Design Concept for Residential Environments

The overall design concept for a new residential environment should seek to provide contrast and interest balanced by unifying elements to provide coherence and identity. As well as greater variety in the spatial form of development this will entail a greater diversity of dwelling form and type to help produce a lively street scene. For example terraced buildings may be used to enclose a space, while elsewhere a taller building may be used to create a landmark feature. Coherence can be created in the detailed design of the different dwelling types by following the best local traditions of form, materials and detailing. Developers will be required to provide details of the boundary treatment of buildings as this can significantly affect the overall quality and character of new housing areas. The Department will expect use of appropriate hedge planting and well designed walls or railings as opposed to the wholesale use of close boarded fencing.