ENV 13c: Delivering design quality
- All development must take into account the National Design Guidance, any site-specific, borough-wide, local design codes or guidance. Where relevant, a Design and Access Statement is required that clearly explains the design approach and rationale for a proposal.
- A masterplan is required in support of planning applications for:
- Masterplans must:
- A design code is required to inform the design principles of a development where:
- a.development on sites allocated by policies HOM 2a and BUS 3b;
- b.major development in a Conservation Area or within the setting of a designated heritage asset; and
- c.on any other sites by virtue of their size, location or proposed mix of uses is justified by the local planning authority.
- a.complement the design and layout of development sites and adjacent, potential future development sites; and
- b.seek interconnectivity between adjacent sites, in terms of walking, wheeling, cycling or using public transport, ecological networks and green/blue infrastructure.
- a.a masterplan has been produced for the site; or
- b.the development would result in 5 or more self/custom-build units;
- Planning applications shall be in accordance with approved masterplans, or design codes.
- Variations to approved schemes that materially diminish the design-quality will not be supported.
Explanation
- There are a number of design tools and processes that can be used throughout the life-cycle of a development to achieve high-quality design.
- Design quality is central to delivering sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient places. To support this, a range of national and local design guidance is available, including the National Design Guidance and locally adopted design documents. These resources help ensure that development reflects both best practice and