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Good Design

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) attaches a great importance to the design of the built environment. Planning positively for the achievement of high quality and inclusive design for all development includes individual buildings, and public and private spaces.

 
It is therefore important that when submitting planning applications to Castle Point, applicants seek, in accordance with the NPPF, to ensure that proposed developments:
  • will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development
  • establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit
  • optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and transport networks
  • respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, integrating into the natural, built and historic environment
  • create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion
  • are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping
The NPPF is clear that permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.
 
The NPPF is also clear that applicants will be expected to work closely with those directly affected by their proposals to evolve designs that take account of the views of the community.
 
The Planning Service will consider a range of design guidance documents when evaluating planning applications. These include:
  • The Residential Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document, which replaces Appendix 12 of the Castle Point Borough Council Adopted Local Plan 1998, will also form part of the New Castle Point Local Plan as it passes through its consultation processes. It should be used when considering all forms of residential development.
  • When considering applications for new development on sites within or adjacent to a town centre, and when producing design rationales, particularly for larger schemes, the adopted Essex County Council Urban Place Supplement should also be used.
  • The PDF Document Essex Design Guide provides guidance to achieving the aims of requiring all new development to be well designed and compatible with its surroundings.
  • PDF Document By Design: Urban Design in the Planning System: Towards Better Practice is a guide to promoting higher standards in urban design. It sets out 7 objectives of urban design, which should be used to inform and evolve the detailed elements of the design of development.
  • PDF Document Building for Life 12 is the industry standard, endorsed by Government, for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods.
  • PDF Document Manual for Streets advises on the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new residential streets, and existing residential streets subject to re-design.
  • Secured by Design is a Police initiative to encourage the building industry to adopt crime prevention measures in the design of developments to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, creating a safer and more secure environment.
  • Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM provide guidance on the construction of sustainable development.