4.3 the Character of the Central Area of the Borough

POLICY CAE 1:- The strategic open space network should continue to be developed and enhanced by continuing with such projects as the Beam Valley Extension, providing better linkages to the open space should by improving footpaths and bridge crossings and signage to the Beam Valley to improve access, legibility and permeability.

POLICY CAE 2:- The Millennium Centre should be retained as a landmark by continuing to uphold it as an example of sustainable building techniques and a focus for LBBD countryside activities.

POLICY CAE 3:- All new developments should incorporate fine-grained networks for footpaths and cycleways to provide accessibility and connections to the wider area.

POLICY CAE 4:- Dagenham East station should be enhanced as the nearest local station. In general the existing densities should be retained except where there is scope to increase this to the west of the station.

POLICY CAE 5:- The residential estates should be enhanced by encouraging the upgrading of properties and improvements to the street scene.

POLICY CAE 6:- The surroundings to the front of the Civic Centre should be improved to enhance the setting of this important feature and listed building.

POLICY CAE 7:- All shopping Parades should be up-graded through shop front and public realm improvements to enhance usage, vitality and add to the vibrancy of the area.

4.3 The character of the central area of the Borough

4.3.1 Generally this character area consists predominantly of an extensive Inter-war/Post-war Suburb, the Becontree Estate, the Historic Village Core of Dagenham Village and the retail area of Dagenham Heathway. To the north of the area is the industrial area of Freshwater Road. In addition, there are numerous urban parks and open spaces associated with the Becontree

1 Estate, including Parsloes Park, Dagenham Old Park and Valence Park. The area also contains the University of East London Campus (UEL), an institutional building associated with the adjacent open space Mayesbrook Park although UEL is scheduled for redevelopment. There are several listed buildings such as the Valence House Museum and Dagenham Village Church and the Dagenham Village Conservation Area. There are several potential regeneration areas within the central area, including the UEL site, Lymington Fields, the area around Dagenham Swimming Pool in Becontree Heath, The Heathway, and Becontree Station.

4.3.2 The Becontree Estate was built by London County Council (LCC) to re- house the working classes who occupied the slum areas of London’s east- end. The programme of re-housing was kick-started by the national housing scheme ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ as a result of the Great War (1914-1918). The physical form was strongly influenced by Tudor Walters Committee report on improving housing standards (published 1918); low density suburban estates, winding lanes, trees and gardens, with a standard of 12 houses per acre. The Becontree was the largest of a number of estates built in a similar style at that time which meant that new layouts could be tried such as circles, crescents and banjos (the forerunner to the cul de sac). The patterns were meant to create interest and variety in what was a predominantly flat landscape.

4.3.3

Photo 11: Typical ‘parlour style’ houses on Becontree Avenue where the privet hedge has been removed to provide car parking

4.3.4 Managing the Becontree has proved difficult as it was built initially across three different administrative boroughs Barking, Ilford and Dagenham. It was not until 1994 that the Becontree Estate finally occupied one borough. It is described in the reference books as a cottage estate based on the ideas of a garden city. It was built as a town in itself but did not successfully reach this expectation as the LCC’s focus was on building houses and not providing the facilities, although spaces were left for them on the plans. Originally the estate

2 had a civic hub but this was not built due to disagreements between the involved local borough’s.

4.3.5 The houses were well built with gardens and tree lined streets and there was a proposed green belt around the town. Some of the houses were built to attract a higher class of resident and some to reflect a traditional Essex style. The existing road network was retained for the most part with The Heathway having since overtaken Broad Street as the main north south route. Sustainability of the estate was not considered, this is evident by the lack of one bedroom flats, schools and cemeteries.

4.3.6 Where small areas that still retain some of the original features survive there is the impression of visual cohesion but increased car ownership has impacted on the public realm and detracted from the character and integrity of the area. Trees, hedges, fences and garden walls have been lost on some of the main streets and the condition of the properties varies.

4.3.7 The Parks and Green Spaces Strategy, states that the borough is well served with parks and green spaces, but that most are in poor condition and lie within residential areas but poorly connected with their surroundings.

Photo 12: A typical tree lined street on the Becontree Estate

4.3.8 The Heathway is the major north south spine route in the Borough, taking much traffic from the A13/A1306 and the A12 through the Borough and includes the Heathway shopping area around the Dagenham Heathway Station. Dagenham Heathway is the third largest retail centre in LBBD and on the edge of the Becontree estate and the Dagenham Village area. The area has suffered in recent times, from competition from neighbouring superstores, and the closure of anchor supermarkets in the Heathway.

Figure 8: The characteristics of the Central Character Area

4.3.9 A regeneration study has recently been prepared for the Heathway and is comprised of three parts, a framework plan, a public realm strategy and a

4 feasibility study for a new library. It is hoped that the library will be the catalyst for further regeneration and revitalisation of the area.

4.3.10 The Public Realm Strategy goes beyond the Heathway area, and includes the whole of the Heathway route from Hedgemans Road through to Chequers Corner on the A1306. This area has been designated as one of the Mayor of London’s 100 public spaces1 where the quality and use of the space is recognised as having the potential to contribute positively to the wider area. The study divides The Heathway into three elements the bridge over the railway, the central section between Hedgemans Road and Chequers Corner and Chequers Corner itself.

4.3.11 The bridge is the commercial centre and is described as a prominent artificial hill predominantly lined with 1930s style architecture between one and three storeys high which create a strongly defined urban centre but a cluttered street scene. The bridge affords views looking south towards the wind turbines at Fords as is a prominent landmark feature.

Photo 13: The shopping area at the Heathway.

4.3.12 Dagenham Village to the east of the Heathway, has contracted in size as much of the village was demolished some years ago and replaced with newer houses so losing much of its integrity. The village is centred on the church, pub and a new memorial green.

4.3.13 The street pattern is still evident but the only original buildings that remain are the Cross Keys pub, Dagenham Parish Church and the Rectory which are all listed buildings. The church yard is a designated Nature Conservation Area. The few Victorian houses and the parade of shops on Church Street give the street a distinct identity and tranquility. The density of the area is around 42-54 dwellings/hectare. Old Dagenham Park is the local park adjacent to Dagenham Village with ornate gates, tennis courts and a rose garden. The park is undergoing some improvements

1 The Mayor of London – 100 public spaces initiative –July 2002 http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/auu/publications.jsp

Photo 14: Dagenham Parish Church, the Cross Keys pub and war memorial.

4.3.14 Valence House Museum adjacent to Valence Park to the north of the central area is a local landmark and the only remaining manor house in Dagenham. It is a central cultural hub at the centre of the Becontree Estate. It is a Grade II * Listed Building. The park and manor house could be part of a heritage trail within the Borough.

Photo 15: Valance House Museum, Valance Avenue.

Photo 16: The Longbridge Road Campus of the University of East London, Barking

4.3.15 Another major landmark building in the area is the University of East London campus on Longbridge Road, to the west of the Central Area. This imposing building commands a considerable position and frontage along Longbridge Road. The development brief for this area however requires that the façade of the main building is retained.

4.3.16 Specific Policies for the Central Character Area (CCA)

4.3.17 There are opportunities to restore the integrity of the Becontree estate, improve links to the associated open spaces and parks from the residential areas and regenerate Dagenham Heathway as a retail centre. Restoring the integrity of Dagenham Village would help retain its identity and a valuable heritage asset in the area.

4.3.18 These three areas of the central part of the Borough are quite diverse in their nature and character. It is important to retain this diversity in order to maintain a sense of place, identity and legibility.

4.3.19 In addition to the UDF policies detailed earlier in this section, the following Policies will help to reinforce the character of the central character area.

POLICY CCA 1:- The integrity of the Becontree could be restored by conserving some of the more intact parts of the estate and by encouraging improvements to properties more in keeping with the surroundings for example by using local materials such as brick and tiles.

POLICY CCA 2:- The public realm throughout should be redefined with better on street car parking provision. The main routes should be redefined by replacement street tree planting where this has been lost and redefining public and private open space as part of the landscape framework for the borough.

POLICY CCA 3:- The more distinctive buildings should be retained and restored with more appropriate renovation work, for example the timber

7 framed wooden houses and old farm cottages located throughout the Becontree estate.

POLICY CCA 4:- The Conservation Area status of the Dagenham Village should be enhanced through encouraging the enhancement of Listed Buildings such as The Cross Keys Pub, the Vicarage and the Parish Church St Peter and St Paul, by protecting views of the church and the pub, by retaining the older houses and shops on Church Street and encouraging any new developments to reflect the character of the village.

POLICY CCA 5:- The proposals for the regeneration of the Heathway will be enhanced by building a new landmark library building at the road junction on the site of the Church Elm pub. Developing a palette of materials to create a quality civic space, creating signage zones and opening up site lines for pedestrians and vehicles in the area will enhance the legibility of the public realm. The district centre of the Heathway should be defined with a bio diverse spatial strategy by promoting the idea of the road as a linear arboretum.

POLICY CCA 6:- The section between Heathway and Chequers Corner should be planted with trees in the wider parts of the street and greens to enhance the quality of the retail and residential areas. Road junctions should be identified with groups of trees of particular species. Soft landscaped areas should generally attenuate surface water runoff. Street furniture and materials should be coordinated and in accordance with the Heathway public realm strategy, to give identity to this major spine route. The Mayor of London’s 100 Public Spaces proposals for the Heathway and Chequers Lane, should be implemented to add to the distinctiveness, sense of place, connectivity, biodiversity and community cohesion in the area.

POLICY CCA 7:- The existing densities are to be retained. There is scope to increase this around the designated regeneration areas and around Heathway and Becontree stations.

8 4.4. The Character of the Southern Area of the Borough

4.4.1 The Southern area of the Borough represents a completely different character with considerable brownfield land. It is the major regeneration area of the borough, located within the Thames Gateway Zone of change. This area comprises the regeneration area of Barking Riverside with its extensive open river flood plain area on the Thames and providing extensive riverside views and the Post 1960s Residential Estates represented by the first two phases of development. To the east is the Industrial/Retail area of Dagenham Dock, the former Ford land at South Dagenham which is also a potential regeneration area, and parts of Fords operational plant. The area also includes the Inter-war /Post-war suburbs of Thames View and Scrattons Farm. Heavy industry still predominates along both the Thames and the River Roding. The main A13 trunk road separates this area from the rest of the borough and represents a considerable barrier to north south movement.

4.4.2 The Barking Riverside area was originally marsh reclaimed from the Thames floodplain which was used for grazing until it became the site of three power stations in the 19th Century providing power to eastern London. The pulverised fuel ash waste material was deposited on the surrounding land and as a result it is now classed as brownfield land.

4.4.3 Barking Riverside is scheduled for regeneration for a new sustainable community providing 10,800 plus houses and community facilities. Barking Riverside within Thames Gateway, is currently the largest development site in Europe. A range of densities per zone are proposed from 40-240 dwellings per hectare. An Urban Design Framework and design codes for Barking Riverside aim to deliver sustainable regeneration, a quality environment and public realm.

Photo 17: Much of the existing character of Barking Riverside is open grassland and drainage ditches, with pylons carrying overhead power lines.

9 4.4.4 Greater access to the Thames riverfront will be afforded through the development of Barking Riverside, the creation of a riverside walkway and network of open spaces, footpaths and cycleways.

4.4.5 Part of the site has already been designated as a nature reserve. Ripple Nature Reserve, a site of metropolitan importance, is located off River Road, and will be incorporated into the open space network of the Barking Riverside development and be part of the boidiversity strategy for the site.

4.4.6 The open space network on Barking Riverside will also provide SUDS, flood attenuation, leisure and recreation space as well as circular walking and cycling routes. These will connect the residential neighbourhoods to transport nodes, community facilities and existing communities and facilities.

Photo 18: Ripple Nature Reserve will be part of a green east-west link through Barking Riverside as proposed in Thames Strategy East2 and the East London Green Grid3 initiatives.

4.4.7 A study of the Creekmouth area, River Road, Thames Road and the Thamesview estate4, has been commissioned to provide the basis for investment, urban design and land use policy for the area. The purpose of the study is to ensure that businesses and communities close to the major Barking Riverside development benefit from the new environment and infrastructure, and receive investment to maximise their potential, facilitating regeneration of these areas and achieving integration with Barking Riverside.

4.4.8 River Road to the west of the Barking Riverside site provides access to industries located adjacent to the river Roding. Many industries have access to and still use the working wharfs on the river.

2 Thames Strategy East 3 East London Green Grid Framework – Thames Gateway London Partnership – Aug 2005 4 The Creekmouth to Castle Green Framework plan –London Development Agency - draft May 2005

Figure 9: The Characteristics of the Southern Character Area

11 4.4.9 The area is very low lying, being within the floodplain, so the main landmarks tend to be large industrial structures such as the Roding Barrier, Barking power station, and the wind turbines at Fords. The distinctive Crossness sewage sludge incinerator on the southern bank of the Thames, can be seen from Barking Riverside. The land will be remediated and raised to enable building, with many tall buildings providing new landmarks along the river edge. This will inevitably mean the loss of the open feel, but significant openness and views to the river and through the site will be afforded through the implementation of the framework plan.

Photo 19: The new Barking Power Station at Dagenham Dock dominates the landscape.

4.4.10 The Dagenham Dock and Ford Estates occupy extensive areas of land between the A13 and the River Thames. The industrial area of Dagenham Dock was derelict and run down for many years but is now part of a larger regeneration area. Improvements to roads and drainage have recently been carried out and new industries are beginning to locate in the area, due to good links to the A13 with the Environmental Technology and Research Centre (ETRC) a centre focussing on sustainable industries located in Dagenham Dock.

4.4.11 Fords north of the railway is largely scheduled for redevelopment as part of the South Dagenham regeneration area. The operational plant at Fords and the new diesel engine factory are located to the south of the railway adjacent to the Thames on a rationalised site.

4.4.12 Dagenham Breach adjacent to the new Dagenham Engine plant and one of the new wind turbines within the Fords plant and is highly visible from the elevated section of the A13. This natural lake provides an extensive habitat for wildlife and migratory birds. These features provide distinctive natural, architectural and iconic elements in this industrial area.

Photo 20: Dagenham Breach, the new Ford Engine Plant and wind turbine create distinctive landmarks, The wind turbines at Fords can be seen from almost all of the rest of the borough as well as from the London Eye, the southern bank of the Thames and the Dartford Crossing.

4.4.13 The A13 is one of the major transport routes into London and one of the busiest trunk roads in the Country. This inevitably has an impact on the Borough in relation to noise, air quality and accessibility. The implementation of Barking Riverside and new transport linkages that will be provided as part of this development should improve accessibility to the south of the Borough.

4.4.14 The A13 Artscape Project has implemented landscape works and bespoke sculptural designs along the route of the A13. This has created a distinctive feel and practical solutions to problems such as improving aesthetics, air quality, noise and crossing the road, by transforming the uninviting subways into interesting features, creating shaped noise bunds, and light features.

Photo 21: the A13 Artscape works and landscaping at Goresbrook Interchange

4.4.15 The Thames View Estate and Scrattons Farm are two post war estates that are fairly isolated as they are south of the A13. There are limited facilities

13 on both estates and bus services are also limited. There is an average of 26- 34 dwellings per hectare on these estates. Residential density in the rest of the southern character area is low due to the nature of development.

4.4.16 Specific Policies for Character Area South (CAS)

4.4.17 The development of the Southern part of the borough will be guided by the major framework planning and planning applications for key sites. Each of these includes Urban Design and Landscape frameworks which provide more specific guidance. The individual documents for each key site should be referred to for more detailed guidance. In addition to the overarching UDF policies the following are proposed.

POLICY CAS 1:- The area should be protected from flooding with improved river defences, provided as part of the regeneration proposals. The soft river edge at Barking Riverside should be retained by keeping the development an appropriate distance away.

POLICY CAS 2:- The rivers of the Goresbrook, and Buzzards Mouth Creek should be enhanced as wildlife corridors with sloping profiles and native planting where possible.

POLICY CAS 3:- The links between the River Roding as tributary of the Thames, to adjacent areas, should be improved with the extension of the Riverside Walk. Public access to the river should be created where appropriate by extending the Thames Path whilst protecting the conservation area of the mudflats through restricting public access at certain points.

POLICY CAS 4:- Land uses at Dagenham Dock should encourage those that require a riverside function and promote positive designs that recognise and contribute to the river setting.

POLICY CAS 5:- Road infrastructure improvements are required to improve flows from the River Road/Movers Lane and Renwick Road junctions at the entrance to the area; a mix of dedicated and non-dedicated sections should be provided for the East London Transit Route from Movers Lane via Thames View local centre to Barking Riverside district centre; a loop road to the east of River Road should be provided to create a more coherent network of roads in the main industrial area. An integrated transport junction should be provided at Dagenham Dock to enable an extension of the DLR and connections to the existing C2C and pedestrian access across the railway.

POLICY CAS 6:- Public space and landscape projects should be progressed including a new north-south public open space linking Thames View, Barking Riverside and the Thames. There should be provision for an east-west green link to the south of Thames View, and improvements to the public realm at local level. This should include tree planting on the main roads of the industrial area and a fine grain of foot and cycle links at the edges of Thames View estate.

14 POLICY CAS 7:- A new higher density business district at the northern end of River Road, and new business premises along the eastern edge of the River Road industrial area will be provided. Developers will be required to demonstrate efficient site use and a good relationship between the buildings and the public realm.

POLICY CAS 8:- Selective residential intensification to the south and east of Thames View is also proposed in accordance with the guidelines on appropriate building types and densities.

POLICY CAS 9:- The distinctiveness of the A13 created by the Artscape should be maintained and opportunities for public art to promote distinctiveness and create landmarks, should be sought where appropriate.

POLICY CAS 10:- The development of the Riverside should proceed in relation to the densities proposed in the Barking Riverside Urban Design Guidelines and in line with the implementation of major public transport provision.

POLICY CAS 11:- The new development to the south of the borough should include integrated transport systems, including fine grained footpath and cycle connections to serve the new communities and improve accessibility and connectivity with the rest of the borough. Increased densities should be achieved around transport nodes within the new development areas.

4.5 The character of the western area of the Borough

15 4.5.1 The character of the western part of the Borough is the most varied and includes the historic core of the borough, Barking Town Centre, the main Industrial and retail parks along the Roding valley, a variety of housing in the form of Victorian and Edwardian suburbs, interwar and post war suburbs and post 1960’s residential estates. The town centre is also the main retail, commercial and transport interchange in the Borough, and includes two major urban parks/open spaces in the form of Barking Park and the Abbey open space, and institutional buildings associated with open space in the form of the Town Hall. The town centre area is a major regeneration area.

4.5.2 Barking Town Centre and the Roding Valley, are of historic importance, and amongst the oldest inhabited areas in the Borough. Both areas are now the focus of change as part of the regeneration of the Thames Gateway and are within the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation area. It is anticipated that between 4,000 and 5,000 new homes will be built within the Town Centre and Roding Valley areas over the next 10-15 years. The drive to intensify the Town Centre and create more vibrancy and vitality will involve an increase in the density of development overall and more mixed use.

4.5.3 Initially the town developed around Barking Abbey built in 666 AD and located at the Mill Pool/Town Quay on the river Roding. This provided a source of water for the market gardens. After the dissolution of the Abbey by Henry VIII the focus of the town was centred around the fishing industry based in Town Quay, once the largest in the country, which peaked around 1850s.

4.5.4 The advent of the railway in the mid 1800’s and the subsequent development of Victorian and Edwardian terraces around the station area caused the centre of the town to move away from the River and Town Quay to centre on the station. Generally Barking can be described as a very historic place but that history is not particularly evident at first glance.

4.5.5 The Town Centre has suffered over recent years from retail competition from the neighbouring towns of Romford and Ilford and out of town regional shopping centres such as Lakeside and Bluewater. The town now lacks focus and as result.

4.5.6 The oldest building remaining in the town is Fawley House number 35 East Street built in 1865 opposite the Magistrates Court. The Magistrates Court is a Grade II listed building. Most of the buildings in the Town Centre represent a typical pattern of growth over the decades where buildings differ in terms of their style and form.

Figure 10: The characteristics of the Western Character Area

17 4.5.7 A number of fine shop facades are hidden by street signs and poor quality shop signs and the dated pedestrianised area detracts from the appearance and feel of the town centre.

Photo 22: East Street, Barking. The historic past is lost behind the shops signs and street clutter.

4.5.8 The architecture is a mix of old and new ranging from the oldest the Curfew Tower dating from 1400’s and Eastbury Manor House to Victorian terraces and housing estates of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The Town Hall, the main civic building in the Town Centre, with its’ distinctive clock tower, was designed in 1936 and built between 1939 and 1958. Vicarage Fields shopping centre was built in the 1990’s.

Photo 23: The Curfew Tower a Grade II* Listed Building and local feature in the grounds of Barking Abbey and has recently been restored.

18 4.5.9 Barking Town Centre Conservation Area comprises parts of East Street and includes the ruins of Barking Abbey, Abbey Green, an underused area of open space and Town Quay on the River Roding. This area is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument site and a Site of Special Archaeological Significance. The Abbey Green area connects to Town Quay and the ancient Mill Pool of the Abbey on the River Roding. This area was once an area of thriving heavy industry, much of which, like the Bryant and May match factory, actively used the river to transport goods and to provide a source of water. The area has been partly redeveloped, with retail outlets and hotels to the north of Town Quay, and old industry, employment areas and new housing to the south of Town Quay.

4.5.10 Plans are underway both sides of the Roding and up and down stream of the Mill Pool to provide new residential, community and leisure uses and connect the Roding Valley to the Town Centre again. One of the regeneration aims for the area is to create a cultural industries Quarter in the Roding Valley around the Old Malthouse, a listed building within the Abbey Road Conservation Area. This will help to revitalise the Roding Valley with new employment opportunities.

Photo 24: Barking Station Concourse was built in the 1960s replacing a level crossing. It was included as a Listed Building in 1996 because of its cantilevered structure a pioneering design at the time.

4.5.11 A number of new construction projects are currently underway such as the Lifelong Learning Centre, heralding a new cycle of prosperity for the Town.

4.5.12 The densities around the Town Centre vary reflecting the variety of housing types in the Town Centre area. Densities range from an average of 54-80 dwellings per hectare on the Harts Lane Estate, up to an average of 120-190 dwellings per hectare on the Gascoigne with densities as high as 190-350 at its centre. This is expected to change through regeneration initiatives to provide a greater choice of housing.

Photo 25: The Gascoigne Estate in Barking Town Centre

Photo 26: The iconic Lintons Estate building in Barking Town Centre which is due to be demolished.

4.5.13 To the east of the Town Centre within the residential development off Ripple Road is Eastbury Manor House, a Grade I listed Elizabethan Manor House, where reputedly Guy Fawkes hatched his gunpowder plot.

Photo 27: Eastbury Manor House

4.5.14 The character of the more popular residential suburbs adjacent to the Town Centre is quite different. These areas in particular the popular 1930’s

20 Leftley Estate provides good quality large terraced, semi-detached, and detached housing large gardens and tree lined streets and may come under pressure for conversion as the regeneration of the Town Centre proceeds.

4.5.15 Some of the houses are quite individual with mansard style roofs, impressive porches, double fronted bow windows, oriel windows, stained glass windows and bespoke brick walls to the frontages, and as such they contrast with the Becontree Estate style housing in the central character area. The density is mostly 26-34 dwellings per hectare.

Photo 28: The distinctive 1930’s style housing on the Leftley Estate on Longbridge Road. These properties overlook Barking Park the oldest park in the borough and subject of a Heritage Lottery Bid.

4.5.16 This area is residential in character and distinct from the Town Centre. Faircross Parade on the edge of the Leftley Estate is a local shopping area with a distinctive architecture and with a clearly defined layout formed by the road junction, buildings, shops and street trees.

Photo 29: Faircross Parade retains a strong layout based around the road pattern, and buildings ‘turning’ the corner.

Photo 30: The Royal Oak pub at Faircross is local feature with its distinctive round turret.

4.5.17 Longbridge Road is as a wide tree lined street with distinctive and imposing 1930’s style flats along its frontage.

Photo 31: Distinctive 1930’s flats along Longbridge Road

4.5.18 The focus on regeneration in the town centre will mean there will be many changes over the next 10-15 years, aimed at increasing the choice of housing, retail, leisure, cultural and evening activities, and focussing on a more vibrant town centre area. A number of framework plans and initiatives are underway, which will underpin the implementation of regeneration projects. In addition to the UDF policies detailed earlier, the following policies are adapted from the Allies and Morrison Urban design principles5 for the Town Centre, will enable the essential elements that contribute to the distinctiveness and identity of the town centre and the western character area to be enhanced.

5 Barking Town Centre - Urban Design Principles: Allies and Morrison – May 2006

22 4.5.19. Specific Policies for the Character Area West (CAW) (Incorporating Allies and Morrison’s Objectives for Barking Town Centre)

POLICY CAW 1:- Reinforce and enhance the route between the station and the river and redefine the sequence of urban spaces along it. Barking has developed a series of broadly parallel features to the River Roding. It is necessary to reinforce and complete the routes that link these features together. For example the route from the Town Quay to the station via Abbey Green should be made clear as a main thoroughfare. This should extend to the entrance of Barking Park.

POLICY CAW 2:- Exploit the riverside as a major new development area within the town centre. Barking should be reconnected to its historical past with greater access along the river with a focus of activity on the Mill Pool including the riverside walk additional bridges, enhanced wildlife habitats upstream, links to the wider countryside, and incorporating flood defence.

POLICY CAW 3:- Restore the urban pattern of Barking’s streets and re- establish a coherent urban grain. Encourage the active use of the ground floor frontages of buildings facing the streets. The network of town streets should be rebuilt with three main north-south routes connected by more numerous east-west routes with a rationalisation of the traffic and parking. The Barking Code should be used regarding materials and street furniture.

POLICY CAW 4:- Support the business and retail circuit, including Barking Market to ensure the continuing commercial viability of the town centre. Creating a pleasant shopping environment along East Street by resurfacing and redefining the streets, rationalising the market together with service provision and new lighting whilst accommodating the East London Transit, will help to support commercial activity. Also maximising business opportunities for professional services, larger retailers and encouraging a night time economy, will increase the viability of the Town Centre.

POLICY CAW 5:- Identify key areas associated with Barking’s heritage and ensure that they are retained and respected to retain the unique character of this historic town. Landmark buildings such as St Margaret’s Church and the Magistrates Court should be retained. In considering development the setting of listed or historic buildings should be considered. This should be widened to include other buildings of townscape or historic significance to the development of the town such as Barking’s pubs on street corners, chapels, and the smaller 1930s-1950s shops. The interwar housing of the Leftley Estate including Faircross Parade should be retained with its mature planting and intact layout.

POLICY CAW 6:- Protect current views of Barking Town Hall clock tower so that it remains the most distinctive landmark in Barking. By limiting the height of buildings surrounding it and careful consideration of the locations for new landmark features should ensure that buildings complement each other and views of the Town Hall clock tower are retained.

POLICY CAW 7:- Refurbish and adapt Barking Station so that it becomes a fitting gateway for the town with increased passenger capacity. Resolve public transport issues by creating a clear and effective transport interchange at the station between train and bus services. Opening up the concourse area, creating a station forecourt, improving circulation in front of the station and improving signage will create a more welcoming and user friendly facility which is also a landmark and point of orientation for the Town Centre.

POLICY CAW 8:- Capitalise on the short distances within the Town Centre by developing the pedestrian and cycle network. Encourage bicycle use by identifying safe routes and providing bike parking facilities especially around the station. By reconnecting streets, widening pavements, improving personal safety, with better lighting and surveillance, pedestrian squares, bike parks etc, pedestrian and cycling will be encouraged in the Town Centre.

POLICY CAW 9:- Increase housing provision in the Town Centre area in new mixed-use developments as a key part of the urban regeneration policy. This should be in associated with high quality development, mixed types of residencies and an appropriate amount of amenity space. New housing includes the redevelopment of existing estates to provide high quality housing such as the Gascoigne and Harts Lane plus residential development along the river.

POLICY CAW 10:- Enable increased access to green spaces both by improving public amenities on Abbey Green and creating new landscaped areas as an integral part of housing developments. The potential of Abbey Green, Barking Park, opportunities for street planting and amenity space in housing areas should be realised to provide open space for the growing population.

POLICY CAW 11:- Carefully integrate new developments into existing street patterns in terms of scale, height and materials. New development should help to repair the urban fabric of the town by developing a clear approach to the relationship between the street width and building height.

POLICY CAW 12:- . Tall Buildings should be restricted to areas around the station and in areas of densification. Generally the approach should be that buildings should be lower in the historic areas of the town, views of the town hall clock tower should be protected. Buildings can be higher near the station and where sites are adjacent to major access roads to act as landmarks.

POLICY CAW 13: The integrity of housing areas adjacent to the Town Centre, such as the Leftley estate, Longbridge Road, and the areas around Cecil Avenue and Salisbury Road, should be maintained to ensure an adequate stock of large housing in the borough. Applications for conversion where this would result in alterations to the streetscene, additional car parking pressures, or congestion, should be resisted.

24 PART 5 Appendices

Appendix A – Saved Unitary Development Plan Policies

The Urban Design Framework supports the existing saved UDP policies and, in particular, the following which relate to design issues. The text in brackets briefly describes the policy.

Part 1 General Policies (pages 7 to 17) Strategic Housing Policies: Strategic Policy A (provide an adequate supply of land for new housing) Strategic Policy C (maintain decent standards for residents and achieve a better environment for households most in need)

Strategic Shopping Policies: Strategic Policy G (maintain and improve the existing shopping environment and its accessibility; provide a new district centre at Barking Reach) Strategic Policy H (invest in Barking Town Centre as a strategic centre)

Strategic Green Belt Policies: Strategic Policy I (protect the open character of the Green Belt and refuse inappropriate development) Strategic Policy J (maintain and improve the quality of the environment and landscape in the Green Belt) Strategic Policy K (improve the use of Green Belt for informal recreation whilst safeguarding the environment)

Strategic Environmental Protection Policies: Strategic Policy L (prevent land become derelict and avoid contamination of land and pollution of land air and water; encourage recycling)

Strategic Nature Conservation Policies: Strategic Policy M (protect and enhance areas of ecological value and promote their importance as assets in the urban environment)

Strategic Open Space Areas Policies: Strategic Policy N (improve leisure and recreational facilities to meet local needs) Strategic Policy O (protect areas of Metropolitan Open Land and refuse inappropriate development) Strategic Policy P (protect areas of urban space and refuse inappropriate development)

1 Strategic Design and Environment Policies: Strategic Policy Q (maintain and improve the quality of urban landscape; seek a high standard of design layout and landscape features in all new development) Strategic Policy R (maintain and enhance Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas; take full account of archaeological issues in all developments) Strategic Policy S (providing adequate land and buildings for public utilities and services for new communities; expand telecommunications whilst maintaining the existing environment)

Strategic Community Facilities Policies: Strategic Policy V (design of new and existing communities to cater for all members of the community)

Strategic Arts Culture and Entertainment, and Tourism: Strategic Policy W (improve the distribution and quality of arts, cultural and entertainment facilities)

Strategic Transportation and Movement Policies: Strategic Policy X (restrain traffic and improve provision and integration of use of public transport) Strategic Policy Y (improve conditions for pedestrians in the built environment) Strategic Policy Z (ensure transport interchanges cater for all members of the community) Strategic Policy AA (encourage cycling and improve conditions for cycle traffic)

Part 2 – Detailed Policies Chapter One Housing (pages 25 to 56) Policy H13 (all new residential development to be a of a high standard of design and layout) Policy H18 (provide amenity open space for new developments particularly in areas of open space deficiency) Policy H20 (encourage the use of energy efficient building techniques in construction of new residential developments)

Chapter Two Employment (pages 47 to 56) Policy E1 (retain and expand existing employment areas)

Chapter Three Shopping (pages 59 to 73) Policy S1 (preferred location for large retail development is Barking Town Centre, Dagenham Heathway and Chadwell Heath) Policy S2 (all shopping proposals will be considered with regard to their environmental impact, take account of their surroundings, not increase traffic congestion, the design should provide a safe and secure environment for shoppers, be readily accessible etc) Policy S11 (enhance existing shopping areas with paved surfaces, street furniture planting, lighting etc)

2 Policy S14 (new and redesigned shop fronts to relate to the building the shop front is to be installed)

Chapter Four Barking Town Centre (pages 77 to 92) Policy B.T.C 1 (encourage the comprehensive development of the town centre considering opportunities for development for business, residential retail and hotel and leisure etc) Policy B.T.C 12 (maintain and improve the environment of the town centre in terms of traffic, pedestrian accessibility, landscape works and appearance of buildings, include safety and signage) Policy B.T.C 13 (high standard of design and layout in any new development is required) Policy B.T.C 15 (improve access to Barking station) Policy B.T.C 16 (local listing of buildings of townscape and historical interest)

Chapter Five Barking Reach (pages 95 to 103) Policy BR1 (develop Barking Reach for housing and employment uses which will require an infrastructure and facilities such as shopping, schools, public open space etc) Policy BR2 (integrate Barking Reach development into the rest of the borough Policy BR8 (protect and manage nature conservation areas; create new habitats by establishing nature conservation as one of the design criteria for new developments)

Chapter Six Green Issues (pages 107 to 152) Policy G3 (lists criteria for development which is acceptable in the Green Belt) Policy G19 (high standard of landscape work to be associated with all development in the Green Belt) Policy G32 (developments to include proper arrangements for storage and collections and disposal of waste) Policy G40 (encourage environmentally efficient developments) Policy G47 (encourage the protection and planting of trees and shrubs) Policy G53 (retain and improve views of, and where appropriate access to) Policy G54 (create, protect and enhance wildlife corridors) Policy G57 (enhance areas of Metropolitan Open Land) Policy G63 (protect open space which fulfils a local environmental nature conservation or amenity need) Policy G66 (upgrade the quality of existing parks including providing high quality landscaped environments) Policy G67 (improve existing footpath and establish a Green Chain network of paths)

Chapter Seven Design and Environment (pages 155 to 176) Policy DE1 (design of new buildings should be sympathetic and relate to the existing environment and contribute positively to the relationship between spaces and buildings) Policy DE5 (include access and facilities for people with disabilities) Policy DE6 (new developments to enhance safety and security) Policy DE8 (new developments not obscure views inside and outside the borough)

3 Policy DE16 (hard surface to be to high standard) Policy DE17 (protect and improve public amenity value of trees and natural features) Policy DE22 (designate new and extend existing Conservation Areas) Policy DE28 (proposals next to Conservation Areas to be in harmony with the size form and materials of the Conservation Area) Policy DE29 (maintain and restore buildings of architectural or historic interest) Policy DE33 (enhance the setting of listed buildings)

Chapter Eight Community Facilities (pages179 to 193) Policy C15 (public buildings to be designed to permit access for disabled people) Policy C16 (designs for access safety and security arrangements to a certain standard) Policy C17 (lists suggestions for community benefits regarding planning obligations)

Chapter Nine Arts and Tourism (pages 197 to 205) Policy A.T.15 (new facilities to be accessible to all)

Chapter Ten Transportation and Movement (pages 209 to 234) Policy T.1 (new developments which be used by large numbers of people to be accessible by public transport) Policy T 12 (improve pedestrian safety, security convenience and accessibility) Policy T 17 (applications for new developments will be considered regarding the needs of the disabled and the proximity to public transport facilities) Policy T 19 (promote cycling as a healthy and efficient form of transport)

4 Appendix B Summary of Overarching Urban Design Framework Policies and Specific Character Area Policies

POLICY UDF 1- Higher density locations. Higher urban densities as outlined in the London Plan, should be restricted to locations where good public transport accessibility is achievable (existing or proposed), around rail and underground stations, light rail and bus transit stops and in key shopping areas.

POLICY UDF 2 – Density in existing areas. The density of established areas such as the Becontree estate, the Leftley estate and Chadwell Heath, should be retained and new developments within these areas should be in keeping with the density, form, scale and massing of these areas. Where areas for comprehensive redevelopment are proposed in established areas, exceptions may be made where benefits can be demonstrated through development and design briefs.

POLICY UDF 3 – Optimising the use of sites. Good design should be employed in all new developments to ensure that the density and use of the site is optimised, contributes positively to the development, surrounding neighbourhood and enables connections and integration with existing and established areas.

POLICY UDF 4 – Improving linkages. Improvements to existing routes and the provision of new routes to improve permeability, connectivity and choice will be considered as part of all new development proposals. Appropriate measures will be taken to secure these through developer contributions (Section 106 obligations) and through the Council’s Transport Programme priorities.

POLICY UDF 5 – Access for all. Access for all should be considered with inclusive design a priority in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. An access statement would be expected to state how this would be addressed

POLICY UDF 6 - The public realm. All proposals involving the creation or improvement of the public realm should promote Innovative and inspiring design, the use of good quality recycled materials, renewable elements, and public art as integral elements of the design.

POLICY UDF 7 – Creating a sense of place. Developments should be designed to create places that are interesting and provide variety and diversity, places where people feel welcome and will want to return. This should considered both on a large scale in terms of the types of the buildings and public spaces being created and on a smaller scale through design detail to create places that become a positive part of peoples lives and Contribute to a sense of place.

POLICY UDF 8 – Sustainable, Durable and adaptable environments. The ‘Building for Life’Standards should be met to ensure sustainable quality new developments. Buildings should be designed to be capable of adaptation to different uses such as accommodating changes in use and changes to residential homes as

1 families need to expand or people become older. Developers should incorporate renewable energy technologies into existing and proposed new developments of all kinds through appropriate sensitive design. Places should be designed to be adaptable and flexible to cater for the different activities of every day life. Sustainable construction practices should be followed in all developments.

POLICY UDF 9 – Re-use of buildings. Empty buildings and their reuse should be considered as a contribution to regeneration and to the viability and vitality of neighbourhoods.

POLICY UDF 10 - Secure developments. Secure by Design Standards should be followed in considering all aspects of new developments or improvements but should also enable innovative and quality design solutions.

POLICY UDF 11- Respecting local context. New building, structures, public realm proposals, and landscaping should respect and enhance existing urban and landscape character. Materials should respect the local character, and should include locally recycled materials where possible.

POLICY UDF 12 – Enhancing the heritage of the Borough. New developments and public realm improvements should enhance and compliment the historic and cultural heritage of the Borough, particularly in or adjacent to the Abbey Scheduled Ancient Monument, conservation areas, or in relation to listed and locally listed buildings and buildings of townscape importance or local significance.

POLICY UDF 13 – Heritage impact assessments. Archaeological and heritage impact surveys should be prepared for developments affecting the setting of listed or locally listed buildings, conservation areas/ the Barking Abbey scheduled ancient monument site.

POLICY UDF 14 – Heritage trails. Heritage features should be promoted, enhanced and interpreted as part heritage trails and proposed foot and cycle paths.

POLICY UDF 15 – Promoting legible environments. Layouts should be designed to provide clear route choices through new developments, which are safe and connect to neighbouring areas and to a safe and viable network of footpath and cycle routes around the Borough and promote better signage, to improve connections and linkages between areas and key facilities.

POLICY UDF 16 – Providing local landmarks. Buildings and features that provide landmarks should be retained or provided as an aid to navigation and to reinforce local character and identity.

POLICY UDF 17 – Creating distinctive environments. The use of public art and innovative building design that contribute to creating distinctive environments will add to the sense of place, identity and legibility of different areas of the Borough.

POLICY UDF 18 - Enhancing views of local landmarks. Significant views of buildings and structures that provide landmarks should be considered in new development and incorporated into area action plans. The sequence of experiences in reaching significant viewpoints should be considered.

2 POLICY UDF 19 – Creating inspiring environments. Development, particularly on large sites, should be designed to be attractive, exciting and inspiring, to contribute positively to the character and identity of the borough, engender a ‘sense of place’ and feelings of pride in the Borough.

POLICY UDF 20 – Respecting the natural environment. Where significant wildlife values are already present in development areas, proposals should consider how these can be properly incorporated and protected where possible. Wildlife corridors along rivers and railways should also be enhanced.

POLICY UDF 19 – Creating inspiring environments. Development, particularly on large sites, should be designed to be attractive, exciting and inspiring, to contribute positively to the character and identity of the borough, engender a ‘sense of place’ and feelings of pride in the Borough.

POLICY UDF 21 – Promoting bio-diversity. Development proposals should consider all aspects of the natural environment by incorporating designs for wildlife and biodiversity into schemes, through encouraging the use of surface materials that are wildlife friendly and providing green roofs. Proposals for development or enhancement should contribute to providing ecosystem services e.g. flood management and using plant species with low water requirements to minimise the demand for watering, in addition to biodiversity targets.

POLICY UDF 22 – Flood risk assessment and mitigation. Any new development in flood sensitive locations must have detailed flood-risk assessment in line with the Environment Agency’s flood risk-advice. Minimising hard- paved areas in both the public and private realm can reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality. SUDS should be designed to be multi-purpose systems that contribute to open-space values as well as promoting biodiversity and flood mitigation.

POLICY UDF 23 – Enhancing existing waterways. Where developments include existing waterways, these should be enhanced by restoring heavily engineered and straightened canalised water courses to natural profiles where appropriate, to mitigate flood risk with retention ponds, wetland and marshland habitats where appropriate as part of sustainable drainage systems.

POLICY UDF 24 – Structural planting. Larger development schemes will be expected to contribute towards the implementation of structural planting and the tree-lined streets initiative in the borough, through careful consideration of the wider landscaping context and the contribution that makes to the character and identity of the Borough and through Section 106 contributions.

POLICY UDF 25 – The design of the Public realm. The following principles for the Public Realm should be considered and applied when dealing with the design, implementation and management of the Public Realm across the Borough.

3 • A coherent and integrated approach to the Public Realm throughout the Borough should be adopted • Local character should be reinforced and interpreted to achieve distinctive neighbourhoods • Clutter should be removed/reduced through the rationalisation of street elements to produce clear spaces and routes that are safe and understandable • The emphasis should be on a hierarchy of spaces and streets that are free from hiding places that facilitate crime • Proposals should reflect movement to and through the Borough • The design of the Public Realm should be calm and well designed and include the use of quality and durable materials • Proposals should display an attention to detail design • Sustainable, long term management should be considered • The design and treatment of the public realm should be adaptable to a number of uses • The public realm should be welcoming and allow people to interact socially • Streets should be accessible for pedestrians, cyclist, motorists and other road users and easily accessible by people with visual and mobility impairments.

POLICY UDF 26 – Creating a hierarchy of open space. Developers will be required to make appropriate provision for the development of a hierarchy of open spaces in areas of deficiency as identified in the Landscape Framework plan, and sub-regional frameworks.

POLICY UDF 27 – Green routes and tree lined streets. Developers will be required to contribute to the establishment of green linkages between parks and major facilities, particularly the hierarchy of tree- lined streets as shown on the Landscape Framework Plan and detailed in the Tree-lined Street Initiative.

Character Area Specific Policies

Specific Policies for Character Area North (CAN).

POLICY CAN 1:- The regeneration and development of Chadwell Heath High Street and the station area as an important retail centre and gateway into the borough should be encouraged. The Historic Village Core should be retained and enhanced by maintaining the scale and massing of the built form created by the buildings and road layout as far as possible. There is scope for an increase in density near to the station, however any Increase in density of development should be carefully considered so that designs do not have a detrimental impact on the built heritage of the area.

POLICY CAN 2:- The importance of Chadwell Heath Station (within the London Borough of Redbridge but just outside the borough) as a gateway into the borough should be highlighted by increasing capacity and through improving access and circulation for pedestrians and vehicles in the vicinity of the station.

POLICY CAN 3:- The layout of the high street should be enhanced by creating a more pedestrian friendly environment. All new developments should incorporate fine- grained networks for footpaths and cycleways, to increase accessibility and connectivity throughout the area.

4 POLICY CAN 4:- The character of the Victorian and 1930’s style residential streets should be retained and enhanced with street tree planting, and where possible, uniform resurfacing of roads and sympathetic treatment of facades,

POLICY CAN 5:- The raised ground in the northern part of the Borough affords good long distance views, to the Green Belt to the north and the Thames, Docklands and the City of London, to the south. The open aspect of this area and scale and massing should be respected to enable these views to be maintained. Taller buildings should generally be restricted to areas around transport nodes.

POLICY CAN 6:- The older buildings of townscape or local interest should be retained as part of the history and local identity of the area, restored and put to good use where possible.

Specific Policies for Character Area East (CAE)

POLICY CAE 2:- The Millennium Centre should be retained as a landmark by continuing to uphold it as an example of sustainable building techniques and a focus for LBBD countryside activities.

POLICY CAE 3:- All new developments should incorporate fine-grained networks for footpaths and cycleways to provide accessibility and connections to the wider area.

POLICY CAE 5:- The residential estates should be enhanced by encouraging the upgrading of properties and improvements to the street scene.

POLICY CAE 6:- The surroundings to the front of the Civic Centre should be improved to enhance the setting of this important feature and listed building.

POLICY CAE 7:- All shopping Parades should be up-graded through shop front and public realm improvements to enhance usage, vitality and add to the vibrancy of the area.

Specific Policies for the Central Character Area (CAA)

POLICY CCA 1:- The integrity of the Becontree could be restored by conserving some of the more ‘intact’ parts of the estate and by encouraging improvements to properties more in keeping with the surroundings for example by using local materials such as brick and tiles.

POLICY CCA 2:- The public realm throughout should be redefined with better on street car parking provision. The main routes should be redefined by replacement

5 street tree planting where this has been lost and redefining public and private open space as part of the landscape framework for the borough.

POLICY CCA 3:- The more distinctive buildings should be retained and restored with more appropriate renovation work, for example the timber framed wooden houses and old farm cottages located throughout the Becontree estate.

POLICY CCA 4:- The Conservation Area status of the Dagenham Village should be enhanced through encouraging the enhancement of Listed Buildings such as The Cross Keys Pub, the Vicarage and the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul and by protecting views of the church and the pub, by retaining the older houses and shops on Church Street and encouraging any new developments to reflect the character of the village.

POLICY CCA 5:- The proposals for the regeneration of the Heathway will be enhanced by building a new landmark library building at the road junction on the site of the Church Elm pub. Developing a palette of paving to create a quality civic space, creating signage zones and opening up site lines for pedestrians and vehicles tin the area will enhance the legibility of the public realm. The district centre of the Heathway should be defined with a bio diverse spatial strategy by promoting the idea of the road as a linear arboretum.

POLICY CCA 6:- The section between Heathway and Chequers Corner should be planted with trees in the wider parts of the street and greens to enhance the quality of the retail and residential areas. Road junctions should be identified with groups of trees of particular species. Soft landscaped areas should generally attenuate surface water runoff. Street furniture and materials should be coordinated and in accordance with the Heathway public realm strategy, to give identity to this major spine route. The Mayor of London’s 100 Public Spaces proposals for the Heathway and Chequers Lane should be implemented to add to the distinctiveness, sense of place, connectivity, biodiversity and community cohesion in the area.

POLICY CCA 7:- The existing densities are to be retained. There is scope to increase this around the designated regeneration areas and around Heathway and Becontree stations.

Specific Policies for the Character Area South (CAS).

POLICY CAS 2:- The rivers of the Goresbrook, and Buzzards Mouth Creek should be enhanced as wildlife corridors with sloping profiles and native planting where possible.

6 POLICY CAS 4:- Land uses at Dagenham Dock should encourage those that require a riverside function and promote positive designs that recognise and contribute to the river setting.

POLICY CAS 7:- A new higher density business district at the northern end of River Road, and new business premises along the eastern edge of the River Road industrial area will be provided. Developers will be required to demonstrate efficient site use and a good relationship between the buildings and the public realm.

POLICY CAS 8:- Selective residential intensification to the south and east of Thames View is also proposed in accordance with the guidelines on appropriate building types and densities.

POLICY CAS 9:- The distinctiveness of the A13 created by the Artscape should be maintained and opportunities for public art to create distinctiveness, and landmarks should be sought where appropriate.

POLICY CAS 10:- The development of Barking Riverside should proceed in relation to the densities proposed in the Barking Riverside Urban Design Guidelines and in line with the implementation of major public transport provision.

Specific Policies for the Character Area West (CAW) (Incorporating Allies and Morrison’s Objectives for Barking Town Centre)

POLICY CAW 3:- Restore the urban pattern of Barking’s streets and re-establish a coherent urban grain. Encourage the active use of the ground floor frontages of buildings facing the streets. The network of town streets should be rebuilt with three main north-south routes connected by more numerous east-west routes with a rationalisation of the traffic and parking. The Barking Code should be used regarding materials and street furniture.

POLICY CAW 9:- Increase housing provision in the Town Centre area in new mixed- use developments as a key part of the urban regeneration policy. This should be in

8 associated with high quality development, mixed types of residencies and an appropriate amount of amenity space. New housing includes the redevelopment of existing estates to provide high quality housing such as the Gascoigne and Harts Lane plus residential development along the river.

POLICY CAW 12:- Tall Buildings should be restricted to areas around the station and in areas of densification. Generally the approach should be that buildings should be lower in the historic areas of the town, views of the town hall clock tower should be protected. Buildings can be higher near the station and where sites are adjacent to major access roads to act as landmarks.

9 Appendix C – other local plans and initiatives

Strategies, plans, initiatives, and proposals currently underway in the Borough and relevant to the implementation of this framework:

Framework plans/Master Plans Barking Town Centre ‘Abbey Green Central \Open Space landscape Vision’ - Groundwork East London - June 2005

‘Barking Framework Plan’ by East Sergison Bates, ATIS REAL Wetheralls, and WSP Group, 2003

‘Draft Framework plan for the Station Quarter’ – EDAW et al - ongoing

‘Draft Framework plan for London Road/North Street’ – Rick Mather Associates et al – ongoing

‘Axe Street masterplan’ – Allies and Morrison – ongoing

‘Freshwharf Estate regeneration Framework ’– Stock Wolstencroft et al – ongoing

London Riverside ‘Creekmouth to Castle Green Framework plan’ - Juurlink+Gelink, and Witherford, Watson, Mann – July 2004

‘An Urban Strategy for London Riverside’ – GLA and London Riverside Action Group Partners – July 2002

‘London Riverside Regeneration Framework’– Arup 2006

‘Sub regional Planning Framework’ - London Thames Gateway Unitary Development Corporation – ongoing

South Dagenham/Heathway ‘South Dagenham masterplan’ – Maccreanor Lavington et al - ongoing

‘Planning the Future of Dagenham Heathway Regeneration Strategy; Public Realm Strategy; and Feasibility Study for a New Dagenham Library ‘ - Atis Real Weatherall, Witherford Watson Mann Architects, J&L Gibbons and Hyder Consulting - March 2005

Planning Policy Guidance documents ‘Interim Planning Guidance for Barking Town Centre’ – LBBD – 2004

Urban Design and Public Realm documents

‘Streetscape Guidance’ - Transport for London -2004

‘Barking Code’ by Burns and Nice, July 2004

‘Urban Design Principles – Barking Town Centre’ – Allies and Morrison – May 2006

Parks and Open Spaces documents and initiatives

‘The Parks and Green Spaces Strategy ‘– LBBD – 2003

The London Loop Initiative http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/londonloop.html

The Capital Ring Initiative http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/londonloop.html

‘The Draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan’ – LBBD - January 2005,

Bidding documents

Barking Park Heritage Lottery Bid (2006 pending)

Valence Park Museum Heritage Lottery Bid (2006 pending)

Heritage and Conservation documents

‘The Heritage Strategy’’ - LBBD - 2000

‘Barking Abbey Conservation management Plan’ - Environmental Design Associates, December 2002

Others

‘The Community Strategy’ – LBBD - 2002

‘Regeneration Strategy’ – LBBD – 2002

‘Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the East London area’. – Entec and JBA for Thames Gateway London Partnership, in partnership with the East London Boroughs, the Environment Agency and the ODPM – June 2005. http://www.thames-gateway.org.uk;

‘Disability Strategy ‘– LBBD - 2002/03

‘Housing Strategy - 2003 – 2006’ – LBBD – September 2002

‘The Fencing Design Guidelines’ – LBBD – 2004

11 ‘London Borough of Barking and Dagenham - Neighbourhood Centre Health Check’ - Atkins – January 2006

Major Planning Applications

‘Barking Riverside planning application’ - including Master Plan, Urban Design Framework and Design Codes

‘Town Square proposals’ – Allford Hall Monaghan Morris et al for Redrow regeneration - ongoing

Transport

‘The Barking and Dagenham Local Implementation Plan’ (LIP) - LBBD – 2006

‘Barking Town Centre Movement Strategy’ by Mouchel Parkman April 2005

‘School Travel Plans’ - Part of the Travelling to School Initiative September 2003 launched by The Department for Transport (DfT) in Partnership with the Department for Education and Science (DfES)

‘Interim Parking Standards’ – LBBD – January 2002

12 Appendix D – Glossary of terms used

Term Definition Affordable Is housing of an adequate standard which is cheaper than Housing that which is generally available in the local housing market. Biodiversity This refers to the variety of plants and animals and other living things in a particular area or region. It encompasses habitat diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. Biodiversity has value in its own right and has social and economic value for human society. Character Individual distinctiveness created from a combination of (of area) natural and built elements with historic, socio-economic and other factors. Development A document that outlines detailed planning requirements Brief for the development of a site. It is subject to public consultation prior to publication. Developers’ A financial or in-kind contribution usually made by a Contribution binding agreement between the Council and the developer to mitigate the impacts of the development on the environment and the community. District Park London Panning Advisory Committee LPAC hierarchy categorises parks in terms of size and walking distances from homes. A district Park is defined as 20 hectares and 15 minutes walking distance (1.2km) from home. Distinctiveness See Character. One intended to have the highest profile of all of the Flagship Project regeneration proposals. High Quality Urban design is the art of making places. Providing high Urban Design quality urban design involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes in town and cities, to create an attractive, healthy and welcoming environment, with a long lease of life, and the establishment of frameworks and processes that facilitate successful, high quality development. Legal A legally binding contract, between a developer and the Agreement Council that constitutes a planning obligation. Local Park 2 hectares and 5 minutes walk away (400m) 2 Major Developments in excess of 10 residential units or 1000m Development gross floor area. Material In respect of a planning application, material Consideration considerations are any considerations which relate to the use and development of land and are relevant to the site in question. Metropolitan 60 hectares 40 minutes walking distance (3.2km) Open Space

13 Term Definition Mixed Use Development for a variety of activities on single sites or development across wider areas such as town centres. Natural Surveillance is created when areas are overlooked by Surveillance other users. Natural surveillance occurs when buildings of all types front onto streets, squares or parks and contribute to overlooking. Planning A written condition on a planning permission that restricts Condition the development in some way to achieve a stated purpose. Planning Section 12 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, Obligation allows developers to enter into a planning obligation, either as an agreement with the local planning authority or unilaterally. Planning obligations can be modified or discharged, and can be entered into in respect of Crown Land. Public Realm This is the space between and within buildings that are publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. Small Local 1 hectare and 2 minutes walking distance (200m) Park Strategic A generic term used internationally to describe Environmental environmental assessment as applied to policies, plans Assessment and programmes. The European SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) does not in fact use the term strategic environmental assessment; it requires a formal ‘environmental assessment’ of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use. Sustainability Refer to ODPM guide. Appraisal Sustainable This covers development that meets the needs of the Development present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable A sequence of management practices and control Drainage structures designed to drain surface water in a sustainable Systems way. Wheelchair This refers to homes built to meet the standards set out in accessible the National Wheelchair Housing Group report housing ‘Wheelchair Housing Design Guide 1997’. Active street Where part of a building faces the street and allows for frontages some interaction with the street by including doors, windows and shopfronts at street level. Uses such as shops, restaurants and banks help create an active street frontage.

Term Definition Boundary Landscaping along property boundaries, especially those treatment boundaries next to roads, which improves the image and appearance of the property. Compact city The idea of locating new development in existing urban areas, rather than expanding the size of the city by developing countryside areas on the outskirts. Designing-out Designing areas and buildings to minimise opportunities for crime (CPTED) crimes to be committed and to reduce the fear of crime. Also known as crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).Natural surveillance (see below) is an important method of minimising the opportunity for crime. Durable Built to last for a long time. construction Evening Uses that attract people to an area in the evening, economy especially cultural and entertainment facilities, and associated bars and restaurants. Green roofs Green roofs convert a roof area into green space for amenity use and for the benefit of biodiversity. They are composed of layers that create an environment suitable for plant growth. Green walls Green walls are walls of buildings designed to support climbing plants such as creepers. Historic fabric The historic character and appearance of an area. Housing The number of residential properties in an area, usually density measured by the number of residential properties in a hectare.. Higher density Where a larger than normal number of residential properties are located in an area. High density housing usually involves multi-storey buildings. Inclusive Designing a building or space to consider the needs of design persons with a disability. Landscaping Landscaping work to improve the appearance and image of treatment a place. Listed Building A building included in list compiled or approved by the Secretary of State and includes any object or structure fixed to the building and any object structure within the cartilage of building which, although not fixed to the building, formed part of the land and has done so since July 1948. Massing Building mass refers to the visual appearance of a building caused by its size, height and shape. Modal-shift When people start using a different form of transport, a modal-shift occurs. For example travelling to work by train instead of car. Permeability The directness and ease with which a pedestrian can move

15 Term Definition through an area. Planning See section 106 contributions obligations Renewables An energy source which cannot exhausted, such as wind or solar power. Section 106 The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Section 106 contributions allows us to enter into an agreement with the owners of land. This agreement can require a developer to make a financial or non-financial contribution to mitigate the impact of a development and make it acceptable in planning terms. The contribution will usually go towards the provision of necessary infrastructure or facilities. For example a developer may pay for the construction of a road to service a new development. Section 106 agreements are also known as planning obligations. Spatial clarity Spaces which allow a person to easily identify public and private areas, the function of the space and appropriate routes through the space. Swales Open-channel ditch in the ground used to carry stormwater runoff. Grass-covered swales can be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional drainage pipes as they allow water into seep into the ground and reduce pollutants in the storm water before it reaches a river. Urban Design ‘Urban design can be defined as the art of place- making environmental responsibility, social equity and economic viability, for example-into the creation of places of beauty and distinct identity. Urban design is derived from but transcends related matters such as planning and transportation policy, architectural design, development economics, landscape and engineering. It draws these and other strands together. In summary urban design is about creating a vision for an area and then deploying the skills and resources to realise that vision’ (ref Urban Design Compendium).