1.0 Introduction
“The processes of mass housing have led to increasingly bland and
standardised solutions, frequently devoid of character and the ability to delight. Whilst technically there is little doubt that the houses we build have improved, this has often been at the expense of the aesthetic.”
The Marchioness of Douro
Chairman of Guinness Trust
Planning and Architecture Guide – Guinness Trust Group
1.1 Purpose of the Design Guide
1.2 Status of the Design Guide
1.3 Other Relevant Documents
1.4 The Planning Application
1.5 Objectives of the Design Guide
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1.1 Purpose of the Design Guide
The purpose of the guide is to ensure delivery of sensitive and
appropriately designed sustainable developments. This document sets
out guidelines that should be adopted by all those involved in housing
development in the Peterborough area, including landowners, housing
associations, developers, housing co-operatives, designers and
builders. Fundamental to the guide is the emphasis on an
integrated design process where all elements in the siting, design
of buildings, infrastructure and landscape are considered as one
rather than in isolation.
The guide sets out a series of development principles based on
recognised good planning practice and design standards appropriate to
the Peterborough District. It is intended to:
stars) relative to the various stages in the development process.
the edge of, or within, existing settlements to small urban infill sites.
Although the detailed character of these sites will vary, the overall
approach set out is flexible and can be adjusted as appropriate to suit
any site size and location. Designers will be expected to interpret the
guide in a site-specific way as scheme designs are developed and be
able to justify their resulting proposals. It should be noted that whilst
the development guide is the product of careful consideration, it should
not be regarded as rigid and prescriptive, but rather sets out a
framework to guide developers as logically as possible.
Where it can be demonstrated that elements of the guide cannot be
achieved or would be inappropriate to particular circumstances, then
flexibility will normally be applied provided that a satisfactory design
solution can be found. The key is to ensure that each stage of the
design process is carefully thought through and justified on the basis of
the impact on the site and area context.
By observing the principles embodied in the design guide, developers
can be confident about the acceptability of their proposals and the
speed with which Peterborough City Council will be able to determine
their planning applications.
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1.2 Status of the Design Guide
Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 (General Policy and Principles) sets
out the government’s approach to the plan led system given statutory
force by Section 54A of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. The
guidance specifies that where an adopted or approved plan contains
relevant policies an application for planning shall be determined in
accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate
otherwise.
Within the context of Peterborough the statutory planning framework
comprises:
by the City Council in July 2000. It summarises what is known about
traffic and movement in the area, and details the steps required to
increase transport choice and reduce dependence on the car. The
Plan incorporates a programme of local transport works to 2005/2006.
Developments are required to take on board Local Transport Plan
proposals. The Local Transport Plan is implemented through the
development plan process and planning applications should take
account of its intentions.
The Design Guide is designated as Supplementary Planning
Guidance (SPG). It represents an important material consideration
in the determination of planning applications. The guide should
be read in conjunction with the development planning framework
as set out in the Cambridgeshire Structure Plan and the
Peterborough Local Plan. It does not replace the policies and
standards contained in these documents but supplements these
with good practice standards that Peterborough City Council
would wish to see employed in scheme designs.
The Design Guide also needs to be considered in relation to
emerging national planning policy and design advice and
standards such as the “Building Regulations”; “Secured by
Design”; “Better Places to Live By Design; a Companion Guide to
Planning Policy Guidance Note 3”; “Places Streets and
Movement; a Companion Guide to Design Bulletin 32” etc. The
guide does not intend to reiterate the standards set out in these
documents and developers should refer to the appropriate
regulations and good practice guides (for further information see
Appendix D).
For a description of the consultation process undertaken and the
Guide's adoption see Appendix B.
1.5 Objectives of the Design Guide
The three fundamental objectives of the design guide are to:
“The processes of mass housing have led to increasingly bland and
standardised solutions, frequently devoid of character and the ability to delight. Whilst technically there is little doubt that the houses we build have improved, this has often been at the expense of the aesthetic.”
The Marchioness of Douro
Chairman of Guinness Trust
Planning and Architecture Guide – Guinness Trust Group
1.1 Purpose of the Design Guide
1.2 Status of the Design Guide
1.3 Other Relevant Documents
1.4 The Planning Application
1.5 Objectives of the Design Guide
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 Purpose of the Design Guide
The purpose of the guide is to ensure delivery of sensitive and
appropriately designed sustainable developments. This document sets
out guidelines that should be adopted by all those involved in housing
development in the Peterborough area, including landowners, housing
associations, developers, housing co-operatives, designers and
builders. Fundamental to the guide is the emphasis on an
integrated design process where all elements in the siting, design
of buildings, infrastructure and landscape are considered as one
rather than in isolation.
The guide sets out a series of development principles based on
recognised good planning practice and design standards appropriate to
the Peterborough District. It is intended to:
- encourage a more co-operative approach by all those involved in
the allocation, design and development of residential areas; - provide a good practice benchmark to guide prospective
developers and assist in the evaluation of development proposals
thereby ensuring a faster and more effective planning process; and - achieve housing developments of the highest quality with
regard to integration, layout, access, design, innovation, detailing,
materials and environment.
stars) relative to the various stages in the development process.
- The design guide will assist the developer in evaluating how much
and what type of development can be achieved on the site; - The design guide sets out the broad principles for development and
the supporting material; and justification required to support a
planning application; - Upon submission of the application for outline planning consent the
council will assess the general form and characteristics of the
development against the design guide principles; - The guide will provide a reference for technical advice in the
preparation of detail designs; and - The standards in the guide will be used as a checklist to check
conformity with good practice principles.
the edge of, or within, existing settlements to small urban infill sites.
Although the detailed character of these sites will vary, the overall
approach set out is flexible and can be adjusted as appropriate to suit
any site size and location. Designers will be expected to interpret the
guide in a site-specific way as scheme designs are developed and be
able to justify their resulting proposals. It should be noted that whilst
the development guide is the product of careful consideration, it should
not be regarded as rigid and prescriptive, but rather sets out a
framework to guide developers as logically as possible.
Where it can be demonstrated that elements of the guide cannot be
achieved or would be inappropriate to particular circumstances, then
flexibility will normally be applied provided that a satisfactory design
solution can be found. The key is to ensure that each stage of the
design process is carefully thought through and justified on the basis of
the impact on the site and area context.
By observing the principles embodied in the design guide, developers
can be confident about the acceptability of their proposals and the
speed with which Peterborough City Council will be able to determine
their planning applications.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- back to top >>
1.2 Status of the Design Guide
Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 (General Policy and Principles) sets
out the government’s approach to the plan led system given statutory
force by Section 54A of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. The
guidance specifies that where an adopted or approved plan contains
relevant policies an application for planning shall be determined in
accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate
otherwise.
Within the context of Peterborough the statutory planning framework
comprises:
- The Cambridgeshire Structure Plan 1995, which provides the
strategic framework for the county and the administrative area of
Peterborough. - The Peterborough Local Plan
1996, which sets out the policies
and proposals for the development of land within the area of
Peterborough City Council before local government re-organisation.
General aims of the local plan include:
- promoting sustainable development;
- protection and improvement of the natural and built environment;
and
- development which makes a positive contribution to the
environment in terms of good design and ecologically appropriate
landscaping. - The Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Plan 1991
- Huntingdonshire Local Plan 1995, which relates to the area
moved to Peterborough from Huntingdonshire following Unitary
Authority Status.
by the City Council in July 2000. It summarises what is known about
traffic and movement in the area, and details the steps required to
increase transport choice and reduce dependence on the car. The
Plan incorporates a programme of local transport works to 2005/2006.
Developments are required to take on board Local Transport Plan
proposals. The Local Transport Plan is implemented through the
development plan process and planning applications should take
account of its intentions.
The Design Guide is designated as Supplementary Planning
Guidance (SPG). It represents an important material consideration
in the determination of planning applications. The guide should
be read in conjunction with the development planning framework
as set out in the Cambridgeshire Structure Plan and the
Peterborough Local Plan. It does not replace the policies and
standards contained in these documents but supplements these
with good practice standards that Peterborough City Council
would wish to see employed in scheme designs.
The Design Guide also needs to be considered in relation to
emerging national planning policy and design advice and
standards such as the “Building Regulations”; “Secured by
Design”; “Better Places to Live By Design; a Companion Guide to
Planning Policy Guidance Note 3”; “Places Streets and
Movement; a Companion Guide to Design Bulletin 32” etc. The
guide does not intend to reiterate the standards set out in these
documents and developers should refer to the appropriate
regulations and good practice guides (for further information see
Appendix D).
For a description of the consultation process undertaken and the
Guide's adoption see Appendix B.
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1.3 Other Relevant Documents
Consideration should also be given to the following supporting
documents, which have been adopted as supplementary planning
guidance or provide additional advice and background information:
- Peterborough Natural Environment Audit was adopted in
February 1996 as Supplementary Planning Guidance. It is an audit
of the range of species and habitats that make up Peterborough’s
natural environment and is an essential reference document for
planners, developers and conservationists. Progress towards the
targets set is regularly monitored and reviewed; - The Peterborough Energy Audit investigates energy use across
all types of development. It identifies key areas where energy
efficiency action would have the maximum positive impact without
detrimental side effects. It sets out a series of indicators and
measurable targets, in addition to projects and strategies aimed at
reducing Peterborough’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide
emissions in line with national and international targets; - The Peterborough Geology Audit provides a geological database
for the district. It is aimed at reducing the loss of potentially
important geological sites that are constantly lost through waste
disposal and landfill, reclamation schemes, quarrying and new
development. It identifies Regionally Important Geological/
Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) and establishes a basis for the coordination
and management of geological conservation in the
Peterborough area. Proposed action plans to protect and enhance
key geological sites are identified. The audit will form the basis of
Supplementary Planning Guidance; - The Peterborough Waste Audit provides a comprehensive
analysis of the city’s household and commercial waste streams,
from the level of waste generated to methods of disposal. The data
provides the basis for information and advice on waste regulations,
assists in targeting behaviour changes both at home and at work
and will be used to set measurable targets for improved
performance by public and private sectors and householders; - The Peterborough Trees and Woodland Strategy adopted in
June 1998, provides guidance on the overall management of all the
trees and woodland in Peterborough, both those on public and
private land, within Peterborough’s responsibility, and for giving
guidance to the management practices which lie outside the
responsibility of Peterborough City Council, both now and in the
future; - Trees on Development Sites sets out the principles that
Peterborough City Council will take into account in evaluating
planning proposals to ensure that trees incorporated in designs can
survive in the long term and that possible conflicts between end
users of the site are minimised. On sites where there are trees,
how the planning process will consider potential long-term effects
and the end use of the site/development; - Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines (1991) published by
Cambridgeshire County Council sets out the long-term vision for the
Cambridgeshire countryside, encouraging the integral role of the
landscape as part of the development process and management of
rural land. Its primary objectives are to improve the visual character
of the countryside and to conserve and enrich natural habitats; - The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Biodiversity Action Plan
(2000) sets out clear objectives and targets (detailed 3 year, and
more general 5 and 10 year targets) for key habitats and species;
and - Village Design Statements are documents aimed at managing
changes in a village. They are used to identify the key
characteristics of the village and the surrounding locality and set out
appropriate design principles to ensure that new development is
sympathetic to the area. The statements are generally developed
in partnership between the local people and the Local Planning
Authority. Helpston and Barnack Village Design Statements are
adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
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1.4 The Planning Application
The design of a new development is a material consideration in the
determination of a planning application. In determining planning
applications, Peterborough City Council will take into account:
- the appropriateness of the development relative to the site and
surrounding area (Chapter 2 and 4); - the ability of the development to seamlessly integrate into its
surroundings whether that is of a built or more open nature
(Chapter 2, 4 and 6); - whether or not the proposals will produce a development of good
quality in terms of streetscape and townscape (Chapter 4 and 6); - the satisfactory layout of buildings and spaces to achieve proper
aspect, daylight, sunlight and privacy (Chapter 4); - the satisfactory layout of buildings and spaces to ensure a secure
environment both day and night (Chapter 4 and 6); - provision of appropriate and attractive amenity spaces well related
to dwellings (Chapters 4 and 7); - the provision of safe and attractive play spaces for children
(Chapters 4 and 7); and - safe access for all age groups by all relevant modes of movement
(Chapter 5).
1.5 Objectives of the Design Guide
The three fundamental objectives of the design guide are to:
- foster sustainable patterns of growth within the Peterborough area;
- encourage the efficient use of land; and
- promote long-term quality in new housing design.
- Townscape and landscape to create residential areas of
distinctive shape and character that enrich people's lives and give
rise to a sense of place within an enhanced environment; - Movement to encourage choice and diversity in modes of transport
e.g. walking, cycling and public transport to reduce car dependency.
All routes should be safe, convenient and attractive contributions to
the residential environment to meet the mobility needs of all; - Play areas should be carefully integrated into residential areas;
- Services should ensure they are fully integrated into the design and
layout of residential development, whilst allowing maintenance and
future adaptations to be undertaken efficiently and without undue
inconvenience to all users; - Privacy, security and amenity to create a secure environment
throughout the whole of the residential area, whilst combining visual
and acoustic privacy with the best available views, daylight and
general comfort conditions; - Innovation by seeking environmentally sustainable solutions
through innovative design. In addition to sustainability issues, a
fundamental element of this approach will be to demonstrate more
economical ways of building to provide houses of higher quality; - Sustainable water management techniques should be
incorporated into designs and infrastructure proposals.
Developments should include proposals for minimising water
consumption through waste reduction and recycling; - Energy conservation measures should be included in all new
developments. Designs should be flexible to enable the
introduction of additional energy efficiency features at later stages; - Landscape to conserve, create and integrate open space,
townscape and landscape. Protect and enhance wildlife habitats
and species, and ensure their integration with new residential
development; and - Management to ensure long term maintenance of the public
domain by formal adoption or other appropriate management
arrangements.