Birmingham Design Guide Principles Document

Draft • November 2020 1

 Healthy living and working places p34 Introduction p3 Fulfilling design quality p65 Neighbourhoods p36 3 Detailing drawings p68 1 Design themes p7 • Mixed uses to create sustainable, Robust materials and detailing p68 Align or explain p7 vibrant neighbourhoods

• Building at densities appropriate to Sample panels p68 good, accessible place making • Layout and orientation Retaining design quality - Design themes p9 amendments and value engineering p68 • Residential privacy and overlooking Contents 2 Construction quality p69 Buildings and their uses p42 The Birmingham ID p10 • Architectural quality Character assessment p13 • Residential buildings C Submitting a development Birmingham’s historic environment p15 • Residential extensions 4proposal p71 • Conserving and managing the • Rooftop extensions Policy alignment City’s historic assets • Non-residential developments p72 • Understanding significance • Tall buildings Additional guidance and design tools p72 and setting • Developing with Birmingham’s Information to support applications water assets p73 • Development works and alterations Streets and spaces p16 Design and access statements p73 involving historic assets Birmingham’s great streets p18 • Lighting of buildings Consents and pre-application engagement p74 • Creating safe buildings Moving around the city p20 • Formal pre-application advice • Design of waste storage • Design review • Telecommunications infrastructure Landscape and green Works to and consents for p22 infrastructure historic assets p74 Efficient and future ready p60 Landscaping of new development p24 • Listed buildings and structures Energy efficiency p63 • Conservation areas Birmingham’s trees p26 • Scheduled ancient monuments Conserving water resources and Public open space p30 maximising water efficiency p63 • Registered parks and gardens • Local and undesignated heritage assets Biodiversity and geodiversity p32 Decentralised energy generation p63 Building regulations p77 Flexible and adaptable building p63 designs Professional expertise p77

Building re-use and sustainable Construction logistics p77 materials p63 Existing guidance to be Climate change adaption p63 superseded p78 BREEAM requirement p63 Images by Tim Cornbill Photography Contact p80 birmingham design guide / contents contents / birmingham design guide 2 3

1 Introduction

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Introduction

Birmingham is at an important juncture in its carbon, low pollution environments. This The guidance within this document applies evolution. As the need to address climate Guide will be fundamental in delivering this, to all development that takes place across change becomes increasingly critical, setting out the design aspirations of the Birmingham; ensuring they deliver resilient, the City has committed to becoming net city, with guidance to ensure developments low and zero carbon buildings and places zero carbon by 2030, placing itself at the create high quality, innovative and resilient that enhance their physical surroundings; forefront of climate action; ensuring its places. and provide inviting, healthy, creative and communities and businesses are resilient productive environments. and continue to thrive and evolve within a Through its implementation, the Guide will low carbon economy, where prosperity is ensure development successfully responds The Guide is being prepared as a shared by all. to the varied needs of the city: homes to be Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) adaptable and efficient; neighbourhoods to to support the delivery of the Birmingham As the city transitions to this zero carbon, be welcoming, safe and attractive; places Development Plan (2017) and the saved clean air environment (via its Route to of work to compete with the best in the policies of the Unitary Development Plan Zero and Clean Air Strategy), the role of world; the built environment to reflect local (2005) (to be replaced by the emerging future investment and growth will become distinctiveness and embrace creativity; Development Management Plan in increasingly important. leisure and recreation facilities to be diverse Birmingham document). Once adopted, the and modern; pervasive green infrastructure SPD will be used as a material consideration In helping deliver the city’s growth agenda, effectively integrated; and citizens to be in the assessment of planning applications. it must build resilience and create future part of healthy, happy and affordable It will supresede the existing design focused development that will deliver zero communities. guidance at page 78.

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Design themes Development proposals must clearly Align or explain Good design comprises a number of demonstrate how they have incorporated, The primary role of this Guide is to interconnecting elements, which when addressed and aligned with the five Design highlight the importance Birmingham successfully applied result in the creation Themes and their relevant design principles places on delivering high quality design. of places and spaces that enhance the (assisted by City Notes from the relevant It presents Design Principles to assist and environment and enrich the physical, social, City Manuals). inspire developers and their design teams cultural, health and wellbeing of the people to achieve the high quality, innovative who use and interact with them. To help demonstrate and explain this, outcomes required. it is recommended design and access The Design Guide has drawn these key statements are framed around the Design Whilst some Design Principles are use or elements under five Design Themes, each Guide’s five Design Themes. building specific, those relevant should with a number of Design Principles and be appropriately applied to a scheme. accompanying City Notes (within City Fulfilling design quality Proposals that fail to apply the relevant Manuals) that interlink, collectively ensuring Having successfully aligned with the principles will not generally be supported. high quality, sustainable design is delivered Design Themes to help achieve planning across Birmingham. permission, proposals must retain the If an applicant wishes to challenge a Design quality of their design through to delivery. Principle, they should explain their rationale Design themes The Fulfilling Design Quality section outlines for this, with clear evidence to demonstrate • The Birmingham ID. how the City Council will seek to ensure how their proposal delivers good design, despite not aligning with the City Council’s •  approved designs are realised. Streets and spaces. guidance. • Landscape and green infrastructure. • Healthy living and working places. • Efficient and future-ready.

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Design 2 themes The Birmingham ID

Streets and spaces

Landscape and green infrastructure

Healthy living and working places

Efficient and future-ready

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Design themes The Birmingham ID

Birmingham’s unique identity is one of their own legacy, from the Georgian its key assets that must be celebrated, Colmore Estate, Regency housing of strengthened and positively utilised to help Edgbaston and modernism of the city realise the city’s growth agenda. centre; to the medieval deer park of Sutton Park, Victorian Botanical Gardens and The city’s diverse landscapes and Birmingham’s comprehensive canal network. townscapes comprise a range of This evolution continues today with the characteristics and environments, which growth of modern housing developments overtime have created the Birmingham across the city; the continued evolution of ID. This ID has evolved as the city has the city centre skyline; and the sensitive embraced waves of city plans and inherited conservation and re-use of the city’s historic centuries of development, each leaving assets.

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Whilst the buildings, streets, art, canals environments have a prominent role in its include an array of examples, demonstrating Character assessment proposal. Where the surrounding character Neighbourhoods: and green spaces play a fundamental role future; and introduce new developments how artists have effectively delivered this, In order for a new development to is poor, or there is a design rationale to • Densities. in establishing the physical character of an into the city’s landscape that leave their own leading to an enhancement in the cultural successfully contribute to Birmingham’s ID, ignore established character, proposals must • Streets, roads and routes. area; the communities and users of these legacy on Birmingham’s ID. quality and place specific characteristics of design teams must have an appreciation lead to an enhancement of the area. spaces are equally important. Birmingham the development. and understanding of the surrounding • Plot widths/block widths/urban grain. benefits from a culturally diverse population; To help continue the evolution of character and land-uses. A character assessment will be an important • Land uses. and is home to one of the youngest Birmingham’s ID, the City Council There are a range of site specific and tool in understanding the context of an • Topography/views/focal points/skyline. populations in Europe. These social encourages developers (where appropriate) responsive ways in which artists with The character of an area comprises a area, the scope of which should be relative • Public realm/art. characteristics enrich the city and play an to include artists,facilitators, makers and different practices work, from engagement number of elements and layers, often to the scale of the development and the •  instrumental role in its continued vibrancy. curators within their design teams. Engaging with existing communities; designing unique to a given location or site. From nature of its surroundings. For example, Landscape character. It is the relationship between the cultural these multifaceted professionals from the physical elements of the building or public the function, style and detail of a specific developments involving tall buildings, those • Cultural and social mapping. diversity and the built environment that has outset of a project can help inject creative realm; devising creative re-use of spaces building or group of buildings, up to within the urban fringe or a conservation Buildings: created Birmingham’s ID, from its vibrant city thinking into all elements of a development, or buildings; using sites or buildings for neighbourhood level where street patterns, area may require an assessment that centre quarters and productive employment when encouraged to work collaboratively temporary uses; or developing on-going densities and environmental character are extends beyond their immediate hinterland. • Role of buildings. areas; to its residential suburbs and diverse with architects, landscape architects, programmes of culture and arts post- formed. • Architectural styles and detailing. green assets. engineers and interior designers. development. The below (coupled with further guidance When creating new proposals, architects • Materials. in City Note ID-1 of the Birmingham ID should have an understanding of, and • Scale, height and massing. As these environs continue to develop Commissioned as part of a design team, The value creative professionals can bring Manual) are some of the elements design embrace, all these elements, ensuring and evolve, it is important development to either facilitate or create art in the built to a scheme, should not be underestimated teams should assess within a character • Roof-scape. schemes successfully acknowledge and positively responds and adds to the unique environment, artists and facilitators can work in helping to create bespoke, quality assessment, to help inform and inspire their • Façade emphasis. interpret relevant characteristics into their design process. components of Birmingham, further effectively within given constraints (financial, developments that people enjoy. • Outdoor space. diversifying the cultural, historic and green development) to create and promote • Boundary treatments. capital landscape to ensure the city’s finite innovative outcomes. Historic case studies

DESIGN PRINCIPLE 1 DESIGN PRINCIPLE 2

Enhance and contribute to Birmingham’s ID Character assessment

BDP Policies: PG3, PG2, TP12, TP27. BDP Policies: PG3, TP12.

Development must positively add to Birmingham’s diverse identity, through the creation The design of proposals must be informed by a clear understanding of the surrounding of designs that respond to the physical, cultural and social characteristics of the area’s character. A direct synergy between the proposed and the existing should be surrounding area. This must lead to proposals that engage, enhance and celebrate the evident and explained; unless there is a clear justification for an alternative approach; or surrounding environment and community, whilst meeting the needs of all its occupants an opportunity for character enhancement. and users.

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Birmingham’s historic environment losing what is significant or important about historic assets, it is important applicants and The city’s historic environment is one of it. This approach will ensure the city’s historic design teams understand the significance the key components of Birmingham’s environment is absorbed into its future, and and setting of the heritage asset their ID, providing it with bespoke buildings, not seen as a separate entity. proposal involves, or may impact upon, at structures and environments unique to the the outset of the design process. city. These spaces and assets represent The City Council believes this proactive city’s history and can play an important approach will enable it to work productively role in its future. Productively used and with landowners, developers and designers Heritage statement: incorporated, the inclusion of historic to ensure these finite assets continue to This ‘understanding’ of significance and assets in development can help sustain the serve the city. setting should be clearly presented within a asset, whilst providing maturity, character heritage statement, together with detailed reference and/or focal points for the wider information on the development and/ development. Understanding significance and setting or works proposed, materials and fabric In order to support this proactive approach affected and the construction methods to Birmingham’s historic assets fall under the to managing and conserving the city’s be employed. five recognised national designations: • Listed buildings and structures. • Scheduled ancient monuments. • Registered parks and gardens. DESIGN PRINCIPLE 3 • Conservation areas. Significance and setting of a heritage asset • Non-designated heritage assets. BDP Policies: TP12. Future information on these national designations can be sourced at: Proposals involving, or with the potential to impact on, a heritage asset must submit www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20030/ a Heritage Statement to support the development proposal they wish to pursue. This conservation should include: Significance Conserving and managing the A clear and evidenced judgement on significance. This must understand, define and Birmingham’s historic assets conclude the significance of the asset to establish parameters for conservation and potential change. In order for Birmingham’s historic assets to continue playing a pivotal role in its Setting future, they must be effectively managed An assessment and understanding of the asset’s setting and how a development proposal and conserved, to remain relevant to the will effect or alter this; demonstrated by applying the approach advocated by ‘The communities who own, inhabit and use Setting of Heritage Assets: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning - Note them. 3’ (or any subsequent replacement guidance).

The City Council does not view the act In justifying a development, proposals must demonstrate their design has understood the of conservation as preserving heritage significance of the heritage asset and responded appropriately to its setting, successfully unchanged. It should be the act of mitigating any harm. managing change and understanding how City Notes ID-2 and ID-3, in the Birmingham ID Manual provides further guidance on a building, place or object can continue to understanding and assessing significance and setting. sustain a use or inherit a new use without

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Design themes Streets and spaces

The city’s movement is enabled by a Allied with the visual and functional quality network of streets, paths, dedicated routes of these environments, reducing levels of air and public spaces which broadly comprise pollution and road noise will play a key role the city’s ‘public realm’. These routes and in the quality and functionality of spaces. spaces provide a transport function whilst The Clean Air Zone will aid this in the city also playing a fundamental role in the centre, but these issues must be addressed quality of Birmingham’s built environment across the city. and how people use and engage with it, providing spaces for social interaction, arts New development will play a fundamental and culture, leisure, exercise or to simply role in helping the public realm and dwell. transport network evolve and improve, enhancing how people experience To successfully fulfil these dual roles, the Birmingham’s ‘great streets’ and ‘move city’s public realm must balance demands around the city’. from different users and uses, to create an accessible, safe and attractive network of routes and public spaces.

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Birmingham’s great streets is to be located within, or visible from, the DESIGN PRINCIPLE 4 Development must contribute to the public realm it should be designed and sited continued enhancement of the city’s to not impact negatively on the amenity or Creating great streets network of public spaces and streets. This safety of the surrounding space. should be achieved through the physical BDP Policies: PG3, TP12, TP27, TP37. enhancement of the public realm and the In designing new buildings, architects DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM7. creation of buildings that engage with it. should ensure their proposals successfully engage and interact with their surroundings; All development must positively acknowledge, enhance and interact with their In enhancing the quality and functionality with primary entrances and internal space, surrounding street environments; adding to their vibrancy, safety and use. of the city’s public realm, the City Council sited at street frontage; and users and uses will seek to ensure a focus on the creating encouraged to spill into spaces (where In designing their proposals, architects and landscape architects shall: of environments for people to enjoy. This appropriate). This should lead to buildings • Create safe and inviting, inclusive spaces for people. will require development proposals and that overlook, activate and physically and • Design streets to prioritise active travel. projects to consider how people will interact visually connect with their surrounding with, experience and use the space. This public realm. • Ensure streets and public spaces are defined and enclosed by active building frontages. should lead to the application of innovative • Site principal entrances from primary streets and spaces. landscape architecture (allied with artistic Places and streets should be shaped by the • Effectively integrate servicing requirements. intervention) that utilises a combination of needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public elements such as high quality materials and transport users and road traffic and parking • Ensure advertisements do not impact (cumulatively or individually) on character, furniture, art, lighting, green infrastructure should be carefully integrated to produce movement, amenity and/or safety as a result of their location, size and/or illumination/ and landscape features to help create a liveable environment which minimises method of projection. accessible spaces that invite and encourage the negative impacts of vehicles such as • Engage local artists in the design process to aid the creation of innovative, engaging, safe use by different users. Where excessive volumes, fumes and noise. playful environments. advertisements and service infrastructure • Where appropriate, provide spaces for community, cultural activities and facilities for exercise, sport and play and resident engagement. • Avoid street clutter. • Incorporate appropriate anti-terror measures.

Further guidance on how to ensure designs positively contribute to great streets is presented in City Notes SS-1 to SS-9 of the Streets and Spaces Manual.

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Moving around the City for walking, cycling and public transport. Commercial developments should As Birmingham continues to evolve, it must To help achieve this, highway space should undertake an initial Delivery and Servicing have a transport network that can serve be used objectively to provide appropriate Plan to understand the logistics and and support this change. The Birmingham levels of service to different road users, freight requirements of their proposal; and Transport Plan (draft, January 2020) sets out whilst prioritising sustainable travel. incorporate measures into the building’s how transport in Birmingham must change design to help enhance the efficiency of to achieve a sustainable, green, inclusive, Developments that have the potential to these. go-anywhere network. There must be a generate significant volumes of road traffic, greater focus on clean (air quality), efficient, or may expose users to areas of known or Levels of parking provision for disabled healthy forms of movement that utilise the likely high air pollution, must demonstrate drivers, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, ultra city’s network of streets, routes and spaces, consideration of the impacts and provide low emission vehicles and car clubs should including its blue and green corridors. suitable mitigation. adhere to current council parking standards. Decarbonising our transport network is key Design and layout of all types of parking, as priority to support the City Council’s route to The transport needs of disabled people well as supporting facilities such as charging zero targets. The Clean Air Zone will be an must be considered within all development infrastructure or storage lockers should be important element of this, seeking to reduce proposals and design must make carefully considered and integrated into a the high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide currently appropriate provision for these needs. development. present across the city centre. DESIGN PRINCIPLE 5 This evolution will need to focus on efficient, low carbon use of the city’s road network, Transport needs of development together with the enhancement and creation of alternative networks and infrastructure to BDP Policies: PG3, TP38, TP39, TP40, TP41, TP44, TP45. support safe non-road based movement. DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM14.

New development across the city will Transport needs must be an integral part of every development. Designs should ensure play an important role in delivering and all users can access and utilise a range of transport modes to link with their surroundings enhancing these spaces and routes; and beyond in a safe and sustainable way. with design that enables safe, efficient Designs must seek to: movement; and effectively knits with existing routes and spaces. • Create safe, attractive, efficient walking and cycling environments. • Deliver a clear hierarchy of connected streets. The proposal’s character assessment will help establish existing and desired links, • Make legible, accessible places that are easy to navigate. roads and routes that schemes should • Design efficient, safe servicing and loading facilities. acknowledge and link to (canals towpaths, • Support access to public transport. footpaths, roads). Within a development itself (relative to size) designs must utilise • Accommodate the transport needs of people with disabilities. focal points and a clear hierarchy of streets • Provide appropriate levels of cycle and motorcycle parking and facilities that are to aid legibility; ensure car parking does not convenient, safe and secure. dominate public spaces; and incorporate • Minimise and manage car parking provision, and effectively integrate car parking in a appropriate infrastructure and layouts that scheme, ensuring it does not dominate. encourage safe cycling and walking. • Provide well located and designed, electric vehicle chargepoints. Developments should be sited and designed to minimise the need to travel Further guidance on providing and integrating the transport needs of a development are by private car, and maximise opportunities contained in City Notes SS-10 to SS-18 within the Street and Spaces Manual.

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Design themes Landscape and green infrastructure

Birmingham’s varied green infrastructure grow with it; supporting and adapting to contributes significantly to its character and the future needs of Birmingham; serving its environmental quality. The infrastructure residents; and providing habitats to support comprises a diverse range of green and blue a range of wildlife. assets that often serve a multitude of roles as key adaption facilities to climate change, To aid this enhancement and growth, recreation and amenity space, transport development proposals must effectively networks and biodiversity network and key incorporate meaningful green infrastructure hubs. In turn, they provide a number of and landscape proposals within their health, social and cultural benefits to the context. This should include the retention city’s citizens and visitors of all ages. of existing assets and the creation of new environments that result in green Such assets are an intrinsic component of infrastructure and biodiversity gains, whilst a sustainable city, and must develop and enhancing the quality of place.

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Landscaping of new development landscape needs of a site, giving sufficient DESIGN PRINCIPLE 6 Landscapes can comprise a number of space and focus to both elements. diverse elements and components (hard Landscaping new developments and soft) that collectively provide an area Where appropriate, proposals must seek with its distinct and often unique, landscape to create landscape gains. In seeking BDP Policies: PG3, TP6, TP7, TP27, TP37, TP39. character. Birmingham contains a diverse these gains, development must have DM DPD Policies: DM4. range of landscape character areas, from an understanding of the surrounding its hard landscapes in the city centre, to its environment and design landscape Development shall provide high quality landscapes that enhance and acknowledge mature soft landscapes within its suburbs, proposals that effectively respond to them. existing character; devoting sufficient space and specifying appropriate hard and soft parks and countryside. This response will be bespoke to a given components, to help ensure designs have sufficient resilience to endure. site, but should reinforce, align and/or These different character areas are a repair an established landscape character Innovative, artistic, contemporary landscape design is encouraged in new landscape product of the relationship between (man-made or natural); or develop a new character areas, and may be acceptable where the quality of existing landscape character different components, from the urban grain, character that can positively enhance is poor. land-uses and materials palette of the built and connect to its surroundings and In designing proposals, landscape architects should: form, to the topography and land use of green corridors. Innovation, allied with an open space and its diversity of flora and acknowledgement of climate, net gain for • Utilise and protect existing landscape assets. fauna. bio-diversity, potential for future conflict and • Respect existing character areas. solutions for long term maintenance, will be • Give space to landscape. It is important proposals utilise landscape supported. architecture to help development integrate • Create spaces to support social and cultural activity and aid health and well-being. into an established landscape character Where a site has limited capacity to • Create spaces that make room for children and young people. area (or create its own); considering the accommodate landscape, proposals must • Seek to increase bio-diversity through response to the needs of wildlife. role of public and private spaces in helping seek to use the building to help provide schemes integrate with and enhance their landscape gains via the integration of green • Create connections to existing green corridors. surroundings. This will require proposals roofs and living walls into their design. • Design out potential for crime. to effectively balance the architectural and • Utilise appropriate landscape components/features. Where landscape is to accommodate the site’s sustainable drainage systems, they should form a key feature of the site’s landscape design, that complement rather than inhibit or replace traditional forms of recreational space in line with the City’s adopted guidance.

Proposals must seek to integrate landscape/green elements into buildings, particularly where limited or no landscape is provided by a scheme. Further guidance on landscaping new developments is contained in City Notes GI-1 to GI-7 within the Street and Spaces Manual.

birmingham design guide / design themes design themes / birmingham design guide 26 27 Birmingham’s trees conservation areas), but those that can add Where proposals are seeking to remove For small scale developments and DESIGN PRINCIPLE 7 The city’s trees are important components of maturity and/or create focal points within existing trees (of any category); justified householder developments, it may be a sustainable city, contributing significantly the development. losses must be appropriately compensated sufficient to apply and address the basic tree Intergrating existing trees into development to it’s green infrastructure; a contribution for by new tree planting, or via a commuted survey principles detailed at CITY NOTE the City Council wants to see increase with Where existing trees are considered sum. To establish the appropriate level or GI-9, with relevant information submitted BDP Policies: PG3, TP1, TP7, TP8, TP12. greater canopy coverage via appropriate particularly important, the City Council value of compensation, the City Council will with the application to demonstrate these DM DPD Policies: DM4. retention and tree planting. may serve a Tree Preservation Order use the Capital Asset Valuation of Amenity principles have been applied. (TPO) to help ensure they are retained by Trees method (CAVAT) to value the existing Site layouts must be informed by a clear understanding of the tree assets within and The benefits trees bring to Birmingham are development. TPOs can also be applied tree/s. Canopy coverage adjacent to a site, with designs positively responding to these assets, through the retrospectively, if trees are removed prior threefold: In order to maximise the benefits trees retention, protection and integration of existing trees and/or hedgerows. to the development proposal being Designing existing trees into development can bring to the city they must be given Aesthetic - trees enhance urban landscapes, submitted to the City Council. It is therefore To help demonstrate and achieve this outcome, proposals should apply BS 5837, and infrastructure projects sufficient space to grow and mature, softening environments, creating focal recommended applicants work proactively undertaking the sequential production of: Generally, a tree may be considered to be enabling them to fulfil their environmental points, bring human scale and introduce with the City’s Arboricultural Officers. within the potential effects of development potential. 1. Tree Survey (TS). colour, movement, life and seasonal change. if the works or access is within 5 metres If proposals are seeking to develop adjacent The canopy is one of the primary measures 2. Tree Constraints Plan (TCP). Ecological - existing trees, woodlands and of the full canopy spread of a typical tree to a woodland, a minimum 15 metre eco- used to assess the maturity of the city’s tree hedgerows create habitats that help support or half the height of a cypress conifer. 3. Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA). tone should be allowed to develop, or be stock and is something the City Council a range of species, bringing wildlife into Design must respond effectively to planted, to provide a gradual transition will seek to enhance, ensuring the benefits 4. Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS). urban spaces and enabling it to move across these parameters, to aid integration and between forest trees, woodland edge trees provided by trees endure with the city and the city. mitigation. 5. Tree Protection Plan (TPP). and woodland edge shrubs. help it adapt to and mitigate against the predicted effects of climate change. A practical city asset - with careful species Loss of trees Tree surveys If a proposal seeks to remove existing trees and/or hedgerows, the rationale of this must be clearly justified, with appropriate compensation agreed with the City Council, based selection, a tree is by far the most cost- To help achieve these outcomes, proposals The category a tree is allocated when It is widely recognised that canopy coverage on the asset value of the existing trees (CAVAT). Where the rationale and justification effective option for providing a wide must apply the guidance and standards surveyed (in accordance with BS 5837) may of between 25% and 35% will be required does not warrant removal, proposals may be refused and a tree preservation order range of essential urban services: slowing within British Standard 5837:2012 ‘Trees often guide the likelihood of its retention to meet these challenges. Birmingham served. winds channelled by buildings, filtering air within the development, with a general in Relation to Design, Demolition and currently stands at around 18% canopy pollution (but this must not detract from assumption that: Construction’. This is a complete procedural coverage (2019) by land area and seeks to Where pruning is proposed to existing trees, details of this should be submitted, with tackling the sources of pollution), hydrating tool for designing with existing trees and increase this to 25% by 2030. works complying with best practice detailed in BS3998:2012. • Category A trees should be retained and cooling air, providing shade to control successfully retaining trees throughout unless there are exceptional circumstances the ‘urban heat island’ effect, intercepting development. It is also a tool for assessing Development should contribute to Proposals must appropriately site the development and utilise building methods, to help for their removal, such as the only possible rainfall and evaporating ground water to which trees are suitable for retention and the growth of this baseline through protect and effectively integrate existing trees into a scheme; retaining existing canopy point of access. reduce the load on surface water drainage. which could, or should, be removed. the retention of existing trees and the coverage and the associated landscape character of the site. •  introduction of new. A design must give due consideration Further guidance on how to protect and integrate trees into development is detailed at Protection and retention of existing trees to the retention of B category trees Use of the full standard must be applied In order to help achieve the 7% increase City Notes GI-8 to GI-16 within the Landscape and GI Manual. Protecting and utilising existing trees and accommodate them wherever it is where there are protected trees within or reasonably possible. near a development and the best practice desired, the City Council will seek to The benefits trees give to the city and its that it represents is expected of any retain and grow levels within existing communities increase as they mature and • C category trees should not be a constraint high contributing uses such as residential; to development. development proposals or infrastructure establish which development proposals projects where existing trees are present. and increase coverage on uses that have must recognise and acknowledge via the • U category trees are recommended for historically provided low coverage levels retention and integration of existing trees removal regardless of development plans. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how (industrial and commercial). and hedgerows located within, or adjacent they have followed BS 5837:2012, with However, assessments should be based to, a site. appropriate plans and assessments, details on site specific circumstances and a of protection to be used during construction consideration of what an existing tree could Trees should be retained that not only and the construction methods to be offer to the development, be it category A, add to the wider character of an area followed during site preparation and build. (including trees statutorily protected by B or C. Tree Preservation Orders or located within

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Tree planting in new development DESIGN PRINCIPLE 8 Through their considered siting, appropriate species mix and maintenance; newly planted Tree planting in new development trees should successfully mature adding to the landscape quality of an area and BDP Policies: PG3, TP1, TP7, TP8. contributing to the growth of Birmingham’s DM DPD Policies: DM4. Forest. Landscape designs shall include the planting of new trees where there is appropriate Key to ensuring newly planted trees are able space; soil availability; and climate to enable them to grow and mature. Where existing to mature is specifying the most appropriate trees have been removed from the site, new provision must appropriately compensate for species for the site. This will require this loss and seek to deliver wider gains where there is scope to do so. Arboricultural professionals and landscape Uses that currently contribute a low level of canopy coverage to the city (as detailed architects to have a clear understanding at City Note GI-15) should seek to introduce new tree planting above the baseline % of the ground conditions; the below and coverage. above ground constraints; topography; and adjacent uses. Consideration must also Designers must have a clear understanding of the existing and proposed constraints of a be given to how the trees proposed will site; and design tree planting layouts and species specifications that respond to these. effectively co-exist with the development’s services and transport infrastructure; and This process should consider: the occupants of the development. To help • Soil characteristics. achieve this, designers should ensure the • Root available soil volume. landscape and tree planting proposals are conceived alongside the infrastructure • Above and below ground constraints. requirements and general layout of the site. • Tree pit dimensions and appropriate surfacing. This will help ensure any potential conflicts with servicing infrastructure; on-site micro- • Ultimate height and spread. climate created by development; excessive • Wildlife value. overshadowing; dropping of honeydew or • Ornamental qualities. fruit; or visibility splays and the kinematic envelope of vehicles, is reduced. • Tolerance to exposure and climatic extremes. • Resistance to pests and diseases. Having understood these site specific constraints and characteristics, an • Nursery availability. appropriate species mix should be specified • Reference to the local tree stock composition. that can successfully grow and mature within • Planting/supports and guards. the site. These should be supported and aided by appropriate tree pit dimensions • Aftercare and maintenance. and surfacing (grilles are not generally Further guidance on these elements is presented in City Notes GI-16 to GI-19 within the supported), protection and on-going Landscape and GI Manual. maintenance.

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Public open space users. Designs and facilities should also be Designs for new Public Open Space must Multifunctional public open spaces play an informed by social and cultural mapping to be supported by robust and effective important role in the creation of sustainable help determine the wider demographic of written specifications and attention to detail developments, providing spaces that can potential users and the facilities they may that will be translated into a high quality encourage healthy, social and cultural wish to have. construction, delivery and maintenance. activity; whilst also delivering biodiversity gains and contributing to the city’s green DESIGN PRINCIPLE 9 infrastructure network. Design of public open space As future development helps the city respond to the economic and social needs BDP Policies: PG3, TP9, TP11, TP27, TP37. of its population, it must also provide the DM DPD Policies: DM2. public open space needed to support and serve this population. As such, the The City Council requires all public open spaces to be multi-functional, safe and City Council will require new residential attractive; encouraging use and activity by surrounding residents. It will welcome development (20+ dwellings in line with innovative designs and features that draw users into the space and expand the BDP Policy TP9) to provide or contribute experiences and stimuli available within them, both mentally and physically. In doing so, towards the provision of public open space the requirements and desires of different age and social groups must inform the design (including bio-diversity enhancements, and facilities provided. health and wellbeing interventions, play, cultural and sports facilities) to meet In order to design these spaces, design teams must successfully utilise existing site the needs of residents and the wider characteristics; align with relevant organisation guidelines; and provide facilities that help environment. meet the open space needs of the local area. New spaces and facilities must be supported by robust, effective and sustainable The facility’s size and nature of the public maintenance arrangements via dowry to the City Council, or a management plan open space will be informed by the type attached to a planning application. of residential development proposed; the requirements for which must be effectively Further guidance on developer contributions, specifications and public open space to be integrated into the scheme’s design. In adopted by the City Council is detailed within the Public Open Space in New Residential designing schemes, consideration should Development Supplementary Planning Document (or as updated). be given to the mix of people likely to be using the space, ensuring facilities www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/836/public_open_space_in_new_residential_ and access to them serve these different development_supplementary_planning_document

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Biodiversity and geodiversity appropriate ecological and geological Surveys should comprise at least a two Biodiversity and geodiversity DESIGN PRINCIPLE 10 Birmingham’s natural environment expertise, to understand the resources stage process, beginning with a Preliminary enhancements currently present on their site. This expertise Ecological Appraisal to assess habitats Beyond any adverse impacts, almost all Assessing and enhancing biodiversity and geodiversity assets Birmingham has a rich and diverse natural and site specific information should then and their potential to support protected environment, which comprises semi- development provides opportunities to be used within the design process to or important species. The conclusions enhance existing biodiversity or geological BDP Policies: TP7, TP8. mature ‘core areas’, such as river corridors, minimise the impact on existing resources; from this appraisal should then inform the DM DPD Policies: DM4. woodlands, remnant agricultural landscapes assets; or create new resources, to go whilst creating new resources that support need for a more detailed species survey to beyond ‘no net loss’ to deliver a ‘net gain’. and heathland; inter-connected with an habitat creation and species. The nature be undertaken, detailing the presence or Development proposals likely to affect a protected or priority species must submit array of other green assets including parks appropriately detailed ecological and/or geological reports presenting the site specific and scale of the resources created will be absence of the suspected species. Enhancements should be appropriate to the and public open spaces, watercourses, rail, assessments undertaken; enhancement measures proposed; and management systems site specific, but should at least align with scale, type and location of the development; road and canal corridors, churchyards and the city’s Enhancement Matrix (weblink). Circumstances where an ecological to be implemented: residential gardens. and deliver sustainable, long-lasting benefits Proposals must also consider any air quality appraisal and protected species survey for biodiversity. The city’s requirements for or environmental changes resulting from (such as surveys for bats) will be required Assessment incorporating biodiversity enhancements Development must undertake appropriate ecological surveys to understand the This ecological network is a key asset for the development that may impact on the are described in the on the City Council’s in new development are set out in the City biodiversity and geodiversity assets present within the proposed development site and its the city’s environment and its communities, existing or proposed resources. website: Enhancement Matrix (weblink). surrounding area. for their intrinsic worth, but also as natural www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20055/ capital (value to people) associated with a In order to demonstrate the proposal has conservation_areas/1462/do_i_need_an_ Proposals likely to affect any designated site, important habitat, species or geological range of economic and social benefits; and In addition to the ecological and geological undertaken the appropriate surveys and ecological_or_geological_assessment/2 report, proposals must explain how the feature must be supported by adequate ecological and geological information to assess the city’s most recognised adaption facility created a design that responds to the the likely impact of the proposal. Any identified impacts must influence the design of a to climate change. resources will be maintained and managed. site specific resources, proposals must Addressing ecological and geological This should be presented within a proposal, applying the sequential Mitigation Hierarchy; to avoid, mitigate or compensate submit appropriately detailed ecological impacts management plan for the site, detailing the the impacts. Achieving enhancements and minimising and/or geological reports. These must be impact Proposals must demonstrate how the techniques, periods and funding sources to submitted with a planning application and design has been informed by the outcomes be applied. Where this provision is secured Enhancement Development has the potential to change should contain: of the ecological and geological surveys. as part of a planning obligation, the period All development must seek to enhance existing biodiversity and geodiversity assets; and Birmingham’s natural environment, The objective should be to design a of aftercare will be defined, and appropriate create resource that can help increase Birmingham’s ecological network. whilst also presenting opportunities for Ecological and geological surveys development that minimises harm and resources secured, as part of this legal enhancement and the creation of new In assessing the development potential of maximises benefits for biodiversity and agreement. Management and monitoring resources and connectivity, leading to net a site, developers must determine whether geodiversity. In order to achieve these Proposals must submit management plans outlining how existing and new assets will be gains. the proposal is likely to affect biodiversity outcomes, development proposals must managed and monitored during construction and through the proposals lifetime. or geodiversity within the site or wider apply the sequential approach details in In designing their proposals, architects Further guidance on assessing and enhancing Biodiversity and Geodiversity is presented hinterland. the mitigation hierarchy (as detailed at City within City Notes GI-20 to GI-23 of the Landscape and Green Infrastructure Manual. and landscape architects must utilise Note GI-21).

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Design themes Healthy living and working places

The buildings and places interacted with Achieving this requires: on a daily basis have an important influence on the health and wellbeing of individual • Understanding of, and response to, users and the wider visual perception of surrounding character (as detailed at Birmingham. As the city continues to grow Design Principle 2). and respond to the changing needs of its citizens, it is vital development positively • A desire to enhance and innovate through contributes to this. Birmingham needs the application of considered architecture, accessible, clean (air), zero carbon living landscape architecture and urban design. and working places that reflect local distinctiveness and embrace creativity. This • The integration of infrastructure, facilities will help build healthy, active, communities and measures to support health and and neighbourhoods; creating places that wellbeing. respond to the needs of people and the natural environment.

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Neighbourhoods The viability of such units and their targeted accessible locations, in accordance with Mixed uses to create sustainable, vibrant use mix will obviously be key to achieving planning policy. neighbourhoods the activation sought. Retail, office and leisure have often been the desired uses Residential-led proposals should respond Allied with well-designed public spaces, for these units, but the city has a number of to the housing needs of a neighbourhood, living and working development across the examples where they lie vacant. Proposals providing a range of modern homes city should contribute to the creation of are therefore encouraged to consider that meet the varied requirements of sustainable, accessible neighbourhoods and broadening the scope of potential occupiers the local population (in line with BDP prosperous communities. Whilst the size of these spaces. Small scale, low noise Policy TP30); in turn helping to create a and nature of development proposed may manufacturing, or studios for creative balanced, sustainable community with a influence the scale of contributions possible, industries could prove a viable alternative mix of housing to meet different social and every proposal must seek to make a positive to the ‘traditional’ uses, introducing activity demographic needs of a community. impact, meeting the everyday needs of and interest to ground floor and street people living, working or visiting. This may environments. The draft Birmingham Transport Plan include retail, education, health, cultural, (January 2020) identifies that transport is a leisure or community facilities; considering Where proposals are unable to directly vital factor in unlocking the potential of both the needs of the wider community. contribute to providing ancillary uses, new and existing neighbourhoods and local residential or business schemes should centres. The plan seeks to ensure active Whilst providing a neighbourhood with ensure local facilities are accessible to travel is prioritised in local neighbourhoods, a focus and sense of place, such facilities residents and employees (refer to BDP improving air quality and public health and can also aid health and wellbeing, policies TP9 and TP45 for distances between reconnecting communities. Streets should placing facilities within walking distance; homes and facilities). Larger developments be walkable, cycle friendly and the default whilst providing opportunities for social that will generate additional demand for speed limit should be 20mph, making interaction, culture, exercise and relaxation. facilities in the local area should incorporate them inclusive for all, including those with These benefits should not just be realised by these within the development or in nearby reduced mobility. residential and town centre developments. Neighbourhoods focused on employment DESIGN PRINCIPLE 11 uses should also be sustainable, containing ancillary uses and facilities (or walkable Creating sustainable neighbourhoods routes to them) for employees. BDP Policies: PG3, TP21, TP24, TP27. Allied with their social benefits, some of DM DPD Policies: DM2. these ancillary uses can also help support day-long activity; and activate the ground Development shall help support and contribute to the creation of sustainable, accessible floor of mixed use developments, helping to neighbourhoods that provide a range of viable services, uses and facilities to support and create safe, vibrant places. activate residential and employment environments.

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Building at densities appropriate to good, Beyond these established mixed-use DESIGN PRINCIPLE 12 accessible place making centres, there may also be scope for density increases where designs can effectively In the context of development, density Increasing densities relates to the amount of development on integrate the increased built form of the an area of land: number of dwellings per building into an established character area. BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP30. hectare; or gross to net areas achieved. DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM10. (In the context of this Design Principle, Where a change in character is promoted it also relates to buildings that are of a or supported by the City Council, Where proposals are seeking to increase the scale and density of buildings above those greater height, mass and/or scale than the proposals must understand the role of the that positively characterise the surrounding area, designs must demonstrate how a surrounding context). development site within the wider area of change in scale will enhance the surrounding area. change, and create designs that respond to this. Where a change in character is supported or promoted by the City Council, designs must Increasing the density of development in deliver coherent outcomes that establish a justified scale and environment that can help the right location can make a significant In creating architectural solutions, designs redefine and enhance the character of a given area; and acknowledge the role of the contribution to place, introducing development site in this wider context. activity and intensifying primary uses, should ensure the quality of internal and which in turn can help aid the vibrancy external environments are not compromised as a result of density increase. Architects The density of a proposal must not impact on the quality of place. Architects must of neighbourhoods. The challenge is to actively respond to any challenges posed by introducing high density schemes, creating deliver this successfully within the context of should use these opportunities to apply their skills and creativity to design buildings innovative designs that enhance their surroundings and deliver quality, functional internal established character areas, where scale and and external environments that support health and wellbeing. mass can be important. In these scenarios, that respond successfully to these innovative architectural solutions will need challenges; delivering new forms for living and working. If designs lead to an increased Further guidance on increasing densities, whilst retaining quality is detailed in City Notes to be developed to increase density, whilst LW-1 and LW-2 of the Living and Working Manual. acknowledging character. focus on shared amenity space and public realm (with less private space), these must The City Council encourages architects and be quality, functional, landscaped spaces developers to rise to this challenge; creating that can respond to the competing health high quality housing and employment space and wellbeing needs of users. that uses land and resources efficiently. In order for the city to meet its housing and The City Council will not support schemes employment needs, innovative solutions that merely seek to intensify development will be needed. Within the city centre high to the detriment of living or working density development is supported; and in environments; or the character of the wider the urban centres introducing higher density area. schemes, in appropriate locations will help sustain these important local centres.

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Layout and orientation surrounding area and supports low car, lead to internal spaces that benefit from Residential privacy and overlooking The acceptability of a lesser distance will be Proposals that offer no architectural solution, The layout and orientation of a walkable neighbourhoods. To aid this, high levels of natural light, provide outlook Amenity, natural light and privacy play an assessed on a case by case scenario, with using details such as opaque glazing or development can play an important role in permeability between new developments for users and successfully connect to its important role in creating quality residential issues such as impact on existing residents, poorly considered angled bay windows are successfully integrating a proposal into its and existing streets and neighbourhoods public and private surroundings. If single environments that help support the location, local character, building height unlikely to be acceptable, unless there is a surroundings; and the quality of the internal must be ensured. aspect dwellings are proposed, levels health and well-being of residents. New to street width ratio, levels, densities and/ justified architectural rationale for them. and external environments created. of light and orientation must be a key development must ensure it creates such or architectural innovation being potential The layout and orientation of a building/s consideration, with any north aspect units considerations. * Details of the requirements are presented in City environments; and does not unacceptably Note LW-3 and LW-4 of the Living and Working It is important proposals successfully can play an important role in creating having large windows and elements to impact on those of existing residents. Manual. engage with streets and public spaces, and biophilic led environments that enhance the maximise natural light. align with an established street pattern occupier and user experience. Appropriately To help create and protect residential DESIGN PRINCIPLE 14 that contribute to the character of the considered, layout and orientation should Siting and layout should also be used to aid amenity and privacy, the City Council will external environments, ensuring amenity use the ‘45 degree rule’ and minimum Protecting residential amenity spaces are sited in areas that are sheltered, privacy distance requirements* as a benefit from a high level of sunlight, and baseline for assessing the proximity of BDP Policies: PG3, TP37. have appropriate enclosure where desired. new development (non-residential uses to DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM11. Gardens and landscapes should be viewed residential and residential to residential) to from key internal environments, giving users existing properties. These principles will All new development must ensure it does not have an unacceptable impact on the DESIGN PRINCIPLE 13 a visual connection to these areas. also be used to help assess any potential amenity or privacy of existing or new residential properties. The City Council will apply amenity impacts of extensions to existing minimum privacy distances and the 45 degree rule as a base set of standards to help Building layout and orientation Within multi-unit residential schemes, buildings (further guidance on this is achieve this. layouts should help encourage a sense of provided in the Living and Working Manual). BDP Policies: PG3, TP37. community amongst residents, promoting Exceptions to these standards will be considered on a case by case basis, assessing DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM10. interaction through design features such Whilst these measures will form a useful the surrounding context, the quality of the proposal and/or the degree of change to as shared access points and courtyards, tool, the City Council may allow flexibility in existing residents; allied with the exceptions detailed in Policy DM10 of the Development Orientation and layout must be informed by the characteristics of the site and its elements of communal amenity space their implementation where it can be clearly Management in Birmingham Development Plan Document. surroundings, leading to internal and external environments that maximise health and shared infrastructure such as laundry demonstrated that residential amenity benefits with high levels of natural light, functional layouts and a synergy between internal Details of minimum privacy distances and 45 degree rule are presented in City Notes facilities, gyms and leisure space, or lounge (natural light and outlook) and privacy is not and external areas. LW-3 and LW-4 of the Living and Working Manual. space. compromised as a result of a lesser distance.

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Buildings and their uses DESIGN PRINCIPLE 15 Architectural quality Architectural cohesion and quality As Birmingham continues to develop and grow, progression of the city’s architecture BDP Policies: PG3, TP37. will be fundamental to creating quality places and spaces that support the health All new developments within Birmingham must deliver innovative, cohesive architecture and wellbeing of its residents and workers. that support the health and wellbeing of all occupants, positively responds to the site and This must lead to developments that enhances its surroundings; aided by: deliver innovative, accessible, low carbon • The application of biophilic design principles. architecture; harnessing new technologies; robust, sustainable materials; and biophilic • A strong, innovative architectural concept. design principles. • A form, scale and mass complementary of its surroundings. •  Across all sectors of development, architects Robust façade and roof detailing. must seek to progress their response to • Quality fenestration and composition. the demands and needs of the specific • Balanced and articulated elevations. uses, creating solutions that in their form, language and associated detailing; deliver a • A considered palette of quality, durable materials. strong architectural concept that responds Submitted drawings and the Design and Access Statement must clearly demonstrate how to the needs of occupants and enhances its the design fulfils the above. surroundings. Development that seeks to apply stock book building types without regard to the local It is recognised that stock book building context and a desire to enhance, will not be supported. types are often used by developers, but the City Council will expect these to Further guidance on delivering architectural cohesion is presented within City Notes be appropriately adapted, detailed, or LW-5 to LW-9 of the Living and Working Manual. new types designed; to respond to the characteristics of the site and surroundings. Good urban design, with the creation of quality living and working environments must the primary driver of all development. This must not be compromised by any shortcomings of stock book buildings.

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Residential buildings useable outdoor space needed to serve the In designing these internal and external Residential extensions The resulting design must be of a form and Homes play a fundamental role in people’s residents. environments, architects must also consider Household extensions must effectively design that complements the host building, lives and their quality should reflect this, and effectively mitigate against any balance the desires of residents, with the and does not over-dominate or substantially with designs creating affordable, attractive Within apartments or other communal potential conflicts with adjacent uses. In need to create a design that complements alter its overall appearance, scale or mass and functional homes that fulfil the modern housing schemes, private balconies are helping to create sustainable communities, or enhances its host building and the wider of the building. If an acceptable balance health and well-being needs of residents. encouraged; supported by appropriate a mix of uses are encouraged, but the area; whilst not unacceptably impacting on cannot be achieved, it may not be possible lobby, communal and social spaces with introduction of residential uses into areas of the amenity (privacy and overshadowing) of to extend the property in the manner The architectural style of the building layouts and spaces that support exercise, existing employment or leisure uses must neighbours. desired. will play an important role in achieving wellbeing and social activity. not lead to unacceptable restrictions on this quality, as will the internal layout and these existing activities. To inform designs, architects and designers The architectural style of an extension outdoor spaces. Internally designs must should undertake a character assessment does not have to match the host building align with the National Space Standards DESIGN PRINCIPLE 16 of the host buildings and its surroundings (contemporary design responses are often (DM DPD Policy DM10), but this should (as detailed at Design Principle 18) to preferred), but it must result in an addition not be the sole consideration in delivering High quality homes understand the constraints and inform that complements and effectively integrates internal layouts. Designs must also apply potential design solutions. Where dwellings with the existing building. This could be via efficient and functional layouts within these BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP37. are located within the green belt, the size a well designed contemporary or pastiche parameters, ensuring the arrangement of DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM10. of extensions will be limited (as detailed extension. internal space is driven by resident well- in City Note LW-17) to help protected the being and how they will use the rooms and Homes will be expected to support residents’ mental and physical quality of life. This openness of the green belt. spaces. should be achieved through the creation of homes that fulfil the visual and physical needs of its occupants; ensuring proposals: Beyond the internal elements of a home, • Create efficient, functional internal layouts. designs must deliver functional outdoor • Maximise levels of natural light. amenity space, ensuring the quality DESIGN PRINCIPLE 17 and functionality of the home’s internal • Are located where adjacent uses will not negatively impact on resident quality of life (air Residential extensions environment extends into its outdoor quality, external noise, air pollution). spaces. These spaces, whether integrated • Are potentially adaptable. BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP37. or external, individual or communal, must • Provide sufficient, usable indoor and outdoor space for all occupants. DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM10. create private, functional areas where residents can relax and connect to the The city’s minimum requirements for outdoor residential amenity space are: The design of household extensions* must respond to, and complement the character of outdoor environment and nature (helping • 70sq.m minimum for a family home. their host building and surroundings. create biophilic led design). The City Council has minimum private amenity • 52sq.m for 2 bed houses. Proposals must align with the 45 degree rule and minimum privacy distances** to help protect resident amenity of adjacent dwellings. space requirements (as below) to help • Balconies a minimum of 1.5m in depth. achieve these requirements, but recognises * Extension include detached elements such garages, car ports and workshops. there may be bespoke designs that can • For each apartment: 5sq.m (1 bed flat), 7sq.m (2 bed flat) and 9sq.m (3 bed flat). ** Resident amenity guidance detailed at City Notes LW-3 and LW-4 of Living and Working Manual. deliver quality amenity space under these • 10sq.m per resident for C2 Uses and HMO’s. thresholds. Where a proposal is seeking to Further guidance on the delivery of high quality homes is outlined in City Notes LW-10 to Further guidance on the design of household extension is presented in City Note LW-16 achieve this, it must demonstrate how their to LW-24 of the Living and Working Manual. reduced provision will deliver the quality, LW-15 of the Living and Working Manual.

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Rooftop extensions Non-residential developments DESIGN PRINCIPLE 18 DESIGN PRINCIPLE 19 To introduce a rooftop extension onto an The city’s mix of non-residential buildings existing building, designs must respond Rooftop extensions contribute significantly to its diverse built Designing non-residential buildings to the architectural style and scale of the environment, often having a prominent role existing building, ensuring proposals do not BDP Policies: PG3, TP27. in the character of an area. For the city’s BDP Policies: PG3, TP27. result in overbearing, out of proportioned citizens, these buildings play an important DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM8, DM9. elements that negatively impact on the The design of rooftop extensions must effectively respond to the existing building and its role in their lives, serving as places of work, host building. Proposals that visually alter surroundings; acknowledging the architectural style and scale of the existing building, to leisure and cultural activity. Non-residential developments must introduce architectural solutions that effectively the scale of the building must be of a create a proposal that is appropriate in scale and form to its host building. balance the operational needs of the use, with the wellbeing and health of its users, design that enhances the building and its The experiences people have with these employees and customers; and the quality of the surrounding environment. surroundings. buildings will play a fundamental role on the success of the building and the use In designing schemes to appropriately meet the needs of the use and its surroundings, Designs that seek to create a statement occupying it. Designs must positively further use-specific design guidance is presented in City Note LW-25 to LW-35 in the in contrast to its host must demonstrate respond to this, ensuring they deliver an Living and Working Manual. This relates to: their rationale and create a response with external form that enhances and engages • Accessible buildings (City Notes LW-25). a considered and well-articulated form that with its surroundings, with an internal • Community uses (City Notes LW-26). effectively delivers the quality and contrast environment that serves the use function desired. and supports the health and wellbeing of • Places of work (City Notes LW-27). users and employees. • Warehousing and industrial (City Notes LW-28). Proposals will be assessed on a case by • Retail and leisure (City Notes LW-29). case basis, taking into account the particular Simple interventions such as the architectural style and detailing of the introduction of glazing can help enhance • Extensions to non-residential uses (City Notes LW-30). host buildings and likely impact on the internal and external environments, • Shop front design (City Notes LW-31 to LW-36). surrounding area. forming a visual connection between the internal and external environments; whilst The City Council will seek to resist the introducing natural light into spaces. clustering of rooftop extensions that could Where this translates into a formal ‘shop lead to a collective terracing effect and/or front’, designs should acknowledge the negative change in character. architectural character of the host building. Equally it may be possible to accommodate appropriate ground floor uses that help engage and activate its surroundings.

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Tall buildings the prominence and elegance of the tower. Beyond this initial threshold, the City Tall buildings will play an increasingly Shoulder heights no greater than 1/3rd Council categorises tall buildings as: of the tower are considered to effectively important role in the future of Birmingham, • Low rise towers - 15+ storeys. optimising the city’s land resource in key balance these requirements; but the City • Medium rise towers - 20+ storeys. locations to provide homes, offices and Council will assess shoulder height and form leisure uses that support the city’s growth. on a case by case basis, considering the • High rise towers - 30+ storeys. surrounding context and wider proposal. Through their efficient use of land, tall • Skyscrapers - 40+ storeys. buildings will help the city respond to, and balance, the competing land use needs Definition of a Tall Building Outside the city centre, a building will across the city centre; ensuring the housing The city’s definition of a tall building within be considered tall where it will result in a and employment requirements are met, the city centre is a building or structure recognisable change to, or impact on, the whilst enabling resilient transport and green of over 15 storeys; or that will result in a character and/or skyline of the surrounding infrastructure networks to be created. significant change to the city’s skyline. area.

In realising these opportunities, the DESIGN PRINCIPLE 20 architecture must be exemplar, applying a considered scale, form and façade to Creating tall buildings create a building that fulfils the needs of occupants; integrates with its streetscape; BDP Policies: PG2, PG3, TP27. and positively adds to the city’s environment DM DPD Policies: DM2. and skyline. Tall buildings must deliver 360o innovative architecture that responds positively to Designs must also mitigate and prevent their surrounding; engaging and activating street environments, whilst introducing a any potential adverse effect on the silhouette, body and crown that enhances the city-wide skyline and respects key views, surrounding environment and uses in terms existing landmarks and the city’s historic environment. of wind turbulence, overshadowing, noise, Proposals must represent deliverable outcomes, with equal focus given to the building’s reflected glare; or aviation, navigation and form, façade detailing and materials palette; leading to a slender, well-articulated telecommunication interference. building.

Where a scheme proposes a shoulder Where proposals would lead to tall building clusters, architects must demonstrate the building or surrounding cluster, these forming cluster will improve the quality of the surrounding environment and wider elements must be of an appropriate scale cityscape. and mass to not detract from the tall building. They must be one element of Secondary shoulder buildings or clusters proposed with a tall building must be a cohesive design; and be used to help subordinate to the primary building; respect the scale and mass of the streetscape; and the proposal integrate effectively with its be appropriate to their context, with a justified height if greater than 1/3rd of the primary surroundings, performing a transitional tower’s height. role between the tower and its surrounding context. Within this role, the shoulder must Designs must be informed by appropriate micro-climate studies, ensuring any adverse engage with its surroundings via activation impacts are effectively mitigated against. and/or activity. The development of well-designed tall building may be supported in the locations outlined in City Note LW-45 in the Living and Working Manual. The form and height of a shoulder will also influence the effectiveness of any transition, Further guidance on designing tall buildings is provided by City Notes LW-37 to LW-45 in acknowledging the scale and character of the Living and Working Manual. the surrounding context and not eroding

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Developing with Birmingham’s water assets canal network, a number of these assets DESIGN PRINCIPLE 21 Birmingham’s blue infrastructure (rivers, have the potential to impact on fluvial flood risk. In some areas these may be classed as canals, streams, lakes and ponds) has Developing adjacent to water assets played an important role in the historic ‘heavily modified water bodies’ and may development of the city; and remain vital generate significant fluvial flood risk in the BDP Policies: PG3, TP7, TP12, TP27, TP37. environmmental assets providing a range immediate surrounding area. DM DPD Policies: DM2. of functions and facilities to the city and its communities. Where rivers and tributaries are totally Development adjacent to a canal, river or water course must positively relate to its culverted or canalised, opportunities should character and setting; and utilise opportunities to deliver enhancement to the water side Acknowledged and utilised by be used by development to daylight and environment and its use. Proposals should*: naturalise these elements, enhancing their development, these assets provide unique • Use the water asset a key focal point. settings and character areas which have the value, reducing the potential of fluvial flood • Overlook and engage with the water space and associated towpath or waterside potential to add substantially to the design risk and improving water quality. environment. of any scheme. Development adjacent to such assets must • Enable and enhance safe public and private access (including mobility impaired) to the Development adjacent to canals have an understanding of the potential waterside and wider route network. risks related to the asset and how new • Not restrict access to the riverside. Birmingham’s extensive canal network is development could impact on this. Further a particularly important asset providing a guidance on how development must • Not create blank elements or high (over 1.2m) non-permeable boundaries at waterside multi-functional resource that can act as respond to these potential risks is detailed frontage. a catalyst for regeneration and provide with the city’s ‘Sustainable Management • Introduce active uses at water frontage and where appropriate, enable use spillage into a network of spaces serving as travel of Urban Rivers and Floodplains: public spaces. routes; locations for sports, leisure and Supplementary Planning Document’. cultural activities; and ecological and • Enhance public spaces, routes and towpaths to aid their multi-use function and wider biodiversity habitats and corridors. The Designers should also consult with environment quality. network also contributes to the city’s historic the appropriate agencies (such as the • Aid way-finding of the city’s canal towpath network, balanced against keeping spaces environment; and is an important element of Environment Agency) during the early free of clutter. the city’s water management system. stages of the design process; and align with • Use opportunities to daylight and naturalise culverts and canalised elements. their relevant guidance. Developments adjacent to these waterways • Support and promote appropriate water based travel and exercise. present opportunities to enhance them www.birmingham.gov.uk/download/ • Not lead to unacceptable shading of the water environment or contribute to a and their functions; benefiting occupants downloads/id/1166/sustainable_ tunnelling effect. and the wider users of the network. To help management_of_urban_rivers_and_ realise these opportunities, developments floodplains_supplementary_planning_ Development adjacent to the city’s rivers or other water courses should effectively must actively engage with the water asset, document.pdf mitigate against any potential fluvial flood risk resulting from development. creating outward looking developments that enhance connections with these spaces and Proposals must also consult and * In consultation with the Canal and River Trust and/or Environment Agency. contribute to their animation and use. appropriately respond to the information Further guidance on developing adjacent to Birmingham’s water assets are detailed contained within the Birmingham Strategic within City Notes LW-46 to LW-48 in the Living and Working Places Manual. Developments adjacent to rivers and Flood Risk Assessment. watercourses * Rivers are classified as Main River or Ordinary Development adjacent to the city’s 3 rivers Watercourses, with many other forms of (Rivers Tame, Rea and Cole), Ordinary waterbodies, including reservoirs and canals. These Watercourses and other water assets*, also features are often managed and/or maintained by create opportunities for their enhancement. multiple parties which include Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority, Severn Trent Water, But unlike the managed nature of the city’s Canals and River Trust and Riparian Owners.

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Development works and alterations Where proposals are seeking to introduce DESIGN PRINCIPLE 22 involving historic assets a new development into a conservation area, the design orientation and scale The city’s historic assets play a defining role Development and works involving historic assets in characterising Birmingham, providing of the building must be informed by the a portfolio of high quality buildings and characteristics of the designated area. BDP Policies: PG3, TP12. places that must continue to have a key role Modern interpretations or well considered in its future. traditional forms may be considered in this Proposals involving or affecting an historic asset* must ensure the works or development context. proposed do not have a detrimental impact on the historic significance of the asset or the In continuing this role, development building fabric associated with this. The demolition of a heritage asset will rarely proposals or works to assets must Extensions and alterations effectively balance the need to conserve the be accepted as part of a development proposal; but where exceptional The design of extensions or an alteration must consider the physical impact they will significance of the asset with their desires have on the asset, ensuring the scale, design, materials, location and connecting fabric for future use. Whilst the City Council will circumstances have been demonstrated, proposals must conceive a replacement respects the character of the asset. Where proposals will lead to an unacceptable change work proactively with property owners and or impact, they will not be supported. developers to create viable solutions for building that positively adds to the historic conserving the city’s historic assets, solutions environment. Windows in listed buildings need to ensure the significance of the asset Alterations or works to windows within a listed building must conserve the historic is a primary consideration in designing Listed buildings are sensitive to alterations significance of the building, with proposals applying the sequential approach detailed in proposals and the detailing of works. as these can affect their special character City Note LW-50. and appearance, as well as the way their Demolition in conservation area Through a clear understanding of historic fabric functions. Listed building Demolition of a building within a conservation area will not be supported, unless the significance, proposals can establish the consent is required for all changes to a proposal will lead to enhancement (as detailed at City Note LW-52 of Living and Working scope or opportunity for any works or listed building that affect its character. Manual) of the area. development to take place, ensuring the This can range from removing historic decoration, to alterations to the building’s impact on the historic fabric is minimised Demolition of a non-designated heritage asset fabric, cleaning of masonry or installing new and any new additions are sensitively Loss of a non-designated heritage asset will be resisted, unless its loss can be justified heating systems. located, scaled and designed. This focus due to structural integrity, condition, wider design benefit and/or development viability. should extend to the detailing of buildings, ensuring existing historic windows and It is recommended applicants seek guidance New buildings in conservation areas façade details are preserved, restored/ from the City Conservation Officer prior The design of new buildings within a conservation area must relate to and acknowledge reused, with replacement only considered as to undertaking any works or alterations to the specific characteristics of the area. If replacing an existing building that adds to the a last resort. a listed building, through the city’s pre- area, proposals should not seek to replicate it architecturally, but its orientation, scale and application process. mass must guide the form of the replacement. Buildings that have a negative impact on an area should not be used as design cue for new development.

* Listed building, building in a conservation area or a non-designated heritage asset. Further specific design guidance related to the above works is contained with City Notes LW-49 to LW-54 of the Living and Working Manual.

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Lighting of Buildings DESIGN PRINCIPLE 23 Illumination of buildings and spaces The effective lighting of public spaces Lighting of buildings and spaces and buildings are an important element BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP37. of their design, ensuring places remain DM DPD Policies: DM2, DM5. safe and usable beyond day-light hours. Appropriately considered and designed, Illumination of buildings and space lighting strategies can create dynamic and Development should apply external lighting designs that ensure public spaces remain exciting night-time environments, providing safe during non-daylight hours. Where appropriate, projects should use professional spaces and buildings with an evening artists to enhance the creativity and quality of lighting proposals. persona to help support safe, evening activity. Façade lighting of buildings should seek to enhance the night-time presence of appropriate buildings, considering their stature and role within the city. The creation of a site specific, creative The furniture and structures used to mount lighting must not contribute to street lighting scheme can be enhanced through cluttering; and should serve dual functions where possible. the commissioning of an a professional artist, whose creative input as part of the The design and style of columns and mounting infrastructure must enhance the character design team, will help deliver greater gains of their surrounding and align with an establish furniture palette, where appropriate. from a pre-allocated budget. Lighting infrastructure attached to buildings, must not detract from the architectural In designing these evening environments, quality of the host building. proposals must ensure the lighting and External lighting proposal must not damage or adversely affect the habitat or night-time its associated infrastructure is appropriate activities of notable species. to the character of the area and any host building; will not impact on wildlife habitats Floodlighting or activity; and is maintainable. The use of floodlighting to support the operation of a building or use during night-time periods, must be appropriately located and specified to ensure they do not impact on Operational flood lighting an adjacent residential use, transport infrastructure, wildlife habitat or area of nature conservation. Flood lighting can contribute to the security of sites and premises; and enable outdoor Further guidance on floodlighting and the lighting of buildings and public spaces is business operations, cultural and leisure presented in City Notes LW-55 to LW-60 within the Living and Working City Manual. facilities to run beyond daylight hours. In designing these systems, proposals must consider adjacent uses and ensure any potential for light spill is mitigated.

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Creating safe buildings blast film should be applied to standard security gains for the building, reducing Design of waste storage DESIGN PRINCIPLE 25 Development proposals that have the glazing systems. the potential for forced entry via the glazed All development requires the appropriate areas; and helping to reduce noise. potential to be viewed as a terrorist target management of waste, with storage being Design of waste storage must engage the West Midland’s Counter- Laminated glass is a substantially more a primary consideration in the design Terrorism Unit at the early stage of their robust glazing system against blasts or National guidance on counter-terrorism and of a development. To be effective and BDP Policies: PG3, TP13. design process. This engagement will explosions, and reduces the potential crowded places can be sourced at: acceptable, waste stores must be secure; highlight any use specific recommendations for human injuries or fatalities caused by www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ and of a design that integrates with the In designing waste storage, proposals must ensure they align with the following related to the development that designs airborne glass. system/uploads/attachment_data/ development. It must also be of a sufficient principles: file/619411/170614_crowded-places- must effectively integrate. size to accommodate the waste bins • Waste bins must be stored in a bespoke store, or within the rear garden of houses. Beyond its strength against an explosion, guidance_v1.pdf associated with the building’s use. Where • Where possible, storage should be provided within the building. Beyond any use specific requirements, the the properties of the glazing also lead to communal facilities are to be provided City Council supports the Counter-Terrorism in development such as apartments, the • Where independent stores are to be provided their design must complement the Unit’s desire to increase the use of laminated store should be supported by appropriate building, be constructed of robust materials and be secure and covered. glazing within developments at prominent infrastructure (such as waste shoots and in- • Communal facilities should be well located and supplemented by additional locations. DESIGN PRINCIPLE 24 flat recycling bins) that enables ease of use. infrastructure to encourage use and promote recycling. Movement of bins must also be considered, • Stores must be sited in a location that does not impact on property frontage or the Laminated glazing Safe places - Anti-terror measures with at-grade or appropriate ramped access. surrounding environment. The City Council encourages the installation BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP37. • Mixed use development must have separate stores for the different uses. of laminated glazing in all facades (up to If the development is to be served by the City Council’s refuse collection service, the 4th storey) within the city centre’s retail core; Developments located within the city centre’s retail core and those that overlook city • Stores must have at-grade access and be large enough to accommodate the bins and those that overlook primary streets, capacity of the store should reflect the bins needed to serve the development. centre primary streets; large public spaces; sports and leisure destinations; or transport and containers associated with this service. large public spaces, sports, cultural and hubs must introduce measures that help protect occupants and enhance the city’s leisure destinations, or transport hubs. resistance to terror activity. Where laminated glass cannot be installed,

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Telecommunications Infrastructure and design pay sufficient regard to the high In all locations, the design, siting and The need to have modern, efficient sensitivity of the setting. scale of infrastructure must be a primary telecommunications infrastructure is an consideration. Whether located on a essential element of life and it is important More sensitive locations comprise building or in landscape, the infrastructure Birmingham’s’ communities and businesses residential areas and areas of high quality and/or the cladding around it must are able to benefit and access these open space where new installations may complement its surroundings and not be technologies as they continues to evolve. be acceptable but should be carefully sited a generic, utilitarian form that enhances its and designed to minimise the impact on the visual presence and detracts from its host Whilst the city wants to ensure it benefits visual amenity of the area and on residential and surroundings. The overriding design from modern telecommunications, the amenity. ethos must be to limit the visual impact of associated infrastructure must be designed, the installation as much as possible and not sited and of a scale that minimises its visual Less sensitive locations comprise all other detract from the visual amenity of the host and physical impact on the buildings they areas including commercial settings. site and surroundings. are attached to; and the character and amenity of their surroundings.

Having established a desired area to locate infrastructure, proposals must undertake DESIGN PRINCIPLE 26 a detailed assessment of potential sites (and specific locations within a site) and Design of telecommunications infrastructure infrastructure options, to establish a site and infrastructure that will have the minimum BDP Policies: PG3. impact on its surrounding area (and uses) DM DPD Policies: DM16. and building it will be attached to (if In the siting and design of telecommunications infrastructure, proposals must undertake relevant). This assess must include existing a detailed assessment of all sites within the desired location area, ensuring the least infrastructure that could accommodate the sensitive site is selected. If the selected location is a ‘Most sensitive’ or ‘More sensitive’ proposal via sharing of base or mounting location (as detailed in City Note LW-61 of the Living and Working Manual), the equipment. assessment must clearly demonstrate and justify why a ‘less sensitive’ cannot be utilised. The city has a number of locations which The design, location and size of the infrastructure must be a key consideration for are to the installation most sensitive all telecommunications infrastructure. The infrastructure proposed must be of a size of telecommunications infrastructure, appropriate to its surroundings; and be sited to minimise the visual and physical impact such as listed buildings, conservation on the host building, character of the surrounding area and/or amenity of adjacent uses. areas, historic parks and gardens, sites of This must be considered singularly and cumulatively, where existing infrastructure is nature conservation, scheduled ancient present monuments, and the grounds of education and health institutions. New installations To help mask the visual presence of the infrastructure, proposals must create bespoke, in these locations should be avoided non-utilitarian designs or utilise high quality cladding and/or landscaping. and may only be acceptable if there is a demonstrated technical requirement; there Further guidance on the design and location of telecommunications infrastructure is are no more suitable or less sensitive more detailed in City Note LW-61 to 63 of the Living and Working Manual. sensitive locations; and the specific siting

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Design themes Efficient and future-ready

On 11 June 2019 the City Council declared reducing the energy burden for occupants. a climate emergency and set an ambition to They should also enable users and become a net zero carbon city by 2030. To occupants to adapt buildings; to respond to aid this, the City Council wants development changes in climate and user needs. to deliver people focused architecture that endures; providing long term gains To deliver these outcomes, sustainable for the city and its citizens. In order to principles must be applied from the outset effectively achieve this, architects must of the design process to ensure potential create the most sustainable, efficient and passive gains are harnessed, appropriate future-aware buildings possible, ensuring build methods employed and technologies energy efficiency and climate adaption are and infrastructure integrated. embedded in the design process. Aided by international best practice, Successfully achieved, this will create evolving technology and collaborative buildings and places that require less energy working, architects and designers should to build and operate, in turn helping the consider and integrate the following city meet its carbon reduction targets, whilst elements in their designs.

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Energy efficiency Building re-use and sustainable materials robust landscape, materials and installing Design should seek to reduce the energy Allied with the efficient running of a infrastructure that can help the building burden of all development, utilising build building, due consideration must also manage and respond the potential effects methods, materials and technologies to be given to the sustainability of the of climate adaption, increased rainfall and help reduce heat and lighting needs of a construction process to be utilised. This temperatures. building; allied with a considered layout that should extend from an appropriate utilises orientation to positively use solar assessment of whether any existing gain in key spaces. buildings could be effectively re-used, BREEAM requirement to utilising off-site build methods and As outlined in BDP Policy TP3, all new sustainably sourced materials. non-residential developments in excess of Conserving water resources and 1,000sq.m (gross permitted floorspace) or maximising water efficiency Climate change adaption on a site area of 0.5ha or more, should aim In understanding the water needs of the Linked to elements of the above, designs to meet BREEAM standard excellent (or any building and its users; designs should must give appropriate weight to existing future national equivalent) unless it can be introduce measures and technology that aid climate conditions and the likely effects demonstrated that the cost of achieving this its efficient use. The efficiency of the water of further climate change; specifying would make the proposed unviable. infrastructure in the building will play a primary role in this; but designs should also DESIGN PRINCIPLE 27 consider the use of rainwater harvesting and the reuse of grey water wherever possible. Creating efficient and future-ready buildings

BDP Policies: TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4, TP5, TP37. Decentralised energy generation Proposals should utilise site specific Allied with the policy requirements of the BDP (TP1 to TP5), where viable and characteristics, with appropriate appropriate, the design of development must effectively incorporate measures and technologies, to introduce low and zero infrastructure to help create buildings and spaces that reduce their environmental carbon energy infrastructure (in line with burden; and the long term financial burden for occupiers. In seeking to achieve this, BDP policy TP4) within the development. proposals must demonstrate they have integrated or considered the following within Where it is currently unviable to utilise such their design process: technology, the introduction of infrastructure • Energy efficiency - using technology, design elements and the site’s characteristics to to aid future installation should be create thermally efficient buildings. appropriately considered. • Conserving water resources and maximising water efficiency - through water efficient infrastructure, harvesting of rainwater and use of grey-water. Flexible and adaptable building designs • Decentralised energy generation - install low-carbon decentralised energy infrastructure Through construction methods, layout and appropriate to the site and surroundings where viable. division of space, designs must consider • Flexible and adaptable buildings - create designs and use construction methods that how buildings could be adapted in the could enable future alterations. future to meet the changing needs of uses and users. This is particularly relevant to • Building re-use and sustainable materials - utilising modular building methods, residential units, ensuring internal spaces effectively integrating existing buildings into a scheme and using low carbon materials. are designed to serve existing users • Climate change adaption - ensure landscapes, materials, façade treatments and effectively, whilst having the ability to infrastructure are appropriate to existing and future climate. respond and adapt to changing needs. Further guidance on creating efficient and future-ready buildings is presented within City Notes EF-1 to EF-7 of the Efficient and future ready manual.

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Fulfilling 3 design quality

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Fulfilling design quality

The Design Guide’s Principles and details and concepts approved are accompanying City Manuals outline a physically delivered and not deteriorated framework of design cues to help ensure during this process. only high quality proposals receive approval. Whilst this is an important stage in achieving This design retention and delivery process high quality design, it is the successful should begin before and during the construction of these consents that will planning process, ensuring proposals being deliver the outcomes sought. submitted for consent are physically and financially viable. As the development process commences post-planning, it is important the designs,

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Detailed drawings period, which may cause delays. The City Robust materials and detailing the quality of the building or landscape. In order to make an informed planning Council will not defer the submission of this Material and detailing choices play an Its role should be to resolve construction judgement on a proposal, a number information that is critical to design quality important role in successfully translating a challenges, ensure best value and aid build of detailed drawings and supporting via condition. design from concept to reality. In selecting efficiency. information may need to be submitted (as materials and detailing, the City Council will detailed by the City Council’s Validation Landscape proposals seek to ensure they are durable and robust The City Council will use non-material or Checklist). This package of information Equally detailed landscape drawings enough to withstand the British climate; minor amendment consent to manage should include appropriate construction and rationale statement should also ensuring they function correctly and weather alterations to approved schemes. However, drawings, which demonstrate how the be submitted to demonstrate how the well overtime, retaining the design quality of where there is clear intent to reduce the design presented will be detailed and landscape, public realm and any public the building through its lifecycle. quality of the building, such consents will delivered. open space would be constructed. The not be supported. submission of this information may be The selection of a small palette of quality These drawings should comprise a number accepted via pre-commencement condition, materials may aid this process, reducing the If an applicant wishes to substantially alter of bay studies (sections, part elevations) where mutually supported. In relation need for junctions, abutments and flashing the design of a scheme, a new application at 1:20 scale to illustrate how the façade to Public Open Space provision, written details; which can increase the potential for should be submitted. (such as key junctions, materials, windows, specifications alongside the detailed weather damage or degradation. rain water goods) detail presented will be drawings will need to be submitted for achieved. This information will provide approval pre-implementation. Construction quality clarity and confidence to the City Council Sample panels The construction of the development will and applicant their proposal can be Where appropriate, the City Council may To assist the selection and approval of be the ultimate test of a scheme’s successful achieved. condition the implementation of the materials and façade detailing the City integration into the city’s landscape. submitted landscape/ecological plans and Council may condition the creation of Appointed contractors must ensure quality If such detail is not submitted with the require a practical completion report to sample panels to demonstrate how these workmanship is applied across a scheme, planning application, the Planning Officer discharge of condition. elements will effectively work together. delivering the design quality approved. The will request them during the determination Panels may be requested to demonstrate client should be confident the contractors façade detailing, window reveals, rain water appointed are capable of delivering the management, material joints and junctions. quality and finish sought. As detailed above, They may also be required to demonstrate sample panels created by the appointed DESIGN PRINCIPLE 28 the construction methods and workmanship contractors, will aid this process. to be applied to the building. Fulfilling design quality To help manage design quality, the City BDP Policies: PG3, TP27, TP37. The request for such information will be at Council supports the retention of a design the discretion of the City Council. team from concept through to completion. Development proposals submitted for planning permission must be appropriately This helps retain a clear understanding of detailed and financially assessed to ensure the architecture and landscape design how and why the proposal’s design has presented is realised. To help support this, applicants will be required to provide: Retaining design quality - amendments evolved; and should help ensure the design and value engineering concept and integrity is maintained. •  A number of detailed drawings. Whilst the City Council recognises that • A quality, robust panel of materials and detailing, with relevant written specifications. proposals may need to alter as a result On large development schemes the City • Sample panels of materials and detailing, created by the appointed contractors, as of constraints identified post planning, Council recommends developers appoint an requested. the principle of actively up-designing for experienced clerk of works to manage the planning and then lowering quality post quality of the work being undertaken. • Reflect the building quality proposed in any financial appraisal. approval will not be accepted. • Detailing of the Clerk of Works appointed. Value engineering will inevitably be applied Where an applicant is seeking to amend their proposal post-approval, this must not lead through the construction process, but it to a reduction in quality. should not be used as a tool to deteriorate

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Submitting a 4 development proposal

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Submitting a development proposal

Policy alignment Additional guidance and design tools Information to support applications Design and access statements The Design Guide is a material Some areas of the city have their own In order to help explain and illustrate how Architects and designers should use their consideration in the determination of focused planning guidance (statutory the design of a proposal has successfully Design and Access (D&A) Statements to planning applications, joining the hierarchy and non-statutory) in the form of aligned with the Design Themes, applicants clearly explain the rationale for their design. of documents used to assess development Supplementary Planning Documents should submit sufficient information and proposals across Birmingham. It builds on (SPDs), Neighbourhood Plans, Frameworks, drawings to explain the rationale behind The City Council recommends framing D&A the core design policies within the National masterplans and Conservation Area the design and accurately present the statement around the Design Guide, with Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section Character Appraisal and Management development proposal sought. sufficient written and drawn information to 12: Achieving well-designed places (para Plans. These place specific documents demonstrate how proposals will successfully 124 to 132), the National Design Guide and contain detail and design requirements that The nature and scale of the development align with the Design Guide’s five Design the Birmingham Development Plan Policy should be considered and implemented in being proposed may dictate the level of Themes and associated design principles. PG3: Place making. conjunction with guidance in this document. detail an applicant will need to submit in support of their application; this will be at As detailed within the Birmingham Beyond these core national and local design These guidance documents are located on the discretion of the City Council. ID, understanding the context and policies, different elements of the Guide the Council’s website: characteristics of the surrounding area will also supplement other Birmingham www.birmingham.gov.uk/directory/10/ The City Council’s submission requirements should play an important role in influencing Development Plan (BDP) and Development approved_planning_policies are detailed within the adopted submission the design of a scheme. The design story Management in Birmingham Development checklist, present on the City Council’s told in the D&A statement should begin Plan Document (DM DPD) policies, website: with a character assessment, leading to an references to which are given under the www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/ identification of key characteristics that have individual Themes. download/312/planning_application_ been utilised and acknowledged by the checklists scheme’s design.

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Consents and pre-application and Regulatory Services, to establish the by no means an exhaustive list; as such engagement information and assessments they will the City’s Conservation Officer must be The City Council encourages applicants to require to support the application. consulted prior to any works taking place. contact and engage with the Council prior to undertaking any works or submitting an For major schemes in the city centre, Depending on the scale of works proposed application for consent. This will help ensure proposals are encouraged to submit 3D to a listed building, a planning application the correct consents are sought and initial models that can be sited in the city’s virtual may also be required. advice and feedback can be given to the city centre model, enabling informed applicant to assist with their proposals. feedback to be shared on scale, mass and Conservation areas siting of proposals. Within a conservation area, planning More information on what developments permission may be required for works that require planning consent can be sourced at: Used constructively, this service can enable would otherwise have been permitted www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20160/ proposals to travel through the planning development, or where an Article 4 direction planning_applications process more efficiently. However, it cannot has been placed over the conservation area, guarantee the outcome of a planning removing certain permitted development. It should be noted that specific consents application. Consent is also required for works to trees may be required for works, alterations or and the demolition of an asset in excess of repairs to historic assets; and for any works Further information on the pre-application 115cu.m. (pruning or to removal) to trees within service and costs can be sourced at: conservation areas or covered by Tree www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20160/ Scheduled ancient monuments Preservation Orders (TPOs). Confirmation planning_applications/79/pre-application_ should be sought from the City’s advice Works affecting a Scheduled Ancient Conservation or Arboricultural Officer to Monument will require Scheduled Ancient establish what consents are required prior to Monument Consent from Historic England. any works taking place. Works to and consents for historic assets Historic assets across the city are often Registered parks and gardens Works undertaken without consent may lead protected to help retain and preserve No separate permission is required for to enforcement action being taken. their historic significance; in some cases development affecting a registered park requiring specific consents to undertake any or garden. However, the potential impact Formal pre-application advice alterations or repairs to them. development may have on the asset will The City Council operates a formal pre- be a key consideration in determining a application service that it recommends Listed buildings and structures planning application. all major applications undertake. This For a listed building or structure, listed service enables constructive feedback building consent is likely to be required Local and undesignated heritage assets to be given on development proposal, to undertake any works to the building. No separate permission is required for highlights key policy considerations and Such works include internal and external development affecting a local or non- potential constraints prior to proposals alterations, new heating and ventilation designated heritage asset. However, the entering the planning process. It also systems, cleaning of external masonry, potential impact development may have enables initial consultation to take place painting of historic surfaces and on the asset will be a key consideration in with other City Council Departments, such replacement or alterations of windows to determining the planning application. as Highways, Ecology, Arboriculture, Leisure the construction of an extension. This is

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Building regulations professional artists, town planner, drainage It is likely that you will need building and flood risk engineer and building regulations approval, even if you do not surveyor. need planning permission. Separate application forms and approvals will need to be sought. Construction logistics Beyond the design of a development Building regulations are the national proposal, applicants should consider any minimum building standards that provide impacts the construction of their proposal acceptable levels of health and safety for will have on the city’s transport network; and people who occupy or visit buildings. The highway consents that may be necessary. regulations are also concerned with energy Within the road network, consideration conservation and making buildings more needs to be given to the movement of accessible for all disabled people. Most construction traffic and how this may impact building work must be checked to ensure it on existing vehicle movement, parking and complies with the regulations. air quality. Demolition and construction have the Please check with the City’s Building potential to generate significant air pollution Consultancy Services prior to undertaking in the form of particulate emissions (dust) any works: as well as the use of construction plant www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20008/ that emits high levels of nitrogen dioxide. planning_and_development/459/building_ Furthermore, these activities have the consultancy potential to cause noise complaints. Developments must demonstrate how these impacts will be mitigated through a Professional expertise Construction Environmental Management The City Council recommends appointing Plan (CEMP). appropriate professional expertise to design your development proposal, Schemes also need to consider and support it through the planning process and effectively mitigate against any disruption successfully deliver the outcome. construction will cause to existing pedestrian and cycle routes. Where The size, location and nature of disruption will occur, developments need development is likely to dictate the scale to install temporary measures that where of professional expertise required, but as possible, retain the efficiency of a route a minimum it is recommended an architect and not introduce additional obstacles or or architectural technologist and planning compromise safety. A plan of the temporary agent be appointed to design your route shall be clearly displayed. These proposal and assist you in gaining planning temporary measures should avoid exposing permission and building regulations. pedestrians and cyclists to sources of air polluting caused by the development or More complex developments (due to size surrounding environment. of development or characteristics of the site) may require additional professional Developers and contractors should liaise expertise, such as building conservation with Highways Development Management specialists, ecologists, arboricuturist, Team to develop appropriate solutions for transport engineer, landscape architect, their construction site.

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Existing guidance to be superseded

Once adopted, the Design Guide will supersede the following Supplementary Planning documents:

1. 45 degree code for residential extensions. 2. Access for people with disabilities: Supplementary Planning Document (March 2006). 3. Car park design guide (N/A). 4. Extending your home: Home extensions design guide (March 2007). 5. Floodlighting of sports facilities, car parks and secure areas (March 2003). 6. High places: A planning policy framework for tall buildings (March 2003). 7. Large format banner advertisements: Supplementary Planning Document (March 2008). 8. Lighting places: A lighting strategy for the city centre and local centres of Birmingham (June 2008). 9. Location of advertsiement hoardings (N/A). 10. Places for all (November 2001). 11. Places for living (March 2001). 12. Shopfronts design guide (April 1996). 13. Telecommunications development; mobile phone infrastructure: Supplementary Planning Document (March 2008). 14. Guidelines for bedroom sizes for student accommodation (N/A). 15. Canalside development in Birmingham design guidelines.

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Contact

Telephone: (0121) 303 1115

Email: [email protected]

Post: PO Box 28 Birmingham B1 1TU

All images within this document created by: Tim Cornbill www.timcornbillphotography.com

© Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. The Birmingham Design Guide Principles Document Birmingham City Council. Licence number 100021326, 2020. produced by Birmingham City Council, Planning and Development, Inclusive Growth Directorate.

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