be necessary in preparing layout proposals on sloping sites in order to minimise the impact of differences in level between adjoining properties, existing or proposed. The use of
site-planningdwellingexternal-spaceUrban repair and connectivity - regeneration opportunities
3.2.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Areas of the city that have experienced post-industrial decline or have suffered from a lack of investment can present opportunities for new regeneration projects. Where the opportunity exists, new de
site-planningurban-designregenerationUrban repair - addressing transport infrastructure and physical barriers
3.2.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Urban repair can also help alleviate those sections of the city which have suffered from poor transport infrastructure and a legacy of unsympathetic development which has resulted in physical barriers
site-planningaccessconnectivityBalancing access, movement and quality with active transport modes
3.2.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Balancing the needs of access and movement while creating a high-quality development requires innovation and creativity. It is important that active modes of transport are considered from the outset t
site-planningaccesstransportBrownfield sites - connectivity and historic context
3.2.4Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
This is of particular importance when developing brownfield sites within the city which may have been left underdeveloped due to the lack of connectivity. Existing and historic context and levels of c
site-planningbrownfieldconnectivityPolicy DES2: Masterplanning approach for major development - urban repair and connectivity
Policy DES2(b)Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Planning permission will be granted for major development where it accords with the following masterplanning principles: (b) Promote opportunities for urban repair and greater connectivity to neighbou
site-planningmajor-developmentconnectivityurban-repairConnectivity requirements in masterplans
3.2.5Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Poor connectivity will limit the success of the masterplan irrespective of the quality of development proposed and as such development proposals that fail to address these issues will not be considere
site-planningexternal-spaceEarly consideration of infrastructure and site constraints
3.2.6Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Infrastructure, utility connections and site conditions should also be considered at an early stage as these can pose constraints that can be difficult to mitigate further within the development and d
site-planningAddressing physical barriers and permeability
3.2.7Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
One of the main contributors which constrains permeability and movement across the city is the legacy of strategic road infrastructure and the degree of disconnect that this has caused at a local leve
site-planningurban-designHeritage impact of structures related to the Troubles
3.2.8Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
A contentious issue and one very unique to Belfast is the profound and lasting impact that the Troubles have had on our urban environment in relation to physical barriers. The most recognisable of the
site-planningconservationurban-designPoorly connected residential areas and non-obvious barriers to movement
3.2.9Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
On a more localised level challenges also exist in the form of poorly connected residential areas, where points of access were restricted and the use of cul-de-sacs widespread in order to address conc
site-planningaccessurban-designAlleviating physical barriers and improving connectivity in masterplans
3.2.10Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
In the layout of new masterplans, every opportunity should be taken to positively effect change by alleviating such physical barriers. Where appropriate the opportunity should be taken to remove or re
site-planningaccessurban-designwalkabilityCollaborative masterplanning approach to vehicular movement
3.2.11Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Utilising a masterplanning approach to site assembly also increases the potential to integrate vehicular movement within the overall design. However these issues should not be considered technical cha
site-planningurban-designCommunity consultation for major development
3.2.12Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The consultation process for major development is critical in obtaining an understanding of the main areas of concern facing communities, but also is an opportunity to gain community support for new p
site-planningurban-designCase Study 1: Connswater Community Greenway
CASE STUDY 1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
A 9km linear park through east Belfast following the course of the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers, connecting open and green spaces. The multipurpose greenway not only provides an attractive, safe
external-spaceopen-spacedrainagesite-planningpublic-buildingEnergy efficiencies in large-scale development
3.3.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
There is greater potential for larger scale development sites to positively contribute to combatting issues of climate change. The incorporation of energy efficient technologies and passive design app
energysite-planningAdaptive reuse of existing buildings
3.3.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
It is also important that proposals consider the adaptive reuse of existing buildings where the opportunity to do so exists. Existing buildings will contain embodied energy that will mostly be wasted
energyBREEAM excellent standard for sustainable development
3.3.3Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
In order for such adaptive measures to be assessed to create sustainable developments the policy criteria sets out an aspiration for developments to achieve BREEAM excellent. BREEAM certificates apply
energyResponsible reuse and upgrade of existing buildings
3.3.4Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
The council encourages the responsible reuse, reappropriation and upgrade of existing buildings with any new interventions being sympathetic to the buildings age, character and construction. Cases may
energyPolicy DES2: Masterplanning approach for major development - energy efficiencies
DES2(c)Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Planning permission will be granted for major development where it accords with the following masterplanning principles: (c) Maximise solutions to deliver energy efficiencies that seek to achieve BREE
energysite-planningAshby Building Refurbishment Energy and Environmental Standards
Case Study 2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Originally built in 1964 to designs by Cruickshank & Seward, refurbishment of the Ashby building began in 2006. Energy efficiencies and environmental strategies are being implemented as reflected by t
energynon-domesticpublic-buildingPromotion of higher densities for sustainable development
3.4.1Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
Higher densities can be appropriate for compact city living where more sustainable forms of development would be preferred by increasing massing along city corridors, around regional and local centres
dwellingenergysite-planningurban-designVariety of densities and building types to sustain local character
3.4.2Belfast·SPG007 Masterplanning Approach for Major Development
What is sometimes overlooked is that a large proportion of our much admired Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terraces resulted in higher densities that often far exceed density limits advocated withi
dwellingsite-planningconservation