Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 2011
The Design of Development
1.24 Also of key importance to quality of life is the design of the development and its relationship to the environment around it. Design concerns aesthetics, utility and the relationship between human activity and the land and buildings on which it takes place. Good design helps people to use the building or space for the purpose for which it was intended. At best it can give pleasure and even has the power to inspire. It can also create a feeling of security.
1.25 The Government's Planning Policy Guidance (PPG1) emphasises that:
"Good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process and should be encouraged everywhere. Good design can help promote sustainable development; improve the quality of the existing environment; and reinforce civic pride and a sense of place."
"The appearance of proposed development and its relationship to its surroundings are, therefore, material considerations in determining planning applications."
The first design policy sets out the key principles of design and also refers to other aspects that need to be considered as part of the design process. These include measures to "design out" crime, (such as streets and spaces that are overlooked and clear definitions of ownership) and measures to conserve energy and water (such as harvesting and the use of rainwater, the re-use of "grey water" and water saving devices and practices).
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