Protection of residential character and amenity

Whilst policy encourages housing development within the existing urban footprint, this must not have the consequence of significantly eroding the character and amenity of existing areas, for example through inappropriate design or overdevelopment. Unacceptable harm must not be caused to local character, environmental quality or residential amenity in a residential area. Particular regard should be given to spacing between buildings, safeguarding of privacy, scale and massing of buildings, use of materials and impact on existing landscape and public amenity spaces. The cumulative impact of ancillary activities such as car parking and refuse storage can undermine established residential areas and should be given due consideration.