Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 2011
Policy S15: The design of development
The external design and appearance of all new development or extensions and alterations to existing buildings must be in visual harmony with the character of the area in which the development is situated. Buildings should be designed, massed and grouped together so that in conjunction with varied space between buildings and imaginative landscape treatment they create notable architectural compositions that add distinction to their surroundings and seek to maintain local distinctiveness.
Where appropriate, provision should be made to incorporate existing trees and other site features
contributing to the character of the site, and to provide landscaping and new planting proportionate to the scale of the built development.
In addition, measures to "design out" crime must be incorporated in the design at an early stage.
The use of renewable energy sources and techniques will be encouraged in the design of new development though this should not be at the expense of good design. Consideration will be given to the implementation of energy efficient heating and lighting systems in new development and refurbishment. Consideration will be given to measures that will conserve water.
1.26 Policy S15 will not stifle good modern design. To be in visual harmony with its environment the design of a development does not necessarily have to slavishly follow the architectural style and materials of its surrounding structures. Selective and careful use of modern materials, together with innovative design approaches to both landscape and building, can produce new developments that are in visual harmony with the character of an area.
1.27 The Planning Policy Guidance also emphasises that: "Applicants for planning permission should, as a minimum, provide a short written statement setting out the design principles adopted as well as illustrative material in plan and elevation. This material should
show the wider context and not just the development site and its immediate surroundings. Inclusion of
perspective views can also be of value. Such material will be particularly important in relation to complex or large scale development proposals, and those involving sensitive sites. For straightforward or small scale proposals, this level of detail is unlikely to be necessary. Instead, illustrative material might simply comprise photographs of the development sites and its surroundings, drawings of the proposed design itself and, where appropriate, plans of the proposed layout in relation to neighbouring development sites."
1.28 In line with this guidance the Council is committed to securing the best possible standards in the design of significant new development. For schemes that are deemed to be "significant development proposals", planning permission applicants will be required to submit (in addition to the standard full set of scaled drawings and plans) a short written design statement, not exceeding 2 sides of A4, setting out those matters specified in Policy S16 below. Applicants should seek advice from the Council at the earliest possible stage to ascertain whether an application will be classed as "significant" prior to making a formal application. In all other situations, though a design statement will not be required, the same criteria will be applied in determining the application. The definition of "significant" in this context is not set out and whether a particular proposal falls within the scope of policy 16 will be determined by the Council on its merits. Applicants should seek advice at as early a stage as possible.
1.29 In addition to the above commitment, the Council will also strongly encourage all organisations involved in public sector developments to ensure that their proposals are in accordance with Policy S15 and that the design criteria in Policy S16 are applied where appropriate. Not all public sector developments require formal planning permission and the Council's powers are therefore limited. However, where there is no requirement for planning permission, the Council will encourage the agencies authorising the development to respect the character and appearance of the site surroundings when the proposals are being designed.
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