Planning Control Principle 2: Good Design

Good design should be the aim of all those involved in housing development and will be encouraged everywhere. All new housing developments should demonstrate a high quality of design, layout and landscaping. 87. Government policy aims to achieve attractive and sustainable places through good design and wishes to promote: • more sustainable patterns of living, working and travelling; • more effective integration between landuse planning and transport; and • the creation of attractive places in which people are happy to live, work and take their leisure. 88. Good design ensures attractive usable, durable and adaptable places and is a key element in achieving sustainable development. It can also help secure the continued acceptance of new development. 89. The RDS promotes imaginative and innovative design which respects the character of an area, local tradition and human scale in order to create attractive surroundings and safe places to live. 90. Good design is not just about the architecture of individual buildings, but also about the functionality and impact of the development on the overall character, quality and sustainability of an area and includes the efficient and prudent use of resources. 91. In housing, a well-designed development should therefore respect its context and make the most of existing site characteristics. The layout should protect and respect natural habitat and heritage, encourage walking and cycling and should provide convenient access to public transport. Tree-lined avenues, generous planting and open spaces should be provided. Traffic should be calmed on as many roads as possible. The places created should be distinctive, attractive and safe, and should serve the needs of residents of all ages, particularly children. 92. There should be no acceptance of ill-conceived designs which do not contribute to making places better for people.