Policy 8 -- Street Scene, Character and Residential Environment

 

Policy Purpose:  To outline the considerations which will be used to evaluate proposals for development in their local context of the streets and character areas:

 

Development proposals will be permitted where they:

  • integrate with the layout, spacing and established character of neighbouring properties and the local area
  • do not detract from the amenity that people derive from the external space that forms part of their home environment. 

 

Proposals should also satisfy the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate an informed appreciation of landscape context
  • Have regard for the relationship between building size and plot size which should respect that of nearby properties
  • Provide appropriate separation from boundaries so as to maintain gaps which respect neighbours’ amenity, provide a positive contribution to the street scene and avoid a cramped or urbanised appearance. Gaps should not rely on borrowed space from neighbouring gardens.
  • Be consistent with established building set back and arrangement of front gardens and boundary treatments including hedges, trees, walls, fences and railings

•     Have sufficient scope within the plot to provide garden space, landscaping, boundary treatments, external storage and car parking.

•       Employ design which avoids massing.  That is design that is appropriate and sympathetic to its setting in terms of height, roof form, materials, elevational and vernacular detailing.

•       Is not overbearing or of a form which would have a dominating effect on the street scene or would be detrimental to the amenity of neighbours by virtue of overshadowing, shading and/or overlooking resulting in loss of light and / or privacy

  • Does not contribute to light or noise pollution, particularly in relation to adjacent sites of nature conservation, ecology or biodiversity value.
  • The palette of building materials and external finishes should be selected to complement and enhance locally distinctive character.
  • Taking account of existing and proposed buildings, development proposals should not overdevelop the plot, including width of development, and total plot coverage with built forms (including hard standings, outbuildings and including swimming pools).
  • Provide an analysis of the trees and hedgerows in the vicinity of the development to support any proposed losses.