PPS 7 Quality Residential Environments·Page 6·1.7
The Quality Initiative Requirements
The Quality Initiative, introduced in 1996, requires higher standards of design, layout and landscaping for new residential development, particularly on greenfield sites, incorporating formal open space, walks, cycleways, public transport provision, tree-lined avenues, and comprehensive planning for larger developments.
In January 1996 the Minister for the Environment introduced the Quality Initiative to Northern Ireland with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of good design and quality in the built environment. This Policy Initiative requires the Department to secure a higher quality of design, layout and landscaping for new residential development than that provided in the recent past, particularly on green-field sites. The Minister indicated that new housing layouts should incorporate formal open space, walks and cycleways and promote public transport provision. There should be more planting and a return to tree-lined avenues. The Initiative also highlights the need for comprehensive planning and design of sites, particularly for larger developments.
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