Yalding

Place-shaping and neighbourhood planning

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The purpose of this assessment booklet is to provide an insight into the way the design of the built environment needs to be considered as part of the neighbourhood plan process.

The background to this assessment process is the “Farrell Review”, a national review of architecture and the built environment, independently run by a panel of built environment experts.

The Farrell Review asks for an increased focus on the civic value of well-designed public spaces, streets and amenities and the character and needs of existing communities, instead of a narrow focus on architecture.

This increased focus requires greater collaboration between the Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation and Engineering professions. Only when all five professions work together effectively can place-shaping truly happen.

This place assessment will provide your neighbourhood plan steering group with a greater understanding of the five key aspects to successful place-making and how this can positively influence the emerging Yalding Neighbourhood Plan.

Yalding

Place-shaping and neighbourhood planning

PLACEThe neighbourhood plan potentially represents a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of the parish and its surroundings.

At this stage, the neighbourhood plan is not yet finished. However, if sites were to come forward for development through the neighbourhood plan process, or sites for redevelopment and improvement were to be identified, what would be the right design response? What will be considered good planning and good design?

Working in teams of five, each team member will be responsible for Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation or Engineering. The team will undertake a critical analysis of Yalding and its immediate surroundings. This analysis will be undertaken without any specific design proposals in mind.

CONSERVATION

This handbook is for conservation issues only. We ask that when you are out on site, you focus your observations around the prompts provided for this aspect only.

Back in the venue, you will be able to compare your observations and ideas with other members of your PLACE team to generate a definitive assessment of Yalding. This will help to provide you with a greater understanding of how this sort of analysis can inform your neighbourhood plan.

Kenward

Road

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Benover Road

Gravelly W

ays

Laddingford

Hampstead Lane

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Yalding H

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Benover Road

Gravelly W

ays

Laddingford

Clay

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Forge Lane

Darman Lane

Wag

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Willow Lane

Que

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1000

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Please mark up the plan with your

field notes. Below are some prompts

and ideas for you to consider:

Consider the natural landscape, including the rise and fall of the ground, distant views, any water courses and existing soft landscape. Think about views and vistas that need to be protected and conserved.

Note down any historic buildings or historic uses in Yalding. What are these and why may they matter into the future.

Is there any evidence of archaeology and/or potential archaeology on site? How could this best be accommodated?

Note down any landmarks, meeting places or other important historic features on the site and in the immediate area.

What are the traditions and local history of the site context? Are there any inherited characteristics, important events, and associations with locally known or famous people or incidents?

Street types: From boulevards to courtyards, from civic squares to crossroads. Which are the ones that have greatest resonance with the history of Yalding?

Is there any evidence of building decoration in the area? Could some of this be retained in any new developments, either in whole or in part?

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CONSERVATION

Can certain buildings be maintained, restored and adapted, rather than demolished and replaced?

How adaptable is the place? Are there conservation features that make the area adaptable to new uses when economic conditions change?

What boundaries, both natural and artificial, define Yalding? Are they successful and desirable?

Do people generally have a clear understanding of Yalding i.e. where it is, what happens there? How can conservation assist in greater legibility?

How easy is it to find your way around? Are there landmarks, buildings, works of art, or other features creating views and helping people find their way around?

Signs and street furniture: Too many or too few? Appealing or garish? Uniform or clashing?

Street and building names: Are these clearly visible or not?

Are there opportunities for plaques and information boards, ironware e.g. manholes, tree grilles, that can help interpret heritage assets?

These prompts are by no means

exhaustive. You will no doubt have

your own ideas too.

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CONSERVATION

For more information:

Angela GentParish Clerk — Yalding Parish Councilclerk@yaldingparishcouncil.gov.uk01622 814134

Richard EasthamDirector — Feria Urbanismrichard@feria-urbanism.eu 01202 548 676 / 07816 299 909

Antonia MorganAssociate — Feria Urbanismantonia@feria-urbanism.eu01202 548 676 / 07923 374 280

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