New development design

Government policy asks developers to:

• think imaginatively in future as to how proposals can incorporate mixed land uses
• produce lively and successful developments
• provide a positive contribution to the quality of our towns and cities

It is also vital that we strive to improve the quality of design of new development and avoid mistakes of the past.

Good design should be the aim of everyone involved in the development process. However, it is primarily the responsibility of designers and their clients. Nevertheless, the appearance of proposed development and its relationship to its surroundings are material considerations in determining planning applications.

But just what is good design and is there more to it than personal taste?

Good design is...

Good design is concerned with all the practical aspects of building design:

• soundness of construction
• energy conservation
• drainage
• access
• car parking
• daylight and over-shadowing for instance
• quality of appearance

Well designed buildings can enrich our surroundings and cultural life.

Practical design considerations

Good design is about quality more than style and taste. Our philosophy is that new development should:

• meet all the necessary practical design considerations
• not damage the environment
• respect its surroundings

In conservation areas and the older parts of town, this will normally point towards a more 'traditional' approach. That does not mean to necessarily slavishly copy the past but complement it, with the use of traditional forms and materials.

In other locations, such as business parks or free-standing sites, imaginative modern designs which make a 'statement' are positively welcomed.

In all locations, however, the intrinsic 'quality' of the design will be the chief benchmark.

Urban design

Urban design means the design of:

• groups of buildings
• the spaces between them
• streets
• whole areas

Urban design transcends arguments about the architectural style of individual buildings and focuses instead on our total surroundings. The way to promote good urban design is:

• through provision of a clear design policy 
• by fostering quality in the design of public buildings and spaces

Public art

We encourage public art as an integral part of new development or refurbishments. Public art:

• enriches our surroundings
• symbolises community identity
• adds value to developments