Key Design Considerations for Residential Development

For a residential development scheme to be successful, the following issues will need to be fully considered: i. the extent of the surrounding area and the relevant development plan context; ii. context of site and surroundings, including: • existing densities and layouts; • plot sizes; • ratios of built form to garden area; • spacing between buildings; • scale, height, and massing of buildings; • architectural styles and materials; • landscaping and boundary treatments; and • potential impacts on non-residential uses e.g. schools, open space, etc. iii. the potential impacts of proposals on the street scene including main views, distance from boundaries of adjoining properties, overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, refuse and recycling storage, noise or other general disturbance; iv. the impact of parking provision on street scene, and the ratio of hard landscaping to soft landscaping / garden areas; and where appropriate, v. the size, form, function and existing character of villages and smaller settlements.