kent design guide to sustainable development

KentDesign

K e n t A s s o c i a t i o n o f L o c a l A u t h o r i t i e s

a g u i d e t o s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t

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Kent Association of Local Authorities (KALA)Kent Planning Officers’ Group (KPOG)

Kent Technical Officers’ Association (KTOA)

Kent Design InitiativeChairman: Tony Every-Brown

Partners include:Ashford Borough CouncilCanterbury City Council

Construction Sector Group, Learning and Business Link Co. LtdCouncil for the Protection of Rural England

Dartford Borough CouncilDover District Council

English HeritageGravesham Borough Council

Government Office for the South-EastHouse Builders Federation

Institution of Civil EngineersKent Architecture CentreKent County Constabulary

Kent County CouncilKent Developers’ Group

Kent Federation of Amenity SocietiesKent Institute of Art & DesignMaidstone Borough Council

Medway CouncilRoyal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Royal Town Planning InstituteSevenoaks District CouncilShepway District CouncilSoroptimists InternationalSwale Borough CouncilThanet District Council

Tonbridge and Malling Borough CouncilTunbridge Wells Borough Council

University of GreenwichWomens’ Institute

ISBN i901509362

The information contained in this publication was as far as known correct at the date of issue. Thepublishers cannot, however, accept any responsibility for any error or omission.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, ortransmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.Printed in England.

© Kent Association of Local Authorities

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process1 Collaboration2 Innovation3 Life cycle

ForewordIntroductionObjectives & Principles

land-use4 Mixed-use5 Movement

design6 Locality7 Safety8 Maximising use9 Resources10 Green space

general appendixPolicy contextContactsGlossaryCreditsBibliography

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This Guide is published jointly by all the Local Authorities in Kent – County, Unitary and District Councils – on behalfof all the communities we represent. It has been prepared with the assistance of many people representing a widerange of interests; developers, housebuilders, the professions, environmental bodies, amenity societies, consumers,academia, and central and local government.

The common thread that has bound all these interests together is the recognition that good design is a ‘triple-bottom-line’ issue - good for the economy, the environment and the community.

Working together to realise this document has been a powerful process. It has raised the level of mutual understandingof complex issues that contribute to the success or failure of development proposals. I believe that process will serveto benefit future negotiations between applicant and development controller – the arena where conflicting objectivesmust be resolved and the balance struck. All parties involved in shaping this Guide are convinced that collaboration isone of the keys to achieving good design.

I also believe there will be other ‘winners’ if this Guide is followed. They are the future inhabitants of Kent. The Guidebreaks new ground by examining, in considerable breadth, issues of environmental responsibility and sustainability –that is; meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their ownneeds.

On behalf of the Kent Association of Local Authorities, and the many organisations who through the Steering Groupand various working groups have played a crucial role in its production, I wholeheartedly commend this Guide to allinvolved in the development process in this wonderfully rich and diverse county. Together, we face tremendouschallenges; to create wealth and employment opportunities; to regenerate economically, socially and environmentallydeprived areas; to protect heritage and biodiversity; and to conserve the unique and distinctive character of Kent.

We owe it to our children, and to all future generations, to do our very best.

Cllr. Mike J. HayesChairmanKent Association of Local Authorities

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i.1 Design and development play a key role in achieving astrong economy, creating employment opportunities,ensuring good access to services and providing safe,attractive surroundings.

i.1 Bluewater, Kent - investing in high quality design

i.2 Our quality of life, and that of future generations,depends on us making good use of natural resources andproviding protection for the environment. We, therefore,need to ensure that the needs of new and existingcommunities are met, wherever possible at the locallevel, thus reducing energy consumption and pollution bylimiting the need to travel. Our social and economic well-being depends on strong communities with a mix of localbusinesses, types of housing and tenure, good schools anda well-developed social infrastructure. Planning for newdevelopment should seek to enhance this sense of localcommunity.

PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE

i.3 The purpose of this Guide is, therefore, to promotesustainability and good design in Kent. Its aim is toencourage development which safeguards what is of valuewhilst enriching the environment for future generations.

i.3 Station Road West, Canterbury - adding to the grain of the city on an urban brownfield site

i.4 The guidance it contains is applicable to all types ofdevelopment whether large or small, urban or rural,residential or commercial, in the public or private sector.It looks beyond the design of individual buildings to theircontext - the spaces, streets and other elements of thepublic realm which together form the total environment.

i.4 New Ash Green, Kent - an innovative approach towards creating a new village community

i.5 It explains how objectives set out in national, regionaland local plan policies might be achieved at the local level.In doing so, it seeks to promote development which willmaintain Kent’s unique and distinctive character andheritage. It encourages developers to reject ‘off-the-peg’solutions, such as standard `village’ house types andinflexible corporate designs for commercial property.

APPROACH

i.6 Many organisations and individuals are involved in thedevelopment process and all can contribute to thesuccess or failure of a scheme. For this reason, the Guideplaces considerable emphasis on process andcollaboration as critical elements in the achievement ofgood design. To encourage the drive for better quality andlocally distinctive design, this Guide is less prescriptivethan previous versions and offers more flexibility. There ismore scope for creativity and innovation.

i.7 The Guide takes a neutral stance on issues of style,recognising that historically accurate detailing and modernarchitecture can each play their part. The primary aimshould be the achievement of high quality, based onmeeting the needs of sustainability and function, takinginto account the local context to determine the bestsolution for a given site.


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i.7 Kings Hill School, Kent - high quality school design

i.8 Kent Design seeks to challenge designers anddevelopment controllers alike by setting out a series ofobjectives and principles, illustrated with case studies. Itencourages solutions that are tailored to the needs ofeach site and locality, taking into account the existing andfuture needs of local communities. By observing suchprinciples, developers can be confident about theacceptability of their proposals.

i.9 The Guide is not a rule book. It is not intended to beprescriptive but instead offers examples of how theobjectives and principles have been met by developers onsites within and beyond Kent. In selecting these examples,no attempt has been made to be comprehensive - theGuide should be seen as a starting point for developerinnovation and local interpretation.

i.10 General and technical appendices are included toassist designers with their understanding of the widerpolicy and administrative context for their work, and toprovide engineering specifications which will beacceptable to the Highway Authority when consideringthe adoption of new roads, cycleways and footpaths.

STATUS OF THE GUIDE

i.11 The Guide has been prepared with the assistance ofa wide range of interested parties. Developers, architects,environmental bodies, amenity groups and consumerinterests have all made a contribution, together with stafffrom leisure, health, transport and planning departmentsof Kent’s local authorities. In addition, an extensiveconsultation process took place on the draft Guide.

i.12 Kent Design - a guide to sustainable developmentis published by the Kent Association of Local Authoritiesand commended to individual Local Authorities - KentCounty Council, Medway Council and the 12 DistrictCouncils - for adoption as supplementary planningguidance. Once adopted, the Guide will be a materialconsideration in the determination of planningapplications.

POLICY CONTEXT

i.13 Issues of sustainability and design are firmly seated innational, regional and local policies. The UnitedKingdom’s Strategy for Sustainable Development1

recognises that future development cannot simply followthe models of the past; we need to achieve economic,social and environmental objectives at the same time, andconsider the longer term implications of decisions.

i.13 focus on sustainable development within existing urban boundaries

i.14 In order to achieve sustainable and high-qualitydevelopment, appropriate strategies, policies andguidance must be in place. Development plan policies canpromote sustainable development by encouraging gooddesign, reducing dependence on the car and byencouraging the efficient use of resources. Developmentbriefs and other forms of design guidance (such as VillageDesign Statements and Conservation Area studies) canbuild on these policies to promote successful newschemes.

NATIONAL POLICIES

i.15 In seeking to promote sustainable development, theGovernment advocates making best use of recycled landand sites which are accessible by public transport. Itsuggests testing assumptions about the effect of densitiesand car parking on the capacity of urban areas toaccommodate housing. The Government also points tothe potential role of mixed-use development and urbanvillages.

i.16 Two policy statements that have reinforced thisemphasis on sustainability are the Government’s revisionsto Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 13: Transport2, in

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which is intended to reduce dependence on the car andpromote public transport, and PPG 3 on Housing (1999)3

which emphasises the need to raise development density,particularly in areas with good public transport links (seePolicy Context for more detailed policy guidance). TheCrime & Disorder Act 1998 underpins the need to take aholistic approach to the design of safe and securedevelopments. Kent Design has been produced to meetthe objectives of this national policy guidance.

i.17 There is a shift in Government investment away fromnew road building and towards public transport, asreflected in Transport Supplementary Grant andTransport Policies and Programmes settlements. Futurefiscal measures are likely to penalise both car-ownershipand use. Urban Transportation Packages are seen byGovernment as having an important role to play inproviding the infrastructure necessary to promoteefficient and sustainable transport patterns and allowingpeople to make the changes in transport habits uponwhich many sustainability targets are based.

KENT STRUCTURE PLAN POLICIES

i.18 The Kent Structure Plan 1996 provides the strategicframework for promoting a sustainable pattern of newdevelopment which will reduce both the need to traveland energy consumption. It indicates the developmentrequirements in different parts of the County - identifyingareas suitable for major growth and regeneration such asKent Thames-side. It seeks to make the best use of landand to concentrate housing within the County’s urbanareas, promoting well designed, mixed-use developmentwhich also protects the environment. The Structure Plan4th Review, developed jointly with Medway Council, willreinforce these principles.

LOCAL PLAN POLICIES

i.19 Local Plans are prepared by District Councils. Theyidentify, on a site-specific basis, where developmentshould take place. Local Plans lay down the criteria againstwhich specific planning applications can be assessed. Theymay also specify associated infrastructure, access, designand landscaping requirements and the appropriate use, ormix of uses, for a site.

SOCIAL TRENDS

i.20 Social trends are important considerations inplanning for new development. There is a continuingtrend towards smaller, single-person households. In 1991they constituted 25.4% of all households - the projectedfigure for 2011 is 34%. Average household size in Kenthas reduced from 2.85 in 1971 to 2.5 in 1991, and isforecast to decrease to 2.26 by 20114. This reflects anumber of factors:• greater longevity• greater independence of the young• reducing numbers and later age of marriage• greater incidence of divorce and separation• decline in average family size.

i.21 Given the diverse character of these changes it wouldbe over-simplistic to equate growth in smaller householdssolely with the provision of small units of accommodation.Research findings support the view that people tend tobuy houses based on affordability rather than theirhousehold size.

i.22 The greater use of the home as a work-base and theincreasing proportion of pensioners within the populationmay weaken the distinction between home and work.Increases in fuel taxes and the possibility of road pricingmay have an influence on the distances people areprepared to travel for work and other purposes. It isundeniable that ongoing growth of car ownership isdifficult to reverse. It is, nevertheless, an aim of this Guideto encourage development which reduces car use. Theframework needs to be put in place now to accommodatethe changing transport patterns of the future.

i.23 Investing in high-quality reliable and cheapalternatives may encourage people to make fewer tripsby car, but for many the car will be perceived as the mostcomfortable and convenient mode of transport, at least inthe short term.

CONSUMER RESEARCH

i.24 A number of research studies have beencommissioned by the development industry to identifyconsumer preferences. Whilst the public may support thebroad principles of sustainability, this research suggeststhat, in practice, they find it difficult to accept alternativelifestyles. People enjoy, or are dependant on, the freedomof the car. They aspire to live in large detached houses, preferably inrural surroundings. However, research commissioned bythe Urban Task Force5 indicates that for many, city livingand urban lifestyles are an attractive proposition.

KERB APPEAL - THE POPULAR HOUSING FORUM 1998

i.24 Kerb Appeal (Popular Housing Forum)Key findings:• new build is generally regarded negatively -

cramped and lacking individuality;• people value safety and quietness, preferring

culs-de-sac to busy roads;• people desire a village-like environment;• enough space for parking (ideally a garage);in

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• based on a selection of photographs of housetypes, they prefer traditional rather thancontemporary design;

• privacy is important; and• people like to be near but not next to facilities.

HOME ALONE - THE HOUSING RESEARCH FOUNDATION 1998

Key findings:• one-person households have similar housing

preferences and aspirations to family households;• not all one-person households are single people

nor do all of them have only one property;• the majority of one-person householders in their

middle years will be homeowners and they arelikely to be discerning purchasers;

• some may prefer urban living but not all;• some may be divorced and need accommodation

for visiting children;• single people may still want enough

accommodation for friends and family to stay;• some are older people looking to move out of

larger houses into smaller, high-quality homes indesirable areas. They still want convenient accessto facilities; and

• quality and safety in the environment is important.

i.25 It is also important to raise public expectations ofwhat new development can deliver and to ensure that thebenefits of features such as high-quality landscape, goodurban design, water conservation and energy efficiencycan be recognised and appreciated. The ultimate test,however, will be what takes place on the ground inforthcoming years.

REFERENCES:1 A Better Quality of Life - A strategy for sustainable development for the

United Kingdom. Published 17 May 1999 by the Department of theEnvironment, Transport and the Regions

2 Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 Transport; Department of theEnvironment, Transport & the Regions, October 1999 (Public consultationdraft at time of writing)

3 Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 Housing; Department of theEnvironment, Transport & the Regions, March 1999 (Public consultationdraft at time of writing)

4 Kent Structure Plan 3rd Review Technical Working Paper, Kent CountyCouncil, 1/94 revised 1996, p 46,48

5 But would you live there? Shaping attitudes to urban living, Urban TaskForce, Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions,February 1999

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1. Adopt a proactive and collaborative

approach to development proposals

to achieve the optimum solution for a

given site

1.1: Positive and early dialogue on scheme developmentshould be encouraged

1.2: Local Authorities should promote a DevelopmentTeam approach

1.3: Adequate preparation should be ensured beforenegotiations are undertaken

1.4: The local community should become involved inproject development

1.5: Systems for the monitoring and bench-marking ofschemes should be put in place

1.6: Local Planning Authorities should build on theprinciples provided by Kent Design in thepreparation of detailed design guidance for specificareas and sites.

2. Seek environmentally sustainable

solutions through innovative design

2.1: Developers should seek to enhance environmentalquality and sustainability through innovativesolutions in both transport and building design

2.2: Local Authorities will encourage innovation bywelcoming those proposals which promote qualityin design

2.3: To assist developers, local authorities should beaware of best practice both here and abroad tokeep abreast of latest thinking

2.4: Developers should be prepared to commission skillsin order to promote innovative design solutions

2.5: Local authorities should assist developers with KentDesign’s principles through training workshops orseminars

2.6: Both developers and local authorities should beprepared to stimulate thinking by local communitiesabout design issues through education and promotion.

3. Ensure the public realm is maintained

for its lifecycle through formal adoption

or other management arrangements

3.1: Consideration should be given to the whole life ofany planned development so that appropriatemechanisms are in place to ensure a sustainablefuture

3.2: The intended function of all land within any givensite must be established at the outset

3.3: All open space within any site must have anidentified use

3.4: The proposed system of long-term maintenance,and how this will be funded, must be established atthe outset

3.5: Consultation over the maintenance and function ofkey areas should be undertaken with the localcommunity (if appropriate)

4. Bring together residential, commercial,

retail and community uses in a manner

which reduces the need to travel and

improves quality of life

4.1: Proposals should incorporate the principles ofmixed-use development including the provision ofconveniently located community infrastructure

4.2: Masterplans and development briefs should considerthe mix and disposition of uses between and withindevelopments and how these uses will be delivered

4.3: The community should be included at anappropriate stage in the design process to ensuretheir input into the chosen mix of uses

4.4: Good pedestrian and cycling routes should beprovided

4.5: Mixed use developments should address the needto protect the amenity of a variety of occupiers

4.6: Proposals should clarify funding, delivery and managementarrangements for each component of a scheme.

5. Promote the movement of people by

walking, cycling and public transport

to reduce car dependency and

maintain and improve air quality

5.1: Viable public transport should be provided at theinitial phase of a new development

5.2: Public transport should be brought into the heart ofthe development where appropriate

5.3: Developers and/or commercial enterprise shouldsubmit green commuter plans for larger sites

5.4: Linked bus and train timetables and through-ticketing should be promoted

5.5: Highway standards for private cars should reflectthe provision of alternative modes of transport(buses, cycleways and walkways)

5.6: Access provision should be appropriate to the sizeand frequency of essential vehicles

5.7: Parking provision should be appropriate to localityand the availability of alternative modes of transport

5.8: Developments should be readily permeable allowingsafe, direct routes for pedestrians, cyclists and themobility impaired

5.9: New infrastructure for cycling, walking and ridingshould be linked into existing networks

5.10: Convenient cycle storage should be incorporatedinto properties and destinations.

6. Embrace local distinctiveness,

promote quality and protect existing

features of cultural, visual and

historical importance

6.1: New development should embrace good contextualdesign principles

6.2: New development should express the distinctivequality of the natural topography, existing landscapeand built character of the siteob

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6.3: New development should respect local architecturalheritage, make optimum use of existing buildings andrecognise landmark buildings and features

6.4: Proposals for rural sites should reflect the particularconsiderations and sensitivity of such areas

6.5: The use of both traditional and modern materialsand technologies should be evaluated by developers

6.6: New design should avoid a confused application ofarchitectural styles or inappropriate historic imitation

6.7: Development should be human in scale and providepermeability and visual interest to those on foot

6.8: Caution should be taken to prevent excessive orinappropriate external lighting, particularly insensitive areas.

7. Provide a safe, healthy and secure

environment for both people and

property

7.1: There should be a clear distinction between publicand private space

7.2: Schemes should incorporate shared areas toencourage walking, cycling and socialising and toenhance safety and security

7.3: Design should encourage self-policing and offersurveillance of property

7.4: A sense of ownership should be encouragedthrough the quality of the public realm

7.5: Building design should conform to the latest safetyand security advice

7.6: An appropriate level of lighting should be providedto enhance safety and security

7.7: Highway infrastructure should not dominate thelayout of estates

7.8: Speed restraint should be an integral part of roaddesign

7.9: Speed restraint measures should reflect local character7.10: Priority should be given to the safety of pedestrians

and cyclists over cars7.11: Developments should be designed to meet the

needs of people with disabilities7.12: New developments should be designed to provide a

healthy environment.

8. Maximise the use of land by

encouraging the development of

recycled land and increasing density

8.1: Development should maximise the site’s potential8.2: The use of recycled land and re-use of existing

buildings should be encouraged8.3: Contaminated land must be treated in an

appropriate manner prior to development8.4: Principles of increased density and diversity should

be promoted8.5: The development should add to the quality of the

environment and the surrounding area

8.6: Developments must ensure the protection of privacyand amenity for a variety of new and existing occupiers.

9. Conserve natural resources and

minimise pollution in the layout,

construction and ongoing use of

development

9.1: The environmental sustainability of all constructionmaterials should be considered

9.2: Proposals should prevent the inefficient use ofmaterials and energy on site by adopting theprotocol of the ‘3 ‘R’s’: reduce, re-use and recycle

9.3: Proposals should incorporate energy conservationfeatures

9.4: Proposals should be supported by a sustainabilitystatement

9.5: An evaluation of the environmental performance ofa development (such as BREEAM) should beconsidered as part of the design process

9.6: Design should demonstrate flexibility to allow forre-use and adaptation of buildings over time

9.7: All redundant buildings, regardless of theirarchitectural quality, should be considered as avaluable resource for potential re-use

9.8: Sustainable water management techniques should beincorporated into design and infrastructure proposals

9.9: Proposals should provide opportunities for theprotection of water supplies by harnessing rainfall

9.10: Development should provide a range of water-efficient appliances and systems to reduce water usage

9.11: Development should protect the quality of waterresources by appropriate treatment of sewage andrun-off, and through use of reed beds where practical

9.12: New development should minimise negativeimpacts on air quality and the release of CO2

9.13: Measures should be taken to minimise the risk ofsoil pollution.

10. Conserve, create and integrate open

space, landscape and natural habitats

as part of development

10.1: The value of open space, landscape and natureconservation should be recognised withindevelopment proposals

10.2: New development should respond to sitecharacteristics and context: this should includeprotecting sensitive sites and minimising any impacts

10.3: Proposals should identify appropriate mitigationmeasures to address the impact of a developmentand to compensate for lost habitats and landscapefeatures; opportunities should also be taken toenhance the existing and planned environment

10.4: Proposals should contribute towards the creation ofa network of open space and promote accessibilityfrom residential and commercial areas to greenspace ob

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10.5: Strategies should be submitted which address thelong-term maintenance of proposed open space,landscape and nature conservation areas

10.6: Plans should be submitted to address theimplementation of open space, nature conservationand landscaping proposals including adequatemeasures to safeguard features of landscape andnature conservation interest during construction

10.7: Green space proposals should be used to achieveother design objectives such as biodiversity,resource minimisation and community safety.

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Principle 1.1: Positive and early dialogue on scheme

development should be encouraged

1.1.1 Local authorities may find themselves underpressure to deal speedily with requests for advice fromdevelopers. Authorities should resist giving hurried adviceand ensure that they have the necessary staff resourcesand expertise (including appropriate training ofcouncillors) to meet the day-to-day challenge of securinggood design for their area.

1.1.2 Pre-application negotiations between thedeveloper, the local authority and other agents can bemutually beneficial and allow potential difficulties and risksto be identified and dealt with.

1.1.3 Landowners can become part of the pre-applicationprocess by consulting with local authorities before sellingland and by being involved in the preparation ofdevelopment briefs. They should also give realistic tenderdeadlines to allow developers sufficient time to identifythe relevant planning issues associated with a site.Landowners may also need to temper expectations ofdevelopment value, for example where sites haveinherent characteristics which are worthy of retention, orwhere there are infrastructure requirements which needto be taken into account.

1.1.4 There is a clear responsibility for developers toemploy appropriately skilled professionals, such asarchitects, landscape architects, urban designers andecologists, to prepare schemes. While this may have costand time implications for a developer, seeking advice atthe right time can prove to be cost-effective by reducingthe risk of delay during the processing of an application.Investing in quality can also add value to a development.

1.1.5 Design panels can form a valuable tool by offeringexpertise on the architectural and urban design quality ofproposed schemes. The Kent Architecture Centre is ableto arrange an independent assessment of developmentproposals on behalf of the developer or the localauthority. It can also provide a neutral forum for debateon major schemes, including helping local communities toarticulate their views on the impact of schemes.

Principle 1.2: Local Authorities should promote a

development team approach

1.2.1 A developer needs to be advised early about thelikely planning issues arising from a proposeddevelopment. The precise make-up of the developmentteam will vary with each proposal but the approach bringstogether all those with an interest in a given application,for example: planners, architects, transportationengineers, road safety auditors, building control officers,environmental health officers, landscape architects, andwater companies, energy and resource suppliers, and the

waste collections authority. It is important to includethose organisations who have a responsibility forproviding services such as education and social services,fire and police, and specialists such as conservationofficers, archaeologists, ecologists, legal representativesand urban designers. This allows for a co-ordinatedresponse to be relayed back to the developer. (See alsoprinciple 1.4 on Community Involvement.)

1.2.2 Good leadership and adequate staff resources areessential components of the development teamapproach. In the case of planning applications the co-ordination of feedback will usually rest with the PlanningAuthority’s case officer. More complex schemes are likelyto draw in a wider range of interests but the principle ofensuring that the appropriate advice is fed back to thedeveloper at the appropriate time applies whatever thescale of the development.

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM APPROACH PRINCIPLE 1.2

In Tonbridge & Malling, major or complex proposalsare taken to an internal pre-application “earlywarning” meeting which brings together a range ofspecialist interests including policy and developmentcontrol planners, transportation engineers, buildingcontrol, environmental health and landscape/leisureofficers. The case officer then reports back to thescheme promoter with an agreed set of messageswhich can be taken into account in deciding whetherand how to proceed. These may include informationnot directly pertinent to the planning application butwhich could impact on the scheme at a later stagesuch as Building or Environmental Healthregulations, which it may be useful for the schemepromoter to be aware of early on. Once a formalapplication is submitted, internal consultation takesplace and if necessary follow-up meetings are held toresolve issues that might emerge during theapplication process.

Brighton and Hove Council was involved in aDepartment of the Environment pilot project*intended to improve development controlprocedures for the business user. The Councildecided to put into practice a development teamapproach for all medium and large commercial(rather than domestic) applications for development.This involved identifying for each application, thoseagencies which may have an interest and consultingthem at the outset, thus identifying potentialproblems and conflicts of interest, such as betweenplanning and building control. The Council held aseminar to bring all agents together, to identify the co

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role of each player and discuss potential areas ofconflict. The feedback from developers and officershas been positive. Applicants were assured that thefinal decision on the application would not beaffected by the new procedures but it was felt thatthe process was smoother and speedier and thatofficer-time spent on an application was no greater,but merely organised more effectively.

(* see ‘One Stop Shop: Development TeamApproach’, DETR, 1998)1

Principle 1.3: Adequate preparation should be ensured

before negotiations are undertaken.

1.3.1 Before entering into negotiations with a localauthority, a developer should undertake a preliminary siteand project appraisal that could include:• Assessing the character of the site, its surroundings

and pattern of development, building form and thequalities that make it locally distinctive;

• Identifying site constraints such as tree preservationorders, major sewers or wildlife designations;

• Commissioning a comprehensive site survey andreports, as appropriate, on soil condition,arboriculture, archaeology, historic landscape, noise,ecology, habitat and land contamination;

• Assessing public open space criteria, density criteria,local social housing policy, the need for communityfacilities, public transport, waste and energyarrangements, visibility splays, road widths and anycurrent supplementary planning guidance;

• Preparing layout sketches to show design conceptsand site characteristics and how these might influencethe scheme;

• Submitting a design statement to show the relationshipbetween the proposed development and the localcontext; this can be a written explanation of how thesite was analysed and assessed and how the detaileddesign has evolved; and

• Preparing a sustainability strategy, including howresources are to be used and recycled.

Principle 1.4: The local community should become

involved in project development

1.4.1 Good design can be promoted through information,education and dialogue between all parties involved in oraffected by new development. This should includedevelopers, planners, landowners and, most importantly,the general public. The public, residents groups andamenity societies can provide a wealth of local knowledgeand their involvement in the design process can beinvaluable, ensuring that designers are fully aware of localcontext and of local priorities and concerns.

1.4.2 It is important to acknowledge that some people,

particularly the more vulnerable sectors of a community,may not be able to provide a unified or effective voicewhen confronted by development proposals.Participation measures may need to be tailored to ensurea wide-ranging involvement and where appropriateshould target specific groups.

1.4.3 Parish Councils and Town Councils are experiencedin representing the needs and aspirations of their owncommunities. They also have a deep understanding oftheir locality and its history. It is important that their inputis specifically sought at an early stage in the process.

1.4.4 Community involvement can be encouraged by:• ‘Planning for Real’2 exercises and Planning Days,

involving exhibitions of drawings and models,workshops and opportunities to comment

• School projects• Architectural competitions for design of prestigious or

public sector buildings• Permanent and temporary exhibitions.• LA 21 networks • Village design statements and village appraisals

1.4.5 The public and their representatives have animportant role to play at all key stages in the developmentof projects. They should be encouraged to participate inthe preparation of local plans; conservation area policystatements; development briefs for specific sites; andvillage design statements in specific planning applicationsand proposals. Participation should be encouraged at bothformal and informal consultation stages. In some cases itmay be appropriate for a developer to promote thedialogue with the public; in other cases it may beappropriate for the local planning authority to take thelead. The community and its representatives shouldcontinue to be involved as the scheme develops.

PLANNING FOR REAL - VICARAGE ESTATE, MILTON REGIS, KENT

PRINCIPLE 1.4In 1998 Swale Borough Council and Swale HousingAssociation bid successfully for Single RegenerationBudget funds to improve the local environment,address problems of crime and community safetyand improve the quality of life for residents on theVicarage Estate, Milton Regis. It was decided that a Planning for Real exercise could effectively highlightthe greatest areas of need according to those whoactually live there. Calling on the expertise of theKent Architecture Centre, residents and schoolchildren were involved in building a three dimensional model of the estate, supplemented byphotographs. Invitations, which included entry into a co

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prize draw, were then sent to all local residents, and drew in over 100 participants. The model was usedas the basis for identifying the priority issues, fromroad improvements to adult training opportunities.

A follow up ‘open meeting’ was held to resolvewhich recommendations were realistically achievableand when each issue should be dealt with - ‘now’,‘soon’ or ‘later’. It was also important to classifywhat the community could achieve on its own, orwhether an injection of funds or expertise from thelocal authority, or the resources of a largerpartnership, were needed.

OutcomesClear priority was given to overcoming problems ofcrime and safety, and a series of measures to takeplace in the short term was mapped out, including:-

• Security fencing, lighting and/or CCTV cameras• Neighbourhood Watch• Addressing drug taking and problem families• Traffic calming.

The newly formed Residents Association (whichresulted from the event) has held its first meeting, anda Clean Up Day to tackle problem areas has beenproposed. The participation exercise tapped into thecommunity aspiration for positive change, along withfunding which could help realise at least some ideas toimprove quality of life within the estate.

Principle 1.5: Systems for the monitoring and

benchmarking of schemes should be put in place

1.5.1 Monitoring of both the design and environmentalimpact of a proposed development is vitally important inimproving the quality of the built environment. This can beeither a qualitative or a quantitative evaluation, or both.

1.5.2 Environmental benchmarking can take the form ofa comparison of developments one with another. It maybe particularly useful to compare the quality andsustainability of developments within Kent withauthorities elsewhere.

1.5.3 Monitoring developments as they proceed isimportant to ensure that all the key elements of a schemeand any necessary conditions are properly implemented.It may be important to monitor the effectiveness ofcertain features of the design such as water-demandmanagement, reduced car parking and higherdevelopment densities for future comparisons. It may alsobe appropriate, particularly with some innovativeschemes, to impose conditions or seek legal agreementsto address unforeseen problems.

1.5.4 There may be cases where it is reasonable for localplanning authorities to require, through planningconditions, developers to put in place a monitoring

regime requiring a developer to respond in the event thatapproved tolerances are exceeded. Examples mightinclude noise emissions or air quality.

1.5.5 In order to assess the quality of their developmentcontrol decisions, Sevenoaks District Councilcommissioned a review of the impact of development ona sample of occupiers and neighbours.

Principle 1.6: Local Planning Authorities should build

on the principles provided by Kent Design in the

preparation of detailed design guidance for specific

areas and sites.

1.6.1 Local Plan policies can encourage sustainabletransport, mixed-use development, environmentalsafeguards and mitigation measures. Such policies canhelp to send a clear message to developers of a localauthority’s aspirations and expectations for a particularsite.

1.6.2 These policies might include the provision ofcommunity and physical infrastructure, landscaping, openspace and access. Developers and the community thenhave an opportunity to challenge specific elements at aLocal Plan inquiry. Once formally adopted, Local Planpolicies have considerable weight. They can assistdevelopers by giving them early notice of requirements sothat these can be taken into account during thedeveloper’s own decision-making processes. The LocalPlan process may necessitate some preliminary surveywork in order to identify the relevant key issues for aparticular site.

TONBRIDGE AND MALLING LOCAL PLAN POLICY P2/6 AND P2/7(1998)5

PRINCIPLE 1.6For a major land release at Peters Pit, Wouldham,the Borough Council set down a number ofrequirements including:-• a new river crossing• on- and off-site highway improvements• an element of affordable housing• a network of green cycleways, pedestrian and

equestrian links and facilities for the public• land restoration and treatment of contaminated

land• environmental enhancements and landscaping to

mitigate new development impacts• recycling facilities• provision of leisure and recreation facilities and a

riverside footpath• provision for nature conservation management• an element of mixed use including community

infrastructure

1.6.3 Development briefs can be prepared by a localauthority, landowner or developer. They can set downthe parameters of what might be acceptable within adetailed planning application. A development brief is,therefore, a valuable mechanism for achieving goodco

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design. The issues that might be covered in such briefs areset out below:• how to respond to constraints and site characteristics,

for example; listed buildings, ground conditions,contamination, access limitations, sensitive uses orbuildings on or adjacent to the site;

• definition of local character including townscape,landscape and nature conservation;

• historic details;• additional infrastructure or facilities that should be

provided;• planning standards to be applied and the degree of

flexibility;• scale, massing and height of buildings;• influence of the property market;• site survey and assessment including features to be

retained;• layout of circulation system (including servicing) for

vehicles, public transport, pedestrians and cycles andhow this should relate to open spaces;

• developable areas, landscape design and structure ofexternal spaces;

• resource management such as water demandmanagement, energy efficiency objectives;

• arrangements for establishing and maintainingstructural planting; and

• phasing details to ensure key elements are delivered.

RESEARCH

1.6.4 The Department of The Environment Transportand The Regions has recently carried out research intodevelopment briefs.6 This concluded that developmentbriefs allow planning policies to be tuned to the specificcharacteristics of a given site. The research alsoconcluded that briefs may need a specialist input forexample; from urban designers, landscape architects,archaeologists and ecologists.

1.6.5 It goes on to recommend that consultation on briefsshould include landowners, current occupiers, thedevelopment industry, chambers of commerce, estateagents, statutory undertakers, other departments in thelocal authority, other local authorities, local communityand interest groups. Consultation with the public mighttake a number of forms including: leaflets, publicmeetings, questionnaires, site notices, public exhibitionsand participative workshops.

GOSPORT BOROUGH LANDSCAPE AND TOWNSCAPE STUDY 19967

PRINCIPLE 1.6

1.6 Gosport Study (Gosport Borough Council & Landscape Design Partnership)

This provides a detailed analysis of the urbanenvironment at a local level. The first sectionidentifies and assesses urban building types acrossthe district, such as “inter-war suburbia” and “20thcentury industrial”. The study applies the sameevaluation to landscape areas. It then goes on todescribe character areas within the urbanconurbation, highlighting their positive and negativecharacteristics, landmarks, colour palette and,significantly, the design objectives. The appendixprovides a detailed list of criteria for the evaluationof an area, for example the texture, microclimate,skyline and building age and condition.

SEVENOAKS HIGH STREET CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL8

PRINCIPLE 1.6This gives a detailed description of the geographicand historic context of Sevenoaks and is an exampleof many such appraisals carried out for Kent’s towns.By discussing individual buildings and groups ofbuildings and by giving details of materials, scale anddecoration, the report manages to capture the senseof place (good and bad) created in different parts ofthe town. It describes the intricacies of the streetpattern, footpath links and the quality of the streetfurniture and identifies important views into, withinand out of the High Street. The report is intended toinfluence the development and implementation ofplanning and conservation policy within the town. co

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HOLLOW LANE CANTERBURY DEVELOPMENT BRIEF 19989

PRINCIPLE 1.6

1.6 Hollow Lane (Canterbury City Council)

This brief related to a proposed residential developmentand identified the following key objectives:• promotion of energy efficiency• avoidance of car domination• provision for cars, pedestrians and cyclists in a safe

and sensitive manner (avoid cul-de-sacs, provide ahigh degree of permeability/traffic calming with a10 mph home zone).

• open space including six door-step play areas• an archaeological watching brief• noise investigation in respect of a major road near

the site• provision of affordable housing and community

infrastructure including education • respect for local character and views• promotion of water conservation measures.

VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENTS AND VILLAGE APPRAISALS

1.6.6 The concept of locally prepared village designstatements was introduced by the CountrysideCommission (now Countryside Agency) as a way ofinvolving residents in order that local knowledge, ideasand views could contribute in a positive way to the futureof a village or town. Village Design Statements are used asa means of ensuring that the character of a village is fullyunderstood and taken into account in planning decisions.They are applicable to all forms and scale of developmentand their purpose is to manage change in a village, notprevent it. They should define features of local characterand distinctiveness that deserve to be protected andenhanced by new development. Where they arecompatible with the statutory planning system they canbe approved as supplementary planning guidance.

1.6.7 A Village Design Statement should:• describe the distinctive character of the village and

surrounding landscape;• address regional diversity, local distinctiveness and the

relationship of settlement to the surrounding landscape;• draw up design principles based on distinctive local

character; and• work in partnership with the local planning authority

within the context of existing local planning policy andso as to influence future policies.

1.6.8 Village Design Statements are particularly effectivewhen they are developed, researched, and written bylocal people; when they are representative of the views ofthe village as a whole; and when they involve a widesection of the village community in their production. Thedatabase used to produce the statements may alsoprovide useful information to developers as part of theprocess of facilitating locally sensitive design.

EDENBRIDGE VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 10

PRINCIPLE 1.6

1.6 Edenbridge Village Design Statement (Edenbridge Town Forum)

The preparation of the Edenbridge Village DesignStatement was led by the Edenbridge Town Forumand involved the town council, Sevenoaks DistrictCouncil, local residents, local community groups andschools. The Statement sets out the history of thevillage by identifying several of its key buildings andcharacteristic design features. Rural, developed andgreen spaces are described in detail for individualareas of the village to identify the key elements thatgive the village its character. The document is wellillustrated and includes the community’s aspirationsfor new development; for example, indicating thetypes of design details that might complementexisting development such as sensitive boundarytreatment and the use of hung tiles and weatherboarding. The Statement also makes specificreference to landscaping, street furniture, traffic andfootpath issues. It has been adopted by SevenoaksDistrict Council as supplementary planning guidance.

1.6.9 A Village Appraisal is a community based andcommunity led assessment of the current level of servicesand facilities within a village and the current needs of itsinhabitants.

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REFERENCES:1 One Stop Shop: Development Team Approach, Department of the

Environment Transport and the Regions, 1998 2 Planning for Real The Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, Joseph

Rowntree Foundation, 19973 Vicarage Estate - Planning for Real Draft Report, Kent Architecture Centre;

Swale Borough Council; Swale Housing Association, 19994 Quality of Development Control Outcomes, University of Westminster, 19985 Tonbridge and Malling Local Plan, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council,

19986 Planning and Development Briefs: a Guide to Better Practice, Department

of the Environment Transport and the Regions 19987 Gosport Borough Landscape and Townscape Study, Gosport Borough

Council and Hampshire County Council, 19968 Sevenoaks High Street Conservation Area Appraisal, Sevenoaks District

Council, 19989 Hollow Lane, Canterbury Development Brief, Canterbury City Council 199810 Edenbridge Village Design Statement, Edenbridge Town Forum, 1998

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 1:COLLABORATION

• Have pre-application negotiations takenplace?

• Have appropriately skilled teams beenused to develop the scheme?

• Has appropriate survey work beenundertaken?

• Has the development team approachbeen adopted?

• Have the public and its representativesbeen involved?

• Has a masterplan or development briefbeen prepared and taken into account?

• Has relevant detailed design guidancebeen taken into account?

• Does the scheme comply with Local Planpolicy?

• Have monitoring regimes beensubmitted?

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Principle 2.1: Developers should seek to enhance

environmental quality and sustainability through

innovative solutions in both transport and building design

2.1 Ashford international station

2.1.1 Schemes that demonstrate a high quality of design,environmental responsibility and sustainability principlesshould be promoted. Developers should seek innovativeconstruction techniques whether using contemporary ortraditional materials. Consideration should be given toembracing an urban design process which incorporatesthe needs of all users whilst raising overall design quality.Sites incorporating recycled land may present designproblems that can only be overcome by taking anunconventional approach. Developers should also look atways of reducing the need for car transport andencouraging more sustainable forms of travel.

INNOVATIVE HIGHWAY DESIGN PRINCIPLE 2.1

2.1 ‘Dumb roundabout’

Kings Hill is a large mixed use development sited ona disused aerodrome near West Malling. Thedevelopers, Rouse Kent, wished to promote a principal road axis through the residential area,focusing on the distant landmark of MereworthCastle. Part of the axis was to be in a boulevard stylelayout, with a street pattern of houses set backbehind tree planted verges.

Problem: The design of the road axis dependedupon a straight street layout of some 200m in length.Experience suggested that this layout would result inunacceptably high traffic speeds for a residentialstreet. The target speed needed was 20mph.

Solution: Based upon a width of 5.5m, the road wasdesigned with ‘dumb roundabouts’ (circular centralislands) sited at 70m intervals. The road width pastthese roundabouts was restricted by ‘over-run’ areasconstructed with granite setts sunk partly into theroad surface, thus creating a raised shoulder whichlarger vehicles are forced to mount. The effect hasbeen to maintain low speeds (average 17mph)throughout the length. By using quality materials andemploying the central island as a tree planting area themeasures have been designed to blend in with theoverall scheme. A ‘midi’ bus operates along this route.

2.1.2 public art at King’s Hill, Kent

Principle 2.2: Local authorities will encourage

innovation by welcoming those proposals which

promote quality in design

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2.2.1 Local authorities should seek to encouragedevelopers whose applications demonstrate innovativetechniques, enhance sustainability and raise design quality.In order to encourage sustainable development, theyshould ensure that their processes are sufficiently flexibleto deal with innovative proposals. Such proposals shouldbe monitored and evaluated throughout the planning andconstruction process. Consideration should be given to ascheme of local merit awards to acknowledge innovationand achievement.

2.2.1 innovative detailing

SAGA BUILDING, FOLKESTONE PRINCIPLE 2.2

2.2 Saga Building, Folkestone

Architects Michael Hopkins & Partners designed thenew purpose-built headquarters for SAGA onrecycled land in Folkestone. SAGA has longassociations with Folkestone and is an importantemployer in the local economy. The planningapplication process was a collaborative one that keptthe local community involved throughout. The LocalAuthority also adopted a positive stance to theinnovative approach that has provided a prestigiousnew building in a high quality parkland setting. Thebuilding has been designed according to sustainabilityprinciples and incorporates a number of energyefficient components including a natural ventilation

system and an emphasis on passive solar gain, withautomated blinds and shutters to preventoverheating. SAGA also provides a shuttle bus totransport employees to and from work.

Principle 2.3: To assist developers, local authorities

should be aware of best practice both here and

abroad to keep abreast of latest thinking

2.3.1 high quality building in Nimes

2.3.1 Local authorities should be aware of the latestthinking in design and building techniques and should beprepared to train staff in order to give skilled support todevelopers putting forward innovative ideas.

2.3.1 Chestnut Court, Broughton (Environ Homes)

2.3.2 Liaison between local authorities to discuss latesttechniques, exchange information and to shareexperiences should be encouraged. Use of existingdiscussion forums should be maximised and links formedwith locally based ‘sustainable’ interest organisations tokeep abreast of latest thinking and techniques. in

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Principle 2.4: Developers should be prepared to

commission skills in order to promote innovative

design solutions

2.4.1 In order to raise the quality of design throughinnovation and creativity, developers should be preparedto call on outside skills to bring forward non-standardsolutions to development challenges.

2.4.1 innovative solution in Canterbury (Environ Homes)

TIMBER DWELLING PROJECT PRINCIPLE 2.4

Timber from renewable sources is a sustainable andnatural building material. Hyde Housing Associationhas teamed up with TRADA (Timber Research andDesign Association) Hastoe, Swale HousingAssociation and Beazer Homes to promote timber inhouse construction; to consider ways of using itmore innovatively and producing it more sustainably.Countries such as Finland and Canada have a wealthof experience on such matters.

2.6.2 timber dwelling (Amphion)

The strength of this project lies in its holisticapproach to sustainable development. Not onlywere ideas sought for the innovative use of timber ininternal components such as doors and staircasesbut also for wider considerations such as:• assurance of sustainable forest management

practices for all timber and wood products• Forestry Stewardship Council certifications• involving consumers at the design stage and

assessing means of adapting dwellings to changingcircumstances

• focus groups of potential clients to discover theirrequirements

• forging partnerships with local authorities,Greenwich University and housebuilders to puttheory into practice on a site in Dartford

• a proposed Timber Dwelling Research Centre atthe University of Greenwich, Dartford and inputinto the neighbouring ecologically-focused LondonScience Park

• application of timber technology by Hyde Housingin existing stock.

Another innovative application of timberconstruction is the Light Footfall Building System byEnglish Oak Direct. This creates relocatable modularbuildings from sustainably sourced timber with aminimum lifespan of 100 years and a capacity for aminimum of 10 moves.

Principle 2.5: Local authorities should assist

developers with Kent Design’s principles through

training workshops or seminars

2.5.1 joint developer/local authority training sessions

2.5.1 In order to promote an understanding of theobjectives and principles contained within the Guide andencourage better practice, it may be appropriate for localauthorities to hold training seminars or workshops forlocal builders and developers. This will be particularlyimportant in promoting innovation amongst smallerdevelopers who may not have access to a full range ofspecialist advice and experience.

Principle 2.6: Both developers and local authorities

should be prepared to stimulate thinking by local

communities about design issues through education

and promotion

2.6.1 Environmental education is important to raisepeople’s aspirations and expectations of the developmentprocess and to encourage an understanding ofsustainability and design issues. Local Agenda 21campaigns (dealing, for example, with pollution, recyclingand traffic reduction) will increasingly play a major role inpromoting the principles of sustainability to the generalpublic. Initiatives such as ‘Planning for Real’ days, localcommunity focus groups and school projects can all assistin raising awareness of planning issues and by helpingpeople to articulate their views. The local environmentprovides an ideal opportunity for exploring a number ofsubjects that complement the national curriculum. in

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2.6.1 innovative quality housing in Norfolk. (Colin Blake, Norfolk County Council 1998)

2.6.2 Good design can be promoted in a number of ways,for example through publicity, demonstration projects,environmental education, exhibitions, designcompetitions and awards. Local authorities anddevelopers can also benefit from closer relationships witheducational establishments.

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 2:INNOVATION

• Does the design incorporate innovativefeatures and in what ways?

• Has a timescale for the applicationprocess been agreed?

• Has the local authority contributedprocess or design ideas to add value tothe final scheme?

• Have specialists such as architects orurban designers been involved in thedevelopment of the scheme?

• Have local authority-led seminars beenheld to raise awareness and help informthe design process?

• Where appropriate, has the scheme beenconsidered by the local community andthe potential for involving local schoolsinvestigated?in

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Principle 3.1: Consideration should be given to the

whole life of any planned development so that

appropriate mechanisms are in place to ensure a

sustainable future

3.1 maintenance in action (KCC)

3.1.1 Local planning authorities, the Highway Authorityand developers all have a responsibility for thestewardship of any development over its whole life.Sustainability mechanisms should be put in place so thatthe care and maintenance of that development willcontribute to rather than detract from its localenvironment. Elements that require particularconsideration include the ongoing energy needs of thedevelopment, the durability of construction and the careand management of any landscaping and amenity space.

Principle 3.2: The intended function of all land within

any given site must be established at the outset

3.2 designation and function

3.2.1 All sites should be considered holistically, within

their local context, so that an appropriate balance ofpublic and private realm can be achieved. At an earlystage of design, all public or semi-public spaces within asite should be designated, so that adoption andmaintenance proposals can be established and agreed.These areas include:• public open space• play areas• highway (including footways and cycleways), visibility

splays and other areas required for highwaymaintenance or safety: this may include safety marginsor service strips as appropriate

• parking courts and squares• verges or margins between highway and footway• structures in the public realm• public art.

3.2.2 Adoption arrangements, including the financialprovision to be made for long-term maintenance, must beagreed at the outset between the developer and the LocalAuthority for all areas within a site. As design is dynamic,there must be flexibility to enable the site to evolvethroughout the planning and construction process.Ongoing supervision should be maintained by highway,landscape or other officers with responsibility foradoption, to ensure an acceptable outcome. Contactshould also be maintained with the developer to take intoaccount any design changes.

Principle 3.3: All open space within any site must have

an identified use

3.3.1 All open space should have a principal use. This isimportant to ensure that landscaping and open spacemakes a positive contribution to the development and arecapable of being adequately maintained. Examples ofthese uses include:• formal (e.g. planted garden)• informal (e.g. quiet relaxation)• functional (e.g. ball games, jogging trails)• equipped (e.g. play area)• laid out (e.g. squares/courtyards)• visual amenity (e.g. screening/landscaped margin).

Space that is non-functional or does not fall into anyspecifically defined category should be designed out (seeTechnical Appendix section 1.2).

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Principle 3.4: The proposed system of long-term

maintenance, and how this will be funded, must be

established at the outset

3.4.1 maintainance in action3.4.1 It is important that all relevant Local Authorityinterests should be involved in these decisions and that anholistic view is taken as to how a scheme should be designedand managed. Options for maintenance could include:• adoption by the Highway Authority under the

Highways Act• adoption by the Local Authority under the Public

Open Spaces Act• maintenance by the Highway or Local Authority under

a commuted sums arrangement• maintenance carried out separately by a Bonded

Management Company• maintenance carried out separately by residents

through special arrangement.

3.4.2 Where it is agreed at the outset that the HighwayAuthority will adopt additional areas not strictly requiredfor highway use (for example landscaped areas betweencarriageway and footway) then commuted sums shouldbe sought for long-term maintenance.

3.4.3 In cases where larger or phased developments areplanned, agreement should be reached at an early stagebetween the developer, the Local Authority and theHighway Authority on the surface materials to be used onthe adopted road network. A ‘system’ or logic should beagreed whereby roads with different characteristics mayhave surface finishes which reflect their attributes orfunctions. For example, car dominated roads may have asimple tarmac finish but other roads, depending on theirusage and relationship to frontages, may be finished inmaterials that enhance the quality of the environment andpublic realm. The agreed strategy can then be appliedthroughout the phasing of the development with theconfidence that it will be maintained with quality materialsin the long term.

3.4.4 All maintenance arrangements should be long-term.Where maintenance is carried out by bodies other thanthe Local Authority, then the Authority should beconsulted on how specific areas are to be maintained.

Authorities may also wish to specify the quality ofworkmanship and the degree of maturity of newlandscaping that they will adopt.

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRINCIPLE 3.4

Stonegate Place is a recently developed infilldevelopment in the heart of the village of Wye.Formerly an egg packing yard, the site is small andcompact, bounded by the village on all sides.

Problem: To provide and maintain formal landscapingthat would be appropriate for a small high-quality site.The system of maintenance was an important factor,as the Local Authority would be unlikely to be able toprovide the high level of maintenance required.

Solution: A management company carries out themaintenance on behalf of residents. Residentscontribute on an annual basis, and have the benefit of very well maintained grounds, with the option ofhaving private courtyards maintained and benefitssuch as rubbish disposal and other minor works, byagreement.

Principle 3.5: Consultation over the maintenance and

function of key areas should be undertaken with the

local community (if appropriate)

3.5.1 The local community should be involved in thelong-term maintenance of certain key areas such aswoodland, nature reserves and ponds. Consultationwould help generate interest, a sense of stewardship andcould include a special agreement whereby thecommunity maintains the area. The needs of the newcommunity should also be considered during the post-occupation period.

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL - PUBLIC OPEN SPACEADOPTION PROCEDURE

The Environmental Health and Leisure ServicesDepartment of Ashford Borough Council offers clearand concise advice on the procedure for Public OpenSpace (POS) adoption under a ‘Section 9 Agreement’.Section 9 of the Public Open Space Act 1906 providesthat a Local Authority may acquire land for openspace which it will then adopt and maintain for thepurpose of local amenity. Local Authorities generallyexpect developers to apportion 10% of a site for POSas part of a planning agreement.

For many developers the formal procedures relatingto the handing over of POS can be complex and life

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daunting. Ashford Borough Council provides asimple A4 sized leaflet to assist developers inunderstanding the process. The advantage of theleaflet is that it gives simple and clear guidance on acomplex subject in a concise format.

Advice relates to general information on adoptionprocedures, guidance on Section 9 Agreements anda list of contacts for further advice. The key part ofthe advice given is in the form of a flow chart thatclearly sets out the sequence of the adoptionprocess from the receipt of planning applicationstage to final hand over.

The flow chart also identifies areas where timerestrictions and financial requirements come intoplay, so that developers may be warned of theseimplications at an early stage.

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 3: LIFE CYCLE

• Has the long-term sustainability of thedevelopment been considered?

• Does every area within the site have adesignated function?

• Have all amenity areas been designated aspecific function?

• Are there any areas left without a clearfunction?

• Has consultation on open space needsbeen carried out and if so with whom?

• Will the open space provision meet localneeds in the long term?

• Which method or methods of long termmaintenance (and funding) have beenagreed?

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Principle 4.1: Proposals should incorporate the

principles of mixed-use development including the

provision of conveniently located community

infrastructure

4.1.1 Single-use developments can produce unfriendlyand unsafe environments. The Urban Villages Forum1 hasobserved that community development is inhibited insuch environments because the place where people live isnot where they shop or work. As a result, thesedevelopments can be deserted at certain times of the dayand are dominated by car use due to the distancebetween facilities. This lack of social interaction cancreate hostile environments for pedestrians and has apotentially negative effect on community safety.

4.1.1 mixed-use neighbourhood

4.1.2 The success and vibrancy of historic centres lies inpart in their cultural associations, their ‘walkability’ and thefact that they provide attractive living and workingenvironments where people are prepared to trade-offsome disturbance in exchange for the range of activities andquality of life on offer. The Urban Villages Forum believesthat it should be possible to create some of these attributeswithin new developments by promoting the concept ofurban villages. The key features of an urban village are:• a mix of uses (shops, leisure, community, commercial

and residential)• a variety of tenures (freehold and rented sector) to

meet the needs of different parts of the community• comparatively high densities• a strong sense of place• ‘walkability’• a high degree of community involvement• vitality

4.1.3 The principles of mixed-use developments canapply to towns, neighbourhoods, streets or singlebuildings and to small as well as large schemes.Developments should take into account the contextwithin which they are to take place. For example, in amajor greenfield scheme it may be necessary to include awide range of different uses in order that thedevelopment can be self-sustaining. On smaller sites

within an urban context the issue may be whetherexisting and proposed uses compliment each other tocreate a good mix of uses. Such incrementaldevelopments can also help to improve the quality of lifewithin areas by introducing positive features to theenvironment and by revitalising a declining area.

4.1.4 The concept of mixed-use can apply to villages aswell as urban development. For example, a newdevelopment within a village may include the provision offacilities that will reduce the need for residents to travel.

4.1.5 While it is acknowledged that that there willinevitably be commuting to and from mixed-usedevelopments, providing employment and other facilitiesclose to where people live increases their choice now orin the future.

4.1. multi-purpose ‘Christ Church Centre’ in Tunbridge wells (Grayston Alan & Durtnell)

4.1.6 Good urban design that seeks to promote or createlocal distinctiveness and a sense of identity is an importantcomponent of mixed-use developments. Finely graineddevelopments, built close to street frontages, enhancethe streetscape and offer a greater sense of urban vitalityand security. Carefully designed public spaces, streets,parks and pedestrian routes are also identified by theUrban Villages Forum as important components. Vibrancywithin the central core of a mixed-use development maybe promoted by providing for a range of leisure,education, informal café and restaurant facilities.

4.1.7 The more conspicuous components of townscapesuch as shops, offices and public buildings, and the spacesaround them, can help define the character of adevelopment.

4.1.8 The quality of the public realm is very important.Blank frontages are unattractive to pedestrians and maym

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deter walking. Areas should have their own character andsense of place.

4.1.9 Mixed-use developments do need to be carefullyplanned. While some people may wish to live within abusy central area others may want more tranquilsurroundings. It should be possible to offer this choicethrough appropriate segregation of uses and byincorporating environmental safeguards. Providing aconvenient network of public transport, footpaths andcycleways should ensure that facilities are capable ofbeing reasonably accessible to one another withoutimpacting adversely on each other.

4.1.10 It will be important to ensure that any transportinfrastructure complements the objectives of the mixed-usedevelopment. Ensuring appropriate access and servicingarrangements, minimising the need to travel, promotingpublic transport and creating a safe environment forpedestrians and cyclists must all be addressed (seeObjectives 5 and 7 on Movement and Safety). This will beparticularly important where uses which historically mayhave had different design approaches now need to beaddressed with a joint solution.

4.1.11 While developers used to promoting single-usedevelopments may perceive additional risks in engaging inmixed-use developments, such risks may be reduced byforging links with commercial or other developers to shareexpertise. In the policy framework provided byGovernment (see Policy section), mixed-usedevelopments are being given much greater emphasis anddevelopers will be obliged to reflect this in their proposals.

4.1.12 There are an increasing number of examples ofmixed-use developments which have been commerciallysuccessful (see case studies below). The potential benefitto developers of promoting mixed-use developments isthe ability to offer customers greater choice. Thepublication, ‘Making Places’2, recommends that thepromotion of an urban village should be carried out by adevelopment management team. It suggests that suchteams need skills in the following areas:• acquisition/site disposal• planning • infrastructure assessment• design • developer and contract selection

PRINCIPLE 4.1

4.1 Brindley Place (Birmingham City Council)

BRINDLEY PLACEBrindley Place in Birmingham is a predominantlycommercial development with residential and leisureelements which include an art gallery, restaurantquarter around the canal and an aquarium. Amasterplan was prepared which dealt with thehierarchy of spaces, pedestrian movement, massing,views and gateways. An urban design brief wasprepared for different areas but still provided scopefor individual architectural design. The project wascharacterised by regular liaison between thepromoters and the local authority.

WHITEFRIARSThe proposed redevelopment of the Whitefriars areain Canterbury includes a range of uses with a focuson retailing. A major new department store will beits centrepiece but a number of community facilitiesare being provided, most notably a new church andprestigious library. The development will also includeresidential accommodation. The development willhave a compact urban grain where buildings are ofindividual character linked by a network of pedestrianstreets. The originally proposed number of parkingspaces was later reduced in favour of a park and ridepublic transport facility.

4.1 Whitefriars (Canterbury City Council) mix

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WEST SILVERTOWNWest Silvertown in London Docklands is an urbanregeneration scheme in which a range of houses andflats in different price bands and tenures has beenprovided along with community infrastructure, suchas open spaces and schools. The development is alsowithin walking distance of a Docklands Light RailwayStation. A pedestrian footbridge over the dock linksthe development to public transport connections.

4.1 West Silvertown (Wimpey Homes)

GREENHITHE RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT (INGRESS ABBEY)This development draws on the principles of theurban village concept namely by promoting:• a mixed-use centre• a mix of dwelling types• easy access to public transport• a compact and permeable streetscape with

walkable neighbourhoods• an emphasis upon the public realm.

The development creates a new parkland setting forthe Grade II listed Abbey and acts as a focus forvisual and physical links towards the waterfront andthe residential areas. The land use plan shows thearrangements for development including layouts andaccompanying elevations that show typicaldevelopment form and architecture.

4.1 Greenhithe Riverfront (Crest Strategic Projects)

Principle 4.2: Masterplans and development briefs

should consider the mix and disposition of uses

between and within developments and how these uses

will be delivered

4.2.1 In order to promote mixed-use developments it isenvisaged that the local authority or a developer wouldset down, in a masterplan or development brief, the typeof uses and infrastructure requirements for a site.Masterplans tend to be used for major developmentprojects that are likely to take place over a longer periodand therefore need to have an element of flexibility.Masterplans should include information on:• land use proposals• public facility proposals• transportation and circulation connections• public space routes and places• sub area divisions• flagship projects.

Further information on masterplans can be found in‘Making Places’2.

4.2. Singleton village centre

4.2.2 Development briefs address more detailedconsiderations such as design opportunities, groundconditions, built form, public realm, indicative site layout,and the possible location of key infrastructure. Moredetail on development briefs is given under Objective 1on ‘Collaboration’. Urban design codes are a furtherrefinement and include advice on the public realm andbuilding design, type, massing and materials.

4.2.3 At the planning application stage it may beappropriate for the Local Authority to enter into anagreement with the developer to ensure that allnecessary elements are provided. These elements mightinclude; transport arrangements; number, tenure and sizeof units; open spaces for amenity recreation and play;shops, pubs, community halls and schools; leisure andother such services. Covenants may be appropriate tosafeguard the long-term appearance and function of anurban village by, for example, requiring the maintenanceof gardens and property, preventing alterations orrestricting the display of signs. m

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4.2.4 It is important that key facilities such as schools andshops are in place at an early stage of development toencourage patronage and allow people’s needs to be metwithout having far to travel. It is also important to addresshow new development dovetails into an existing area, forexample, in terms of transport connections.

Principle 4.3: The community should be included at an

appropriate stage in the design process to ensure their

input into the chosen mix of uses

4.3.1 To avoid potential conflicts and to reflect localpriorities, it is important to identify and involve thosegroups and individuals affected by a proposeddevelopment. Issues concerning the mix of uses,construction phases and potential impacts in use may needto be discussed. This public participation process mightinclude meetings, exhibitions or ‘planning for real’ days.

Principle 4.4: Good pedestrian and cycling routes

should be provided

4.4.1 Successful mixed-use developments depend on theprinciple of walkable neighbourhoods incorporatingnetworks of through pedestrian routes. It is important toensure that any such thoroughfares are carefully designedto minimise the risk of criminal behaviour. This may beachieved by ensuring that footpaths are overlooked andhave good visibility. The Police Architectural LiaisonOfficer should be consulted to identify the best approach(see also objective 5).

4.4. walkable neighbourhood

4.4.2 Pedestrian and cycling shortcuts should be providedto give convenient access to a range of facilities. Peoplewill be encouraged to use footpaths or cycle routes if theyare more direct than the equivalent vehicular route.Public transport facilities should link neighbourhoods andprovide convenient access to other local centres.Accessibility between uses is the key. It is important toensure that new transport infrastructure does not severexisting cycle or pedestrian routes.

Principle 4.5: Mixed-use developments should address

the need to protect the amenity of a variety of

occupiers.

4.5.1 It is important to recognise and identify thepotential conflicts that may arise in mixed-usedevelopments and resolve them by careful design. It isalso important in the interests of health and social well

being that new development does not give rise tonuisance. Bringing different uses together can causetension between occupiers unless adequate safeguardsare built in during the design process. Nuisance late atnight may often be associated with leisure activities suchas nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. Noise fromcommercial vehicles or equipment may also causenuisance to residential occupiers.

4.5.1 protection of amenity

4.5.2 Separation of activities may be the most effectivemeans of avoiding nuisance. Potentially noisy leisure usesshould be located well away from residential elements of ascheme and noise attenuation measures should be included.Measures to deal with smells may need to be incorporated(see Objective 8). Neutral buffer activities or space mayhelp to separate certain uses from others. Boundaryfeatures such as walls, fences and planting, together with thesensitive design of entrances and access points, may help tominimise disturbance. Controls over hours-of-use, securitylighting and other management arrangements may alsoreduce the potential risk of nuisance.

4.5.3 Vehicular routes should be designed to minimisenoise impacts on residential or other sensitive properties.Consideration should be given to the type of road surfacingused in order to reduce noise generated by vehicles (forexample, porous asphalt). Traffic speed can also have abearing on noise nuisance and speed restraint measuresreferred to in Objective 7 on Safety may help to addressthis issue. Careful design of servicing arrangements and theseparation of access points may help to avoid conflicts.

4.5.4 Consultation with the police and the localcommunity should help to highlight potential areas ofconflict and identify the necessary safeguards.

4.5.5 Where uses are intended to be restricted to certaincategories of activities, for example, B1 Business Use, tominimise the risk of conflict, it will be important to makepotential occupiers aware of these limitations so thatnuisance activity is not introduced. Including informationon planning consents could facilitate this.

4.5.6 It should be recognised that there may becircumstances under which conflicts of use cannot beresolved and proposals may need to be amendedaccordingly. Retrospective action under EnvironmentalHealth legislation is unlikely to be an adequate substitute m

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for careful design. In Environmental Health terms, thedefence of ‘Best Practical Means’ limits the ability ofoccupiers to fully achieve a resolution of conflicts.

Principle 4.6: Proposals should clarify funding, delivery

and management arrangements for each component

of a scheme

4.6.1 Negotiations between the Local Authority anddevelopers should identify when different facilities will beneeded. The applicant should then be able to calculate thedevelopment costs and prepare cash-flow appraisals thattake into account forecast yields to reveal how adevelopment is to be phased and the different elementsbrought forward. Viability testing may be required inorder to ensure the correct balance and phasing of uses3.Where significant viability issues emerge it may benecessary to identify alternative sources of funding inorder to deliver a holistic scheme. This funding mightinclude loan guarantees, land reclamation grants, andother Government regeneration funding.

4.6.2 There may be difficulties where several developersare involved and they perceive disadvantages in aparticular use ascribed to their land. It should be possibleto ensure that incremental developments do not takeplace without a commitment to bring forward thecommunity elements of a scheme such as open space.This will enable developers to negotiate with each other,recognising the inter-dependence of the differentelements of the scheme.

4.6.3 The Urban Villages movement has promoted theconcept of Community Trusts. These are bodies electedfrom the local community to sustain the character of adevelopment in the long-term and to take guardianship ofany communal areas or facilities. They may need to begiven an initial cash injection by the developer andempowered to raise a service charge from occupiers. ATrust is able to respond to the specific needs of a new orexpanding community and to nurture its development.

4.6.4 Buildings may be occupied in a variety of differentways over their life. The most successful buildings arethose that can be readily adapted.

PRINCIPLE 4.6

HULME REGENERATION LTD.This was a joint venture company, limited byguarantee, set up by Manchester City Council andAMEC plc to manage the Hulme City Challengeinitiative. With joint chairmen, one from eachpartner, this company has driven the process ofplanning, developing and refurbishing 3000 homes, anew shopping street, business accommodation andcommunity facilities. Hulme Regeneration Ltdformulated the initial mixed-use concept and workedwith the local community to prepare a masterplanand design guide. The company managed the

implementation programme including procuringmajor infrastructure projects, the selection of privatedevelopers and Housing Associations for eachproject and securing the necessary gap funding fromEnglish Partnerships and other public sector sources.It was managed by an on-site executive team, whichreported to a board of directors.

CROWN STREET REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP, GLASGOW.Crown Street Regeneration Partnership, Glasgow.The Crown Street Regeneration Project was initiallyconceived by the pubic sector. A partnership wasformed to bring together the expertise and assets ofthe Glasgow Development Agency (GDA), GlasgowCity Council, Scottish Homes and the localcommunity. The partners, acting as a SteeringCommittee, have adopted a model based oninformality rather than complex legal structures.Various teams of consultants work under theleadership of a Project Director. The GDA initiallymet the costs of promoting the project andenvironmental involvement costs whilst the CityCouncil invested its land holdings in the scheme.Private developers compete for the opportunity todevelop the housing and commercial facilities on thebasis of fixed land price, detailed design anddevelopment briefs. The first phase included 217homes for sale and 71 homes for rent; asupermarket, and five shops. A derelict church wasbrought back into use and substantial environmentalimprovements were made. Together, theseinvestments were sufficient to establish CrownStreet as a new mixed-use urban quarter.Source ‘Making Places’ English Partnership and Urban Village Forum

NEW ASH GREENNew Ash Green near Sevenoaks has many mixed-usecharacteristics. While there are only limitedemployment opportunities within the village, it doeshave a number of facilities that give it an element ofself-containment. These include a central shopping area, a community hall and a network of open spacesand schools. The village has a vibrant centre. One ofthe distinguishing characteristics of the village is thecommunity management structure that was establishedat the outset. This includes a Village Association thatmanages all the communal land and enforces restrictivecovenants to preserve the integrity of the designelements and Residents Societies who manage theadministration of each of the 24 neighbourhoods.There is a hierarchy of decision-making andresponsibilities divided between the different parts ofthe management structure. Residents make financialcontributions to the management of the village andtheir neighbourhoods, which gives some autonomy torespond to local environmental priorities. The structuredoes however require a considerable commitment and expertise on the part of local residents and thecontributions (to Village Association and ResidentsSocieties) are in addition to local authority rates.m

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REFERENCES:1 Urban Villages, The Urban Villages Forum, 19922 Making Places - A Guide to Good Practice in Undertaking Mixed-Use

Development schemes, English Partnerships/Urban Village Forum, 19983 The Economics of Urban Villages, The Urban Villages Forum, 1995

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 4: MIXED USE

• Do components of the scheme embrace“urban village” principles, such asquality, walkability and density?

• Does the scheme complement existinguses?

• Have measures been taken to reduce therisk of nuisance?

• Is supporting community infrastructureproposed?

• Is a construction and phasing strategyproposed?

• Has a masterplan been prepared?• Has a development brief been prepared?• Are facilities readily accessible by foot,

cycle or public transport?• Is the design of buildings robust?

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Principle 5.1: Viable public transport should be

provided at the initial phase of a new development

5.1.1 It is key to sustainability that public transportelements should be provided at the outset, before adevelopment comes on stream, otherwise the cartransport ethic will become ingrained and habits will behard to change. Public transport may consist of buses,trains or rapid light rail transit, but negotiations must bemade at an early stage to ensure that services aresubsidised until they become viable. Developers may berequired to provide pump-priming funds and ongoingrevenue support. Sponsorship or partnership agreementswith local bus companies may also be appropriate. (See also‘Planning for Public Transport in Developments’ - I.H.T.1).

KENT THAMES-SIDE - LOOKING TO AN INTEGRATED FUTURE

PRINCIPLE 5.1

5.1 integrated transport in Kent Thames-side (David Lock Associates)

Kent Thames-side is an association that bringstogether Dartford & Gravesham Borough Councils,Kent County Council, Whitecliff Properties andUniversity of Greenwich. Although a separateorganisation, Kent Thames-side employs no staffdirectly, but staff from each body meet regularly andwork together on specific issues and projects to helpprogress the regeneration of the area. Together thegroup is promoting a ‘Vision’ for Kent Thames-sidewhich takes the discouragement of unnecessary car-use as one of its fundamental principles. Priority is tobe given to walking and cycling for short trips throughthe use of a network of safe and convenient routes,but for longer trips a good quality high capacity localtransport system is envisaged. This system would linkall the key areas within Kent Thames-side, and alsorun along corridors that are designed to be accessibleto as many homes as possible, thus encouragingmaximum take-up with residents.

Principle 5.2: Public transport should be brought into

the heart of the development where appropriate

5.2.1 New developments should be designed so thatresidents can easily access public transport. Residentsshould not have to walk further than 400m to reach a busstop, and information signing to guide residents to stops

should be provided initially. Thought should be given toproviding a bus ‘waiting area’ in the centre ofdevelopments. Bus stops should be of a high quality andwell sign-posted with good information boards andwaiting areas should have raised kerbs so that access tothe bus is at footway level. Bus shelters should beappropriately lit and have seating.

5.2.1 centralised public transport (David Lock Associates)

5.2.2 Where appropriate, bus priority measures shouldalso be built into developments. These could include buslanes, bus gates and traffic signal priority. Other prioritymeasures could consist of bus boarders or built out kerbsthat block the road for cars when the bus is present. Caremust be taken to ensure that other speed restraintfeatures on their routes do not compromise buses. Insome cases it may be applicable to have dedicated buslanes or bus-only routes.

GREENHITHE WATERFRONT PRINCIPLE 5.2

The Crest development at Greenhithe Waterfrontwill be a predominately residential development ofup to 950 houses supported by local amenities suchas nursery and primary education and local retail andcommunity facilities. This brownfield site wasformerly home to both the Empire Mill and DartfordMerchant Navy College and includes the recentlyrestored Ingress Abbey.

The development is planned along sustainable linesin accordance with the ‘Vision’ for Kent Thames-side. Accordingly the Masterplan allows for goodaccess by the high quality bus transport known as‘Fastrack’. The planned Fastrack route runs through m

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the site from east to west providing a regular andfrequent service to all parts of Thames-side. In orderto limit intrusion from through car traffic, the routewill be controlled by bus-only gates at either end ofthe development. Housing has been planned to be ineasy walking distance of the new route in order toencourage its use at the outset. The Fastrack routeis designed specifically to cater for the bus service,with high quality bus stops and travel information.

Principle 5.3: Developers and/or commercial

enterprise should submit green commuter plans for

larger sites

5.3.1 Green commuter plans are designed to reducepeak time car travel. They may include anything from theprovision of cycle racks to the sponsorship of a shuttle busfor commuters who work on larger commercialdevelopments. Cycle routes that link various commercialpremises with key areas of the remainder of thedevelopment should be included in the green commuterplan brief. It will also be a requirement to ensure thatcompanies have appropriate cycle storage as well aschanging and showering facilities to augment cycling towork. ‘Green Travel’ plans are more comprehensivemethods of reducing work-related car travel. They mayinclude a range of ‘travel to work’ alternatives to theprivate car and include IT systems for home working andtele-conferencing. Guidance on the setting up of GreenTravel plans is available through the local authority LocalAgenda 21 initiatives.

5.3 green commuting (Kent Thames-side)

GREATER MANCHESTER GREEN TRANSPORT PLANS PRINCIPLE 5.3

A comprehensive guide to the setting up of greentravel plans has been produced through apartnership of interested bodies within the GreaterManchester area. Participating bodies include localauthorities, health authorities, rail and buscompanies. Targeted at businesses in the GreaterManchester area, the guide points out the benefits interms of reduced costs and improved public health.The guide runs through the process from theexplanatory introduction to the ‘what to do’ and the‘how to do’ which includes gathering information onpublic attitudes through surveys and travelquestionnaires. A ‘toolkit’ approach to measures issuggested and participants are invited to considerwhich techniques would be the most appropriate fortheir company. Measures are wide ranging andinclude simple ideas like local signing for a hospital,to the introduction of a subsidised commuter busand van-sharing initiatives for Manchester Airport.

STEPPING HILL HOSPITAL AND STOCKPORTMETROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Both organisations operate a car-sharing database tomatch potential sharers. The Hospital providesguaranteed parking spaces for car-sharers.

WIGAN INFIRMARYWigan Metropolitan Borough Council is investigatinglighting, crossings and other safety features along aroute regularly used to travel to the infirmary, with aview to implementing improvements and makingwalking a safe and attractive option.

Principle 5.4: Linked bus and train timetables and

through-ticketing should be promoted

5.4.1 Local authorities and public transport operatorsshould explore the possibility of integrating transport sothat railways and bus services are linked together bycompatible timetables and have through-ticketing facilities.

CHARTWELL EXPLORER LEISURE BUS SERVICE PRINCIPLE 5.4

A through ticketing project has been set up toencourage the use of public transport to and fromKentish tourist attractions and London. Partners inthe project include; The Countryside Commission,Sevenoaks District Council, the National Trust, KentCounty Council and rail and coach companies. Theinitiative allows individuals or families to buy a singleticket in London that covers a rail trip to local Kent m

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stations to link with bus travel to various sites nearSevenoaks such as Chartwell, Emmett Garden andSquerrys Court. The frequency of the coach service from the stations to attractions allows visitors todrop on and off during the course of the journey, to permit flexibility and suit convenience. The currentproject operates on weekends and bank holidaysduring the summer months.

Principle 5.5: Highway standards for private cars

should reflect the provision of alternative modes of

transport (buses, cycleways and walkways)

5.5.1 Developments that are located near to transportnodes and have a variety of alternative travel methods mayhave correspondingly less highway space given over to theprivate car. The principal route through such a developmentmay be dedicated to buses or trams only, with morecomplex and tortuous routes provided for private cars. Analternative may be to design the principal route in such asway as to apportion the greater part of the space to buses,walkers and cyclists, leaving only narrow lanes for cars. Treelined boulevards are an example of this, where the greatestpart of the space is given over to pedestrians, thusminimising the impact of motorised vehicles.

5.5.1 sectional bus route (David Lock Associates)

Principle 5.6: Access provision should be appropriate

to the size and frequency of essential vehicles

5.6.1 Consideration must be given in new developmentto the size and type of vehicles that may need access.Although it is important to limit road space as far aspossible on the grounds of sustainability and safety, it isstill important to make adequate provision for service.Care is needed at the early stage of the design to ensurethat there is a strategy for accommodating buses andlarger vehicles on certain roads within a development, butkeeping other parts of the road network free for a moreflexible design approach.

5.6.2 There will be a requirement for access by emergencyservice and refuse vehicles, but the effects in terms of roaddesign can be minimised by early consultation with boththe Fire Service and Waste collection companies. Wastecollection points should be in easy reach of the collectorsyet within the walking distance outlined by the LocalAuthority. These collection points are an important part ofthe overall design as careful siting can go a long way tominimising road space. Access widths suitable for the FireService are outlined in the highway standards table in theTechnical Appendix. Further guidance can be found in‘Guidance for Providing Adequate Access for FireAppliances under the County of Kent Act’ 19812.

Principle 5.7: Parking provision should be appropriate

to locality and the availability of alternative modes of

transport

5.7.1 The type and amount of parking that might beacceptable will depend on the characteristics of thelocality, the specific circumstances of the case and thedesign philosophy of the scheme. Parking requirementswill differ according to the building type and its users,whether needs are for long or short stay, and whethercars or larger vehicles have to be catered for. Theavailability of alternative transport facilities will alsoinfluence parking requirements.

5.7.2 It may be appropriate to limit parking in locationswhere there is easy access to public transport as well aswalking and cycling routes. In certain areas it may even bepractical to have car-free commercial or residentialdevelopments but these must be backed in the latter caseby evidence that potential residents will not requireparking spaces. It is essential that robust controls are inplace on the surrounding public highway to preventparking so that parking from new developments does notdisplace to these areas. An alternative may be to considera pooling system where all vehicles are shared andgaraged in an accessible and secure central location.

5.7.3 In rural areas where public transport choice islimited, parking standards should reflect need. Parkingneeds should be considered on a site-specific basis inrespect of local alternatives to car travel (see Case Study8.1).

5.7.4 Where it is appropriate to provide parking thisshould be in a manner which satisfies the overridingobjectives of the Guide, such as maximising the use ofland; minimising car use: promoting the safety of allhighway users; providing security and showing sensitivitytowards the locality.

5.7.5 The scale of road, its level and type of usage willinfluence the way parking is managed. Vehicle dominatedroads, such as district and local distributors, are areaswhere car parking is most appropriate off-street, such aspark and ride sites. On-street parking should bediscouraged where speeds are high and pedestrians canbe masked by parked vehicles. Pedestrian dominatedstreets may have a mix of parking types; on plot, rearparking courts or on street. On-street parking can worksafely and successfully in pedestrian environmentsproviding roads are designed to keep speeds very low.

5.7.6 Within curtilage parking is traditional and popular, butcan be detrimental to the appearance and character of theneighbourhood and numbers of vehicles can be hard tocontrol. Shared parking offers advantages in terms ofproviding a more flexible and discrete design but it can raiseconcerns about security. These could, however, beaddressed in a number of ways, such as ensuring thatparking areas are overlooked and well lit (see Principle 7. 3). m

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5.7.7 SERPLAN is in the process of developing parkingstrategies that seek to allow for different parking policiesto be pursued within the priority areas for economicregeneration as compared to areas of economicpressure3. (See also: Draft PPG 13 - Transport 19994.)

STATION ROAD, CANTERBURY PRINCIPLE 5.7

This was a brownfield site close to a railway stationand Canterbury city centre. It comprised a busdepot, repair works and goods yard. In 1991Canterbury City Council prepared a developmentbrief which sought a contemporary solution thatrespected the Canterbury streetscape and wouldencourage people to live in the town.

The brief was not prescriptive about the numbers ofunits that should be achieved, but the city councilwas keen to avoid a suburban and highwaydominated solution. The progress of the schemewas characterised by close collaborative workingbetween the City Council’s Planners and TransportEngineers. The City Council and developers alsoengaged in regular dialogue.

The scheme has achieved a density of nearly 27 unitsper acre by focusing on terraced properties and limitingparking provision to 1 space per unit and in some casesproviding no spaces at all. Parking is provided within asecure communal area at the rear of properties. No on-street parking is allowed and visitors can park in nearbyCity Centre car parks. While the appearance of thedwellings is more traditional than contemporary, theinnovative aspect of this scheme relates to the radicalapproach taken to parking standards well in advance ofthe emerging national trend. It also demonstrates theturning of a brownfield site into a successful scheme inmarket terms. The scheme demonstrates that qualityand collaboration are important components inachieving successful brownfield development.

WALKING AND CYCLING

Principle 5.8: Developments should be readily

permeable allowing safe, direct routes for

pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility impaired.

5.8.1 Suitable routes that link key areas both within andaround new developments should be considered at theoutset so that residents are encouraged to use theminstead of the car. Walking and cycling are sustainable andhealthy ways of travelling over short distances, but oftensuffer as a result of weather, culture, topography, fears forpersonal safety and lack of appropriate storage. Safety isenhanced generally by increasing the number of walkersand cyclists in an area, and children will benefit from havingthe freedom to use routes segregated from motorisedtraffic. People with disabilities will also benefit from routesthat provide direct links to and from services, and thathave a smooth and well-maintained surface. For furtherinformation see: Highways Suitable for the MobilityImpaired - KCC5; Guidance on the Use of Tactile Surfaces

- DETR6; and Reducing Mobility Handicaps - IHT7.

5.8.1 pedestrian and cycling paths in Kings Hill

5.8.2 Direct routes through developments should beprovided for walkers and cyclists. These may either besegregated or combined, whichever is most appropriateto their context and likely usage, but must be ‘user-friendly’. They should not be too far removed fromsurveillance and should not be hidden from roads orhouses by earth mounds or heavy landscaping. Theyshould have appropriate lighting unless they are a part ofa small, unlit development. Walking and cycling should bepromoted as a dominant mode of travel for short trips, sothese routes should be more direct than those for cars.Strategic foot and cycleways should be well lit toencourage use, unless they are primarily for leisure usewhere night time use is unlikely, or in rural surroundingswhere lighting would be inappropriate.The following documents give further guidance: ‘TheNational Cycle Network Guidelines and Practical Details’- Sustrans8; ‘Cycle Friendly Infrastructure’ - DoT9;‘London Cycle Network Design Manual’10; ‘Guidelines forCycle Audit & Review’ - IHT11.

ST. MARY’S ISLAND, GILLINGHAM PRINCIPLE 5.8

St Mary’s Island is a development of 1600 dwellings onex. Ministry of Defence land in the Medway Estuary .The island is important for wildlife and is being designed to enhance this aspect by the provision of a wide area of parkland that runs across the island. Aswell as housing there are plans for a community centrewith shops and a school. Good pedestrian access to anewly created riverside walk has been provided.

Problem: The location of the island predicates a highlevel of car dependency. The original design m

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suggested a principal route for traffic in the form of along loop road around the perimeter of the island, adesign which would be likely to lead to unacceptablyhigh speeds. The problem was how to encouragegreater cycle and pedestrian use for short journeyswithin the island site.

5.8 St. Mary’s Island (Countryside Maritime)

Solution: In order to prevent speeding the loop wasmade more circuitous and cut at its mid point with a‘bus only’ gate. A system of direct links for walkersand cyclists has been formed to cross the island, thusproviding off-road routes to the community centre,and to local bus stops. Cycle use is encouraged by awide segregated footpath and cycleway that linksthrough to the mainland and round the island.Cyclists are given priority at side road junctions byrunning a raised route across the junctions, and bybypassing roundabouts and other speed restraintfeatures, in order to provide safe, direct routes.

Principle 5.9: New infrastructure for cycling, walking

and riding should be linked into existing networks

5.9.1 It is important to design a strategy for walking andcycling that links new developments to existingdevelopments. This might include existing local facilitiessuch as shops or the railway station, or links to widerstrategic networks such as national cycle routes,bridleways or long-distance footpath systems. Existinglocal networks may provide a useful leisure opportunityfor walkers, cyclists and riders, and consideration shouldbe given to linking these through the development. It is asimportant for developers to consider the relationshipwith the area outside of their development as it is toconsider internal circulation.The ‘Walking Strategy for Kent’2 and ‘The CyclingStrategy for Kent’13 gives further guidance.

5.9.1 cycle short-cut against flow of traffic (Canterbury City Council)

PRIORITY MEASURES ON CANTERBURY CYCLE ROUTES PRINCIPLE 5.9

The walled city of Canterbury with its well-definedcore and its self-contained network of medievalstreets, lends itself to cycling as distances are notexcessive and the town centre is largelypedestrianised and lightly trafficked. Canterbury hasa large number of students and cycling is a popularform of transport both in and around the city.

Problem: Although the centre of the city has a gooddegree of traffic control and speed restraint, the ringroad and the radial routes from university andcolleges present a safety problem for cyclists wishingto travel into and out of the centre.

Solution: Greater priority is afforded to cyclists bythe use of two techniques, Advance Stop Lines attraffic signals, and Toucan Crossings. Advance StopLines give priority to cyclists using the ring road, toenable them to have a safe and rapid ‘getaway’ attraffic signals. Many conflicts occur at signalledjunctions, as left-turning vehicles can often hitcyclists riding on the nearside, and right turningcyclists have difficulties moving across lanes of fastmoving traffic. The Advance Cycle Stop Line allowscyclists to move ahead of the rest of traffic to wait ina clear area at the stop line. This means that theyare then in clear view of the waiting traffic, and havethe benefit of being in front of the queue, givingthem more time to make manoeuvres in safety.

The second technique is the Toucan Crossing. This isgenerally used to link the two sides of an off-roadcycleway where it crosses a busy route. Althoughthey can be used by pedestrians (thus the name;‘twocan’) they are chiefly designed for cyclists, asthey have push buttons mounted at the appropriateheight. The difference between a Toucan and othercrossings is that at pelicans and zebras cyclists arerequired to dismount to cross, whereas toucansallow riders to cycle across. The timing device canbe adjusted so that cyclists never have long to wait,forcing car drivers to give way to cyclists.

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Principle 5.10: Convenient cycle storage should be

incorporated into properties and destinations.

5.10.1 safe cycle storage facility5.10.1 Storage provision for cycles should be made forevery dwelling, either in the form of additional personalstorage space in garages, houses or other lockablebuildings, or communally in bicycle cages. Provision forstorage should also be made at the journey’s end,especially at shopping, community facilities and transportnodes. Cycle provision should be made at the outset evenfor buildings such as cinemas, multiplexes and DIY stores.

REFERENCES:1 Planning for Public Transport in Developments, Institute of Highways &

Transportation, 19982 Fire Safety Policy Directive 15 - Guidance for Providing Adequate Access

for Fire Appliances under the County of Kent Act, Kent & Medway TownsFire Authority, 1981

3 Towards a Parking Strategy for the South East, SERP477, 1999 4 Revision of Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG)13 ‘Transport’ (Draft),

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 19995 Highways Suitable for the Mobility Impaired, Kent County Council, 19996 Guidance on the Use of Tactile Surfaces, Department of the Environment,

Transport and the Regions, 19987 Reducing Mobility Handicaps - Towards a Barrier Free Environment,

Institute of Highways & Transportation, 19918 The National Cycle Network Guidelines and Practical Details,

Sustrans/Ove Arup,19979 Cycle Friendly Infrastructure - Guidelines, Planning & Design, Department

of Transport, 199610 London Cycle Network Design Manual - Royal Borough of Kingston upon

Thames, 199811 Guidelines for Cycle Audit & Review, Institute of Highways &

Transportation, 199812 The Walking Strategy for Kent (Draft), Kent County Council, 199913 The Cycling Strategy for Kent (Draft), Kent County Council, 1999.

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 5: MOVEMENT

• Has the developer made a contribution topublic transport?

• Has public transport been designed intothe development proposals?

• Has a green commuter plan beenprepared?

• What alternatives to trips by private carhave been provided?

• Have rail and bus companies beenconsulted to promote integratedtransport?

• Do highway standards reflect the degreeof choice of travel alternatives?

• Does the highway layout make provisionfor all necessary vehicles?

• Is parking provision appropriate to thedegree of alternative travel choice?

• Have public transport service providersbeen consulted?

• Does the development provide directlinks for walkers and cyclists to localfacilities?

• Does provision for walkers and cyclistslink to existing networks?

• Has cycle storage been provided atproperties or travel nodes?

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Principle 6.1: New development should embrace good

contextual design principles

6.1.1 ‘Design’ covers a range of factors that mould theinteraction of people with buildings and the spaces thatconnect them. The term ‘urban design’ should beinterpreted not just in the context of towns or cities butin any place where people interact with buildings andtheir landscape, from single buildings in villages to majordevelopment in large cities. It is about creating successfulplaces that work well for those using them. Developmentis never too small to be considered in design terms. It isoften the cumulative effects of domestic extensions,single dwellings and alterations, rather than major newbuildings, which impact on people’s perception of a place.

6.1 SAGA Headquarters, Folkestone, Michael Hopkins and Partners

6.1.2 Good design can generate a lively, attractive andwell-used environment; it can also bring significanteconomic benefits. Both the Government and developersare beginning to recognise this, and greater time,resources and advice are being invested in urban design.English Partnerships1 have observed that in lean economictimes it is the better quality, well designed buildings whichsurvive (this document also includes more detailedguidance on design issues). Local authorities have a keyrole in promoting this locally - PPG 1; for example, statesthat planning authorities can require that a proposal isaccompanied by a design statement. Many localauthorities are producing their own design strategies2.

6.1.3 The government is keen to ensure that urban designobjectives become core elements of planning decisionsand local planning policy. Successful new development isbased on making a balanced judgement between all of thefactors at play e.g. local context and character; transportand movement and balancing the needs of shopping,business and housing. Development that has proved lesssuccessful has often been overpowered by a singleelement, such as the provision for cars through roadnetworks that have disregarded local character or context3

(see also Technical Appendices Section 2).

6.1.4 No single template can be drawn to achieve goodurban design: the optimum solution is unique to each site.

However, even within Kent’s diverse pattern and scale ofdevelopment, whether it be coastal town, wooded rurallocation, traditional market town or more recent dormitorysuburb, there are some common considerations whichshould be evaluated in an appraisal of any site. Quality indesign reaches beyond transitory taste and fashion.

6.1.4 site appraisal factors

6.1.5 Site Appraisal

Level and lie of the land -What views are generated from and of the site?What is the approach to the site?What forms the sky-line?What is the nature of the open spaces and how are theyconnected?What is the local climate?Are there any significant wildlife habitats?

The built environment - What unusual features make the place distinctive?What is the relationship between the buildings and spaces?What size and shape are the plots?What are the boundary treatments - walls, fences,verges, planting?What are the building types and styles?

The pattern of streets and movement -Are the streets narrow, wide, curved?Who has access - cars, pedestrians?How does pedestrian and vehicular traffic move through?What is the historic street pattern?

Ground and surface covering - What is the proportion of hard surface and softlandscaping?Are surfaces rough or smooth in texture?What are the effects of natural daylight?What are the ground conditions?4lo

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6.1.6 Annex A of PPG 15, ‘Handling of Design Issues’,gives a clear policy basis for this approach, andrecommends the preparation of a written designstatement which should set out the design principles,show the proposal in its context and be accompanied byillustrative plans and elevations. Its degree of detail willdepend on the scale and likely impact of the development,but consideration of design is applicable to development ofany scale from house extensions to major proposals.

6.1.7 Good planning and design is based on balancing arange of issues in an innovative way to optimise the finalsolution. The advice that follows is based on principles ofgood practice and the degree to which each is relevant willdepend on the context and scale of the development. Theadvice is intended to complement the Building Regulationsthat should be adhered to for all built development.

CREATING POSITIVE PLACES

6.1.8 New development should make a positivecontribution to its environment, particularly if the localcontext appears tired or unwelcoming. Positive featuresof ‘local distinctiveness’ may be difficult to find, but cluesmay lie in history, landscape or deeper evaluation of thearea. Even where there is no building, it may be worthresearching the appearance of previous buildings toprovide evidence of evolution in the area. These morechallenging places and spaces often offer moreopportunity for innovation or the potential to create anew identity. Landscape design should be integral to theproposal, and consideration should be given to theappropriate mix of hard and soft surfaces. Designcompetitions can often help to achieve a better qualityand more innovative result for a new building.

6.1.8 rich detailing at Rochester Riverside, Kent

6.1.9 All design, from the smallest detail such as a handrailto a large commercial development, offers theopportunity to create something special. Public art canhelp to give identity and interest to a place.

6.1.9 smallest details

There are several elements which can contribute to goodurban design6:

6.1.10 legibility

LEGIBILITY

6.1.10 Legibility describes the ‘readability’ of a place to itsusers, including the clarity of its routes and points of entryand exit. New development should respect the areas,circulation spaces and landmarks that give a sense ofwhere one is within the hierarchy of the town or village.

6.1.11 variety

VARIETY

6.1.11 Consideration should be given to encouraging a mixof uses which complement each other and which generateactivity both during the day and the evening. Eveningactivity, whether cultural, social or retail, can transform the lo

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vitality of a place. A mix of uses may occur within a singlebuilding, with office accommodation providing a buffer onmiddle floors with shops below and housing above. Varietyshould also be apparent in the types of space; formal andinformal, green and hard surfaces, private and public.Successful places balance the need for order and variety.

6.1.12 permeability

PERMEABILITY

6.1.12 Ensure permeability by designing for a variety ofroutes that allow movement easily through a space and linkto other spaces and routes, particularly for those on foot.

6.1.13 detail

6.1.13 details in context

DETAIL

6.1.13 A richness of design and texture can be achievedthrough careful detailing and use of materials, and through

the fine balance between variety and uniformity in abuilding or development.

6.1.14 longevity

LONGEVITY

6.1.14 Spaces and buildings that allow for and activelyencourage a broad range of present and future uses willbe more sustainable than those designed for a singlespecific use or user. Materials and components shouldalso be suitable for adaptation or re-use.

6.1.15 visual character

VISUAL CHARACTER

6.1.15 Consideration should be given to the appearanceof a development or an individual building in relation to itsneighbours, and within its own components (for example,the scale and prominence of a garage should not give itgreater visual priority than the house).

6.1.16 individuality

INDIVIDUALITY

6.1.16 There should be sufficient flexibility to allow thoseliving and working in a place to make their mark both ontheir identifiable private space, and collectively over thefunction and appearance of public space, but within theoverall character of the development and neighbouring area.lo

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Principle 6.2: New development should express the

distinctive quality of the natural topography, existing

landscape and built character of the site

6.2.1 impact

IMPACT

6.2.1 Any new development should respond to thecontext in which it is set. Distinctly urban or ruralenvironments may be easier to evaluate than those whichare on an urban fringe or which must take account of theirimpact on both urban and rural environments.Development on the edge of a town or village may bevisually important to the view upon entering that place. Itsimpact on the skyline should also be considered,particularly in the countryside. Towns and villages areoften characterised by their skylines.

SCALE

6.2.2 The scale of the proposal refers not just to theheight and length of the building but to the scale of all itscomponents, for example doors, windows and detailing.Massing refers to the way in which the building’s elementsare put together and includes the volumes in both planand elevation.

6.2.3 The impact of telecommunications equipment, TVaerials and overhead cables must also be givenconsideration. Guidelines on this can be found in PPG 8and Appendix E of the DoE circular 9/95, ‘GeneralDevelopment Order Consolidation 1995’.

COLOUR

6.2.4 Colour can have a significant impact on the characterof a building and its locale, particularly in conservationareas where colour may be subject to planning control.This concerns both the choice of materials and any appliedcolour. Even use of white can radically alter theappearance of a building for better or worse. The mostsuccessful colours are variants of those found naturally inthe earth and landscape, such as browns, earth reds anddark greens, perhaps with a complementary colourapplied to details (doors, windows, rainwater pipes).There are of course exceptions to this in Kent, particularlythe pinks, blues and yellows in the architecture of somecoastal towns. Colour does not necessarily have to bebound by this tradition but careful consideration should begiven to context and to the shade, intensity, reflectivenessand area of coverage of the colour.

CAPACITY

6.2.5 What is the acceptable capacity that the landscapecan absorb? The layout of development set in valleys, hillsor woodland should carefully consider its interplay with thetopography and vegetation. Consideration must also begiven to whether the location can cope with the scale ofroad required to serve the size of development proposed.

HIERARCHY OF URBAN SPACE

6.2.6 The hierarchy of form of even the smallest villagetraditionally offers the visitor a sense of arrival. It is oftenmarked by an increase in the density and height ofbuildings towards the centre with civic buildings or achurch and a public space such as a civic square or villagegreen. There may be areas within the town or village thathave a distinctiveness of their own. Developments thatare monotonous in their layout do not engender such asense of place or nurture community spirit.

PUBLIC / PRIVATE SPACE

6.2.7 New development should allow an appropriatedegree of private and public space around the property.Developments in villages and towns have traditionallybeen built close to the road with large private gardens tothe rear. Narrower plot widths are also a commonfeature in the centre of towns and villages.

6.2.1 Gardens - public/private space

6.2.8 Buildings at a street corner are particularlyimportant and should actively ‘turn the corner’. They canalso provide good natural surveillance.

PUBLIC REALM

6.2.9• Successful places are well used - a steady passage of

people gives a perception of safety; • Spaces for public events, markets and performances

should be respected or, in a case of newly developingareas, created;

• Private realm should be clearly distinguished frompublic realm (see Principle 7.1);

• Building frontages, whether commercial, retail or housingshould have a direct relationship with the street. Thebuilding line should be retained, unless a positive use ofspace or a specific feature are to be accommodated;

• Buildings which attract the greatest activity and have aclear public function should be at the centre of adevelopment, and their entrances should be clearlyvisible;

• Infill development should not overlook theopportunity to design in a network of paths, routesand spaces - public areas such as shopping streets lo

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require a greater degree of permeability for users; • Roads are not just a vehicular corridor but part of the

public realm and have a key impact on the perceptionof the users. The aim should be to create streets forpeople, rather than roads for vehicles. This should betaken account in their design (see Technical Appendixsection 2);

• The public realm should be clearly enclosed by eitherbuildings or landscape. Even a neighbourhood of semi- ordetached housing can benefit from a sense of enclosureachieved by the use of hedges, fences and trees; and

• The quality of all elements of the street scenecontribute to the sense of place and should becomplementary, including lamps, seats, litter bins,paving, bus shelters and signs. Sparing use ofstrategically placed street furniture is often the mosteffective solution.

6.2.9 Millennium Clock, Tunbridge Wells by John MillsCreativity can add to the richness of a place

Principle 6.3: New development should respect local

architectural heritage, make optimum use of existing

buildings and recognise landmark buildings and

features

Kent’s Architectural History (see also Principle 9.5)6.3.1 Kent’s unique and varied architectural heritageforms a strong base from which to develop its future builtenvironment. This heritage has become increasinglysignificant as interest in our social and cultural history,which the built environment describes, has grown.Historic buildings often display a close link to their localityin terms of form, function and materials from whichmodern designers can learn.

6.3.1 Oast house heritage 6.3.2 Ancient buildingsof Canterbury

6.3.2 Kent has a distinctive dispersal of settlementsformed in pre-medieval times when the County was stillthickly wooded, with small settlements formed inclearings. Small market towns provided an economic hub

and isolated churches such as those on the Downs metthe needs of remote communities. The nature of Kent’sbuildings has also been defined by the significance of itsagricultural economy and the practice of dividing land intosmall plots resulting in a heritage of small, timber-framedhouses rather than large country mansions.

6.3.3 Kent’s scattered interior contrasts with thedefensive edge of the coastal towns, particularly thosefacing the continent. There are fine examples of defensivecastles at Dover and Deal, and military strongholds thathave left a legacy of unique buildings, particularly from the19th Century. The continental influence manifests itself incurved Dutch gables particularly in East Kent.

6.3.4i Smarden 6.3.4ii Ramsgate

6.3.4iii Scotney Castle

6.3.4 Other major architectural achievements includeKent’s religious buildings, with some remains of theearliest Augustine 7th century churches, for example atMinster-in-Sheppey. Many fine 12-14th Century parishchurches still grace the County’s countryside, and Kentboasts two fine cathedrals at Rochester and Canterbury.The construction of windmills, oasts, and agriculturalbuildings has also made a significant impact on Kent’sheritage and landscape.

6.3.4iv Cobham Hall 6.3.4v Old Romney

6.3.5 Kent has some splendid examples of Elizabethan,Jacobean and Palladian architecture (for example CobhamHall, Groome Park and Mereworth respectively).Decorative and moulded brickwork and classical detailssuch as pediments and pilasters were prevalent in the 17thCentury7. Complementing these grand buildings howeveris a proliferation of interesting domestic architecture. Theprecedents set in the 19th Century by the arts and craftslo

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movement, which followed local building traditions andmaterials, were continued in to the 20th.

6.3.5 historic detailing 6.3.6 Windmills of historic interestCONSERVATION

6.3.6 Kent’s environment has experienced substantialpressure in the 20th Century caused notably by prolifichousebuilding to accommodate the growing economy of thesouth-east. Buildings and areas of architectural or historicinterest are of particular importance as, by definition, they areimpossible to replace. Their cultural and aesthetic qualitiesgive a richness and diversity to the local environment andoffer a sense of place and historic continuity to both visitorsand the local community. Each generation has a responsibilityto future generations to protect such assets and to treat themwith due sensitivity and care.

6.3.7 There is a presumption in favour of the retentionand repair of buildings of special architectural or historicinterest (as opposed to unsympathetic restoration orredevelopment) but old buildings must have viable uses iftheir retention is to be sustainable.

6.3.8 Existing offices, houses, shops, commercial,agricultural or industrial buildings of conservation meritshould be re-used wherever possible, not only for theirlocal cultural and historic value but as an existing andtherefore sustainable resource (see Objective 9). Eachcase will require assessment on an individual basis. Theycan help meet the demand for housing, and theirrestoration can stimulate regeneration in an area (seeCase Study: Urban Splash, Objective 8).

6.3.8 converted oasts, Wateringbury. (Crispin & Borst)

6.3.9 Historic buildings require the adoption of asympathetic approach to restoration or modification.Even a seemingly minor alteration to a building can bedamaging to the historic character of an area, for examplethe loss of traditional windows or the introduction of hardsurfacing to a front garden. Features and ornament suchas chimney pots, stained glass and eaves details are oftenimportant elements of character. However, there may be

scope for new additions or alterations to old buildings tobe innovative and contemporary if they remain sensitiveto the original design - a flexible approach could beadopted if the quality of the proposal justifies it.

6.3.10 The most effective means of conservation of listedbuildings and those in conservation areas is regularmaintenance and repair using traditional materials.Effective maintenance prevents the need for extensive andcostly works later. Sustainable principles for the treatmentof historic buildings and their settings might include:• respecting the integrity of the buildings and their settings• minimising change, particularly to exteriors• accurately record change • ensuring extensions do not have a negative impact and

are within the scale of the existing (see DistrictCouncil policy guidance)

• not disguising changes• allowing reversibility • using local natural materials• ensuring high quality workmanship• accepting modern solutions, where appropriate• respecting historic street patterns • referring to and using historic names.

6.3.10 Boots in Canterbury

6.3.11 Listed buildings and their settings, ScheduledAncient Monuments and Conservation Areas may make animportant contribution to local character and areprotected by the Town and Country Planning (ListedBuildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. PPG 15‘Planning and the Historic Environment’8 offers guidance onthis. It demands consent for demolition of any building orpart of a building or structure, or removal of trees, and forany alteration or extension to a building. Newdevelopment can provide the opportunity to enhance localheritage, but standard corporate commercial designs orhousing layouts are rarely acceptable in this kind of contextand should be avoided. Incremental change in an area isusually more desirable than wholesale transformation.Retention of views, patterns of movement and circulationacross a site can enhance the new development.

6.3.12 Many local planning authorities in Kent producedesign guidelines for listed buildings, development inconservation areas (including Conservation AreaAppraisals) and shopfront design.

ARCHAEOLOGY

6.3.13 There is a wealth of information on Kent’s historicpast and built character buried underground. Many sitesfor new development or redevelopment may be ofarchaeological interest. It is important to undertake lo

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assessment and evaluation of the archaeological potentialof a site and the impact of the proposed works at an earlystage. Where development is allowed, the aim should beto preserve significant archaeological deposits in situthrough sympathetic design but archaeologicalinvestigation in advance of development may be a moreappropriate response. Early consultation with theplanning authority’s archaeological adviser is essential.

THE TRINITY FOYER, MAIDSTONEPRINCIPLE 6.3

6.3.7 Trinity Foyer, Maidstone

Trinity Church in Maidstone had been empty since1974 and in very poor condition. Built in 1828, it wasone of 35 Waterloo churches, a grateful gift from thePrussian government for the victory over Napoleon,and being grade II listed, it posed a problem. Varioussources of funding amounting to £2.4 million enabledthe conversion of the church into a multi-use centrefor the local community and a foyer for youngpeople. A steel-framed structure, following plans bythe architects at Maidstone Borough Council, had tobe built inside the Kentish ragstone walls. The stoneof the steeple, which was 75% eroded, was replacedby stone masons and the tall windows double-glazedand skilfully incorporated to correspond with thestoreys of the inner structure without detractingfrom their exterior appearance. On the ground floorthe community has access to a play group, a fitnessclub, meeting rooms and a café and on the upperfloor there is residential accommodation for 42young people. The Foyer opened in October 1998and is managed by Hyde Housing.

6.4: Proposals for rural sites should reflect the

particular considerations and sensitivity of such areas

6.4.1 While the points raised in Principles 6.1 - 6.3 are allequally relevant to new development in rural areas, thereare some specific qualities and sensitivities that maydemand different solutions. Villages and rural areas areoften defined by their diversity of building, irregularity ofplan, minor roads and lanes and informality of spatialdefinition (for example, no kerbs on roads; simplewooden posts). The Countryside Agency’s ‘Planning forquality of life in rural England’9 offers propositions fordevelopment planning which include:• addressing the sustainability of a proposal as well as

the visual appearance;• preparing a statement on the appropriateness of the

development to its local context; and• laying down requirements for community involvement. The objective is not to inhibit change, which is an ongoingnecessity. For landscape issues refer also to advice inObjective 10.

6.4.2 While some external features may make anattractive addition to an urban landscape, they are usuallyat odds with rural locations (e.g. ornate walls, railings andlamps; plants and trees such as conifers or ornamentalshrubs and garden ornaments). Clues can be gleanedfrom traditional boundaries used locally (often simplewooden fences, hedges or native trees) to prevent‘suburbanisation’ of the countryside. Similarly,unsympathetic highway design, such as the inappropriateuse of pavements and kerbs, can be detrimental to therural environment. The Highway Management ReferenceBook10 gives guidance on the sensitive provision of roadsand footpaths in locations such as listed buildings, ancientmonuments and in conservation areas. It recommendscommunication between highway engineers and localplanning and conservation officers to reach what may bea non-standard solution to satisfying safety andmaintenance standards (see also Technical Appendixsection 3). Care should be taken with signage and roadmarkings should be minimised or subdued. In a ruralenvironment, external lighting and security lighting canhave a detrimental impact on the surroundingcountryside, and should be kept to a minimum.

6.4.3 Countryside Design Summaries,11 a CountrysideAgency publication, offers advice on producing characterevaluations of an area that should address three elements:• the landscape setting of buildings• the relationship between settlements• the nature of the buildings themselves.

These character assessments should consider such issuesas geology, climate, exposure, the private/public domainof buildings and the visual and physical impact of trees andhedges. It is particularly important in a rural environmentnot just to protect existing trees, planting and otherlandscape features during construction but to ensure theirongoing care and survival by preventing root damage, forexample. Such studies can be given particular strengthwhen prepared in parallel with Village Design Statements(see Principle 1.6).

NATIONAL TRUST GATEWAY TO THE WHITE CLIFFS VISITOR CENTRE, DOVER

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The National Trust visitor centre perched on the whitecliffs of Dover has received a great deal of favourableattention from architectural and environmentalinterests since its opening in May 1999. A designcompetition was held in order to meet the brief whichdemanded a building which was ‘green’ both in itsvisual impact on the landscape and its impact on the environment at large. Winningarchitects van Heyningen and Haward have met thechallenge with an innovative building in which everyelement is designed to minimise environmental impact:• grass roof to avoid visual intrusion on the

landscape; • timber frame sectional structure to allow for

prefabrication (more efficient as constructionmethod);

• Western Red Cedar from audited forest sourceschosen for cladding as it requires no paints orstains and is therefore low maintenance;

• all other timber including furniture from sourcelicensed by Forest Stewardship Council;

• waste water collected from sinks for irrigating thegrass roof;

• high degree of insulation, and breathing walls toreduce condensation;

• use of recyclable lead cladding on some walls andlocal traditional handcut brick;

• boiler fitted with heat recovery unit;• taps with aeriators to reduce flow and auto

switch-off;• designed never to require artificial light, other than

at night; and• in line with National Trust policy, the café uses

locally-sourced produce, for example Kentishapples, and ceramic crockery in preference todisposable cutlery and crockery.

Perhaps most significantly, the building has beendesigned for zero impact - it has the capacity to bedismantled and the components recycled thusleaving no trace on the landscape.

RE-USE OF BUILDINGS

6.4.4 The restoration of redundant rural buildings, suchas isolated houses and agricultural structures, can bebeneficial to the local environment and economy, andencourage tourism. The merits of re-use are subject toother considerations such as traffic, and the impact on thecharacter of the rural area. Care should be taken toensure that the character of these buildings is retained.Some buildings may require such radical alteration tomake them fit for occupation that they are not suitable forconversion. Elements that should be conserved include:

• form, massing and roof-line• materials• openings such as windows and barn doors• overall simplicity of form and design• tone and colour of materials• setting in the landscape (access and parking

provision must take this into careful consideration).12

Principle 6.5: The use of both traditional and modern

materials and technologies should be evaluated by

developers

6.5.1 Good quality design relies on the choice andcombination of materials that have been used. Localmaterials have the advantage of reinforcing the characterof the local area whilst reducing the need for transport.

6.5.1 modern detailing, University of Canterbury

6.5.2 Design and construction of buildings, roads andother built elements have traditionally used the bestavailable constructional technology and materials of thetime. Whilst it may be important in many locations toretain the existing character, new materials can be usedselectively to very good effect and may be moreappropriate. Alternatively they may be used in conjunctionwith traditional components to produce a more innovativeand unique building. Over-complex use of materials suchas attempts to include brick, stone, render and timber in asingle elevation are rarely successful. It is also important toconsider the weathering of materials - how will they lookin ten or twenty years time?

6.5.3 Sustainable building practices may alter theappearance of buildings and challenge traditionalaesthetics, but this can present an opportunity forinnovative design (see Objective 9).

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KENT’S BUILT HISTORY

6.5.4 traditional materials in Kent

6.5.4 Buildings in Kent have traditionally relied largely onlocally available materials, but builders were also welllocated to import French stone and Spanish and eastEuropean timber for prestigious buildings.

6.5.5 As most of the County was covered by forest untilmedieval times, timber construction characterised Kent’sbuildings until the Tudor period, when the use of brickbecame more widespread and was seen as a moresophisticated material than timber. The richness andquality of Kent clays allowed a diverse range of coloursfrom red-brown to the bluish Wealden bricks, althoughthe earliest examples of brick construction in 14th and15th Centuries used buff coloured brick from Yorkshireand red brick from Lincolnshire. Tiles that resemble brickwere sometimes used for wall cladding, as can be foundin Faversham and Canterbury. Other popular materialsinclude a variety of sandstone, flint and chalk from theNorth Downs, and ragstone. There was a ready supply oflime and sand to make plaster13.

6.5.6 Timber was used for weatherboarding, coated intar, left unpainted or painted white or cream, and for roofshingles and church spires. Hung tile and rendered wallswere sheltered by thatched, tiled and slated roofs. Manyof these materials and building styles may co-exist in thesame village or even the same building, but all contributeto the character of the place. This can give the designer abroad palette to work from14.

6.5.7 The significance of the architecture of Kent lies in itsvariety from district to district and even within districts,for example between coastal towns and their agriculturalhinterland. Shepway’s coastal towns, for example, arecharacterised by clay tiles, Welsh slate, red or yellowstock brick, stucco render and featheredge boarding.Regency and early Victorian buildings introduced stucco,stone and cast iron balconies. Around the marshes, flint,ragstone, brick, tiles and hung tiles are prevalent.

6.5.8 Many traditional materials, building forms andconstruction practices may be more sustainable, givegreater longevity and be less energy intensive in theirproduction than more modern technologies15. For example,timber-framed windows are now favoured by manyauthorities due to the short lifespan of UPVC windows andsafety concerns over their performance in the case of fire.

Principle 6.6: New design should avoid a confused

application of architectural styles or inappropriate

historic imitation

6.6.1 In recent years there has been a backlash againstmodern architecture, which is interpreted by many

people as unattractive and insensitive. Public taste fornostalgia and the economies of scale for masshousebuilders have resulted in the creation of generichouse types that appear up and down the country andincorporate inaccurate interpretations of pastarchitectural styles, such as Georgian and Tudor. Thisreproductive architecture with its misuse of ‘period’detailing is destroying the uniqueness of historic centresby making historic forms commonplace.

6.6.2 Emphasis should be placed on the quality of thedesign solution, whether it be reproduction of historicstyles or a more contemporary approach. An appliedveneer of cladding in a traditional material can weaken theintegrity of the style and structure of the building. Thisform of architecture often lacks the level of detailing orsense of scale of the original. These imitations offer a poorcopy (such as leaded glass) or turn a functional elementinto a cosmetic add-on. Details derived from localbuildings, such as windows or roofs, should retain thescale of the original.

6.6.3 Each location and context for development is unique.No single formula for good quality design can be appliedbut calls for a careful appraisal of the site’s characteristics.

6.6.3 infill development in context, Faversham

SHELTERED HOUSING, AYCLIFFE PRINCIPLE 6.6

6.6 a 6.6 b (Ballast Wiltshier)

A successful example of development that providescomfort and security for elderly people in a spacious,light environment is Sunny Corner, a shelteredhousing development at Aycliffe, Dover. Thearchitectural division of Dover District Councilproposed a building which would encourageresidents to retain their independence for as long aspossible. The accommodation, placed on either sideof an internal street, gives residents the opportunityto escape from their own four walls and enjoybright, communal areas with plenty of scope tosocialise with their neighbours. lo

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The architects have exploited the sloping site bybuilding in steps and taking advantage of the superbviews over the Channel. The building maximisesnatural light with an impressive atrium on thenorthern elevation and a glazed roof over the internalstreet. A water to air heat exchanger ensures thatrising heat is recovered and stratified air ducts recycleair to keep the building at a comfortable temperature.

The building was constructed by a long standing Kentdeveloper, Ballast Wiltshier. This Canterbury divisionof an international company has long recognised theimportance of sustainable development and gained acoveted Environmental Award for Kent Business in1998 for its local community involvement and policiesto employ local people and use local supplierswherever possible. Kent County Council andAylesford Newsprint sponsor these annual awardsfor Kent companies wishing to show theircommitment to saving resources, sustainability andprotecting the environment.

Principle 6.7: Development should be human in scale

and provide permeability and visual interest to those

on foot

6.7.1 Developers and housebuyers often give greaterattention and resources to the interior of a new propertythan the external planning and detailing. The sheer scaleof housing developments can leave them soulless and car-reliant unless carefully planned. Settlements in the pasthave enjoyed an organic growth over many years.

6.7.2 The scale, height, massing and density of a newdevelopment all have an impact on the streetscape. Greaterattention should be given to encouraging walking to andthrough a development by creating a more visuallyinteresting environment. Buildings should address the streetpositively, rather than creating barriers such as high boundarywalls and fences. Buildings should front rather than backonto footways, both for visual interest and to reduce the riskof crime. Boundaries and demarcations, from urban wroughtiron railings and brick walls to simple stone bollards ortimber posts, should be appropriate to their location.

Principle 6.8: Caution should be taken to prevent

excessive or inappropriate external lighting,

particularly in sensitive areas

6.8.1 In recent times, light pollution has become aprominent environmental concern. External lightingshould be integrated with the fabric and character of theenvironment and should be based on an assessment of theneeds of the users, the location, the size of the space andthe activities to be lit. It requires a skilled engineer andcareful planning to avoid overpowering and unnecessarylighting or inappropriately large equipment. Many existingdwellings in sensitive locations have no, or minimal,external lighting. These locations are not necessarily rural;they can include streets or districts within towns andvillages where light levels have traditionally been low.Smaller and/or lower fittings placed more frequently

along the route may offer a better solution. Externallighting should also avoid penetrating bedrooms.

6.8.1 lighting at Market Buildings, Maidstone

6.8.2 Lighting in the public domain should be designed toensure the safety and security of those on foot; cars havethe benefit of headlamps to illuminate their path.Illumination from lamps that are lower in height can meetthe needs of pedestrians and minimise light pollution andspillage outside the area that needs to be lit. Districtplanning authorities should ensure that local plans haveeffective policies to deal with light pollution resulting fromdevelopment and may consider conditions to preventunnecessarily powerful external lighting from being installedby residents. (See also Principle 7.6 for issues related tolighting for safety and Section 2 in the Technical Appendix.)

6.8.3 Carefully considered or innovative lighting canenhance both buildings and outdoor spaces by highlightingspecial architectural features and displaying form, materials,colour and texture. Lamp-posts can be a feature,reinforcing the identity of an area or creating a gateway. Insome locations, however, it may be more appropriate toreduce street clutter by mounting lamps on buildings16.

REFERENCES: 1 Time for Design, English Partnerships, 19982 Convention Centre Quarter (one of several area-specific strategy

documents), Birmingham City Council, 1994; Essex Design Guide, EssexPlanning Officers’ Association, 1997

3 Finding the tools for better urban design, K Campbell and R Cowan,Planning 12/2/99 p16-17

4 Village Design, Countryside Commission, 19965 Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 General Policy and Principles,

Department of the Environment, 1997 6 Responsive Environments, Bentley, Alcock, Murrain, McGlynn and Smith, 19857 Buildings of England: North East and East Kent 3rd ed, J Newman, 19838 Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 Planning and the Historic Environment,

Department of the Environment, 19949 Planning for quality of life in rural England, The Countryside Agency, 199910 The Highway Management Reference Book, Kent County Council, revised

199811 Countryside Design Summaries, Countryside Commission (now

Countryside Agency), 199612 Re-use of Rural Buildings Design Guide, Tunbridge Wells Borough

Council, 199913 Buildings of England: North East and East Kent 3rd ed, J Newman, 198314 A Celebration of Kent’s Architectural Heritage, Kent County Council, 198915 Sustainable Settlements; a guide for planners, designers and developers,

by H Barton, G Davis and R Guise; University if the West ofEngland/Local Government Management Board, 1995

16 Places, People and Movement, Department of the Environment, Transportand the Regions, 1998 lo

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CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 6: LOCALITY

• Have the principles of permeability,variety, legibility, robustness, visualappropriateness, richness andpersonalisation been resolved?

• Will the development make a positivecontribution to the area?

• Has a site appraisal been undertaken?• Is the scale and type of development

appropriate?• Has the historic character of existing

buildings, particularly listed buildings andconservation areas, been respected andenhanced?

• Has the ongoing maintenance of any listedbuildings/conservation areas been ensured?

• Have views of key buildings andlandscapes been retained or framed?

• If the proposal is in a rural area, does itrespond to the character and context ofthe site?

• Do any features suggest suburbanisationof Kent’s rural environment?

• Has the appropriateness of the materialsto the local and Kentish context beenconsidered?

• Is the quality of the design the best thatcan be achieved for the development?

• Is the development visually interestingand human in scale at street level?

• Is the degree and type of lightingappropriate to the location and has lightpollution been avoided?

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PERSONAL SAFETY & SECURITY

Principle 7.1: There should be a clear distinction

between public and private space

7.1 public / private hierarchy

7.1.1 Clear definition of space is required so thatresidents can have an element of control over theirenvironment and know who should or should not bethere, thus giving them the means to challengeinappropriate individuals. Open space between buildingsshould, as far as possible, be clearly defined as beingeither public and open to all, or private and defensible.Public open space, parks, play areas, highways andadjoining land, should have certain indicators to show thatit is in the public domain; for example, benches, litterbinsand signs. Private space may be defined by buildingenclosures, gates or doors, hedges or fences of variouskinds, or by demarcation between the edge of thefootway and the garden. Semi-private spaces, such asparking courts or amenity areas in front of buildings, canbe problem areas if there is no clear sense of ownershipor responsibility. Semi-private space should be designedto be overlooked, be well-lit and well maintained tomaximise the sense of ownership.

Principle 7.2: Schemes should incorporate shared

areas to encourage walking, cycling and socialising

and to enhance safety and security

7.2.1 Developments that have a high degree of activitywithin them such as walkers, cyclists and slow movingvehicles, are likely to deter criminal activity. Well-peopledstreets encourage vehicles to travel more slowly, thusenhancing safety. Lively streets can be achieved byintroducing a mixture of uses, dwelling types and tenuresso that there is a greater spread of activity (see Objective4). Developments should be permeable and offer a choiceof routes to community buildings, shops, schools, andpubs. A mature development will be home to people ofall ages and a range of needs should be catered for.Therefore, open space should offer centrally located playareas or fitness areas, larger areas for ball games or dogwalking and a sheltered meeting place.

YOUTH SHELTER, MARCHAM, OXFORDSHIRE PRINCIPLE 7.2

7.2 Youth Shelter, Marcham (Thames Valley Police / Marcham Parish Council)

In 1987 the village of Marcham in Oxfordshirereported the usual problem of youths hanging aroundthe local shop and causing nuisance. The ParishCouncil consulted these young people to see whatfacility they would like to have. The answer was aplace of their own. A concrete shelter was designedand built and decorated by the youths with a strikingmural design. The shelter is located in a sunny spotadjacent to the local cricket field. It is protected fromwind on two of its six sides, and has seating, lightingand a litterbin. Every few years the next generationof users re-decorate with their own designs. Theshelter was carefully designed to be fire and vandal-proof but, at the same time, attractive to use. Sinceits construction the village has reported fewer youthproblems and vandalism has been reduced.

Principle 7.3: Design should encourage self-policing

and offer surveillance of property

7.3.1 Section 17 of the 1998 Crime & Disorder Act1

imposes a duty on each local authority to exercise itsfunctions with due regard to the need ‘to do all that itreasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area’.The incidence of crime has a close relationship with socialand physical arrangements. The layout of roads, design ofhousing and public buildings, and positioning of publicamenities all have an influence on the potential for crime.Local authorities should give consideration to the latestadvice on crime prevention, as they may be held liable ifa design flaw results in a subsequent crime problem.

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Illustration 7.3.1 overlooking enhances safety and security

7.3.2 Burglars will target areas where they feel they havea clear and direct escape route and will not be observed.Public open space, particularly when play areas areincluded, must be overlooked so that parents can keep aneye on children and can report inappropriate behaviour.Paths and cycleways should be well lit and designed to beoverlooked by properties. They should not be so denselyplanted as to provide hiding places. Vulnerable areas, suchas back fences and hidden pockets, may be protected bythe growth of thorny plants.

7.3.3 Parked cars are particularly vulnerable and carcrime accounts for a high percentage of total crime. It isvery important that parking areas should be open,overlooked and appropriately lit. Screening parked carswill allow potential thieves to work unobserved.Courtyard parking should conform to this, and bedesigned to give the message that it is private, defensiblespace. ‘On plot’ basement garaging is a safe and practicalalternative to ‘at grade’ parking, and can help to reducethe visual dominance of the car. Entrances to buildingsshould be visible from the street, and gaps betweenbuildings should be gated or fenced, though these shouldbe designed to be see-through. The design of windowscan maximise surveillance by using bays, oriels or gablewindows and advantage can be taken of corner buildingsto provide views into adjacent streets.

7.3.4 Detailed guidance on issues of security and safety inthe public realm can be found in documents such asCircular 5/94 - ‘Planning Out Crime’2 and ‘Secured byDesign’3 produced by the Police. Advice on more site-specific issues can be sought from the Police ArchitecturalLiaison Officer, preferably at the pre-planning stage.

NEW ASH GREEN PRINCIPLE 7.3

Conceived in the 1960s by architect Eric Lyons anddeveloper Span (Kent) Ltd., New Ash Greenrepresents an early example of a sustainable mixed-use urban village. Designed on the principle ofexcluding vehicles from the core, motorised throughtraffic is relegated to a perimeter ring road. Theinternal layout consists of a network of footpathslinking small neighbourhoods, or collections ofdwellings. Distances are never great, as themaximum radius of the village is approximately800m, with community buildings at the core. Softlandscaping, now mature, is a major feature of thedesign, as it is used in various ways: to screen,provide visual and recreational amenity, to lendprivacy to neighbourhoods and to extend the rural‘feel’ into the local environment.

One of the features of New Ash Green is the use ofinterlinking footpaths that permeate the whole village.Footpaths are designed to run past the fronts ofdwellings and are thus well overlooked. The housesthemselves were designed with this surveillancefeature in mind with well-used rooms such as kitchensand living rooms overlooking the paths.

The design of the neighbourhoods, which limit roadaccess to individual dwellings, encourages walkersand cyclists to use the paths, providing a greatersense of security and surveillance. Potential thievesmay also be deterred by having to leave getawayvehicles some distance from the dwellings.

Incidence of housebreaking is low in New AshGreen but vehicle crime is much higher as parkingareas are some distance from properties andfootpaths are well screened, providing privacy forthieves. More remote play areas have beenvandalised simply because they are not overlookedand in many cases vegetation has been allowed tobecome very overgrown, adding to the screeningeffect. With hindsight careful design of parking andplay areas, combined with greater attention tolandscape maintenance, would have helpedovercome some of the problems.

Principle 7.4: A sense of ownership should be

encouraged through the quality of the public realm

7.4.1 Areas that are well-kept and litter-free help todiscourage vandalism, further littering and othernuisances. Investing in better quality, more durablematerials will pay off in the long-term. Residents shouldbe encouraged to take part in the upkeep of their own sa

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development through Residents Associations orManagement Companies. The more involvementresidents have the greater their feeling of responsibilitytowards their environment. Crime issues will be dealtwith most effectively through a partnership betweenresidents, local authorities and the police.

Principle 7.5: Building design should conform to the

latest safety and security advice

7.5.1 Much can be done to deter opportunistic crime bythe use of simple deterrent devices. A key task is toensure that dwellings, commercial premises, schools andcommunity buildings are made physically secure byincluding burglar alarms, sophisticated door and windowlocks, padlocks and concealed hinges for outbuildings.Consideration can be given to room layout so thatvaluable items such as computers, televisions and videosare not visible through windows.

7.5.2 Detailed building design guidance can be found inSecured by Design (ACPO)4 and through the Safer KentInitiative, a partnership between the Police, localauthorities, the Fire Service, and health authorities.Guidance is given on accesses, extensions, lighting, shopgrilles, locks, bolts and bars and other safety devices.

7.5.3 Adequate provision must be made for access tohousing areas for the Fire Service and other emergencyservices. (Detailed guidance on access for the Fire Servicecan be found in Kent Fire Brigade Technical Bulletin No.G18)5. Appropriate water provision for the use of the FireService must be made available, and in particular,adequate hydrant provision for mixed-use developments.

NIGHTINGALE ESTATE, HACKNEY PRINCIPLE 7.5

The Nightingale Estate is a component of a larger£300 million project to regenerate five Hackneyestates. Around 500 homes will be refurbished andan additional 360 homes integrated into the scheme.The main objective is to improve the quality of life ofresidents by providing a greater sense of physicalsecurity and by improving the quality of theenvironment.

The ‘fortress-like’ feel of the estate is eliminated by :• introducing a plan based on traditional street

patterns• strengthening the links to surrounding areas • giving buildings clear entrances onto street frontages.

Principle 7.6: An appropriate level of lighting should

be provided to enhance safety and security

7.6.1 Fear of personal crime often results in peoplestaying off the streets once darkness falls, and researchshows that certain sectors of the public are more likely tobe victims of crime when walking the streets after dark.Those at risk include women on their own, the elderly,and young people between the ages of 11 and 17. Studieshave shown that lighting can do much to reduce crime

and the perception of crime. To enhance safety, lightingshould be provided for footways and cycleways wherethese are segregated from the carriageway. Adequateaccess must be allowed for the maintenance of suchlighting. Design specifications for lighting are constantlybeing updated, and energy efficient and non-intrusivestyles of luminaire are now commonplace (see alsoPrinciple 6.8 and ‘A Guide for Crime & DisorderReduction through a Public Lighting Strategy’6.

7.6.2 An appropriate overall level of street lighting forcarriageways, footways and footpaths will help reduce theneed for intrusive and high energy-consuming securitylighting.

7.6.3 Footways and cycleways may best be left unlitwhen located in rural or otherwise unlit areas and whensuch links cross rural land between urban areas.Consultation with the parish council at an early stage willascertain the desire for lighting in a given locality.

IMPROVED LIGHTING, DUDLEY & STOKE PRINCIPLE 7.6

High-pressure sodium lighting was introduced intotwo residential areas in Dudley & Stoke-on-Trent.Changes in crime, disorder, fear, quality of life andnight-time street use were compared during thetwelve month period before and after the streetlighting improvements. Sample sizes were sufficientlylarge to have statistical significance, and adjacent andcontrol areas were similarly compared. In bothprojects the improved lighting reduced crimesignificantly, pedestrian street use after darkincreased dramatically and the benefits outweighedthe costs of the new lighting. Studies of the controlareas showed no evidence of a shift in crime to otherareas. It was concluded that new lighting was a cheapmethod of environmental improvement (projectundertaken by Institute of Lighting Engineers).

HIGHWAY SAFETY

Principle 7.7: Highway infrastructure should not

dominate the layout of estates

7.7.1 Generous road space inevitably gives thepsychological message to drivers that they have priorityover other road users and encourages habitual car use,car domination and speeding. Developments should bedesigned so that vulnerable road users, such as walkers,cyclists and people with disabilities, have priority overmotorised traffic. This can be achieved by keeping vehiclespeeds low by designing road layouts that constraindrivers (by using short lengths, tight radii and narrowwidths) and by giving greater dominance to buildings andlandscaping (see Technical Appendix, section 2).

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7.7.1 highway layout has been designed around a network of linked spaces

POUNDBURYPRINCIPLE 7.7

7.7 Poundbury (HMSO)

Poundbury is an edge-of-town mixed usedevelopment in Dorchester which lies within theDuchy of Cornwall estate.

Designed on the basis of linking neighbourhoods, theroad network consists of a series of linked spaces.Links are short, and vary in type and usage. On thelarger scale they may serve as principal access formotorised traffic or, at the other end of the scale,merely serve as footpaths. Footpaths are short, fairlybroad and well lit to encourage use.

Each space is different in design and lends a distinctcharacter to the neighbourhoods.

Spaces vary in size and function from village square tointimate parking court. Dwellings are arranged tooverlook all of the public realm, both links and squares,thus providing surveillance and a sense of community.

Principle 7.8: Speed restraint should be an integral

part of road design

7.8.1 Speed restraint should be designed into adevelopment so that artificial traffic calming devices donot have to be bolted on later when the developmentreaches its full potential. Low speeds reduce the

dominance of motorised traffic and provide pedestriansand cyclists with a greater sense of security and freedom.The lower the traffic speeds, the greater the potential forflexibility of the highway layout - thus improving urbandesign and reducing highway ‘dominance’. Speed should,as far as possible, be controlled by perceptual methods ofroad design that lend a feeling of constraint. Drivers willtravel more quickly when there is an open aspect so long,wide, straight or gently curving roads should be avoided,especially if housing is set back from the frontage.

7.8.1 natural speed restraint

7.8.2 The street pattern can have as significant an impacton speed restraint as some traffic calming techniques.Building close to the edge of the road and building tall bothhelp emphasise the ‘narrowness’ of roads. This may beenhanced by controlled on-street parking in certain areas.

7.8.3 Road junctions may be incorporated into publicopen space in the form of small, urban squares that breakup street lengths.

7.8.4 Planting and differentiated surface textures can beused to achieve speed restraint whilst some streets mayprovide a through route only for pedestrians or cyclists.

7.8.5 Raised measures such as road humps and speedtables (traffic calming) are generally applied to existingroads but are effective in keeping speeds low and havetheir place in certain situations. They are unsuitable forbus routes and have the disadvantage of creatingadditional noise, increasing emergency service responsetimes, and raising pollution levels. (Further guidance ontraffic calming and speed restraint devices can be found in‘Traffic Calming - a code of practice’7.) sa

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Principle 7.9: Speed restraint measures should reflect

local character

7.9.1 The design of speed restraints should, as far aspossible, reflect the local context, whether urban,suburban or rural village. Such measures shouldcomplement rather than detract from the overall designobjectives of the scheme, and should not create additionalnoise or inconvenience buses, walkers or cyclists.

7.9.2 An urban, higher density development layout maybe based on a traditional grid pattern of streetsincorporating techniques such as short, straight lengths,varying road width, junction treatments and controlledcar parking. The materials used for speed restraint shouldalso reflect local character. In the urban situation hardmaterials such as tarmac, brick, stone, cast iron andconcrete might be appropriate.

7.9.3 Suburban layouts may include a mix of street typesfrom boulevards to winding ‘lanes’. These types of layoutmay rely more on the use of plants and the incorporationof features like ‘decorative’ bridges and road deflections,such as roundabouts, to achieve speed reduction. Thereare a wide range of materials suitable for suburban speedrestraint. Examples might include; a variety of brick pavorsfor surfaces; reconstituted rubber and plastics for bollards;maintained grass and formal planting for roundabouts orbuild-outs; and stone or concrete for kerbing.

7.9.4 Rural village layouts may rely on sharp bends,limited sight lines, overhanging trees and vegetation andrough-grassed banks or walls to keep the perception ofconstraint. The use of stone, gravel and timber suggests arural environment and local materials, such as ragstone orflint, and other vernacular details incorporated into thedesign, would help provide contextual ‘clues’.

Principle 7.10: Priority should be given to the safety of

pedestrians and cyclists over cars

7.10.1 Pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users shouldbe provided with a network of linking routes that offerdirect access to ‘magnets’: schools, community centresand leisure areas. These users should, as far as possible,have the most direct links. Measures to help walkers mayinclude; pedestrian bridges, pedestrian crossings, raisedcrossing points, shared surfaces and ‘homezones’.Measures for cyclists may consist of toucan crossings,advance stop lines at signals and cyclist priority at junctionmouths and roundabouts. In order to speed up journeysfor cyclists, routes may bypass junctions or provide a two-way route through a one-way system. Care must betaken to ensure that pedestrian paths and cycleways arenot abused by car drivers and motorcyclists, and thatvarious types of lockable bollards and motorbikedeterrent barriers are placed in critical locations. Whereroutes for pedestrians and cyclists are away from thoseused by motorised traffic it is important to design them sothey are safe and attractive to use (Kent Walking Strategy8

and Kent Cycling Strategy9, 1999).

7.10.2 Homezone (Devon County Council, ‘Traffic Calming Guidelines’)

7.10.2 ‘Homezones’ are residential streets where drivershave to give way to pedestrians and cyclists and areresponsible for any injuries they cause to them.Homezones should be engineered so that traffic speedsare very low, around 10mph, and may incorporategrassed areas or play equipment. The benefits ofhomezones are various; they provide additional outdoorleisure space which has health benefits for both childrenand adults, they can help prevent crime as well-usedstreets contribute to surveillance, and they also fostercommunity links by encouraging social interaction. Thereare also significant benefits to people with disabilities asthey can safely walk within a homezone (Homezones,Children’s Play Council, London)10.

Principle 7.11: Developments should be designed to

meet the needs of people with disabilities

7.11.1 As many as one in fifteen people suffer from someform of disability which affects mobility. This figure mayrise as life expectancy increases. Consideration must begiven at the outset to the needs of people with disabilitiesso that their comfort and mobility is ensured. The HumanRights Act11 covers the issue in the general sense whilstthe Approved Document M - ‘Access and Facilities forDisabled People’,199912 covers the design specifics forbuildings and access. ‘Highways suitable for the mobilityimpaired’13 and ‘Reducing Mobility Handicaps’14 coverhighway design aspects.

7.11.1 disabled needs

7.11.2 In some cases, needs for various disabilities canconflict. Consultation with specific bodies such as KABand RNIB can provide information and ideas to help toovercome any conflict between differing needs.Consideration of an overall strategy for disabled facilitiesand mobility provision within a development must beconsidered to enable design considerations to be takenon board from the outset. sa

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Principle 7.12: New developments should be designed

to provide a healthy environment

HEALTH (EXTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS)7.12.1 The Garden City movement was instrumental indesigning estates of well-spaced and airy dwellings, as acontrast to cramped slums, by promoting the notion ofhealth and vitality for residents. Although this movementmay seem outdated, its ethos was sound, and healthconsiderations are just as important today. Globalwarming and fears about ozone depletion should beconsidered. In order to minimise risk from skin cancer,shade should be provided either from trees or structureswithin streets and public areas. The design of publicbuildings to include architectural features such asoverhangs and awnings that provide additional shade,should be considered. Species of trees and shrubs that aremost efficient in cleaning up ozone pollution should bepromoted.

7.12.2 Cycle-ways, ‘trim trails’ and attractive walkingroutes will encourage residents to take regular exercise.A range of play areas from those for small children up toskateboard areas and football pitches for older childrenshould be provided when the scale of developmentdemands it. Many development sites will include existingfootpaths and bridleways which can be incorporated intomore strategic routes for walkers and riders.

7.12.2 playground

7.12.3 Many devices can be used to help people withdisabilities on the highway. These include dropped kerbsand tactile paving; audible and tactile crossing indicators;the use of contrasting street paving and the design ofsteps, ramps, handrails and other street furniture. Theseare outlined in ‘Guidance on the Use of Tactile PavingSurfaces’15, and ‘Highways Suitable for the MobilityImpaired’16.

7.12.4 useful garden

7.12.4 In the interests of health, developments should becarefully designed for the purpose for which they areintended. They should have good access, adequate space

standards, ventilation and amenities. Designs should avoidbuildings being so close together that they impede naturallight (BRE). Gardens are important for privacy, relaxationand recreation. A range of sizes should be provided tomeet the needs and preferences of individuals. In denser,more urban situations the inclusion of a garden may notbe practical, but the provision of some growing space, beit balcony, yard, roof garden or even a window box, canmake a positive contribution to health and well being.Gardens provide a safe place for children to play andgardening itself is a healthy and popular hobby. Both theuse of home-produced compost and the growing of one’sown food are sustainable activities. The provision ofclothes drying areas helps to reduce the use of tumbledryers that consume considerable energy and canincrease condensation. (Further guidance can be found in‘Saving Lives - Our Healthier Nation’.)17

HEALTH (INTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS)7.12.5 Housing design should ensure both internal andexternal spaces can accommodate users with disabilities,or easily be adapted. This might include: ensuring that theapproach to entrances is level; that internal spaces arelarge enough to manoeuvre a wheelchair; passages are anappropriate width and electric sockets are located at aconvenient height. External ramps and handrails may alsobe appropriate. For further reference see ‘DesigningLifetime Homes’, 199718. A number of changes have beenintroduced in the 1999 Document Part M of the BuildingRegulations19 which will also have implications for buildingdesign. These include some of the above points as well asrequirements for the design of the approach andthreshold of a building, and the provision of ground floorsanitary facilities.

7.12.6 Building design should conform to the lateststandards in respect of ventilation and drainage as set outin the Building Regulations. Consideration should also begiven to standards of fire safety. The use of flammableand/or toxic construction materials should as far aspossible be avoided and sprinkler systems installed inlarger buildings when appropriate. Details on waterprovision for various building types are outlined in‘National Guidance Document on the Provision of Waterfor Firefighting’20 (see Technical Appendix: Miscellaneous).

7.12.7 Ideally, all rooms including bathrooms and kitchensshould have opening windows to avoid reliance on lesssustainable mechanical ventilation. Smoke alarms andhousehold sprinkler systems should be installed asstandard practice. While some of these requirements mayfall outside of planning controls it may be appropriate atthe planning stage to ensure that no other legislation iscontravened in order to avoid the need for subsequentrevisions to the design.

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7.12.8 opening window in bathroom

7.12.8 In order to raise standards of quality, localauthorities may wish to consider developing accreditationschemes.

REFERENCES:1 Crime & Disorder Act 1998 - Section 17 2 Circular 5/94 - Planning Out Crime3 Secured by Design, Association of Chief Police Officers/Home Office,

19894 Secured by Design (see above)5 Kent Fire Brigade Technical Bulletin No. G18, Kent & Medway Town Fire

Authority, 19946 Guide for Crime & Disorder Reduction through a Public Lighting Strategy,

Institute of Lighting Engineers - 19997 Traffic Calming - a code of practice, Kent County Council 19978 Kent Walking Strategy (Draft), 19999 Kent Cycling Strategy (Draft), 199910 Home Zones - Reclaiming Residential Streets, Children’s Play Council,

199911 The Human Rights Act 200012 Building Regulations Approved Document M - Access and Facilities for

Disabled People, 199913 Highways Suitable for the Mobility Impaired, Kent County Council 199914 Reducing Mobility Handicaps - Towards a Barrier Free Environment,

Institute of Highways & Transportation, 199115 Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces, Department of the

Environment, Transport and the Regions, 199816 Highways Suitable for the Mobility Impaired, Kent County Council, 1999 17 Saving Lives - Our Healthier Nation, Department of Health, 199818 Designing Lifetime Homes, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 199719 Document M of the Building regulations - see above20 National Guidance Document on the Provision of Water for Firefighting,

Kent and Medway Towns Fire Authority, 1998

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 7: SAFETY

• Is there a clear distinction between publicand private space?

• Are there sufficient functions in thescheme to ensure street activity during alarge part of the day?

• Has the scheme been designed with dueregard to self-policing and surveillance?

• Has the Architectural Liaison Officer beenconsulted at the pre-planning stage?

• Has the quality of the public realm been amajor consideration?

• Have partnerships been forged betweenvarious bodies to safeguard public areas?

• Has the highway layout been integratedwith the buildings?

• What percentage of land is highway?• Have perceptual methods of speed

restraint been employed?• Has the number of bolt-on devices been

reduced or eliminated?• Do the speed restraint measures reflect

the character of the environment?• Have measures been taken to give

walkers and cyclists priority over cars?• Have specific measures been provided for

people with disabilities or mobilityproblems?

• Have specific measures been provided forfitness and other health considerations?

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Principle 8.1: Development should maximise the site’s

potential

8.1.1 Land is a precious resource that needs to be usedeffectively. In order to maximise the use of land andcreate attractive environments within built up areas, it isimportant to take advantage of a site’s innatecharacteristics. Natural features such as trees and slopescan add to a sense of place. Topographical assets are oftenunder-utilised or destroyed for ease of development (seePrinciple 6.1 on site appraisal). The site’s potential shouldengage with its context at every opportunity.

8.1 site characteristics influencing development at Yeoman Park, Maidstone.

8.1.2 Setting aside land solely for car parking can limit asite’s potential. Reducing car parking provision inappropriate circumstances; providing multi-use space(e.g. informal parking and public squares) or promotinghome zones where the car is less dominant, can promotea more effective use of land and create more attractiveenvironments. A report by Llewellyn Davies (see casestudy) offers valuable advice on the effect of car parkingstandards in realising the potential of a site.

LLEWELLYN DAVIES REPORT ‘SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL QUALITY: NEW APPROACHES

TO URBAN LIVING’ REPORT FOR LONDON PLANNINGADVISORY COMMITTEE/DETR/GOVERNMENT OFFICE FOR

LONDON (1998)PRINCIPLE 8.1 AND 8.4

The study explored the potential to increase bothdevelopment density and profitability by reducing thelevel of parking provision within developments. Thestudy started from the premise that highway standardscan impose a road geometry in isolation from theresidential potential of the individual sites. Requirementsfor vehicular access onto the wider road network maymake development unviable or impractical, especially onsmall sites. The study focused on sites within identified‘ped-sheds’ which are areas within 800m of the towncentre (approximately 10 minutes walking distancetaking into account the severance effect of busy roads).

The aim of the study was to assess the potential ofurban sites to absorb development. A range of siteswas considered including:• backlands• sites constrained by road network• derelict buildings• underused allotments• those constrained by railway noise (requiring single

aspect solutions)• underused car parks• corner plots • sites in temporary use• ex-industrial sites.

The report identified a number of constraints to thedevelopment of urban sites including land ownership,land assembly, ransom strips, speculation, the costs ofdemolition, legal issues (for example, covenants,rights of way) and relocating existing uses. It wasconsidered that these can be overcome through thenormal workings of the property market, althoughsome support of other agencies in land assembly andgap funding may be necessary.

Recommendations for Car Parking(for latest Kent Standards see Technical Appendix)

a) Unitary Development Plan Standards 1-2 spacesper dwelling

b) Reduced 0.5-1 spaces per dwellingc) Nil parking.

Off plot parking areas should only be considered ifable to meet security requirements.

Illustration 8.1 i Unitary Development Plan (UDP) housing policies andstandards (Llewellyn Davies)

Illustration 8.1 ii reduced parking and enhanced design (Llewellyn Davies)max

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Illustration 8.1 iii nil parking (Llewellyn Davies)

The indicative layouts suggested that car parkingcould be traded off for enhanced design. Communalor nil parking allowed more amenity space to beprovided and a much stronger building solution,particularly on prominent corner sites. Dispensingwith the need for on-plot parking allowed buildingsto be pulled forward and to continue the buildinglines created by existing development, which inLondon are often Victorian or Georgian terraces.Communal parking is shown at the rear of buildingswhere cars could still be overlooked by occupantsbut without dominating the streetscape. The reportconcluded that residential development valueincreases with the intensity of development.

The interface between new and existing developmentis important. For example, in backland development(areas to the rear of existing houses) there is a needto achieve a legible form, avoiding front gardens facingback gardens, and allowing for adequate sunlight.Recommended privacy distances of 20m (London)could be reduced with appropriate design solutions.Fenestration and layout can be planned to increasenatural surveillance within the streetscape.

Conclusions - relaxation of standards could unlockdevelopment potential. Proactive urban managementand a site specific design-led approach can alsoproduce better residential development than ispossible under current UDP policies and standards.Local neighbourhood design strategies and guidelinesidentifying opportunities for residential development;preparing site specific design briefs and liaising withland owners and affected occupants allow thearchitect to respond to character and opportunities/constraints of a site in a creative way.

The study acknowledged that it would only bepractical to pursue this philosophy on sites whichwere well served by public transport and cycling andpedestrian facilities.

The report recognised that reducing parkingstandards would have implications for nearby

streets. Planning agreements and restrictivecovenants on car ownership of the new occupantsmay be required. Alternatives might include offeringresidents a nearby local authority car park orpromoting neighbourhood car fleets or car pools.Residents parking and rearrangement of on-streetparking would require careful control.

The report emphasises that it is important for localresidents to recognise the benefits of intensificationof development in their area through its quality (e.g.respecting local identity). ‘Community Chest’ reflectsthe idea of supporting community facilities such asimproving local parks and open spaces, play facilities,crime reduction initiatives, sustainable transportinitiatives and investment in the public realm. In somecases, shared parking between residents andbusinesses could be proposed. Pilot projects may beappropriate to test attitudes to these solutions.

REGENERATION USING COMPULSORY PURCHASE POWERS- ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE

PRINCIPLE 8.1In September 1998, the Secretary of State confirmeda Compulsory Purchase Order, made under Section226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for35 hectares of the Medway Riverside betweenRochester and Chatham in North Kent. Rochester-Upon-Medway City Council (now Medway Council)made the order to regenerate for mixed-usedevelopment an area comprising vacant and derelictland and low value uses, separated from the historiccentre of Rochester by the North Kent railway line.The site had been allocated for housing andemployment development in the 1992 Local Plan butlittle investment had occurred. The site had pooraccess, was contaminated, at risk of flooding and in amultiplicity of ownerships. A report commissionedfrom Chestertons and Llewellyn Davies concludedthat the Local Authority was likely to be the onlybody able to bring about comprehensive re-development using Compulsory Purchase powers. Anumber of factors contributed to the success of thisprocess. These included:-• specific legal and other expertise including

property advisors and negotiators, steering groupand Member visits to other regeneration projects;

• the availability of resources for land acquisition andlegal/consultants fees;

• relocation strategy/consultation regarding availablesites for existing uses;

• broad public support following wide publicity andconsultation; m

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• research into market demand; and• the ability to reassure the Secretary of State that

there would be no planning objections to thescheme. This was achieved by the approval of anoutline planning application for the site for usesspecified in the 1997 consultation draft of the LocalPlan Review. This designated the whole site as anAction Area within an indicative range of uses.

8.1.3 Development should also respond to local land-usepatterns. Within such patterns there should be scope fordevelopments to display an appropriate degree ofindividuality and innovation.

8.1.4 When considering how to make effective use of land,the following considerations need to be taken into account:• creating and developing identity and local character;• safeguarding existing local amenity and preventing

nuisance;• addressing the risk of potential pollution from

development by using appropriate techniques;• minimising the negative impact on vehicles by promoting

alternatives such as rail travel and cycling; and• minimising negative impacts on surrounding

neighbourhoods.

8.1.5 Land assembly may be necessary in many cases topermit a viable scale of development. At present this canbe a complex procedure. Compulsory purchase powerscan be used to secure comprehensive re-developments.

8.1.6 A range of potential funding opportunities can makesuccessful developments possible. The South EastEngland Development Agency administers a range ofgrants and there are other funding regimes such as theNational Lottery, Landfill Tax and European Union whichprovide opportunities to enhance local environments,open spaces and features of historic importance. Publicbodies can also act as underwriters for developments,thus reducing risks for private funders. Specialist advicemay be sought to maximise this support.

8.1.7 It is possible to secure finance for theredevelopment of contaminated sites although interestrates may increase in proportion to the perceived risk.Risks can be spread through a syndicated loan. Banks maytake into account the track record, competence and planof action for a given scheme.

Principle 8.2: The use of recycled land and re-use of

existing buildings should be encouraged

8.2 examples of re-cycling and re-use.

8.2.1 The government has set a target to accommodate60% of new households on recycled land by 2016. Theredevelopment of disused or under-used land usually hasgreater inherent potential for sustainable developmentthan greenfield sites. Facilities tend to be more accessibleand there is greater scope to maximise the potential ofCombined Heat and Power (see Principle 9.3).

8.2.2 Some previously used sites have formed valuablewildlife habitats which merit protection either in part or inwhole. (see objective 10). Re-use and re-cycling includes:• change of land use and conversion of existing buildings• redevelopment of obsolete commercial sites to

residential use• infill or backland development• redevelopment of vacant or redundant land• maximising the use of existing buildings e.g. Living

Over The Shop (LOTS).

8.2.3 Improved construction processes, techniques,materials and components for refurbishment could helpto increase the opportunities for re-use .

URBAN SPLASHPRINCIPLE 8.2

The Urban Splash Company was set up in 1993 toprovide well-designed, mixed-use developments inLiverpool and Manchester. The idea was to developthe vast stock of under-used historic buildings in theCities. The Company now has around £100 millionworth of projects. They have always worked closelywith partners to take broader regenerationstrategies into account.

A recent project in Liverpool was the conversion ofthe Collegiate School into 96 apartments. Thebuilding was owned by the local council who invitedUrban Splash to get involved. Funding from theNorth Liverpool Partnership and SRB was requiredto kick-start the process. Of the £12 million costs,English Partnerships contributed £2.5 million, NorthLiverpool Single Regeneration Partnership £245,000and English Heritage £100,000. The process tookaround four years but the commitment of thepartners saw the scheme through.

Principle 8.3: Contaminated land must be treated in

an appropriate manner prior to development

8.3.1 A potential problem often associated withpreviously used land is ground pollution. The threecomponents used to assess the need for remediation ofground pollution are source (e.g. oil drum), pathway (e.g.soil) and receptor (e.g. human). Very few sites are sobadly contaminated that they cannot be used at all.Certain uses are nevertheless compromised and each sitetherefore must be considered on its merits. A thoroughanalysis of the land must be carried out prior to decidingon the most appropriate form of development and themost effective means of treatment to avoid problems ofcontamination. An ‘integrated pollution control’ approachm

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should be promoted. This includes:• dealing with the actual and perceived threats to

health, safety and the environment;• keeping or bringing back such land into beneficial use;

and• minimising pressures on greenfield sites.

8.3.2 This will inevitably have cost implications for thedevelopment of contaminated sites but the land, surveysand treatment should be seen as inseparable and taken asa package when determining viable uses for the land.Advice on contamination issues is given in the ‘DeskReference Guide to Potentially Contaminative Land’produced by ISVA (the Society for Valuers andAuctioneers) and ‘Model procedures for the Managementof Contaminated Land’ produced by the EnvironmentAgency. Section 57 of the Environment Act 1995 requiresconstruction professionals, including developers,landowners and local authorities, to investigate and assessrisks of potentially contaminated sites.

8.3.3 Potential contamination should be investigated at theearliest stage in the planning process so that requirementscan be identified prior to determining applications. Thelevel of investigation required will depend on:• the location of the site • what the site is to be used for • whether it is within an area known for contamination • the results of any preliminary investigations which may

suggest the need for further survey.

8.3.4 A thorough investigation should identify:• the level of contamination following desk and site

investigation• the extent of contamination through a soil survey• the type of contaminants• the risk of displacing contaminants and affecting

groundwater• the measures needed to protect users• the treatment appropriate for the end and future uses• whether removal and disposal of contaminants or

containment in situ should be adopted• the appropriate monitoring to check these methods

have been effective.

8.3.5 New technology increases the options for dealingwith contaminated land and may help to assess risks moreadequately than more traditional methods.

8.3.6 It is important that appropriate conditions areimposed through planning permissions and thatdevelopers then take these on board. In order to givepurchasers confidence, it is important to be able todemonstrate that contamination has been dealt witheffectively and comprehensively, with adequatemonitoring arrangements put in place.

Principle 8.4: Principles of increased density and

diversity should be promoted

8.4 notional dense and diverse urban block

8.4.1 The ‘Urban Villages’ movement1 offers a valuableguide to higher density living through the concept of close-grained, self-sufficient and localised communities (seeObjective 4 - Mixed Use). The main recommendations ofthe Urban Village Movement include:• compactness• mix of uses and dwelling types• range of employment, leisure and community facilities• high standards of urban design• access to public open space and green places• ready access to public transport to reduce pressure on

land for highway and parking requirements (seeprinciple 4.1).

8.4.1 close grained urban form in Canterbury

8.4.2 Higher density living will not appeal to everyone norwill it be appropriate to every site. However, to ensuresustainable development in Kent, increased provision ofhigher density communities is needed to meet futuredevelopment requirements while protecting Kent’svaluable countryside.

8.4.3 High density does not mean poor quality. Canterburyis often cited as a high density, yet highly desirable place tolive and Paris is three times as dense as London yetprovides an attractive living environment. The tradition ofhigh quality ‘tenements’ in places like Edinburgh also shows m

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how high density in the right context can be successful.Higher densities need not lead to overcrowding. Densitydeals with number of dwellings or people per acre,whereas overcrowding deals with number of people perhabitable room. Low-density areas can therefore be‘overcrowded’ if the houses are over-occupied.

8.4.2 dense living in Paris.

8.4.4 The disposition of land uses should complement thebenefits of compactness. Providing facilities for work, restand play all within walking distance reduces the need totravel whilst increasing the sense of locality and community.The correct balance of diversity is important to avoiduninspiring environments dominated by any one use.

8.4.5 The density of a development should respect localcharacter and respond to existing densities in differentlocations such as brownfield, greenfield, central, peripheral,town and village. This does not mean simply replicatingsurrounding layouts but drawing clues from thesesurroundings as to the range of new densities that may beappropriate. This range should be defined for each locality.An appropriate mixture of densities to increase legibility andcreate choices in an expanding housing market shouldbe encouraged. The ‘UK Strategy for SustainableDevelopment’ comments on density as, ‘a dynamic process,but the limits and thresholds must be understood…’

INCREASED DENSITY: WYE, ASHFORD. PRINCIPLE 8.4

Environ Homes have established a retirementscheme developed within a previously used site inthe centre of the village of Wye, Ashford. This highdensity scheme comprises a mixture of semi-detached and terraced flats and cottages. Theproperties are arranged in two quads around formalgardens. The cottages have small rear courtyardgardens, and there is also a shared croquet lawn andclub house. Communal parking is provided near theentrance to the site where it can be overlooked by

people walking into the development. The majorityof the units do not have frontage vehicular access oron-plot parking. During the negotiations for thescheme a flexible approach was adopted for thehighway design which has allowed a high quality andintimate environment to be achieved.

The development is characterised by high qualitymaterials and finishes and by attractive planting. Anannual maintenance fee is paid by the residents inorder to manage all external repairs and landscapemaintenance (see principle 3.4).

Principle 8.5: The development should add to the

quality of the environment and the surrounding area

8.5.1 The land use of a given site should never beconsidered in isolation from its immediate or furtherneighbours. Schemes can mutually benefit each other bycomplimenting the range of uses within a district. Theuses on a site often directly affect the adjoining property.This should be seen as a positive aspect and developed tofull potential creating cross-linkages and connectionsbetween new sites and existing situations.

8.5.2 Good environmental practice is needed on all sitesnot only to reduce costs but also nuisance. Duringconstruction, the impact of potential disturbance on thesurrounding area should be considered. Examples include:• equipment and traffic: noise levels and vibration• mess: dust, spoil, stock heaps• waste: burning is generally unacceptable• time: certain working times for a variety of trades• lighting: position, direction, glare, intrusion, light-

pollution• management: workers and site processes• security: plant and tools should be secured to avoid

opportunities for crime.

8.5.2 construction impacts

8.5.3 Formal environmental management systems such asISO 140016 are beginning to be adopted in construction.

LUTON MILLENNIUM GREENPRINCIPLE 8.2 AND 8.5

Luton Millennium Green is located in a densely builtup residential area near the centre of Chatham. TheGreen was created from 7 acres of disusedallotment using a Millennium Green Grant andfunding from a range of sources including English m

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Partnerships, Rochester-Upon-Medway City Counciland Medway Housing Society. Groundwork Medway-Swale led the development andimplementation of the scheme.

The site has an active recreational area with seating,space for events, toddlers play area, a kick-aboutarea and a conservation area for wildlife. A networkof footpaths lead around the site with the mainroutes having a surface suitable for access by peoplewith disabilities. Community involvement has beenan important component of the project and indeedthe original impetus for the project came from localresidents.

The project demonstrates the potential to reuseurban land in a positive way for the benefit of thelocal community and to enhance the local urbanenvironment. It also demonstrates the scope tosecure funding for environmental improvements thatwill be necessary to ensure the holistic regenerationof urban areas.

Principle 8.6: Developments must ensure the

protection of privacy and amenity for a variety of new

and existing occupiers

8.6.1 Many of our most attractive and sought after homesin towns and villages were built in close proximity to oneanother, providing a human scale and intimacy whichmany people find sociable, comfortable and private.

8.6.2 Most modern housing estates, often built to ‘privacystandards’, nevertheless fail to ameliorate feelings ofoverlooking and visual intrusion, demonstrating thatdistance alone is a very crude measure of privacy. In newdevelopment, the aim should be to achieve the qualitiesthat people find attractive in traditional settlements, usingvariation of form, space, ancillary buildings, garages,planting and boundary walls to create high qualityenvironments and to achieve a more efficient andsustainable use of land.

8.6.3 This is not to promote uniformly high densities. Thecontext of the development is a critical factor, asdemonstrated below:

8.6.3 some existing densities in Kent

VILLAGE VILLAGE TOWN TOWNEDGE CENTRE EDGE CENTRE

Milstead: Smarden: Maidstone: Dartford:E.g.: 28m E.g.: 12m E.g.: 16m E.g.: 10m

A range of contextual examples showing the variation in sample ‘privacydistances’ from spacious rural to dense urban situations (distances between

windows of rear facing habitable rooms of neighbouring dwellings).

8.6.4 Local context will help determine the appropriateform and density of development. It is important,however, to ensure that the privacy of existing residentsis safeguarded when assessing the impact of newdevelopment. As a guide, a distance of 21 metresbetween the unobstructed windows of habitable roomsin the private rear facades of dwellings has been found tobe generally acceptable. This dimension may, however,vary according to the surrounding context.

8.6.4 minimum separation distance between new and existing properties

8.6.5 In finely grained developments it may be necessaryto group certain activities to avoid nuisance. Potentiallynoisy activities will need to be carefully designed andnoise attenuation measures may need to be introduced toensure that the risk of nuisance is minimised. Thereshould be an onus on developers and occupiers to complywith these conditions.

8.6.6 Within new development visual privacy can beachieved by a range of methods other than simply thedistance between buildings or spaces. Individual unitsshould be designed to prevent overlooking neighbouringprivate spaces and windows by employing the followingmethods where appropriate:

8.6.6 i positionadjoining units can be staggered, extensions orprotrusions placed to block overlooking views

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8.6.6 ii orientationadjoining blank gable walls facing private space offerenclosure without overlooking problems

8.6.6 iii elevational treatmentviews out of buildings are important but need not beuniformly applied. Upper storey windows may be used toallow daylight to enter yet have restricted views outward

8.6.6 iv location and detailing of openings relative to spaceplacing public external spaces (like the footpaths in thediagram) away from private internal spaces increases thecone of vision and so the area in which overlooking canoccur. The size of window opening and pane size shouldrespond to the potential of being overlooked.

8.6.6 v screeningThree factors interrelated in good screening are therelative position of the onlooker, the screening device andthe element being screened. Screening devices could betrees and foliage, fencing, walls etc.

8.6.6 vi changes in ground levelwhen combined with solid built forms like a roof, levelchanges can allow views and light without overlookingand consequent lack of privacy

NOAK BRIDGE, ESSEXPRINCIPLE 8.6

8.6 Noak Bridge high density area

Noak Bridge is a village north of Basildon which wasdeveloped to a relatively high density during the1970’s. It is based on traditional Essex vernacularwith the following key features:-• network of pedestrian routes;m

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• connected housing, often abutting the footpathsand sometimes served only by such footpaths;

• relaxed parking standards (with scope foradditional parking at the rear);

• high quality design;• small rear gardens; • flats placed on corner sites to allow double

fronted elevations and smaller gardens;• social as well as private housing; and• extensive landscaping and distinctive central open

space.

An Article 4 Direction has been established to avoidinsensitive future changes being made.

The development provides an attractiveenvironment for residents where the car does notdominate the street scene and residents can walksafely between neighbourhoods. Noak Bridge is apopular area suggesting that people are prepared tomake trade-offs between their individualrequirements relating to parking or private amenityspace and the overall quality of a development.

REFERENCES:1. Urban Villages Forum Annual Review 1996-97, Urban Villages Forum, 1997

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 8:MAXIMISING USE

• Have the site’s innate characteristicsbeen fully utilised to maximise sustainablebenefits?

• Do all areas within the site have adesignated primary use?

• Are cars appropriately incorporated toavoid excessive use of land for car parkingonly?

• Does the scheme respond positively tolocal land-use patterns by connecting andintegrating as appropriate?

• Does the scheme make effective use ofland in that location?

• Do existing buildings form part of theproposals? If so, is their re-useappropriate?

• Has the site been appropriately checkedfor contamination? If so, how is thecontamination to be dealt with?

• Is the density of the scheme appropriateto the location?

• Do the land uses encourage diversitywithin localities?

• Have potential disturbances during andafter construction been fully resolved?

• Do the land uses complement all otherappropriate objectives?

• Does each unit within the developmenthave an appropriate amount of protectedprivate space? m

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9.1.1 Sustainability is concerned with the conservation ofthe earth’s resources. The construction industry, by itsnature, consumes large quantities of materials and sendsa considerable amount of material to landfill. Theextraction of raw materials can cause irreversible damageto the landscape, natural habitats and ecosystems. Mostmaterials use a significant amount of energy in theirproduction and transportation and may cause pollutionand secondary damage which demands remedial action.

9.1.1 sustainable materials in good design

9.1.2 The lifecycle environmental cost of all constructionmaterials must be considered, including the costs ofextracting raw materials, the renewable nature of rawmaterials, energy costs in the manufacture of materialsand the environmental costs of transportation to site.There is an increasing amount of research available on the

specific environmental properties, energy costs andlongevity of materials. ‘Sustainable Settlements: a guidefor planners, designers and developers’1 offers a goodbasic evaluation. The Building Research Establishment andCIRIA can also provide more detailed data on theenvironmental sustainability of construction materials andcomponents, and organisations such as the ForestryStewardship Council can provide information onsustainable sources of timber.

Principle 9.2: Proposals should prevent the inefficient

use of materials and energy on site by adopting the

protocol of the ‘3 'R's’: reduce, re-use and recycle

REDUCTION OF WASTE

9.2.1 The amount of wasted materials on site can bereduced by introducing regular audits to monitor andcontrol site activities more closely, for example reviewingmaterials ordering and site practices to prevent damageand cross-contamination. Surveys have found thatdetailed attention to the quantity of materials purchasedand the way that these are off-loaded, labelled and storedthen subsequently handled on site, can significantlyreduce the amount of materials wasted. Whereverpossible the use of packaging and non-returnable palletsshould be avoided, recycled or re-used.

RECOVERY OF MATERIALS FOR RE-USE

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those of similar type to prevent cross-contamination.Using disassembly processes that prevent damage enablesany useable materials to be salvaged and re-used wherethey are of sufficient quality.

9.2.3 In road construction, acceptable materials mayinclude granular materials arising from the site and asphaltplanings. Suitable salvaged materials which are ofequivalent specification, in good order and appropriatefor the location include kerbs, channels, gully grates andpots, manhole and inspection covers. In buildingconstruction, aggregate may be formed from thedemolition of existing buildings on the same site for mosteffective re-use (see also Technical Appendix Section 1).

RE-USE AND RECYCLING OF MATERIALS

9.2.4 recycling bins integrated into the building

9.2.4 The availability of local facilities for receiving andprocessing recyclable construction materials should beinvestigated and such materials used wherever practicable.Processing on-site or locally off-site, such as hotprocessing of bituminous materials and aggregates, can becarried out on natural materials, demolition materials orplanings to reduce imported materials. In-situ processingtechniques reduce transportation requirements. This canalso improve progress on site and reduce local trafficcongestion. Asphalt planings from roads may be sent to anasphalt plant for incorporation into new products.

9.2.5 Developers, designers, suppliers and sub-contractors should take positive steps to maximisesustainable practices in design, construction and usage.For example audits of the distances materials are hauled,the amount of materials used and re-used on-site, re-cycled or taken to land fill off-site and the efficiency in theorganisation of the work on-site, could be assessed.

9.2.6 New development should also offer facilities toencourage those using or occupying buildings to reuseand recycle. Recycling facilities should be provided on siteor close to new developments in a manner which doesnot cause nuisance. Provision should be made for thestorage of recyclable waste so that it does not deteriorate

or become contaminated. This will be particularlyimportant in the case of commercial operations that cangenerate a lot of waste. Provision should be made in thedesign of homes for adequate refuse storage not only fordisposal containers used by the relevant local authoritybut preferably allowing for separation of waste forrecycling. The storage area should be no more than 25mfrom the point of collection.

9.2.6 recycling points

9.2.7 The provision of allotments and gardens that allowfor the composting and growing of food produce shouldbe encouraged. Public awareness campaigns should alsobe promoted to increase understanding of the need torecycle. Whilst it is recognised that holistic re-use andrecycling of construction and household materialsrequires a change in the public perception of resourcerecycling, this should remain a long term objectiveachieved through education and shared good practicefrom local authorities.

COMMUNITY COMPOSTINGPRINCIPLE 9.2

Composting kitchen and green waste instead ofdumping it in a landfill site has been the response ofa small east Kent parish over the past two years.Some 1,700 kilos are being collected weekly by amobile composting scheme run in the area of HerneHill, near Whitstable. The scheme, which is partfunded by the Landfill Tax, collects bins of kitchenwaste from 80 households each Monday. This ismixed with shredded garden waste and thencomposted at a farm in the neighbourhood. HerneHill Composting believe strongly in small scalecomposting below 1,000 tonnes, which is oftenexempt from licensing. It would like to see wastebeing processed on farms and then used to enhancethe farms' soil and thus avoid unnecessary lorrymovements. By using the putrescible kitchen waste, re

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which produces dangerous methane gas in landfillsites, this scheme is providing a valuableenvironmental service. It is one of 115 throughoutthe UK. Kent's biggest scheme is at Wye in Kent,which collects waste from 700 households weekly.

Principle 9.3: Proposals should incorporate energy

conservation features

9.3.1 Energy conservation in new development can rangefrom simple planning and design principles (such asmaximising and retaining natural heat and light) tosophisticated technologies that can generate sufficientpower to transfer electricity back into the National Grid.Energy conservation reduces the demand for preciousfossil fuels and reduces the release of environmentallypolluting carbon dioxide and methane gases.

9.3.2 Insulation can significantly reduce fuel bills for anybuilding. Protection from heat loss through walls, floor,and roof and the prevention of drafts through windowsand doors are most effectively included in the initial designstages. Building Regulations now lay down more rigorousdemands for insulation, safety for occupants and energyconservation. They are being continuously updated with aview to improving the thermal quality and sustainability ofthe built fabric. The most up to date Regulations should bereferred to for any proposed built development.

9.3.2 insulation in a breathing wall

9.3.3 Timers and thermostats to control heat, hot waterand light are an inexpensive way of saving energy. Buildingmanagement systems in larger buildings operate onsimilar principles and can result in significant cost savings.

9.3.4 A source of information and advice is theDETR/Building Research Establishment's EnergyEfficiency Office, who also illustrate the potential financialsavings to businesses and householders of adoptingenergy saving practices in both new and existing buildings(Environment and Energy Helpline 0800 585794).

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

9.3.5 Passive solar design takes advantage of natural lightand heat from the sun and uses air movement forventilation. This reduces or negates the need for artificiallight, heat, cooling or ventilation. It can be achieved withno additional cost to a development and can result inconsiderable cost savings2.

9.3.5 sculptural passive solar design in Bluewater

9.3.6 Layouts should maximise east-west buildingalignments and orientate most of the glazing to within 30o

of due south. Plans should also be designed to avoidovershadowing and minimise shading from obstructionsto sunlight (such as other dwellings and coniferous trees).Other measures can include:-• locating taller buildings to the north of a site;• locating car parking and garages to the north of

housing; and• using building form or landscaping as buffering from

wind and designing out potential ‘wind tunnels’between buildings.

9.3.7 In residential development the actual form ofhousing can have a substantial impact on energy efficiency.Detached houses, particularly bungalows, tend to be lessenergy efficient, with the greatest surface area exposed tothe elements. Assuming the same floor area andorientation, bulkier forms of development such as flats,retain heat better, while terraces provide some cross-insulation at a lower density.

9.3.8 Designers will have several factors to consider inthe layout of the development, many of which arediscussed in this Guide. Solar gain should complementthese. It is important however that buildings relate toeach other as a cohesive whole avoiding monotony in theorientation of the buildings.

9.3.9 Buildings designed today dictate the pattern ofenergy consumption of the future. It is important to investin energy-saving technology now in order to reduce thisdemand. It is easier and more economical to consider thiswithin the initial design process than as an add-on. Anumber of recent individual houses and smalldevelopments with zero or low energy use offerexamples of good practice often within a limited budget,such as the Hockerton Housing project described below.To improve the thermal efficiency of an individual building,the design may include:• a south-facing conservatory or atrium buffer zone to

trap heat;• insulation to the north elevation through reduced glazing

location of lower occupancy rooms such as bathroomsor garages or setting the building partially into theground;

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• glazing part of the roof, particularly on very tight siteswith limited natural light;

• well-insulated roof and walls, and good quality doubleglazing; and

• high thermal mass to retain heat, if this is appropriatefor the use pattern of the building.

9.3.10 Mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning and lightingcan incur major energy loads in commercial buildings.Overheating may be a particular problem, but can beovercome with screens or shutters, overhanging eavesand windows which open. These features allow occupantsto control their internal environment rather than througha centrally controlled heating or air conditioning system.

Buildings which are shallow in plan or provide atria offergreater use of natural ventilation and light.

9.3.11 Speculative developers may disregard the energyuse of a commercial building as they will not be the eventualoccupiers responsible for future costs. The building user,who will have a vested interest in the durability and runningcost of the building, should be consulted early in the designprocess3. Offices designed for the Charities Aid Foundationunder a pre-lease arrangement with developer Rouse atKing’s Hill involved all parties in a series of meetings andallowed the requirements such as low running costs to bedesigned-in early on. The building gained a ‘very good’rating from its ‘BREEAM for Offices’ evaluation.

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9.3.11 Acclaimed design for Charities Aid Foundation, King’s Hill by NicholasHare Architects

An alternative form of energy generation which may beviable for new developments is the use of wind turbines,as at Hockerton Housing (see case study).

SEVENOAKS FIRE STATIONOBJECTIVE 9

The proposal by the Kent and Medway Towns FireAuthority to build a first floor extension above asingle storey brick wing for occupation by the FireSafety Office provided an ideal opportunity to usemany ‘green’ techniques and materials. A strictdeadline was in operation in order that the workswould be completed before the end of the financialyear so a speedy construction method was called for.

The fire station extension provides a super-insulated,lightweight construction with minimal running coststo the client and makes use of:• masonite beams and roof and floor boarding

produced from waste wood materials; • wall insulation giving U value of just under 0.2w/m2

and ‘breathing wall’ construction;• timber framed, argon filled thermally efficient

double glazing; • organic stains and paints; and• six litre flushing toilets (lowest available at the time

in UK).

9.3 Sevenoaks Fire Station

ACTIVE SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

9.3.12 Zen Aquasol duo solar panels (Construction Resources)

9.3.12 Active solar technology involves the use ofcollector panels to capture the sun's heat and thentransfer it to either water or oil for heating (solar panels)or to generate electricity (photovoltaic panels). PPG Note22, 1994 states that even the UK has enough sunlight forsolar heating to be viable. Grouped solar heating systemshave the advantage of levelling out demand, as low use ata particular time from one occupier can compensate forthe use of another. Solar panels located directly next tothe area they are serving suffer less from heat loss and aretherefore more efficient. Outdoor swimming pools oftenfollow this principle.

9.3.13 There are many examples of single dwellings whichhave been designed according to sustainability principles,but these ideas have not yet been translated to a masshousebuilding market. The development of the BRE’sInteger House (‘Intelligent Green’) is set to challenge thatas it is intended as a prototype for the sustainable house ofthe future. It maximises use of prefabrication, which is aparticularly sustainable form of construction, and formsthe basis of larger scale Integer housing developmentcurrently under construction in Sandwell.

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

9.3.13 ‘ ES solar’ photovoltaic panels (Construction Resources)

9.3.14 Photovoltaic panels can be placed on the groundor attached to walls or roofs. Costs are gradually fallingbut are still some way from being cost-effective for themass market. A large number of panels are likely to benecessary to fully power a house and so should be takeninto account at the design stage. Surplus electricity can besold back to the National Grid.

COMPUTER OPERATED SYSTEMS

9.3.14 Computer systems can be installed to monitor,operate and indicate consumption of energy, water andother resources and thereby save the occupier money.They may also adjust heating controls and blindsaccording to the weather.

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BOUNDARY HOUSEOBJECTIVE 9

9.3 Boundary House

At ‘Boundary House’, architect Michael Winter hasrisen to the challenge of designing a contemporary,attractive and environmentally friendly home. Thehouse was designed to fell as few trees as possiblewith a plan form that navigates its way through itswooded site in Tunbridge Wells.

In selecting materials for the house, Winter consideredcost as a factor alongside the environmental impact ofthe materials, such as energy used in theirmanufacture and scarcity. The structure and claddingare timber, with second-hand timber flooring usedinternally. No preservatives were used, and organicstains and paints were chosen wherever possible. Therainwater collection and storage system is one of themany resource-saving features.

The house is raised above ground to minimise theimpact of the foundations and to allow it to ‘touchthe ground lightly’.

COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (CHP)9.3.15 CHP uses the heat created in the generation ofelectricity to provide heat for another building or even anentire community. This is particularly effective whenbuilding uses are balanced between daytime and eveninguse (for example housing and offices) or within hospitals.CHP is a highly efficient and affordable means ofproducing heat, but ideally should be planned into thedevelopment early on. Its incorporation should increaseas a greater number of mixed-use, higher densitydevelopments emerge. Proposed schemes should be thesubject of an environmental impact assessment with aview to addressing any impact on local air quality.

HOCKERTON HOUSING PROJECTOBJECTIVE 9

9.3 a (Hockerton Housing Project)

The Hockerton Housing Project illustrates thatecological housing can also be affordable. Theterrace of five earth-sheltered dwellings wasdesigned by eco-architects Brenda and Robert Vale,and is run by a co-operative formed by theresidents. The houses are self-sufficient in their useof resources and release no CO2 or atmosphericpollution. Design features include:• high quality insulation• a solar conservatory on the southern aspect to

maximise solar gain;• earth-sheltering to the north to prevent radiant

heat loss and limit exposure to wind;• an internal temperature year-round of 19-21oC

without need for a heating system;• plans for all electrical energy to come from a

renewable, non-polluting source located on site(wind turbine) and photovoltaic panels;

• water demand to be met on site, and a floatingreed-bed system used for sewage treatment ;

• recycling of organic waste products throughcomposting facilities on site;

• car-sharing/pooling system; and• encouragement of a diversity of plant and animal life.

9.3 b (Hockerton Housing Project)

Principle 9.4: Proposals should be supported by a

sustainability statement

9.4.1 A sustainability statement indicates how resourcemanagement and other principles have been taken intoaccount in the design and implementation of a proposeddevelopment. Sustainable practices should, as far aspossible, minimise the use of scarce resources (includingwater and energy-intensive materials), facilitate recyclingand re-use, ensure safe disposal and future lowmaintenance. In addition to submitting sustainabilitystatements developers should consider appointing a suitablyqualified person to implement and monitor the actions setout in the sustainability statement and to audit activitiesthroughout the design and implementation phases.

9.4.2 Whilst sustainability statements will become a moreimportant tool as the size of the development and/or itslikely environmental impact increases, some criteria willbe valid for any development. The DETR’s document‘UK Strategy for Sustainable Development (1999)’presents Government’s strategy for sustainableconstruction for the UK. re

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Principle 9.5: An evaluation of the environmental

performance of a development (such as BREEAM)

should be considered as part of the design process

9.5.1 A comprehensive assessment of the environmentalperformance of a building should go beyond the moreconventional evaluation of energy efficiency. One of theobjectives of BREEAM (Building Research EstablishmentEnvironmental Assessment Method) is to encourage areduction in the environmental impact of a buildingthrough a recognition of the commercial benefits of suchconsiderations. This can be applied to houses, shops,offices and industrial units. The approach is holistic,looking at greenhouse gas emissions, sustainabletransport, water usage, noise pollution and wasterecycling to name but a few considerations. BREEAM alsoencourages the use of local labour to help boost the localeconomy and reduce the need to travel.

9.5.2 In 1996 government ministers agreed that BREEAM /BREEAM for Offices 1998 should be undertaken on all newgovernment buildings and major refurbishment. The DETRhas also produced extensive guidelines in ‘Towards MoreSustainable Construction: Green Guide for Managers onthe Government Estate’ including everything from assessingthe whole life cost of the building, such as its running andmaintenance costs, recyclability and eventual demolition, toits lighting specifications. This initiative runs alongside theEgan report on ‘Rethinking Construction’ (1998).

Principle 9.6: Design should demonstrate flexibility to

allow for re-use and adaptation of buildings over time

9.6.1 The Building Research Establishment (BRE) isupdating its environmental evaluation to encourageflexibility in design so that buildings can be adapted tochanging uses and users as well as alternative sources ofenergy and new resource-saving technologies. These arelikely to become more financially viable as their use andunderstanding of their properties grow.

9.6.2 The challenge of creating adaptable buildings at ahigher density has inspired a renewed interest in housingdesign, illustrated by some of the development at theGreenwich Millennium Village and exhibitions andcompetitions, such as the RIBA’s ‘Concept House’.Designs illustrated open plan spaces which occupiers canadapt to their own needs, and isolated rooms or eventemporary structures which could be used for office,storage or extra bedroom accommodation.

9.6.3 Many older buildings illustrate the potential foradaptability that reflects the dynamics of social andcommercial change. Houses in urban areas have oftenbeen used successfully as offices and shops and thenrestored back to their original use.

9.6.4 Large scale, deep plan offices and commercialbuildings can present more of a problem of re-use whenthe original use becomes redundant. Buildings should bedesigned to allow for future expansion rather than provideunnecessary accommodation at the start. This may beparticularly appropriate in the case of schools, where

there may be a real possibility that demand will increaseover time. Buildings which are broken up into smaller unitsand which have a shallow floor plan allow for easiersubdivision to accommodate changes of use or occupier.

Principle 9.7: All redundant buildings, regardless of

their architectural quality, should be considered as a

valuable resource for potential re-use

9.7.1 There are many examples of historic buildings thathave been successfully converted to new uses. Buildingswhich are listed or in a conservation area are granted adegree of protection from demolition but any existingbuilding could be seen as a valuable material resource.Buildings of no perceived heritage value have theadvantage of allowing more radical and unconstrainedalteration. Less glamorous uses such as small industrialunits, mechanical and storage facilities still requireaccommodation to which a building may well be suited.However, the designer will need to weigh up whetheradaptation may actually consume more resources than anew building and whether there are other constraintssuch as the impact of associated works or accessarrangements. UWE/LGMB ‘Sustainable Settlements’offers guidance on appropriateness of certain buildingtypes for new uses (p166-7). Re-use of buildings in a ruralenvironment may be inappropriate or unsustainable inother respects, and applicants will need to have regard torelevant Structure Plan and Local Plan policies.

9.7.2 There may also be means of improving the energyefficiency of the building, as some older properties can bethermally inefficient.

SUNLIGHT CENTRE, GILLINGHAMPRINCIPLE 9.7

9.7 Sunlight Centre (Chris Tubbs)

“Competitions create possibilities for ‘nowhere sites’to be given a new lease of life…”(Rev Andrew Mawson, competition panel member).

The conversion of the Sunlight Laundry has providedGillingham with an exciting new building and a muchneeded community facility. It was the result of anarchitectural competition run by the Kent Architecture Centre and Gillingham Borough Council (nowMedway Council). The winning design by MorrisonBrink Architecture offers “a flexible, adaptable andinnovative approach …[which]… succeeded inconserving and enhancing the existing qualities whileskilfully improving the presence on the street”. re

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The project was part of a regeneration initiative forNorth Gillingham. The significance of the SunlightCentre was that the brief which outlined theproposed function of the building, its design and howit might be run was based on a one day communityworkshop in which 700 people took part, includingschool children. Emphasis was placed on ensuringlow maintenance and running costs and promotingthe concept of sustainable lifestyles. The building’score functions are:• One Stop Shop/information point• Community Centre• Health Centre (and associated facilities).

The building provides flexible spaces toaccommodate a wide variety of facilities such astraining, education and economic welfare, and hasthe capacity to adapt over time to the changingneeds of the community.

CAPSTONE OAST YOUTH HOSTEL PRINCIPLE 9.7

9.7.1 Capstone Oast Youth Hostel (Medway Council)

The neglected Capstone oasthouse was in use as a haystore when Rochester-upon-Medway Council (nowMedway Council) decided to restore it and put it tobetter use. Its location halfway along the scenic PilgrimsWay in an area popular for walking and cycling made itan ideal site for a youth hostel. The Youth HostelAssociation now leases the building from the Council.

WATERThe demand for water in the UK as elsewhere, hasincreased substantially over the last 40 years.Household water consumption alone has nearlydoubled since 1961. The greater the volume ofwater abstracted from rivers, lakes andunderground aquifers4, the less is available to dilutepollution and to protect essential wildlife andecological habitats.

Although efficiency has improved over recent yearsdue to leakage control and water savings, theNational Rivers Authority (now part of theEnvironment Agency) forecast in 1994 thatincreased demand could lead to a serious shortfallin water supply to some areas, including Kent5. Thisproblem will become a significant issue with theincreased number of households anticipated in the

south-east6. Water abstraction may not be apparentclose to the site, but will have an impact elsewherein the region that cannot be ignored. Watercompanies now produce Water Resource Plans toaddress the issue of forward planning.

Conversely, serious flooding in some areas ispredicted. As more land is developed, impermeableconcrete and tarmac surfaces can direct largevolumes of rainwater into drains and rivers that canno longer cope with the flow, as opposed to drainingaway naturally into the soil7. The EnvironmentAgency has also stressed the importance of avoidingdevelopment on flood plains8.

Principle 9.8: Sustainable water management

techniques should be incorporated into design and

infrastructure proposals

9.8.1 Developers should take a long-term view of theimpact of their proposals on future water consumptionand how changes to the water table will affect the locallandscape and natural habitats. They should consult withwater companies and the local authority.

9.8.2 Water companies have been instructed to put in placewater efficiency plans, which include leakage controlpolicies, metering of supplies to encourage water-saving andthe provision of advice to the public. These are measures towhich developers should also respond. According to PPG12, water availability should be a consideration for the localauthority in its development plan.

9.8.3 New development should allow sufficient naturaldrainage to prevent depletion of the water table in thelocality. The use of block paving and other permeablesurfaces should be encouraged for large areas such as carparks. Storm water control systems can be included inthese areas by providing a sub-system below the surfacewhich captures and slowly releases rainfall into theground, or it can be pumped out for re-use in gardenirrigation or for flushing toilets.

9.8.4 Construction sites use a vast quantity of water.Developers can make a direct contribution to waterconservation by preventing wasteful use of water on-siteand re-using water wherever possible.

Principle 9.9: Proposals should provide opportunities

for the protection of water supplies by harnessing

rainfall

9.9.1 Rainwater utilisation systems collect rainwater fromthe roof of a building for use in flushing toilets or gardenirrigation. This reduces water consumption by at least35% and helps reduce storm water run-off to sewers.While water for gardening requires only filtering beforeuse, it would usually be treated using ultra-violet or othermethods to eliminate contaminants for use in toilets. Therequired water storage facilities can readily be included inthe design of a new building. re

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Principle 9.10: Development should provide a range of

water-efficient appliances and systems to reduce

water usage

9.10.1 There are many simple measures that can beincorporated into new homes, commercial and publicbuildings to significantly reduce water consumption andsave money. Approximately a third of domestic watersupply is used for flushing toilets, yet there are severalwater-saving options available. Water Supply (WaterFittings) Regulations (July 1999) state toilets in the UKmust not exceed 6 litres per flush, but there are numerousexisting toilets which can hold far more than that. Dualflush systems can also be introduced to older cysterns.

9.10.2 Cistern dams can be placed in the cistern toreduce the amount of water used per flush by 1-3 litres.

9.10.3 Low flush toilets as low as 5 litres are morecommon in Europe and the USA.

9.10.4 Waterless and composting toilets are more frequentlyused in rural locations with no main sewer, but have beensuccessfully installed in several new dwellings in the UK,including the Hockerton Community (see Case Study).

9.10.5 Waterless urinals can offer a substantial cost savingin offices and commercial buildings especially those thathave a metered water supply, as approximately 20% ofwater supplied to offices is drained through flushing urinals.Waterless urinals are suitable in all types of building, andcome in the form of deodorising pads which can be fittedto existing urinals, or through siphonic traps which containa barrier fluid. Estimated savings are between £100 and£250 per urinal per year. Worldwide Washrooms Ltd,based in Cliftonville, Kent won the EnvironmentalInnovation Category in the Environment Awards for KentBusiness in 1997 with its waterless urinal system.

9.10.6 Water tap controls are an inexpensive andeffective means of reducing water consumption, andsaving energy through reducing hot water use. A drippingtap can cost up to £40 annually. Spray taps produce aspray or mist which can more than halve water flow. Pushtop taps switch off automatically after a pre-set timedelay. These are already widely used. Electronic sensortaps work on the same principle.

9.10.6 Aqua water-saving taps (Construction Resources)

9.10.7 Shower restrictors can halve water use by addinga flow valve to the shower hose. It should be noted thatpower showers are particularly water intensive.

9.10.8 Water-economic domestic appliances such aswashing machines and dishwashers, which account for onaverage 16% of water consumption, offer a simple

investment to reduce water use. Recent developments inwashing machine technology are proving increasinglymarketable, and new houses that include fitted kitchenscould incorporate such appliances. The 1999 Regulationsplace maximum water usage volumes on new washingmachines and dishwashers.

9.10.9 Greywater utilisation systems require a secondaryplumbing system to collect water from handbasins, baths andshowers for use in garden watering and toilet flushing. Thereare several systems on the market. Water use in swimmingpools and garden sprinklers should also be controlled.

9.10.9 The WISY Filter Collector filters rainwater run-off from roofs directlyto the downpipe for piping to a storage tank (Construction Resources)

9.10.9 Water companies can take the lead indemonstrating the benefits of water-efficient developmentby providing advice and support to developers andoccupiers. Much of the potential for saving water cannotbe realised without behavioural changes on the part of theconsumer. Metering of water supplies provides a financialincentive for this and has proved successful in pilot studiesby reducing demand, although there are the social issuesof financial hardship and health to consider. The UK is oneof the few countries in Europe that does not practisewater metering universally, although water authorities arenow equipping all new houses with meters, and it is likelythat from April 2000 all household customers will have theright to opt for a free meter.

CREST HOMES WATER CONSERVATION INITIATIVEPRINCIPLE 9.10

Crest Homes teamed up with a Kent company, WaterDynamics, for new homes in Shenley, Hertfordshirewhere customers were offered a special plumbingpackage with a greywater recycling system.

Crest also aim to educate householders about theimportance of water conservation throughinformation on reducing consumption and newwater saving devices and technology. Theirshowhouse gardens are designed to be waterefficient, with drought tolerant plants and turf, andinclude a micro irrigation system.re

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Principle 9.11: Development should protect the

quality of water resources by appropriate treatment

of sewage and run-off, and through use of reed beds

where practical

9.11.1 New development should promote the use ofreed beds where appropriate to treat domestic sewage.Reed beds are a proven and effective means of treatmentwhich comprise of water, gravel and aquatic plants thatproduce bacteria which breakdown household sewage.They require little maintenance, and are particularlyuseful where there are constraints to the use ofconventional sewage systems. ICI are amongst thecompanies that have used reed beds to purify waste.Other means of on-site sewerage treatment may also beappropriate, particularly for large commercial operations.

Principle 9.12: New development should minimise

negative impacts on air quality and the release of CO2

9.12.1 Air pollution affects us all causing significant healthand social costs. The energy consumed in buildingsproduces about 50% of the UK’s carbon dioxideemissions. The Government is committed to the target setby the United Nations for the reduction of CO2 emissionsby 5.2% by 2013. New development can contribute tothe achievement of this goal through enabling reducedusage of the private car and by maximising energyconservation. It is important to ensure that appliances,particularly gas appliances, are operating efficiently and areproperly maintained to reduce emissions, particularly ofcarbon monoxide, which is highly toxic.

9.12.2 Whilst CO2 makes up the largest volume of gaswhich has a detrimental impact on air quality and ozonedepletion, there are several others, for example nitrogendioxide, sulphur dioxide and radon, which can causeserious damage not just to air quality but to water supplies.Methane, resulting from burning of fossil fuels, is anothercontributor to ozone depletion. Data from the Institute ofTerrestrial Ecology shows that Kent often experiencesozone levels amongst the highest in the country.

THE KENT AIR QUALITY PARTNERSHIPPRINCIPLE 9.12

The 1995 Environment Act placed a duty upondistrict councils to undertake air quality reviews andassessments and to monitor local air quality and,where necessary, to prepare action plans to meetnew air quality targets. Kent County Council (KCC)and the district councils have participated in the KentAir Quality Partnership (KAQP) since 1992, togetherwith the Environment Agency, Health Authoritiesand the University of Greenwich. Kent is in theunique position of having the Kent Air QualityManagement System (KAQMS), which includes anemission inventory, an air quality model and amonitoring network, with 19 continuous monitoringsites recording data on key pollutants such asnitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphurdioxide and particulate matter.

Monitoring information along with weekly and annualreports can be accessed through an Internet website(http://www.Seiph.umds.ac.uk/envhealth/kaqmn.html).This is currently being updated to include additionalinformation from the KAQP. The data from theKAQMS provides the basis for informed decision-making and has been used to assess over 20 majordevelopment proposals. It has also helped to raiseawareness about a significant environmental problem.

9.12.3 The air quality of the interior of buildings shouldalso be considered. Sick Building Syndrome is arecognised problem that is particularly associated withartificially ventilated buildings. Materials such as solvents,paints, glues, preservatives and formaldehydes canrelease Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) thatadversely affect the health of occupants. The use of theseproducts should be avoided if possible, or reducedthrough the specification of low-emission formaldehydeproducts, organic or low-VOC paints, sealing or paintingproblem materials and by ensuring adequate ventilation.Developers should ensure that visual and otherimplications of pollution attenuation measures areaddressed at an early stage of any project.

Principle 9.13: Measures should be taken to minimise

the risk of soil pollution

9.13.1 The construction of buildings, roads and otherinfrastructure can have a destructive and oftenunnecessary impact on the soil and land surface. This canbe minimised by:• preventing unnecessary disturbance of soils which

have a particular ecological or agricultural/food-producing function;

• minimising the removal of topsoil and retaining thatwhich has to be stripped for re-use once thedevelopment is completed, or for export to another site;

• preventing cross-contamination of weeds and otherundesirable imports by the monitoring of new soil;

• preventing unnecessary or careless use of earth-moving equipment which can irrevocably erode orcompact soil;

• using geotextile mats, planting or moreenvironmentally-friendly forms of land engineering;

• treating soils which have been damaged previously; and• using plants which are suited to specific site conditions

and considering their ongoing maintenance.

REFERENCES:1 Sustainable Settlements: a guide for planners, designers and developers,

by H Barton, G Davis and R Guise for University of the West of Englandand Local Government Management Board, 1995

2 Planning for Passive Solar Design, Department of the Environment,Transport and the Regions/Department of Trade & Industry, EnergyEfficiency Best Practice Programme, 1998

3 Reviving the City, Friends of the Earth, 19914 Aquifer Protection Policy, Environment Agency, 19985 Water, Nature’s Precious Resource, National Rivers Authority, 19946 Household Growth: where shall we live?, Department of the Environment,

19967 Introduction of the Groundwater Regulations, Environment Agency, 2/998 Flood Plains, Environment Agency, 1/97 re

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CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 9: RESOURCES

• Has the longevity, scarcity and energy ofmanufacture of materials been assessed?

• Which of the raw materials used in thedevelopment come from renewablesources?

• Are the materials locally-sourced tominimise transportation?

• Does the proposal make use of recycledmaterials and follow the principles of the‘3 R’s’?

• Do the buildings maximise solar gain?• Have other energy saving features and

high quality insulation been included?• Have efforts been made to reduce energy

and water use on site?• Has a sustainability statement or

environmental evaluation such asBREEAM been undertaken?

• Have the buildings been designed forpotential re-use or adaptation fordifferent uses and occupiers over time?

• Are there buildings on site that couldpotentially be re-used?

• For those buildings which are not beingre-used, are their materials being re-usedin the construction process?

• Has a water management statementbeen submitted detailing measures toreduce water consumption?

• What proportion of hard surfaces, such ascar parking areas, are permeable?

• Have water-efficient appliances or greywater systems been incorporated into theproposals?

• For larger developments, has the use ofreed beds for treating domestic sewagebeen considered?

• Has an evaluation of impact on air qualitybeen undertaken?

• Have measures been taken to reduce therelease of CO2 and other greenhousegases?

• Has the disturbance of soil beenminimised and undeveloped land beensuitably restored or maintained?

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Principle 10.1: The value of open space, landscape and

nature conservation should be recognised within

development proposals

10.1.1 The implications of development on open space,landscape and nature conservation resources need to befully understood as part of the design and decision-makingprocess. Such resources can fulfil a number of differentand complementary functions. All contribute to thequality of a locality by providing:

OPEN SPACE

• an enhanced quality of life promoting social andphysical well being

• places to meet, relax and exercise• space to hold events• facilities tailored to meeting local needs• locally-based facilities that reduce the need to travel• the creation of links between built up areas and the

countryside.

LANDSCAPE

• an attractive environment for users and occupiers• a positive environment with wide economic benefits • a sense of enclosure• a sense of space• a pleasant setting for development• shade from the sun• softening of hard building lines• architectural benefits - contribution to the overall

urban design of an area by helping to integrate thevisual impact of built environment with nature

• environmental benefits - micro-climate creation,pollution attenuation (vegetation absorbs pollution anddust), and by influencing water and energy consumption

• noise and visual screening.

NATURE CONSERVATION

• an opportunity for retaining and encouraging localbiodiversity

• educational benefits - wildlife areas can provideinformal or formal field laboratories for biological,geographical and environmental sciences

• plants and animals that keep people in touch withtheir natural environment

• the opportunity for local residents to manage theirlocal environment, reinforcing a sense of community

• a sense of tranquillity and place• the retention of cultural associations with the natural

environment.

10.1.2 There is a wide range of different landscape andnature conservation designations that may be affected bya development proposal. They include Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Special ProtectionAreas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special

Landscape Areas (SLA), Sites of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI), Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI),Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Tree Preservation Orders(TPO), Hedgerow Protection Orders (HPO), ProtectedSpecies, Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) andHistoric Landscapes. Policies dealing with suchdesignations are covered by national, regional or localplans (see Policy section). Information on designationsshould be sought in order to inform the design processand ensure that the special characteristics of such areasare given due attention.

10.1.3 The following methods exist to help provide anobjective assessment of the value of open space,landscape and nature conservation:

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENTS

10.1.4 The Countryside Agency has produced aLandscape Character Map for England which has beenrefined for Kent by analysing regional landscape characterunits (see Greensand Ridge case study). District wideassessments are encouraged at a local level. Characterareas are a combination of physical features of thelandscape (landforms, soils etc.), ecological profiles andcultural associations. Landscape Character Assessmentsanalyse the condition and sensitivity of an area anddescribe landscape patterns. Guidance is given on thetype of change that may be appropriate to the area, forexample restoration, conservation or improvement.

10.1.5 The assessments describe characteristic featuressuch as field boundaries, land use, highways, tree cover,form and type of hedges, ditches and building materials.The information provided may need to be fine-tuned ona site-by-site basis as specific projects come forward.

GREENSAND BELT LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT 1

PRINCIPLE 10.1The purpose of this study was to understand thebio-geopraphic character of the Greensand Ridge.It examined landscape conditions and the issues thatcurrently affect landscape change as a starting pointfor producing an overall landscape policy andguidelines for each character area. These parameterswill inform the drafting of landscape policies in the4th Review of the Kent Structure Plan and LocalPlans review.

The study describes geology and soils, landform,rivers, ecology, local landscape and heritage features.It also provides an insight into what makes the areadistinctive and which features are vulnerable and inneed of particular attention or protection. Inparticular its recommendations include:gr

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• conserving remaining orchards;• restoring the historic parkland character of rolling

grazing land and re-plant parkland trees;• minimising suburbanisation of the rural landscape

when undertaking future road improvements alongthe A26 and A28; and

• ensuring development respects the woodedsilhouette of the Greensand Ridge and avoidserosion of the character of rural views.

The key findings in respect of the sub-area describedas the Medway Valley Upper, were that: • development should maximise opportunities that

allow the river to be naturally recharged bylimiting hard surfacing which excessively dischargeswater to the sewer system;

• the structures and settings of the historic bridges,locks and associated buildings should be conserved;

• strategic shelterbelts and hedgerows in thesurrounding landscape should be replanted toenhance the enclosed rural character of theriverside. The suburbs of Maidstone, notablythose at Barming, should be screened;

• issues of water and bankside quality should beaddressed; and

• any further development visible from the MedwayValley Upper (Nettlestead to Tovil) should be resisted.

NATURAL AREAS

10.1 Vintners park, Maidstone

10.1.6 Natural Areas are defined in the UK BiodiversityAction Plan2 as ‘biogeographic zones’ which reflect thegeological foundation, the natural systems and processesand the native wildlife in different parts of the country. Theyare intended to provide a framework for an integratedapproach to nature conservation. Profiles have beenproduced for all 10 Natural Areas in Kent by English Nature.

ROMNEY MARSH NATURAL AREA PROFILEPRINCIPLE 10.1

10.1 Romney Marsh (Kent County Council)

This study identifies the historical influences on theMarsh including the impact of human settlement,water abstraction and mineral extraction. Currentimpacts relate to leisure activities, the spread of builtdevelopment and military activity (for example theuse of vehicles and explosives causing damage).

Principal Objective - complete protection of theremaining shingle and sand dune areas includingassociated pools, marshes and other habitats thathave evolved by natural coastal processes.

Subsidiary Objectives• restore more natural conditions of beach

development• protect water levels in the shingle area• minimise damage from extraction areas• locate damaging activities elsewhere.

CLIFFE POOLS MANAGEMENT PLAN 3

PRINCIPLE 10.1

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Cliffe Pools, which are managed by the Royal Societyfor the Protection of Birds, constitute 10% of theUK saline resource and are nationally importantwaterfowl feeding and roosting site. The pits werecreated from clay extraction but permission for infillwith river dredgings was granted. In 1997 amanagement agreement was reached with thesupport of the owners and operators to allow thedredgings to be deployed sensitively for the benefitof nature conservation while still disposing of theoriginal volume of dredgings.

The aim of the project was to provide a range ofhabitats including reed swamp saline lagoons,relatively fresh pools and lowland wet grassland. Theproject also manages unauthorised and undesirableactivities while still providing low-key visitor facilitiesto cater for up to 40,000 visitors per year. Theproject demonstrates how wildlife initiatives need notnecessarily work against commercial objectives andthat wild life facilities can be an importantrecreational resource for the local community.

BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLANS

10.1.7 These provide a framework for the action thatneeds to be taken to implement national and local targetsfor habitats and species together with appropriatedelivery mechanisms. The use of Kent’s BiodiversityAction Plan4 can assist in identifying those habitats andspecies that are of importance and any appropriate actionrequired to help ensure their long term survival.

ENVIRONMENTAL CAPITAL

10.1.8 The Environmental Capital Approach5 focuses onwhy natural features and characteristics matter from asustainability perspective by identifying the attributes orservices these features can provide for society such asbiodiversity, historical character and recreation. Theseare evaluated in both the local and global context byconsidering: at what scale is this attribute important; howimportant is it (at this scale); is enough of this resourceanticipated in the future; and what if anything couldreplace or substitute for this attribute.

10.1.9 The Approach defines the character of an area andidentifies its environmental benefits and dis-benefits andprojects proposed within it. It considers how importanteach benefit is and to whom and why. It may reveal thatin some locations the Environmental Capital is so valuableand irreplaceable that no development should take place.Ancient woodland, for example, cannot be recreatedexcept over hundreds of years. Other sites may haveattributes that warrant substitution. The approach caninform decisions about the provisions to be made in adevelopment to ensure sustainability and suggest solutionsbased on compensatory action and enhancement.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

10.1.10 Environmental assessment, which is compulsoryfor certain categories of development, involves describing

the existing baseline environment, predicting proposedenvironmental impacts of a development and attempting toeliminate, minimise or mitigate any negative effects.Further information on Environmental Assessments is givenin Circular 2/99, Assessment of Environmental Regulation.

10.1.11 Adopting appropriate methods of survey andappraisal for all proposals promotes good practice andensures that the optimum solution for a site is found.

10.1.12 Landscape, open space, physical surveys andecological surveys should be carried out as appropriate andsubmitted with development proposals showing clear linksbetween the survey results and the design. Physicalsurveys should include information on topography, geology,soils, water flows (catchment areas, position of aquifers,streams and ponds), water quality (nutrient status, acidic orneutral) and the orientation of the site. Landscape surveysshould include information on growing conditions, existingvegetation and trees (including their condition) and thosespecies which are appropriate to the area. Ecologicalsurveys should identify habitats, features and speciesaffected either directly or indirectly by the development.They should evaluate the importance of the featuresidentified, determine the type, duration and significance ofpotential effects arising from the development and assessthe overall balance of losses and gains, taking any proposedmitigation measures into account.

Principle 10.2: New development should respond to

site characteristics and context; this should include

protecting sensitive sites and minimising any impacts

10.2.1 Account should be taken of the need to drawfrom, conserve or enhance existing natural features,including locality, pattern, scale and materials and theneed to protect sensitive sites and minimising impacts.(See Objective 6.)

10.2.2 Features of landscape importance or natureconservation value should be retained and considerationshould be given to re-creating or restoring habitats thathave been lost or are found to be in poor condition. (seealso 10.1)

10.2.3 Protecting and enhancing existing flora and faunacan avoid the need to re-plant and establish newlandscapes. The suitability of plants and trees chosen forretention or planting is important, with native plantsgenerally more appropriate than non-native species.Planting should be appropriate to local ground conditionsand consideration should be given to its long-term growthcharacteristics and maintenance requirements to ensureits survival and to avoid damage to other features.

10.2.4 Landscape and nature conservation design canalso be used to reinforce or create local identity. Theremay be opportunities to introduce new water features orwoodlands and link existing habitats to create wildlifecorridors, for example, by joining two woodland areaswith a new hedgerow. gr

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PRINCES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, HILDENBOROUGH PRINCIPLE 10.2

10.2 Princes Christian School

This scheme comprised the redevelopment of aninstitutional site within the green belt. The sitecontained a Grade II listed building (Glen House) andassociated land together with farmstead buildings in acourtyard format. A series of utilitarian outbuildingswere demolished and replaced by new buildings of asimilar footprint but in less prominent positions.This arrangement was intended to reduce the overallimpact on the green belt and improve the setting ofthe listed building. The listed building and farmsteadwere then converted to residential use.

Principle 10.3: Proposals should identify appropriate

mitigation measures to address the impact of a

development and to compensate for lost habitats and

landscape features; opportunities should also be taken

to enhance the existing and planned environment

10.3.1 It will be inevitable in some schemes that featuresof value will be lost. Therefore it is important to identifymeasures to mitigate or compensate for that loss at theoutset. Consideration should be given to the creation,restoration and enhancement of habitats. Mitigationmeasures might include providing planting to screen orenhance the appearance of a development, the creationof new habitats or open spaces or the enhancement of afeature that is to be retained. They may also involve theprovision of landscaped footpaths to improveopportunities for walking, cycling or to provide linksbetween existing or proposed green spaces, includingaccess for the less mobile. Appropriate surveys togetherwith the character appraisals referred to above shouldhelp to identify what mitigation measures are suitable.

10.3.2 Mitigation and compensation measures shouldthemselves be assessed to ensure they do not causeadverse impacts.

10.3.3 Measures should be monitored, particularly whereoutcomes are uncertain, and management may need to beadjusted in the light of further information. For example,monitoring of mitigation measures by ChristchurchCollege, Canterbury6 showed that successful speciestranslocation (slowworm) was difficult to achieve andshould only be considered if no alternative options exist.

Principle 10.4: Proposals should contribute towards

the creation of a network of open space and promote

accessibility from residential and commercial areas to

green space

10.4.1 Convenient access to open space is important forquality of life and personal well being. Children,adolescents and adults need open space to relax, play,socialise and exercise. In many areas, informal green spaceprovides the only opportunity for contact with the naturalenvironment. There should be an appropriate range ofopen space provision made within developments to meetthe needs of different age groups. Sites should then be laidout in a manner appropriate for the designated purposeand be available as and when potential users require them.Occupiers of developments where limited private space isproposed will have different needs to those in moresuburban housing situations. Green links from within towncentres to the outer countryside might be a valuableresource for local residents.

10.4 access to natural areas

10.4.2 It is important that spaces which are created areattractive and of high quality to encourage their use.Consideration should be given to the existing patterns ofuse and potential circulation through and to new andexisting open space. A well-used space often forms anidentifiable route from one place to another and cancontribute to more sustainable transport patterns, such aswalking and cycling.

RESEARCH

Research conducted by Thames Valley Police in 19997

identified a number of examples of facilities provided forteenagers that led to reductions in vandalism and otheranti-social behaviour. The types of facilities providedincluded youth shelters and seating, basketball courts,cricket stumps and football walls. Ideally, facilities shouldcombine different features and provide flexible spaces thatcan be used for a variety of uses. The research also foundthat investment in such facilities led to a reduction in repaircosts at nearby play areas. They gave young people a placeto socialise and thus reduced boredom, a key reason whyyoungsters take a first step to crime. (See objective 7.)

The research concluded that care needs to be taken overaccess, lighting and the relationship to nearby houses. Itrecommended that a range of interest groups, such aslocal residents and business, should be involved in thedesign of facilities to ensure they are of value, safe forusers and do not give rise to nuisance. It also advocatesthat schools and young people should be involved in thedesign, implementation and maintenance of facilities. gr

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VICTORIA PARK, DEAL PRINCIPLE 10.4

An initial proposal for a basketball court wasmodified, following representations from youngstersat a public meeting, to include other facilities. Theproject was promoted jointly by Dover DistrictCouncil and Deal Town Council. It comprisesbasketball, soccer and netball courts together with awide range of skate and skate board facilities. Theproject was part-sponsored by the National Lotteryand the Sports Council.

DARENTH COUNTRY PARK DARTFORD 8

PRINCIPLE 10.4

10.4 Darenth Park Country Park

As part of a scheme for 300 new homes and a newhospital on the site of the Darenth Park MentalHospital, 60 hectares of land was transferred to thelocal authority to create a country park, togetherwith a lump sum for its management for 21 years.An associated scheme involved the creation of avillage green and playing fields, enhancement of anSSSI, improved public access with new footpaths,cycle routes and bridle way, establishment of newriding centre for the disabled in refurbished farmbuildings and new tree planting. The site wasoriginally identified in the Dartford Local Plan and amasterplan was produced identifying the proposedmix of uses. The country park was also identified inthe Kent Thames-side Green Grid Strategy (seeGreen-Grid case study). The MillenniumCommission “Changing Places Fund” has providedother funding for the project and Groundwork KentThames-side is involved in facilitating the proposal.

10.4.3 Occupiers and customers of commercialdevelopments will benefit from the provision of highquality green space. Such spaces can improve theappearance and functioning of developments. They canalso enhance the quality of the working environment andhelp to promote well being of staff and other users.Possibilities might include providing play facilities in retaildevelopments and rest areas or other recreation facilitiesfor employees. The scope to share existing or newfacilities may also need to be considered.

10.4.4 Open spaces should draw on local characterassessments and create visual diversity within theenvironment. They should have a clear identity and

function with the intention of providing a well-used andwell-managed space. There may be scope to draw onlocal cultural, historic or environmental references intheir design to provide a sense of local distinctivenessperhaps through public art.

10.4.5 Local Plans normally set out the specific criteria foropen space provision having regard to local assessments ofneed. Policies are often linked to National Playing Fieldstandards and generally include reference to the need for:• equipped play areas• casual play space• areas for formal sports (pitches, courts, greens, etc.)• informal recreation (parkland, country parks, nature

conservation facilities, riverside walks).

10.4.6 English Nature also promote guidelines for theprovision of accessible green space, a primary aim beingto provide the opportunity for everyday contact withnature in a safe environment without the need to makeextensive journeys.

10.4.7 In making open space provision, considerationshould be given to access by pedestrians and cyclists andthe less mobile. Safety must also be considered,particularly play equipment standards, and the need forshade and a good quality environment. The availabilityand quality of existing public open space, and anyopportunities to enhance this, should also be considered.

10.4.8 In considering play provision the need for informalsupervision is important. Where appropriate, play areasshould be overlooked either by footpaths or properties.Children of different ages require different facilities but maystill require supervision by the same guardian. It will also beimportant to ensure that the space is located and designed toavoid nuisance to nearby residents. It may be appropriate totest this issue through consultation (see objective 7).

LOCAL PLAN OPEN SPACE POLICIES PRINCIPLE 10.4

10.4 Dane John Gardens, Canterbury.

Canterbury City Council Local Plan Policy D49Appendix 2 (1998)9

• 3 sq. m per child bed space with additional localplay area per 100 dwellings

• one doorstep play space (primarily for toddlers)per 30 dwellings to comprise of minimum 100 sq.m grassed and 100 sq. m hard surface with 1-2pieces of play equipment gr

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• local play area with kickabout area of 500 sq. m,four or more pieces of play equipment and agrassed amenity area of 300 - 500 sq. metres

• main play areas to be located in existing parks andrecreation grounds.

Commuted payments based on 20 times the annualmaintenance cost (estimated by the Director of Works(Council's legal charges to be met) or residents'maintenance company). Successive houseowners wouldbe bound in title by a covenant under S33 of LocalGovernment and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1992 tomake an annual payment to cover maintenance.

Shepway District Council Local Plan 1997 Policy LR1310

1 3m2 of space per child bed space.

2 Areas should be set out and located so as tominimise annoyance to nearby occupiers,maximise children's safety and be visible fromneighbouring properties. Play areas should bewithin walking distance of all dwellings containingchild bed spaces.

i Local Area for PlaySmall areas to cater mainly for 4-6 year-olds within one minute walking time of homes (approximately 100m).

ii Local Equipped Area for PlayEquipped areas to cater mainly for accompanied4-8 year-olds, and unaccompanied children slightly older than 8, within five minutes walking time of home (approximately 400m).

iii Neighbourhood Equipped Area for PlayEquipped areas to cater mainly for unaccompanied 8-14 year-olds with consideration for older children and slightly younger supervised or accompanied children, within 15 minutes walking time of home (approximately 1,000m).

Note: Child bed spaces are calculated bysubtracting all bed spaces in old people's dwellings,all bed spaces in one or two person dwellings andtwo bed spaces in family dwellings, from the totalnumber of bed spaces in the scheme.

GREEN SPACE IN KENT THAMES-SIDE 11

PRINCIPLE 10.4 The Green Grid is a fundamental component of thevision for the economic, physical and socialregeneration of the Kent Thames-side area which willundergo substantial change and growth in the next quarter century. It proposes the creation andretention of an interlinking web of high quality

landscape - a framework of green spaces, areas of open land and green corridors. As well as being of strategicimportance to the image and attractiveness of the area,the concept has individual and collective importance tothe local community for landscape and visual quality,ecological and wildlife value, access and recreation.

Initial survey work focused on identifying, classifying andmapping existing green space within the area andanalysing this using a Geographic Information System(GIS) to highlight areas of deficiency. A strategicframework has been prepared which will serve asguidance for local development plans and define thecontext within which site specific planning can take place.

Principle 10.5: Strategies should be submitted which

address the long-term maintenance of proposed open

space, landscape and nature conservation areas

10.5.1 Landscape and nature conservation proposalsshould be accompanied by management plans andsources of funding for future management should beidentified. Local stakeholders, such as parish councils andcommunity groups, should be encouraged to contributeto management plans and agree their objectives and therights and responsibilities of all parties. The long-termownership and management of any landscaping or natureconservation areas should be explicitly addressed.Options include the parish council, district council, amanagement company, or trust. Asset management planscovering short and long-term maintenance should beprovided as a condition of planning permission.Management proposals should allow flexibility, as theneeds of the users changes over time.

10.5.1 Landscapes should be maintained for the entire life of a development(Kent County Council)

10.5.2 Proposals should outline in a management planhow maintenance and enhancement of habitats, newlandscaping and open space will be addressed. Monitoringshould occur after completion of the development toascertain the effectiveness and achievement of objectivesrelating to landscape, open space and nature conservation.

10.5.3 Management and maintenance arrangementsshould be simple, cost effective and promote sustainableafter-care of landscape, habitats and species. They shouldalso promote a sense of ownership amongst localresidents and other stakeholders. While tidiness is oftenequated with maintenance there are schemes whichrequire less intensive maintenance regimes such asmeadow grass, naturalised landscape and woodlands andthis may need to be emphasised to prospective occupiers(see Objective 3 on Life cycle). gr

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Principle 10.6: Plans should be submitted to address

the implementation of open space, nature

conservation and landscaping proposals including

adequate measures to safeguard features of

landscape and nature conservation interest during

construction

10.6.1 Poor scheduling of works and inappropriatemethods can damage features that are already present oreven jeopardise the successful creation of proposed newfeatures. A well thought out staged programme should beproduced. The implementation of works and compliancewith any conditions or obligations imposed should bemonitored at every stage to ensure a successful outcome.After-care management should maintain or enhance theopen space, landscape and habitats present or proposedon site. This is referred to in Objective 3 on Life cycle andin this section under principle 10.5.

10.6.2 Implementation proposals should ensure that thefollowing are avoided:• Properties being occupied before the necessary

facilities are in place• Compaction and damage during construction - create

precautionary areas and protective zones• Unnecessary storage on site; locate storage areas for

materials and plants away from existing anddeveloping features of interest

• The misuse of chemicals and hazardous substances• Contaminated run off to neighbouring water courses• Damage to trees and vegetation to be retained• Damage to trees and vegetation on adjoining land• Damage to utilities (for example by checking records)• Sensitive seasonal periods

Principle 10.7: Green space proposals should be used

to achieve other design objectives such as biodiversity,

resource minimisation and community safety

10.7.1 In all developments it should be demonstratedthat open space, landscaping and nature conservationproposals would achieve a wise use of resources bothduring implementation and throughout the long-termmanagement of the landscape. Water resources, inparticular, should be conserved by using plants which donot require supplementary watering or which help toclean run-off before it enters the water table. Theretention of existing vegetation and careful selectionprocess for new plants and trees should minimise theimpact on the water table.

10.7.2 As well as their recreational and ecological value,trees and plants are fundamental to our well being byabsorbing pollution and releasing oxygen into theatmosphere. Landscape schemes can provide anopportunity to increase biodiversity and achieve targetsas identified in County and District Biodiversity ActionPlans. Planting schemes can provide shade to giveprotection from the sun, particularly in areas used bychildren such as parks or school grounds. Landscapedesign can also be used in road design to enclose spacesand therefore help reduce vehicle speeds. It is important,however, that it does not itself create a nuisance, for

example, by causing problems of overgrowth by plantssuch as leylandii.

10.7.3 Landscape schemes can contribute to energyconsumption within a development, for example byproviding shelter belts. Zones of vegetation can also be usedto soften or screen the urban edges to development and, ifof a sufficient scale, these zones can serve other functionssuch as providing recreational space or wildlife corridors.

10.7.4 Other factors which could promote sustainabilitywithin landscape, open space or nature conservationdesign include:• ensuring moisture can reach planted areas and by

planting in places where moisture is sufficient for theselected species. This will minimise the need forartificial watering;

• promoting safety; for example of pedestrians andchildren using footpaths and play areas;

• considering the impact of hard surfacing ongroundwater; for example pavements and roads;

• avoiding the need for intensive maintenance regimeswhich require excessive use of resources; forexample, energy for mowing and water consumption;

• exploring the use of short rotation coppicing inappropriate locations to provide an energy resource;

• involving stakeholders in all stages of the developmentprocess to promote local ownership and long termcommitment to maintenance; for example parish,community, and interest groups; and

• using landscape features to enhance the appearance ofroads and pedestrian routes providing focal points,sense of place and changes in scale and character ofexternal spaces.

THE EARTH CENTRE, DONCASTER 12

PRINCIPLE 10.7.

10.7 The Earth Centre recognises the importance of water and its conservation

The Earth Centre in Doncaster seeks to promote anunderstanding of sustainable development and tohelp people become involved in the process ofachieving it within their own lives as well asaddressing more global concerns. It has beendeveloped on a derelict colliery site. Landscape isintended to be a key attraction with opportunitiesfor play, production of crops, education and generalappreciation of the natural environment. Thelandscape strategy seeks to manage basic natural gr

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resources of soils, water, waste and energy. It isintended to present everyday features in a new lightand to make people reconsider issues that affectthem at home. A range of soil profiles has beenincorporated to demonstrate a variety of plantingand management techniques.

Water is a fundamental element of the scheme. Asystem has been devised to collect, store, clean(through reed beds) and recycle water. Localisedlandforms have been used to create shelter and variedcharacter areas. Excavations have createdopportunities for new wetlands and damp hollowsthat create new habitats for threatened species in thelocality. Terraced gardens from the river edge to thecrest of the old spoil tip are based around theprinciples of organic gardening with the emphasis ongardens that produce fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers,medicines and dyes. There are forest gardens,drought-tolerant gardens and conservation gardens.It is intended that recycled water, including treatedeffluent, will be used to irrigate some of these. Wateris also used as a theme of the park - there is an arrayof spaces where the aesthetic, sensory and spiritualvalue of water can be expressed.

REFERENCES:1 Greensand Belt Landscape Assessment, Kent County Council, 19982 UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Report of Steering Group to Government,

19953 Cliffe Pools Management Plan, Royal Society For the Protection of Birds,

19974 Kent Biodiversity Action Plan, Kent County Council, 1997 5 Environmental Capital - A New Approach, CAG Consultants for the

Countryside Commission, English Heritage, English Nature and theEnvironment Agency, 1997

6 Translocation of Slow Worms as a Mitigation Strategy, Platenburg R.J. &Griffiths, R.A, 1999

7 Youth Shelters and Supports Systems, Thames Valley Police, 1999 8 Countryside Benefits from Developer Contributions: A report for the

Countryside Agency, Oxford Brookes University, 19999 Canterbury City Council Local Plan, Canterbury City Council, 199810 Shepway District Council Local Plan, Shepway District Council, 199711 Green space in Kent Thames-side, Kent County Council on behalf of the

Thames-side Partnership, 199812 Life on Earth, Andrew Grant, Landscape Design, May 1998

CHECKLIST FOR OBJECTIVE 10:LANDSCAPE

• Have relevant landscape or characterassessments been taken into account?

• Have existing attributes beensafeguarded?

• Have appropriate mitigation measuresbeen included?

• Has the impact of any proposedmitigation measures been assessed?

• Do the occupiers have access to openspace?

• Do the landscape, nature conservationand open space proposals embracesustainability principles?

• Have maintenance strategies beensubmitted?

• Are maintenance schemes sustainable interms of resource use?

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PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE (PPG) 1 GENERAL

POLICY AND PRINCIPLES, 1997PPG1 sets out the Government’s approach to planningand recognises the important role of the planning systemin delivering sustainable development. It promotes highquality mixed-use developments, recognising that localplanning authorities may need to adopt a flexibleapproach to planning standards to achieve this. The Notesuggests that this might include reducing the level ofparking provision and allowing increased densities, whilehaving regard to the availability of alternative modes oftransport, residential amenity and the needs of business.It specifically mentions the potential role of urban villages.PPG1 also encourages local authorities to include designpolicies in development plans and these plans may referto supplementary design guidance. It states that applicantsshould, as a minimum, provide a short written statementsetting out the design principles adopted.

DRAFT PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 3 HOUSING, 1999PPG3 emphasises the need to promote high qualityresidential and mixed use developments to raise thedensity of development in and around centres and otherareas with good public transport links. The guidancesuggests that providing off-street parking adds significantlyto the amount of land needed. It also states that localauthorities should revise their parking standards to allowsignificantly lower levels of parking provision in all housingdevelopments and allow for the variation in carownership relative to income, age and household type.

PPG3 states that local authorities should set both aminimum and a range of densities to reflect localcharacter. It advises that low density development shouldbe avoided. It advocates using previously developed siteswithin urban areas to make best use of existing physicaland social infrastructure. Compulsory purchase powersshould be used where necessary. It promotes the use ofpositive policies to encourage the conversion of buildingsto residential use.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 6 TOWN CENTRES AND

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, 1996 PPG6 promotes mixed uses within town centres as a meansof encouraging new investment and additional housing withinurban areas. It acknowledges that the vitality and viability oftown centres depends on retaining and developing a widerange of attractions and amenities, creating and maintainingan attractive environment, ensuring good accessibility andencouraging high quality design.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 7 THE COUNTRYSIDE -ENVIRONMENT QUALITY AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT, 1997The guiding principle in the countryside is thatdevelopment should benefit economic activity and

maintain or enhance the environment. Rural areas canaccommodate many forms of development withoutdetriment if the location and design of development ishandled with sensitivity. New development should besensitively related to existing settlement patterns and tohistoric, wildlife and landscape resources. Building in theopen countryside, away from existing settlements or fromareas allocated for development in development plans,should be strictly controlled. In areas statutorilydesignated for their landscape, wildlife or historicqualities, policies should give greater priority to restraint.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 9 NATURE

CONSERVATION, 1994This recognises that the wildlife of Britain is an integralpart of its towns, countryside and coasts and is notconfined to the various statutorily designated sites. It alsorecognises that many urban sites for nature conservationhave an enhanced local importance as a consequence ofthe relative lack of wildlife sites in built-up areas.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 13 TRANSPORT

(CONSULTATION DRAFT), 1999The objectives of this guidance are to integrate planningand transport at the national, regional and local level topromote more sustainable transport choices, and reducethe need to travel, especially by car. This will help toensure that the planning system plays its part in theGovernment’s strategy on sustainable development,including promoting social inclusion in both urban andrural areas and revitalising towns and cities as places tolive and work.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 15 PLANNING AND THE

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT, 1994 Some of the key points set out in the guidance are:

Para 1.5 states conservation can play a key part inpromoting economic prosperity by ensuring an areaoffers attractive living and working conditions.

Para 1.6 urges local authorities to maintain and strengthentheir commitment to stewardship of the historicenvironment advocating that it is important for planningauthorities to adopt suitable policies in their developmentplans and give practical effect to them through theirdevelopment control decisions.

Para 2.18 suggests that new uses may often be the key toa building’s or area’s preservation. Controls over land use,density, plot ratio, day lighting and other planning mattersshould be exercised sympathetically where this wouldenable a building to be given a new lease of life. po

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PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 16 ARCHAEOLOGY AND

PLANNING, 1990In summary, some of the key points set out in theguidance are:

Para 6 states archaeological remains should be seen as afinite and non-renewable resource, in many cases highlyfragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. Theyare part of our sense of national identity and are valuableboth for their own sake and for their role in education,leisure and tourism.

Para 12 points out that the key to informed decisions isfor consideration to be given to whether archaeologicalremains exist on a site before formal planning applicationsare made and how these might impact on thedevelopment proposal. Developers should preparesympathetic designs which avoid disturbing the remainsby; careful choice of foundation type; minimising damageby raising ground levels under a proposed new structure,or by careful siting of landscape and open space areas.Depending on the importance of the remains,arrangements may be needed for preservation in situ orexcavation and recording.

Para 19 suggests that, in their own interests, developersshould in all cases include as part of their research into thedevelopment potential of a site an initial assessment ofwhether the site is known or likely to containarchaeological remains. It suggests consultation with theCounty Archaeological Officer and, where appropriate,English Heritage. Assessment normally involves a desk-based evaluation of existing information including historicmaps and records. Where early discussions indicate thatimportant remains may exist, field investigations throughground surveys or trial trenching are suggested.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 17 SPORT AND

RECREATION, 1991Some of the key points in this guidance are:

Para 17 suggests the extent to which particular standardsare applicable in a specific area is a matter for the localplanning authority’s judgement. In considering possiblestandards, ease of access to public open space,particularly on foot, should be an important considerationin plan preparation.

Para 20 suggests that in highly built up areasredevelopment schemes may provide opportunities forcreating new public open space. Sport and recreationfacilities can form an important component of newhousing, major office schemes and retail development. Itmay be appropriate to secure sports and recreationprovision as part of larger mixed-use development,including on-site and off-site facilities. In the case of

smaller developments a contribution to nearby sport andrecreation or open space may be appropriate.

Para 25 states that open space is important to the qualityof urban life.

Paras 52-53 identify the need to have regard to issues ofnuisance associated with some sporting activities.

Para 27 states that local planning authorities should seekto achieve a reasonable balance between the need tomake adequate provision for development in urban areasand the need to protect open space.

Local plans should address in consultation with leisure andother departments:- the need for main stream andspecialist sports facilities and the particular recreationalneeds of the elderly and disabled people. They shouldassess local needs, identify deficiencies and ensureprovision is properly co-ordinated with other forms ofdevelopment.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 23 PLANNING AND

POLLUTION CONTROL, 1994In summary, some of the key points set out in theguidance are:

Para 1.31 states that the planning system has an importantrole to play in determining the location of developmentwhich may give rise to pollution.

Para 1.32 states that the planning system should controlother development in proximity to potential sources ofpollution.

Para 1.33 states that “the role of the planning systemfocuses on whether the development itself is anacceptable use of the land rather than the control of theprocesses themselves”. Material considerations that mayhave an effect on the use of land might include the riskand impact of pollution from the development and theneed and feasibility of restoring the land to standardssufficient for appropriate after use. Planning can thereforecomplement the pollution control regime, recognisingthat the dividing line is not always clear cut.

Para 1.34 states that planning authorities will need toconsult pollution control authorities in order that they cantake account of the scope and requirements of therelevant pollution controls. They should work on theassumption that the pollution control regimes will beproperly applied and enforced.

Para 1.35 In some cases the scope of the planning systemin protecting the environment will go wider than that ofthe pollution control regime. po

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Para 1.36 Planning authorities must be satisfied thatconcerns about potential releases can be left for thepollution control authority to take into account inconsidering the application for the authorisation or licence.Alternatively, they may conclude that the wider impact ofa potential release on the development or use of land isunacceptable on planning grounds despite the potentialgrant of a pollution control authorisation or licence.

Part of PPG 23 will be supported by PPG 10 Planning andWaste Management (September 1999) with regard towaste management issues.

A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE

UNITED KINGDOM 1999This strategy for sustainable development is a catalyst forchange. It identifies priority areas for action in thesustainability sphere, and indicators and targets tomeasure progress, against which the Government willexpect to be judged. It sets out action that theGovernment has already taken and further initiatives thatare planned, and highlights what others can do. TheGovernment will use the Strategy as a framework to guideits policies and will encourage others to do the same.

URBAN TASK FORCE REPORT ‘TOWARDS AN URBAN

RENAISSANCE’ 1999The main thrust of the Urban Task Force’s Report is to limitgreenfield land releases and channel development intourban brownfield sites. A range of fiscal measures andincentives are proposed in support of this, targeted atlandowners, housebuilders and developers, owneroccupiers, tenants and investors. The Report argues thatonly through the creation of sustainable city living can futurehousehold demand be met and building on greenfield sitesminimised. The Report aims to achieve a new equilibriumbetween cities, societies and nature which is both realisticand achievable. It emphasises the need for our towns andcities to be made more attractive as places to live, work andvisit, if targets for new housing development to be locatedon urban, recycled land are to be achieved. It alsorecognises that key components of making urban livingmore desirable will be the quality of schools, health servicesand low levels of pollution and crime.

QUALITY IN TOWN AND COUNTRY 1994This document is aimed to stimulate the debate andencourage best practice in good design.

CIRCULAR 5/94 PLANNING OUT CRIME 1994Circular 5/94 states that crime prevention can become amaterial consideration when planning applications arebeing considered. It recognises that the cause of crimeand vandalism are complex, but it is widely accepted thatenvironmental factors can play a part. Used sensitively,the planning system can be instrumental in producing anattractive and well-managed environment that helps todiscourage antisocial behaviour. The Circular points outthat adopting a range of uses can create livelier and moreattractive environments but once a development iscompleted the main opportunity to incorporate crime

prevention measures will have been lost. The Circularencourages consultation with Police Architectural LiaisonOfficers. The advice contained in the Circular includes:• landscaping adjoining footpaths to avoid hidden areas• creating defensible territory• avoiding unrestricted rear access• ensuring appropriate surveillance and lighting of car

parks

THE CRIME AND DISORDER ACT 1998The Crime and Disorder Act requires the creation ofmulti-agency partnerships to cut crime in their local areas.These partnerships seek to create a broad framework toenhance the quality of life for the communities they serve.The police, together with the local authority, are requiredto undertake a crime and disorder audit in the district,borough or unitary authority area, in consultation withother agencies and the wider community. They will thenhave to develop a local strategy to tackle crime anddisorder identified in the audit. The work of the partnersincludes setting clear targets and involves action at a locallevel within the local authority area.

It is important that contractors and developersunderstand that the local authorities now have a statutoryobligation to consider this legislation in the developmentand refurbishment of land within its boundaries.

BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 1994In 1992 the UK Government signed the BiodiversityConvention at the UN Conference on the Environmentand Development in Rio. This was followed in 1994 bythe publication of ‘Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan’ whichsets out the UK's agenda and action for natureconservation.

At county level this was translated into targets and actionsby a partnership of interested organisations, including thecounty and district authorities together with the statutoryand non-statutory wildlife and farming bodies. Theprocess was launched with the publication of the KentBiodiversity Action Plan in 1997.

The recent ‘Making Biodiversity Happen’ supplementaryconsultation paper to ‘Opportunities for Change’prepared by DETR, recognises that biodiversity is a cross-cutting theme - an aspect of sustainable development andan element of its success rather than a sectoral activitywhich needs to be influenced by sustainable developmentat a practical level. It also clearly recognises thatbiodiversity is related to quality of life and that there is aneed to integrate it into policies and programmes.

DESIGNATED SITES

Sites with SPA (Special Protection Area) and SAC (SpecialArea of Conservation) status are of European importanceand contribute to the Natura 2000 network. Natura 2000is a complex of sites protecting the full range of importanthabitats and species found throughout the continent.Ramsar (wetland sites named under the RamsarConvention) have even wider international importance.po

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The EC Habitats Directive seeks to maintain the diversityof European wildlife and to protect rare and threatenedspecies (English Nature). One of the most importantmeasures is to designate a series of key sites. This has andis still being done by the Government and designated sitesare referred to as SAC or Special Areas of Conservation.

The EC Habitats Directive also requires member statesto endeavour to encourage the management of featuresof the landscape which are of major significance for wildflora and fauna. These features are those which, becauseof the linear and continuous structure of their function asstepping stones, are essential for migration, dispersal andgenetic exchange, e.g. rivers, field boundaries, ponds andsmall woodlands. These features can often be closelyassociated with developed areas and in many cases areremnants of the open countryside. Developmentproposals need to consider potential impacts on suchfeatures, as well as opportunities to enhance thesenetworks.

The Birds Directive requires the Government toconserve the habitats of certain species of birds byclassifying areas of most suitable habitat for them as SPAs.The Ramsar Convention requires the Government toprotect wetland sites of international importanceincluding those of importance for waterfowl. All SAC,SPAs and Ramsar sites are based on the existing SSSInetwork.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are of nationalimportance and represent only a selection of the bestexamples of wildlife habitats, geological features andlandforms. There are many areas of high heritage valuethat remain undesignated as SSSI. However otherdesignated or selected areas exist (usually thosedesignated by local authorities and wildlife trusts) such asSites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) andLocal Nature Reserves (LNRs).

Some species of plants and animals outside of designatedareas are also protected in their own right under threemain Acts of Parliament, that is The Wildlife andCountryside Act, The Protection of Badgers Act and TheConservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations.

THE TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER 1998This sets the framework intended to:• reduce pollution from transport• improve air quality• encourage healthy lifestyles by reducing dependence

on the car and making it easier to walk and cycle• promote better public transport• reduce noise and vibration from transport• improve safety for walkers.

Taxation is identified as one means of encouraging fuelefficient vehicles. The White Paper also outlines someissues to be considered in regional planning guidanceincluding traffic management issues, road user charging,guidance on parking standards and parking levies.

PLACES STREETS AND MOVEMENT - A COMPANION GUIDE TO

DESIGN BULLETIN 32 (RESIDENTIAL ROADS AND FOOTPATHS),1998

This Guide encourages a greater emphasis on place,community and context in the design of housing layouts.It seeks to promote a flexible interpretation of DesignBulletin 32 away from prescriptive standards in order toreduce car useage and avoid the dominance of the car.The guide explains how the layout of areas can contributeto the promotion of walking, cycling and public transport.

SECURED BY DESIGN 1989This is a police initiative with the objective of encouragingthe building industry to adopt recommended crimeprevention guidelines in both housing and estate design.Since the launch a series of guidelines have beenproduced in relation to car parks, housing andcommercial premises.

KENT TOWNS SAFETY AND SECURITY GUIDE 1997The Safer Kent Initiative was launched in 1994 and is apartnership including the Police, Kent County Council,district councils and other organisations with an interestin crime prevention. In 1997 the initiative produced thisGuide drawing on expertise from Kent Town CentreManagers and other with expertise in this field. It containsinformation and advice on issues such as: retail crimeprevention; emergency access; safety in car parks andpublic transport facilities; facilities for the young; streetenvironment and activities.

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ASHFORD

Address: Ashford Borough CouncilThe Civic CentreTannery LaneAshfordKent TN23 1PL

Telephone Number: 01223 637311

CANTERBURY

Address: Canterbury City CouncilMilitary RoadCanterburyKent CT1 1YW


DARTFORD

Address: Dartford Borough CouncilCivic CentreHome GardensDartfordKent DA1 1DR


DOVER

Address: Dover District CouncilWhite Cliffs Business ParkDoverKent CT16 3PG


GRAVESHAM

Address: Gravesham Borough CouncilCygnet HouseWindmill StreetGravesend Kent DA12 1BQ


MAIDSTONE

Address: Maidstone Borough Council13 Tonbridge RoadMaidstoneKent ME15 8HG


MEDWAY

Address: Compass CentreChatham MaritimeChathamKent, ME4 4YH


SEVENOAKS

Address: Sevenoaks District CouncilCouncil OfficesArgyle RoadSevenoaksKent TN13 1HG


SHEPWAY

Address: Shepway District CouncilCivic CentreCastle Hill AvenueFolkestoneKent CT20 2QY


SWALE

Address: Swale Borough CouncilSwale HouseEast StreetSittingbourneKent ME10 3HT


THANET

Address: Thanet District CouncilCouncil OfficesCecil StreetMargateKent CT10 1XZ


TONBRIDGE & MALLING

Address: Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilCouncil OfficesThe Air StationWest MallingKent ME19 6LZ

Telephone Number: 01732 844522cont

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Address: Tunbridge Wells Borough CouncilTown HallRoyal Tunbridge WellsKent TN1 1RS


KENT COUNTY COUNCIL

Strategic Planning DirectorInvicta HouseCounty HallMaidstoneME14 1XX


Transport Client Services,Invicta House, County Hall,MaidstoneME14 1XX.

Area Offices -(Transport Planning and Project Management):

Mid Kent Area Office,Doubleday House,Aylesford,KentME20 7BU

West Kent Area Office,St Michael’s Close,Aylesford,KentME20 7TZ

North East Kent Area Office,2 Beer Cart Lane,Canterbury,KentCT1 2NN

Babtie Group - Engineering ConsultantsSandling Block,Springfield,Maidstone,KentME14 2LQ

FURTHER COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE OBTAINED

FROM:Environmental Management Publications

Strategic PlanningInvicta HouseCounty HallMaidstone KentME14 1XX


Fax Number: 01622 221636

E-mail: [email protected]

FURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM:http://www.kent.gov.uk/kent_design/

or

E-mail: [email protected]

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accessibility - The ease with which people cantravel to a site by different modesof transport.

adoption - The process by which land foropen space, landscaping orhighway land is transferred to alocal authority to maintain.

a sense of place - The overall impression of acollection of environmentalelements combining to make adistinctive space.

amenity - A pleasant or useful feature orfacility. It can also relate to thequality of life enjoyed byoccupants, for example thequietness of their environment.

axis - A line of vision or access betweenkey nodes or points of visualinterest.

backlands - Areas of land behind existingdevelopments including gardensand garage space.

best practice - To pursue the best approach.

biodiversity - A term referred to in the ConciseOxford Dictionary of Ecology(1994) as “…. All aspects ofbiological diversity especiallyincluding species richness,ecosystem complexity andgenetic variation.”

bolt-on devices - Traffic calming - usually refers toraised features such as speedhumps, but includes changes tokerb lines on existing roads.

boulevard - A broad main street which isusually lined with trees and can bededicated to a range of differentusers.

breathing wall - Constructed to allow airflowthrough the fabric of the wall.

brownfield sites - Land previously used for urban orindustrial development.

bus-boarders - Alterations in kerb line to allowbuses to access kerbs more easily

and to allow passengers to enterand leave the bus on the level.

car-free developments - Schemes with no provision forparking cars on site. Often placedwithin close proximity of goodpublic transport.

close/fine grained streets - Dense streets with a high diversityof detail at a human scale.

collaboration - To co-operate and work jointlywithin a team structure.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - A system which, in contrast toconventional electricity production,utilises the waste heat of electricityproduction to provide hot waterthat is distributed widely for spaceheating between buildings orwithin an urban district.

commuted sum - Payments made at the outset tocover the costs of infrastructureprovision or maintenance.

contaminated land - Pollution grading term used todescribe land that containsconcentrations of substances thatare likely to be harmful, directlyor indirectly to humans and theenvironment.

CO2 - Carbon Dioxide

context - The surroundings into which adevelopment is situated.

covenants - Legal restrictions on land thatcontrol the use or developmentof a site.

cycleways (combined) - A footway which has beendesignated by a sign for the use ofboth cyclists and pedestrians.

cycleways (segregated) - Cycleways can be segregated intwo ways; either the footway nextto the carriageway is divided(usually by a white line) so thatcyclists can use one side, or they aregl

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separated from the carriagewayand follow a different route.

defensible space - An exterior space usuallyadjoining a private internal spaceto provide a buffer capable ofconveying the message of privacy.

density - The degree of closeness andproximity of one to another.

development brief - Document which sets out the keyissues which need to be taken intoconsideration when producingdetailed proposals for a site. Thecan give an indication of potentialuses for a site and detailed designmatters including identifyingrelevant constraints.

development team - This includes all those individuals ororganisations who have a potentialinvolvement in the processing of aplanning application.

dumb roundabout - Roundabout island sited in lengthof road away from junctions.

eco-system - Defined in the Concise OxfordDictionary of Ecology (1994) as“…. biological community ofinteracting organisms and theirphysical environment”.

embodied energy - The amount of energy consumedin the extraction, manufacture,transport, assembly on site andeventual removal/demolition ofbuilding materials.

Environmental Impact Assessment - A comprehensive method ofassessing the relevantenvironmental factors in asystematic manner so as to adviseon appropriate action.

foyer - Centre for information,accommodation and socialisingfor young people with specificproblems such as homelesnessand unemployment.

green commuter plans - Measures to reduce peak-timetravel by car.

grey-water - Rain water and waste water fromwashing.

holistic - The whole system combining aseries of sub-elements.

home-zone - A dominantly residential andpedestrian area where speeds arekept to around 10mph - makingstreets into multi-use spaces.

human-scale - In proportion with the dimensionsof the average person.

infrastructure - Basic equipment or structure onwhich other systems can beoperated e.g. roads, railway lines,schools or open spaces.

integrated transport - Various forms of movementbrought together to form acombined network of inter-linkingsystems allowing easy movemente.g. from bus to cycle or bus torail. It can include synchronisedtimetabling and through ticketing.

KAB - Kent Association for the Blind.

landmark features - A conspicuous and usuallyimportant element in theenvironment set within a backdropof more mundane elements.

landmark shelter - Covered structure such as abandstand or other gathering areawhich forms a focal point in anarea of public open space.

lifecycle analysis - The assessment of energy costsover the long term in theconstruction and final buildingform, taking account of theextraction, processing, use,maintenance and disposal of thematerials involved.

legible environment - An easily understandable andnavigable place.

local agenda 21 - An agreement signed at the RioEarth Summit in 1992 to ensure agood quality of life for people whilesafeguarding the environment. LA21 Strategies are agendas for localaction to promote sustainability. gl

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local-distinctiveness - The particular characteristics of alocality that distinguishes one localarea from another.

luminaire - Lamp-holder.

magnets - Developments that draw the publicin - they would include communitycentres, cinemas, leisure facilitiesand transport nodes.

micro-climate - Localised climatic conditionswithin a site or a part of a site.

mitigation - An alternative solution throughthe trading of an undesirableaspect for another facet in thedesign or development.

mixed-use - Different, usually complimentary,uses within various scales from abuilding to a street to aneighbourhood.

neighbourhood - A district of distinct characterusually predominantly residential.

nodes - Points at which routes for publictransport and other modes ofmovement intersect.

nuisance - The source of trouble orannoyance.

passive solar design - The collection of solar radiationto meet a building’s heating loadusing the fabric of the buildingrather than solar panels which areactive solar systems.

ped-sheds - A pedestrian catchment areadefined by a radius of 400m whichis approximately a 5 minute walk.

perceptual - Observation and understandingthrough the use of the senses.

permeable surfaces - Surfaces which allow the passageof rainwater through their fabric.

permeability - The degree of accessibility and easeof passage of people through space.

photovoltaics - The use of special cells whichgenerate electricity using energyfrom the sun.

privacy distance - A defined unit of measurementfor separation between twoinhabitable private spaces.

public art - Art objects or processes displayedin the public realm usually externally.

public realm - All space accessible to the generalpublic.

rapid light transit - Covers a variety of frequentservice systems which includetrams, guided buses and lightrailway/mono-rail.

reedbed technology - An alternative system toconventional sewage treatmentthat uses ponds and reed beds totreat waste water.

RNIB - Royal National Institute for theBlind

self-policing - Casual surveillance carried out byresidents in their day to dayactivities which serves todiscourage criminal behaviour.

sense of place - Local characteristics which give aplace identity.

SERPLAN - Plan devised by Local authorityelected planning representativesto which determines regionalhousing, transport and economicplanning for the south east.

Sick Building Syndrome - Recognised problem when thehealth of occupants is adverselyaffected by elements of thebuilding such as air conditioningsystems and plastics, adhesivesand synthetic building products.

speed restraints - Design features applied to newstreets and roads to keep trafficspeeds low.

sustainability - The maintenance of the health ofthe biosphere and the husbandingof key resources of air, water, landand minerals.

template - A standard highway solution tothe design of a site.

traffic calming - Measures applied to existingroads to keep traffic speeds low.

three ‘R’s - Reduce, Re-use and Re-cyclerefers to minimising the excessiveuse of resources, in the order oftheir degree of sustainability.gl

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trim-trail - A set of public exerciseequipment usually along anexternal route.

urban design - A broad term encompassing theform, purpose and nature of man-made built environments and theinteraction of their users.

urban grain - Layout, scale and massing ofbuildings that suggest an urbansetting.

urban village - A traffic-calmed, mixed-useneighbourhood maximisingcommunity involvement.

whole-life - The overall impact of adevelopment from sourcing ofmaterials to the end of thebuildings life-span.

zero impact building - (1) Building which over the courseof a year takes no more powerthan it returns to the National Grid(2) Building whose componentscan be dismantled and removedfrom a site without trace.

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STEERING GROUP MEMBERSTony Every-Brown - Kent Developers’ Group(Chairman)Margaret Anderson - Soroptimists InternationalNicholas Antram - English HeritageTimothy Baker - Kent Institute of Art & DesignPeter Court - House Builders FederationJerry Crossley - Kent County CouncilPeter Day - Royal Institute of Chartered SurveyorsRalph Dickens - Government Office for the South EastAnne Griffiths - Womens’ InstituteTrevor Hall - Kent PoliceStuart Higham - Institution of Civil EngineersTony Hillier - Hillreed Homes LtdSteve Humphrey - Medway Council Nicholas Lee-Evans - Royal Institue of British ArchitectsFrank Linden - University of GreenwichHilary Moorby - Council for the Protection of RuralEnglandKeith Nicholson - Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilIan Parker - Kent Property ServicesDavid Petford - Maidstone Borough CouncilBob Ratcliffe - Kent Federation of Amenity SocietiesBarry Shaw - The Kent Architecture CentreJeff Stack - Shepway District CouncilCliff Thurlow - Royal Town Planning InstituteJohn Wale - Kent County Council (to April 1998)Stephen Walker - Learning & Business Link Co. Ltd.(Construction Sector Group)Rob White - Kent County Council (from April 1998)

WORKING GROUP MEMBERSMary Adams - Weald of Kent Preservation SocietyNick Antram - English Heritage (Chairman, AchievingGood Design Group)John Arnold - Dartford Borough CouncilTimothy Baker - Kent Institute of Art and DesignKeith Bothwell - Royal Institute of British ArchitectsDouglas Brown - Thanet District CouncilBarry Chapman - Kent PolicePeter Cobley - Kent County Council - HeritageConservationRichard Cole - ArchitectAnthony Dance - Canterbury City CouncilAnnette Hards - The Hards PartnershipJane Farmer - Kent County Council - Landscape ServicesSheila Farmer - Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilDick Feasey - Kent County Council - Land Use andTransportationRichard Harbord - Shepway District CouncilAnnette Hards - The Hards PartnershipNeil Hewitt - Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilSteve Hewlett - Medway Council Mike Higgins - Sevenoaks District CouncilTony Hillier - Hillreed HomesBetty Johnson - Womens’ Institute

David Joyner - Kent County Council - TransportationDavid Lerew - Dartford Borough CouncilJan Loveless - Kent County Council - Social Services Gilian MacInnes - Maidstone Borough CouncilMartin McKay - Gravesham Borough CouncilBrian Morgan - Maidstone Borough Council (Chairman,Sustainability Group)Helen Mullin - Kent County Council - LandscapeServicesMartin Northern - Maidstone Borough CouncilGraham Norton - Wimpey HomesMartin Oman - Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilGeoff Pearson - Shepway District CouncilKeith Pye - House Builders FederationMike Rushman - Berkeley HomesNassar Sarrafan - Thanet District CouncilRobin Smith - Kent County Council - Property ServicesPauline Stockwell - Weald of Kent Preservation Society Theresa Trussell - Kent County Council - Transport(Chairman, Innovation Group)Ray Wilkinson - Ashford Borough Council

OTHER CONTRIBUTORSJonathon Atkinson - Environment AgencyKim Bennett - Canterbury City CouncilTeresa Bennett - English NatureStuart Black - Urban Villages ForumPeter Braithwaite - Ove Arup & partnersJohn Byer - Kent County Council - Kent PropertyServicesAndy Cameron - Alan Baxter AssociatesGeorge Chandler - Kent County Council - TransportPlanningPip Chapelard - Kent County Council - EnvironmentalManagement Patrick Clarke - Llewellyn DaviesRichard Davison - Edenbridge Town CouncilMick Drury - Ward HomesSuzy Edwards - Building Research EstablishmentDaniel Everitt - Environment AgencyJohn Farmer - Kent County Council - TransportationClient ServicesSheila Frampton - Crest Homes, South eastAndrew Grant - Consultant for the Earth CentreNikki Greenleaf - Urban Villages ForumAdrian Griffiths - Chapman TaylorRob Hancock - Kent County CouncilPeter Herbertson - Environment AgencyNigel Hepworth - Environment AgencyPeter Johns - FormpaveAndrew Jones - Kent County Council - CountrysideRuth Kay - The Kent Architecture CentreGary Kennison - Kent County Council - CountrysideTom LaDell - Tom LaDell AssociatesMatthew Lally - Llewellyn DaviesMike Lowe - Ove Arupcr

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Debbie Morgan - Kent County CouncilKeith Mumford - Kent County CouncilJohn Payne - Kent County Council - Land Use &TransportationAlan Pett - New Ash Green Village AssociationGraham Phillips - Kent County CouncilSimon Pugh - David Lock AssociatesLucy Robinson - Hyde HousingSteve Robinson - Folkestone & Dover WaterRob Scott - Dartford Borough CouncilAlan Stone - Essex County CouncilLouise Thomas - David Lock AssociatesAndrew Warnock - ConsultantPaul Williams - Water DynamicsMichael Winter - Architect

PROJECT MANAGEMENT GROUPSteve Humphrey; Keith Nicolson, David Petford, JeffStack, Rob White.

PROJECT TEAMTony Wimble; Mark Brightburn, Gary Fitch, AshleyRalph, Abigail Raymond, Theresa Trussell, Julia Wallace.

Special thanks to Anne Griffiths for kindly helping to editthis document and to Trudy Fabian for assistance withphotography.

Graphic Design by: Pollett & Cole Creative Marketing Limited, The Old Warehouse, 1 Albert Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1HPTelephone number: 01227 770790Fax number: 01227 770924E-mail: [email protected]

Printed by:Thanet Press Limited,Union Crescent, Margate, Kent CT9 1NUTelephone number: 01843 234800Fax number: 01843 228831E-mail: [email protected]

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