Design as a Material Consideration

Design is an important material consideration in the assessment of all proposals and good design should be the aim of all those involved in the planning process and must be encouraged across the region. Particular weight should be given to the impact of development on existing buildings, especially listed buildings, monuments in state care and scheduled monuments, and on the character of areas recognised for their landscape or townscape value, such as areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas, areas of townscape character and areas of special archaeological interest. Appropriate and adequate amenity space, especially in residential developments (including unconventional solutions), is an important element of good design.