Policy DES1 – Principles of urban design

Planning permission will be granted for new development that is of a high quality, sustainable design that makes a positive contribution to placemaking by: a. Responding positively to local context and character through architecture and urban form that addresses matters such as height, scale, massing, proportion, plot width, building lines, rhythm, roofscape, materials and any impact on built and natural heritage; b. Positively reinforcing a sense of place by demonstrating that locally distinctive features have been identified, incorporated and enhanced where appropriate; c. Providing adequate levels of enclosure and continuity to promote clear and understandable urban form which users can orientate themselves around and move through easily; d. Creating adaptable and well connected public realm that supports welcoming pedestrian environments; e. Fostering inclusive design that promotes accessibility, supports safe communities and the natural surveillance of public spaces to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour; f. Promoting a diversity of land uses that provide active frontages and ensure vibrancy throughout the day; g. Promoting the efficient use of land by the development of densities appropriate to site context; h. Promoting healthy environments and sustainable development that support and encourage walking, cycling and access to public transport that maximises connections to the city's network of green and blue infrastructure; i. Maximising energy efficiencies in buildings through the integration of passive design and renewable energy solutions in their layout, orientation, siting and design, provided the technology is appropriate to the location in terms of any visual, amenity or other environmental impact it may have; j. Ensuring no undue effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties or public spaces by minimising the impact of overshadowing and loss of daylight; and k. Ensuring that on-site vehicle parking provision and movement, where required, and any external bin storage areas do not have a negative impact at street level which would result in the creation of dead frontage or unnecessary clutter. In all cases applications will be expected to adhere to supplementary planning guidance.