Placemaking Engagement – Planning and Development Industry Questionnaire
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Too prescriptive and subjective criteria.
Codes that encourage quality development. At the moment too many low quality houses appear to being built. Design is often too generic (i.e. similar houses can be found throughout the country) - the current model of funding and delivering houses encourages developers to build as cheap as possible to maximise margins. The secondary market for newly built houses is not that good as first time buyers are incentivised to buy new.
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Parking Architectural details
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Design that produces homes that reflect the area in which they are built (i.e. not generic design found throughout the country - often built by national housebuilders)
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Green spaces that nature and man can live in harmony, and actuaĺy enjoy spending time in those spaces.
Concrete raised kerb pathways are ugly and urbanised a place. Much better to have roads and paths that are flush, no tripping hazards and no 2 wheel on pavement parking. Cars could park between bollards as seen in new Riverside development in Wivenhoe which is much more attractive.
Less concrete.
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Seems like Colchester has been ruined and you are now coming for the villages. Where to go for weekend activities? Rivers polluted with who knows what, beaches littered, countryside concreted over with houses, roads clogged up, valley views blighted with pylons. Who will stand up for nature? 😔
Seems like Colchester has been ruined and you are now coming for the villages. Where to go for weekend activities? Rivers polluted with who knows what, beaches littered, countryside concreted over with houses, roads clogged up, valley views blighted with pylons. Who will stand up for nature? 😔
Seems like Colchester has been ruined and you are now coming for the villages. Where to go for weekend activities? Rivers polluted with who knows what, beaches littered, countryside concreted over with houses, roads clogged up, valley views blighted with pylons. Who will stand up for nature? 😔
Seems like Colchester has been ruined and you are now coming for the villages. Where to go for weekend activities? Rivers polluted with who knows what, beaches littered, countryside concreted over with houses, roads clogged up, valley views blighted with pylons. Who will stand up for nature? 😔
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Seems like Colchester has been ruined and you are now coming for the villages. Where to go for weekend activities? Rivers polluted with who knows what, beaches littered, countryside concreted over with houses, roads clogged up, valley views blighted with pylons. Who will stand up for nature? 😔
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A requirement for development to be designed to encourage physical activity and support other health and wellbeing objectives. The role of design in creating environments that encourage physical activity has often been overlooked in design policies. Sport England, with support from Active Travel England and the OHID, has produced ‘Active Design’ https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/design-and-cost-guidance/active-design/, a guide to planning new developments that create the right environment to help people get more active. The guidance sets out ten key principles for ensuring new developments are designed to incorporate opportunities for people to take part in physical activity. The Active Design principles are aimed at contributing towards the Government’s desire for the planning system to promote healthy communities through good design (para 96 of NPPF). This approach has also been embedded into the guidance contained in current Essex Design Guide. Active Design offers potential to play an important role in contributing towards the delivery of the emerging Local Plan's vision and strategic priorities relating to design, health, active travel, open space/green infrastructure and climate change.
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Sport England has new guidance on how to prepare design codes that consider Active Design including a checklist that can be applied to developments which can be shared upon request.
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The themes relating to health and wellbeing and active design.
Examples can be provided upon request of Local Plan policies, Place Making SPDs, design codes etc that have positively addressed how design can encourage physical activity.
Sport England's new guidance and checklist on design codes attached which includes good practice examples
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A design policy should consider the impact of development upon the existing PRoW network. It should consider how development will impact the safety of users, and additionally should consider the impact upon the enjoyment of users. In far too many occasions, existing PRoWs are losing their rural aspect and are becoming corridors between newly developed housing estates. This has a detrimental impact upon the enjoyment of users, and in the case of horse riders using bridleways, can cause safety concerns given increased noise and other hazards as a result of the increased density of buildings and population. Additionally design policies should be far more creative in the creation and use of green buffer zones. These represent an opportunity to create new bridleways linking into existing bridleways and allows riders safe passage to the surrounding countryside. Design policies should incorporate ring-fenced Section 106 monies for such enhancements.
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A good design considers the impact upon the PRoW network and how increased traffic emanating from the development will impact users, and then incorporates appropriate mitigants
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From the perspective of a water company, the key elements of good design are ensuring that new development can help mitigate carbon emissions and be resilient to the effects of climate change over the long term, through: - Sufficient green and blue infrastructure to incorporate the full range of multi-functional benefits (recognising proportionality needs to be considered at various scales). - Sustainable construction methods that minimise embodied carbon and future-proof buildings so that they are resilient designs that factor in water efficiency and integrated water management measures to reduce demands on potable water resources and maximise opportunities for water reuse.
Design policies should set an ambitious framework for high quality sustainable and resilient designs to provide a clear indication of what developers are expected to deliver to achieve places people want to live, work and play in, but also feel that they are well-considered in terms of environmental future-proofing. We recognise that specific design elements will be detailed in other policies (e.g. Green and blue infrastructure provision, surface water management, water efficiency and integrated water management measures), but the design policy provides an opportunity to set clear expectations for new development in terms of its appearance, and layout, but also it's functionality and resilience. There are no specific design measures that should not be included in a design policy.
- Set clear principles for water stewardship to enable sustainable future - see Enabling Water Smart Communities innovation project www.ewsc.org.uk - Clear expectations for green and blue infrastructure provision that maximise environmental gains, reduce flood risk through SuDS, and provide opportunities for integrated water management. - Future-proofing new development so water reuse is factored in from the beginning to avoid costly retrofitting (rainwater harvesting and reuse, greywater recycling, - individual properties and community scale) with dual pipe systems to enable water reuse for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. - Ambitious water efficiency standards to help safeguard water resources over the longer term against challenges of climate change and population growth, whilst leaving more water in the environment to enable nature recovery.
There is scope for design codes at all scales. Design is an important consideration for many communities, and this is clearly evident in neighbourhood plans coming forward across our region. There is an opportunity to provide strategic design codes that apply across the whole city council area, with more detailed design codes at a neighbourhood level, or even through identified 'character' areas.
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The 1997 version of the Essex Design Guide does not include the key sustainability factors for building a resilient future, that we, as a water company would consider to be essential in any design policy today. Our expectation is the design guidance will help to reflect our long term ambitions: make the East of England resilient to the risks of drought and flooding; enable sustainable economic and housing growth in the UK's fastest growing region; by 2030, be a net zero business; and work with others to achieve significant improvement in ecological quality across our catchments. We support the section on Services and Access which provides detail regarding the routeing of underground services, including sewers. Although signposting would be required to updated standards and guidance. Further information can be found on our website https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developing/
It is considered that the most important sections included in the 2018 online version are: Flood Management and the link to the Sustainable Drainage Systems Design Guide for Essex: The SuDS Design Guide reference in this section is critical as it highlights the opportunities for integrated water management and the ability to for rainwater re-use (rainwater harvesting/greywater recycling) which is highest on the drainage hierarchy and emphasises the ability to mitigate against water scarcity. We consider that reference to the SuDS Design Guide and rainwater re-use should be clearly emphasised in delivering resilient designs and incorporated within green and blue infrastructure provision wherever possible. Landscapes and Greenspaces: This section emphasises the multifunctional role of greenspaces - although it would be more appropriate to use the terminology green and blue infrastructure. Surface water run-off systems are clearly cited in the key messages section, together with opportunities for minimising flood risk and increasing biodiversity. They key questions are also relevant to ensure developers fully consider the multi-functional benefits that well designed greenspaces can provide, including the integration of SuDS.
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We support designs that represent water smart communities to combine different elements of water management together with sustainable housing to support people and nature to thrive together - building a resilient future for generations to come.
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Designs that are not future-proofed against a changing climate and environmental challenges such as flood risk and drought.
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The Council will need to give consideration to the historic environment within the design policies of the local plan which should seek to draw on opportunities offered by the historic environment and reflect local character and distinctiveness. This should not stymie contemporary development but should require an appreciation of the significance and character of the historic environment in producing a high standard of design. Contextual, character driven planning is really key to the success of new developments. We consider that the staged approach to understanding character, from the very high-level landscape and geological characteristics down to local architectural details and materials, is a helpful and logical approach, and will help applicants understand the qualities and local characteristics of the area of their development sites. In general, the place specific analysis provides a good introduction to the character of each place, but this should of course be supplemented by more detailed analysis in the Design and Access Statement for any development, using evidence such as Conservation Area Character Appraisals where they are available. Where they are not available, we consider that their production and adoption should be a priority to provide a more robust evidence base for this document and for design development in the town centre more generally. We highlight the publication Building Better Building Beautiful Commission report, chapter 12 of the NPPF, the National Model Design Guide and National model Design Code which may help shape your policy in this area. Please refer to our advice regarding design in the historic environment, accessible at: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/design-in-the-historic-environment/#6648a1aa
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Please refer to our advice regarding design in the historic environment, accessible at: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/design-in-the-historic-environment/#6648a1aa
Please refer to our advice regarding design in the historic environment, accessible at: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/design-in-the-historic-environment/#6648a1aa
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Design policy should promote sustainable design and construction methods, whilst allowing for flexibility in order to accommodate the context of the built and landscape environment which are different for all individual development sites. Policy should also be reflective of changes in wider County and national updates. The objective of a design policy should be to create sustainable, well-designed, distinctive places where healthy behaviours are the norm and which provide a sense of belonging and safety, as well as a sense of community. This should inform both the site selection process and the delivery of new developments.
Inclusion of matters raised as part of the Essex Design Guide (EDG) should not be included explicitly as part of policy. The nature of the EDG allows for updating and amending to accommodate new legislation or other important elements of design – the design policy should simply complement the document and refer to it (or to its successors) to allow for changes to be taken into account over time. It is essential that a local plan design policy avoids being prescriptive and inflexible which would be likely to result in undesirable outcomes over time.
Whilst each element of the National Model Design Code is of great importance in their own way, for the purposes of Colchester we interpret the most important to be Built Form (a coherent pattern of development), Homes and Buildings (functional, healthy and sustainable) and Identity (attractive and distinctive). At this time, creating homes for the community that are also affordable is of upmost importance. Doing this in a way that is high quality and respects context of each individual area is key to ensure these homes are de-signed appropriately.
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The Principles of Spatial Organisation and Landscapes and Greenspaces remain a priority – organising space and buildings in either rural or urban systems, especially the latter, remains a valid consideration. Development being complemented by landscape features, ecological enhancements and public open space allow a balance to be met when creating good spaces. This is continued with minimal changes into the online version. Similarly, the requirements of Sustainability broadly accord with principles today, only being developed further alongside technological advancements. That being: proximity to existing and future facilities, including within forthcoming nearby development sites to allow for cohesion between areas; encouraging walking and cycling as sustainable modes of transport; and safeguarding ecological features.
Sections relating to Garden Communities, given the upcoming development, are pivotal to Colchester and its future. Not only are the principles established important for developing Garden Communities themselves, they are broadly applicable to achieving a good design for developments elsewhere. Particularly, creating communities surrounded by green infrastructure, enhancement of the natural environment, promotion of self-sustainability and integrated and accessible transport systems. All of these is particularly relevant to edge of settlement locations whereby links to nature, landscape, and open space should all contribute to bringing green infrastructure into more urban locations.
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‘Good design’ allows developments to align with the principles and characteristics of its context, whilst subtly or implicitly improving upon the quality of the built form – whether that, for example be in its longevity, or its sustainability.
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‘Bad design’ contrasts or ‘jars’ with existing development and includes disproportionate amounts of urban use. A lack of alignment with spatial strategies and unwillingness to achieve goals towards sustainability would contribute to a lack of identity and consequently to poor design.
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Issue definition, resources, clarity of purpose, creativity, aspects that limit change, timescales, development of alternative policy options, evidence based and informed, ability to be modified by external stakeholders that would include residents and Councillors. Adequate and timely ability for others to have an input. Building on thoughts already put forward and the inputs into the Last Local Plan and existing Neighbourhood Plans. Must also be strategic and examine area as a whole and its needs.
Unrealistic thinking, ideas and proposals where it is impossible to take residents with them. Resolve matters matters that are outside the control of the City Council. Not put forward proposals that will endanger the aims that are possible. Targets that are impossible and are not realistic.
Those that are designed in collaboration with our local communities, help create a place which retains the best aspects of our environment, does not mean significant travel to work, school and college, access to health service and recreational opportunities, and where cost of housing is kept to affordable rates based on local wages. More provision of social housing. Infrastructure needs to be paramount. Historical aspects to be retained. Vibrant communities that are sustainable.
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Creating development with local character and there has been a regression to bland designs recently that could be anywhere. The retention of older designs should be encouraged. Use of artificial chimney posts has been a feature of late that are not of a good design or enhance developments. Importance of well thought out access, area allowed for development more generous in size. It should be less the 20 dwellings per hectare and viability can still be assured at a less figure and profits for housebuilding are still substantial. Sustainability needs addressing. Maintenance schemes for common area must be critically looked at to see if residents will not be paying too large sums. Enforceability of building regs. should be retained with local authority, Parking overfill. Retain enough area in development for parking of at least two cars. Access for the disabled must be provided.
Please see above.
There has been attention in the media to that undertaken in Norfolk.
Please see above. I would like to be consulted on this.
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Please see above. I would like to be consulted on this.
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Thank you for providing Chelmsford City Council (CCC) the opportunity to comments on this consultation. Our responses to the questions where we can provide input are provided in the questionnaire below. Design policies should be overarching and include universal principles that would be applied to all sites. In addition, issues or places that may be of specific importance to Colchester, such as waterfront, historic area developments, tall buildings, strategic housing sites should be noted within design policies. Listed buildings and areas of significant heritage value and character, should be respected in the context of placemaking, design and new development in the city centre.
Design policies should not include an excessive level of detail.
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Areas of significant change.
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In Chelmsford we have our Making Places Supplementary Planning Document which supports the adopted Local Plan which we are updating as part of its review. This seeks to promote and secure high-quality sustainable new development. It is aimed at all forms of development, from large strategic developments, public spaces, to small extensions and individual homes. It sets out detailed guidance on the standards included in Chelmsford’s Local Plan for future planning proposals. It also shows how development can go beyond planning policy requirements to create the most sustainable and environmentally friendly development. It can be viewed at: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/idpmbu3z/making-places-spd.pdf
Good design should contribute positively to making places better for people and respond to local character and history while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation. Good design can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote healthier lifestyles and build a sense of place and civic pride. The spaces between buildings are just as important as the buildings themselves, so integrating green spaces and public realm to include legible routes to destinations within and beyond new development is crucial.
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Poorly designed developments can be incompatible with their surrounding and not achieve the above goals.
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The Colchester City Local Authority Area has an attractive environment within which Hopkins Homes Ltd are fully committed to creating high quality buildings and spaces. Colchester benefits from a diverse spectrum of settlement types including the city itself, its wealth of history, villages of varying size, the coastal areas and the countryside. This creates a very appealing location for people to live and work and there is also a clear harmonious link between the old and the new. Fundamental to the success of any design policy is a contextual reflection of this diverse spectrum of settlement types in addressing at a local level the ten characteristics of a well-designed place as identified by the National Design Guide i.e. Context, Identity, Built Form, Movement, Nature, Public Spaces, Uses, Homes & Buildings, Resources and Lifespan.
Hopkins Homes Ltd fully endorses a well-considered comprehensive Design Policy achieving a consistency of high quality design across the authority upon which certainty of outcome can be achieved and sustained. Design Guides and Design Codes have a role in implementing that policy in more detail and at a neighbourhood level but should not be used to introduce policy, diluting confidence in any Design Policy and that reliability of outcome.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that all local planning authorities should prepare design codes or guides consistent with the principles set out in the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, reflecting local character and design preferences. Hopkins Homes Ltd fully endorses this hierarchical approach. Overarching Design Codes should provide a framework for creating high-quality places at a local level consistent with the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, a flexible framework to achieve a high quality consistency of outcome from site to site supporting a variety of mixes of uses and densities across the authority.
This tree structure hierarchical approach to Design Codes should reach its site level base at sites of circa 500 dwellings or above or the equivalent site area based on median densities within that locality. Sites of 500 dwellings and above are appropriate for a site wide Design Code interpreting and reinforcing Local and National Design Codes at a site wide level, siting within a consistent Design Code framework.
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The Essex Design represents one of the most well considered policy frameworks at a County level however the challenge is how that is adapted and implemented appropriately within a range of authorities individual neighbourhoods and communities reflecting the context of those communities.
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Understand the context of a local area, and reflecting on the scale, massing, rhythm and materials of pre-20th Century buildings that will have used local materials and detailing to make them distinctive to the local area and enhance it, rather than detract. Providing precise detail on eaves, window reveals, door surrounds, and other architectural details to provide minimum detailed design standards. Allowing exceptional designs to deviate from the policy where they are supported by a suitability qualified design review panel.
Prescriptive back-to-back distances on overlooking between homes and minimum garden sizes that limit creative place making. Average garden size guides are acceptable, but not minimum. In addition, there should be flexibility in design policies that not all car park spaces should be oversized, to recognise that some cars are generally smaller and more commonly so for urban commuters.
Clear simple advice on understanding the local context, creating well designed streets and places, and the detailed design of homes with the potential to deviate from the advice through the use of design review panels. Flexibility in back-to-back distances and garden sizes.
Design codes should cover all scales including understanding the context, place making, landscape and building design, to the detailed design of the exterior of the buildings.
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The guidance needs to be simplified as it has over expanded since earlier additions and needs to become more focused with more diagrams and less words. It also needs to take account of 20-minute neighbourhoods, and prescribe well-design vernacular / pre 20th Century architecture that follows detailed guidance and more contemporary architecture subject to design panel review.
Electric cars take up to 8-10 years to become less CO2 generating than petrol cars, so electric charging points are not mandatory if this involves unviable or excessively expensive upgrades of infrastructure which also delay the delivery of homes when there is a shortage. In addition, it is important that the road network is over designed within developments to design out speeding and to make developments more intimate. To not be overly prescriptive on measurements front-to-front or back-to-back distances. Where it follows historic precedents and character within the locality or adjoining locality, local precedents in conservation areas trump the views of urban designers. Encourage new architecture that defines the current epoch and can be recognised by generations to come as New Carolean.
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Good design is design that enhances an area. Good design responds to its local context and history to create places that people want to live and visit by properly understanding the local architecture, landscape context and the local street patterns. Good design creates a thriving community with places for residents and visitors to interact positively. Examples of what we consider to be successful, well-designed developments are shown and described in the attached document.
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