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THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO URBAN FOREWORD THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO

Councillors have a key role to play INTRODUCTION 3 in the delivery of high quality, well- 01 WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL PLACE? 4 designed places, both in the The seven qualities that successful , spaces, they procure and by influencing the , and tend to have in common quality of all new development in their 02 ASPECTS OF FORM 6 areas through the system. The inter-related elements which work together to define buildings, groups of buildings and spaces CABE is committed to supporting CASE STUDY: ANGELL 8 councillors in this important task and we hope that this document, and the 03 RAISING STANDARDS 10 training seminar it accompanies, will How local authorities get the best out of development help to build upon recent good practice 04 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT 14 and deliver places that improve Outlines the tools currently available to planning authorities which, used effectively, can deliver quality people’s quality of life and which councillors can be proud to have CASE STUDY: DONCASTER 20 been involved in. 05 GLOSSARY 22 06 BIBLIOGRAPHY 26

Sir Stuart Lipton, Chairman, CABE

The issue of good urban design is not about some abstract ideal, it’s about creating the right conditions to make places work. The purpose of this Good urban design is not an abstract Urban design is the process of shaping guide is not to show you ideal. It is a matter of creating the right the setting for life in cities, towns and conditions to make places work, and villages. It is a process that involves how to design, but how the planning system has a central role politicians; a wide range of people with to think about design. in achieving this aim. a stake in an area; and many different kinds of professionals. A successful Crucially, the planning system provides outcome depends on these people the opportunity to ask: working effectively together.

• What sort of place do we want Every day countless decisions are made • How can we promote the qualities that have the potential to make a piece we want of a , town or a little more lively, welcoming and pleasant, or a little The planning system has always been more hostile, unpleasant or unsafe. concerned with getting the right mix These decisions can enhance or erode of land uses, such as housing, retail or a place’s distinctive character. industry, in the right location. Now we recognise that making successful places Some of these decisions concern major also depends on getting the physical developments. But even the overall form of development right. effect of many small developments, such as extensions, shopfronts This has long been recognised in and schemes, can change a place historic areas. But every town and city dramatically for the better or worse over is special to the people who live or work only a few years. By focusing on quality there. Urban design is relevant from the in urban design and , the largest to the smallest scale, and from planning system can make a difference. the most historic town centre to the newest suburban development. Good urban design is a powerful tool for achieving a higher quality of life, greater economic vitality and a more efficient use of resources. It is key to making places where talented people will want to live, and which will nurture economic success.

INTRODUCTION IS URBAN DESIGN? WHAT 3 Successful streets, spaces, villages, towns and cities tend to have qualities in common. The fundamental qualities of successful places, which all development must contribute to, are outlined below.

1 3 5 7 Character Quality of the Legibility Diversity Sense of place and history Ease of understanding Ease of choice A place that responds to and reinforces public realm A place that has a clear image A place with variety and mixed uses locally distinctive patterns of Sense of wellbeing and amenity and is easy to understand development and A place with public spaces and routes • A mix of compatible uses and tenures that are lively and pleasant to use • Landmarks and focal points • Variety of layout and form • Distinctive • Views • Diverse communities and cultures • Natural features • A feeling of safety and security • Clear and easily navigable routes • Variety of architectural styles • Locally distinctive buildings • Uncluttered and easily maintained • Gateways to particular areas • Biodiversity • Streets and patterns • Carefully detailed with integrated • Lighting • Special spaces • Works of art and craft • Skylines and roofscapes • Suited to the needs of everyone, • Signage and waymarkers • Building materials including disabled and elderly people • Local culture and traditions • Well-designed lighting and street • Avoiding standard solutions • Attractive and robust planting 2 4 6 Continuity and enclosure Ease of movement Adaptability Clarity of form Connectivity and permeability Ease of change A place where public and private A place that is easy to get to and A place that can change easily are clearly distinguished move through • Flexible uses • Streets, footpaths and open spaces • Density highest where access • Possibilities for gradual change overlooked by buildings to public transport is best • Buildings and areas adaptable to a • Clear distinction between public and • Roads, footpaths and public spaces variety of present and future uses private space connected into well-used routes • Reuse of important historic buildings • Avoiding gaps in the line of buildings • Easy The qualities of successful place • Enclosing streets and other spaces • Direct routes that lead to where outlined above build upon the by buildings and trees of a scale that people want to go objectives of urban design set feels comfortable and appropriate to • A choice of safe, high quality routes out in By Design, the companion guide the character of the space to Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 • No leftover spaces unused and General Policy and Principles (PPG1). uncared for

01 MAKES A WHAT SUCCESSFUL PLACE? 5 The form of development is the physical expression of urban design. It consists of the relationships, shape and size of buildings, structures and spaces. It will influence the users activity and movement in a place and so is fundamental to the success of a place. The most important elements of development form are listed here. Each of these elements are informed by the seven urban design qualities described in section 01 to create the physical components of a plan.

Urban structure Layout Urban grain Density and mix Height and massing Scale Building type Appearance Facade and interface Public Realm Details and materials 1 3 5 7 Streetscape and landscape Density and mix Building type Details and materials The essential diagram of a place The amount of development and The appearance of the building showing: the range of uses this influences, • The size of the building floorplate its in relation to: to include: heights and means and location • The relationship between new of access • The art, craftsmanship, building development and nature, land form • The intensity of activity relative • The relationship of the building to techniques and detail of the various and existing buildings to a place’s accessibility adjacent buildings and how it relates building components true to local • The framework of routes and spaces • The place’s vitality relative to the to external space at ground floor context that connect locally and more widely, proximity and range of uses • The nature and extent of the building’s • The texture, colour, pattern, durability and the way developments, routes, • The development’s viability setback at upper floors and roof and treatment of its materials open spaces and precincts relate treatment • Materials sourced from local and/or to one another sustainable sources, including recycled materials where possible • The lighting, signage and treatment of shopfronts, entrances and building security 2 4 6 8 Urban grain Height and massing Facade and interface Streetscape The nature and extent of the The scale of a building in relation to: The relationship of the building and landscape of the area into smaller to the street: The design of route and spaces, development parcels showing: • The arrangement, volume and shape their microclimate, ecology and of a building or group of buildings in • The rhythm, pattern and harmony of biodiversity to include: • The pattern and scale of streets, relation to other buildings and spaces its openings relative to its enclosure blocks and plots • The size of parts of a building and its • The nature of the setback, boundary • Paving, planting and street furniture • The rhythm of building frontages details, particularly in relation to the treatment and its frontage condition at • The integration of public art, lighting, along the street as a reflection of size of a person street level signing and waymarkers the plot subdivision • The impact on views, vistas and • The architectural expression of its • The treatment of , play areas, skylines entrances, corners, roofscape and natural features and recreation areas projections • Consideration of long term management and maintenance issues

02 ASPECTS OF FORM 7 The following case study BACKGROUND CHARACTER LEGIBILITY illustrates urban design Once a notorious sink estate associated what is and what are Transforming the image and perceptions Corners and mews access are given Although the residential density with crime, the Angell Town Estate in private spaces for residents. The of a stigmatised estate by adopting architectural emphasis, there is a clear has been slightly reduced by the qualities and form of south London has undergone a ten year monolithic concrete structures of the characteristics of the surrounding and easily understandable grid of streets , a more varied mix of development in practice. regeneration programme including the original estate have been replaced terraces but without stylistic pastiche. that are better connected into the new uses has been introduced, making conversion and replacement of the with a finer grain of development surrounding street pattern. efficient use of a site close to excellent housing stock. Community leadership expressed through clean vertical CONTINUITY bus services and local amenities. Energy and tenant management of the estate proportions creating terraces in a AND ENCLOSURE ADAPTABILITY efficiency of building has have been important ingredients in the distinctly modern idiom. Legible block and street-based layout Existing buildings have been adapted to been improved throughout and area’s success. In partnership with a enclosed by vertically proportioned introduce new uses and provide modern innovative energy and waste recycling consortium of Housing Associations, The new housing is complemented modern terraces. accommodation standards. All homes measures are being introduced. Lambeth Council commissioned six by conversion of some of the older are designed to Lifetime Homes architectural practices, each dealing with blocks, including accommodating QUALITY OF THE standard to facilitate future adaptation different parts of the estate. Burrell Foley new community and business uses in PUBLIC REALM to residents’ needs. Fischer’s new housing has already won converted garages, and by Positive public spaces faced by awards including a 2002 RIBA Award new landscaping and leisure facilities. buildings, greater public safety DIVERSITY and a 2002 Housing Design Award. In summary, the regeneration project and security, new five-a-side pitch. New development provides a mix of delivers many of the qualities that residential tenure and introduces new The layout of the new housing to an distinguish successful places: EASE OF MOVEMENT commercial and community uses. overall masterplan by John Thompson New route created across the estate and Partners has transformed deck- linking to bus services and school, access flats with a rigid separation of interconnecting network of streets and pedestrian and vehicular movement into mews providing a choice of routes. a street-based layout with entrances to homes lining public spaces where once there had been only blank garage walls. The new layout has created legible blocks with a clear distinction between

9 CASE STUDY ANGELL TOWN Everyone who makes policy, shapes opinions, sets DESIGN SKILLS WORKING TOGETHER MONITORING AND REVIEW CHAMPIONING QUALITY budgets, selects , writes briefs or assesses Most development, including that which The quality of what comes out of the Raising standards depends on learning For design quality to be delivered it proposals can play a part in raising standards. requires and that planning process often depends on from experience. A local authority should needs leadership and championing. A built under permitted development, how effectively people both inside and involve the people who make planning local authority design champion may be Many local authorities know that getting the best consists of small scale domestic outside the local authority work together. decisions – including council members – the means of delivering this leadership. out of development depends on going beyond the projects such as house extensions. Very in monitoring the quality of what gets The champion should be a senior minimum requirements of the statutory planning often, such development is designed by Everyone who: built and reviewing the council’s urban councillor supported by skilled officers. someone with little or no design training. design guidance in the light of it. system. Such people (including some plan • Guides and controls development The design champion would: drawers, house-builders and • Initiates and implements it Regular visits to completed projects will householders) are an important target help everyone reflect on the decisions • Understands and interprets its context • Provide a symbol of commitment audience for design guidance and for they took and on the impact made by to good design initiatives aimed at raising standards. • and manages it officers in negotiating changes to initial • Create leadership to generate potentially has a part to play. schemes. enthusiasm and commitment for • The effectiveness of the planning design quality and provide a point The creative process by which people toolkit in raising standards of urban of contact for external bodies design depends on how it is used collaborate to build on common interests has to be managed. Managing PROTECTING DESIGN • Co-ordinate effort across the authority, • The extent to which the planning that process is itself a skill. Success QUALITY AFTER APPROVAL joining up different departments and process facilitates good design will depends on using suitable approaches combating organisational ghettos depend on the skills, knowledge and and techniques, holding the right sort Too often what looked like a well- • Promote the benefits of good design attitudes of the participants – from of events, and involving the right people, designed scheme when it received and ensure every new investment in planning applicants to council in the right sequence and at the planning permission turns out to be the built environment, from a building members appropriate time. of poor quality when it is actually built. to a road-crossing, is of high quality • Currently half of all local authorities A local authority needs to ensure that • Ensure all investment is seen as a have no design skills at all among The process of preparing urban design developers’ commitment to good piece of urban or rural design, rather their officers guidance can provide a particularly designers, and the right materials than in isolation important opportunity for this. The and details, is maintained through Councillors have an important role to process needs to be carefully planned to completion. play in ensuring that their local authority from the start, ensuring that the has in place the right level of design necessary skills and resources are skills to secure an informed and made available. proactive planning process. The guidance document, and its various If the skills to produce urban design drafts, should set out what has been frameworks and development briefs understood, and express conclusions are not available within a local authority, in a form that people can agree to. Its the council may well not be up to clear and logical structure should help negotiating with developers about to make the process open and easy to design issues or assessing the design understand. merits of planning applications. It may be appropriate to commission external urban design consultants for specific tasks if design skills are not available among the council’s staff. But there is no substitute for the council itself having officers with a high level of design skill.

Protecting Design Quality in Planning is a guide intended particularly for planning authorities and focuses on the tools and techniques that planners use to protect design quality.

03 RAISING STANDARDS 11 ARCHITECTURE AND BUILT DESIGN ADVISORY PANELS DESIGN COMPETITIONS PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: ENVIRONMENT CENTRES THE COUNCIL AS CLIENT

There is a growing network of A number of local authorities use A can help to Good urban design can also help When the local authority is itself the architecture and built environment design advisory panels (also known as ensure a high standard of design for authorities meet their statutory targets landowner or client for development centres. Such a centre is a building or architectural advisory panels) to help development on an important site. The for education, housing, social services, it has a real opportunity to show its organisation that provides a focus for them assess the design aspects of process must be carefully planned, and community safety and culture by the commitment to quality. The route to a range of activities and services (such planning applications. Some panels meet the competition will be successful only provision of well designed and procuring good design in these as discussions, information, exhibitions, frequently to consider relevant items on if there is a good brief. The competition appropriate buildings and environment. circumstances must be carefully training, collaboration and professional the planning committee agenda. Others process can help to raise expectations considered. services) relating to design and become involved only where there is a and public interest. Research by CABE demonstrates that development. It can provide a neutral dispute between an or good design: ground and a public face for the and a planning officer, which can not design debate locally and regionally. otherwise be resolved. • Generates economic and social and For more information visit BEST VALUE environmental value www.architecturecentre.net The skills and experience of a design • Delivers high investment returns advisory panel may be best used by has a duty to deliver involving it at an early stage in the Best Value by providing good quality • Helps to attract investors planning process, such as in the and affordable services in line with local • Enhances workforce performance DESIGN INITIATIVES preparation of design policies and demands and to seek continuous and satisfaction urban design guidance. service improvement over time. • Increases occupier's prestige Some local authorities run successful • Opens up new investment design initiatives that raise the profile A key element in the monitoring of Best opportunities of design locally through exhibitions, Value is the setting of targets measured competitions, discussions, awards by Performance Indicators, both statutory • Delivers accessible places to all and publications. and local. • Benefits all stakeholders

Understanding and delivering good urban design can help authorities to meet their DESIGN AWARDS statutory Best Value targets in Planning by achieving excellence in its urban Local design awards can be an effective design and conservation service. This will way of encouraging the best clients, help deliver a high quality, locally distinct design champions and designers, and of and valued built environment. raising the public profile of good design.

03 RAISING STANDARDS 13 The local authorities that are achieving significant THE PLANNING PROCESS PROACTIVE PLANNING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY improvements in design quality in their area tend WORKING to be those giving a consistent message that design The countless decisions that councillors They are important because: By taking the initiative in planning, a Getting the best out of the council’s matters at all stages. make which shape a place are, in a real local authority can save time that might officers will depend on all departments sense, design decisions. The planning • If policy is not in place or is given too be wasted at a later stage in (including planning, highways and This section outlines the tools currently available to toolkit offers us the chance to influence little weight there is a lack of clarity for negotiations on ill-conceived planning transportation, housing, economic planning authorities. Used effectively, these tools can them. developers, a proposed development applications, and in appeals that might development) working together. In may conflict with objectives of good have been avoided. Proactive planning – particular policy planners, development deliver the high quality of design and environment • Councils approve or reject planning urban design and fail to get planning through pre-application discussions and controllers, conservation officers, urban that people are increasingly demanding. applications permission design guidance, for example – can help designers and , need to the council meet its planning deadlines. collaborate closely to encourage • Members take decisions drawing on • If too little weight is given to feasibility, (Pre-application discussions should good design. the recommendations of officers the proposal (or the development) may fail commercially or economically involve council officers, not members.) • Decisions must be fair and transparent • If too little weight is given to local • A local authority can be reactive and Understanding what is likely to be context, the development may fail to wait for applications, or proactive, commercially feasible is key to NATIONAL PLANNING achieve its potential or suffer from setting the agenda and influencing harnessing the development process POLICY GUIDANCE unexpected problems events to achieve the goals of . • If too little weight is given to • There is no replacement for skilled The of the Deputy Prime community involvement, the proposal design professionals within planning The timing of the planning process Minister’s Planning Policy Guidance may be derailed by local opposition departments should be influenced by the pace of Notes (PPGs) set out the and/or trust in the authority may be the development process. Taking the Government’s policies on different For a particular site or area, finding the damaged initiative depends on the local authority aspects of planning and urban design. appropriate balance between what may • If the design approach is understanding which sites are likely to be conflicting objectives depends on five inappropriate, the site’s opportunities be subject to development pressure. Local authorities must take them into factors that influence the development will be missed and standards of account in preparing their development process. design will be low plans.

These are: For a significant amount of small-scale Relevant PPGs will also be material development, a planning application is to decisions on individual planning • Policy set out mainly by central and not required. Such development can applications and appeals. local government often, though, be influenced by local authorities’ design guidance. The issue of design is covered primarily • Feasibility based on an in PPG1, though most PPGs provide understanding of economic and some guidance on design. market conditions • Context of the site, its setting, adjacent land uses and local heritage issues • Community involvement, including those directly affected by the scheme by virtue of proximity, local amenity groups and the wider community • Approach of the design team and the people who manage and plan the design process

04 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT 15 THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUPPLEMENTARY URBAN DESIGN GUIDANCE USING URBAN DESIGN URBAN DESIGN PLANNING GUIDANCE GUIDANCE FRAMEWORKS

The local authority’s development plan Further explanation of the plan’s policies Urban design guidance is an overall The effectiveness of the guidance will An urban design framework is a An urban design framework often covers sets out the policies against which will be provided in supplementary term for SPG documents that guide depend on council officers (development document describing and illustrating an area only part of which is likely to be development proposals will be assessed. planning guidance (SPG) and provides developers and their designers (and control planners as well as urban how planning and design policies and developed in the near future. helpful guidance for those preparing other agents) in planning and designing designers) and council members being principles should be implemented in Every plan starts with a vision. Do we planning applications. development. It can be prepared committed to it. an area where there is a need to Urban design frameworks are used to want this to be the competitive town, by local authorities, landowners, control, guide and promote change. co-ordinate more detailed development the legible city, the city of innovation, SPG is prepared in consultation with developers, partnerships, and business The guidance should be used as a basis briefs and masterplan. environment town, city of architecture, the public, and is formally adopted and community organisations (all for discussions and negotiations with Such areas include urban quarters, city of culture? What civic aspirations by the council. of whom should be involved in the developers, and for decisions on transport interchanges and corridors, The framework includes a vision of do we hope development will reflect process), or by several of these jointly. planning applications. regeneration areas, town centres, urban future infrastructure requirements. and support? Planning inspectors and the Deputy edges, housing estates, conservation Prime Minister will give substantial weight There are four main types of guidance: This commitment can be built by areas, villages, new settlements, urban Every place needs a vision of what it to supplementary planning guidance involving these people in preparing areas of special landscape value, and wants to be: how it should respond to as a ‘material consideration’ in making 1 Guidance relating to specific places. the guidance, and by the council suburban areas identified as being change, compete with other places, planning decisions at appeal (or after • Urban design frameworks (for areas) organising seminars for councillors suitable for more intense development. orpreserve its unique qualities. an application has been ‘called in’ by • Village and town design statements and officers on particular guidance the Secretary of State). • Development briefs (for sites) and on the use of guidance in general. The area may be one that is likely to • Masterplans (also for sites) be developed in several phases and by The development plan should include: several developers. It is likely to be in 2 Guidance relating to specific topics multiple ownerships. • Its main aims, objectives and targets (design guides). These cover topics • General design policies – at least such as shopfronts, house extensions, covering the seven urban design lighting and cycling. qualities • Specific design policies 3 Guidance relating to specific policies. • Area-specific Examples are policies on conservation areas, transport corridors, waterfronts, • Site-specific promenades and green belts. • Topic-based • Process-based (describing how certain 4 Guidance relating to a whole local aspects of the planning process should authority area. These may give general work) urban design guidance for the whole district or county. The key to producing good policy and guidance is to think about which qualities are most important and which aspects of form are relevant. framework of buildings and public spaces’. It is a sophisticated ‘model’ that: • allows us to understand the public spaces between buildings • shows how the streets, squares and open spaces of a are to be connected • defines the heights, massing and bulk of buildings • controls the relationship between CREATING SUCCESSFUL buildings and public spaces PLACES THROUGH • determines the distribution of uses MASTERPLANNING To be published early 2004 • controls the network of movement patterns for people moving by foot, This forthcoming guide adopts the cycle, car or public transport definition of a masterplan provided • allows us to understand how well in Towards an Urban a new urban neighbourhood is which states ‘the spatial masterplan integrated with the surrounding urban establishes a three-dimensional context and natural environment

04 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT 17 DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS MASTERPLAN DESIGN CODES DESIGN STATEMENTS DEVELOPMENT ENFORCEMENT CONTROL

A development brief is a document The term ‘masterplan’ is often used An urban design guidance document A planning application and its related Development control is the process Enforcement procedures exist in order providing guidance on how a specific to describe all types of urban design may include a design code when a design statements should take the through which a local authority to ensure that schemes which have site of significant size or sensitivity guidance, but it is more useful to reserve degree of prescription is appropriate. council through the thought processes determines whether (or with what received planning permission are built should be developed in line with the it for the particular type of guidance that have gone into the design. conditions) a proposal for development according to the plans approved by the relevant planning and design policies. described here. A design code sets out with some should be granted planning permission. local authority and any conditions which precision (with detailed drawings or Design statements are a means may be placed upon the approval; for A development brief usually covers A masterplan (in the more specific diagrams) how the guidance’s design of helping developers explain their How the development control process example, controlling the type of external a site most of which is likely to be sense) is a document that charts the and planning principles should be proposals to the local authority. is used will determine how far the materials used. Much enforcement work developed in the near future. The site masterplanning process and explains applied. It provides developers with design policies in development plans also relates to ensuring that the relevant is likely to be in a single ownership. how a site or a series of sites will be a template within which to design A developer makes a pre-application and supplementary planning guidance permissions are sought for certain types developed. individual buildings. The code may design statement to explain the design are respected and applied. of development. The brief will usually contain some cover a group of buildings, a street principles on which a development indicative, but flexible, vision of future It will describe how the proposal will or a whole area. proposal in progress is based. This Development control should be seen Local planning authorities need to development form. be implemented, and set out the costs, enables the local authority to give an as a positive means of guiding planning become more confident to pursue phasing and timing of development. initial response to the main issues raised applicants towards fulfilling both their enforcement action in cases where by the proposal. own objectives and those of public quality of design has been regarded as A masterplan will usually be prepared policy. an important issue in the determination by or on behalf of an organisation that An applicant for planning permission of the original application. owns the site or controls the submits a design statement with the development process. planning application, setting out the design principles adopted in relation As with all design guidance, the purpose to the site and its wider context. PLANNING APPEALS of a masterplan is to set out principles on matters of importance, not to There is widespread evidence of prescribe in detail how development proposals of low design quality being should be designed. But a masterplan granted planning permission because a should show in some detail how the local authority is not confident that it’s principles are to be implemented. decision can be defended should the applicant appeal against a refusal. Urban design guidance can have the status of SPG if it is consistent with However, where local authorities the development plan, if it has been are able to back up their decisions prepared in consultation with the public, with clear local design policies, and if the local planning authority has supplementary planning guidance (SPG) formally adopted it. and/or expert advice; there is strong evidence of support from the Planning Inspectorate.

04 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT 19 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT This involved the creation of a ‘Town is now out for public consultation. To built environment. They will also have a IN PRACTICE Team’ made up from local business, communicate the proposals to the wider particular focus on maintaining the vision community representatives, faith and public a model was constructed of the behind the masterplan and seeing it is This South Yorkshire town was hit by education organisations and the local proposed masterplan and this was the delivered. A core group from the Town the industrial decline of its two traditional council. The Town Team participated centrepiece of a public exhibition held in Team, supplemented by local planning industries – coal mining and rail wagon in several months of seminars and the town centre. This model was very and design experts would form a Design manufacture during the 1980s. This led workshops on the principles of urban popular and allowed in-depth discussion Panel which would meet on a regular to the town struggling to find a new design and why a quality environment over the range of issues and choices to basis to provide planning and design identity and economy. These difficulties, was important economically, socially and be made. After the public consultation, advice to the Council on specific that are widespread through the region, visually. The culmination of this was a the Council propose that the masterplan planning proposals. were recognised with Objective One weekend of workshops and events with will become Supplementary Planning status. the general public exploring and Guidance. A further initiative of the Town Team and agreeing a 25-year vision. The weekend Council is the creation of a Doncaster The town is fortunate in that its excellent activities included context appraisals Arising from this masterplan document, Architecture and Design Centre with the location has allowed it to develop new of the town to enable a better a development brief and design guide masterplan model as a central exhibit. industries based on logistics and understanding of the built environment. have been commissioned. These will This will provide resources and manufacturing. It suffers, however, This information was then examined in examine and provide in-depth guidance information on architecture and design from low education and skills. workshops and a series of guiding to developers on a specific development as well as providing a one-stop shop for principles developed to address a range site with complex issues, which has been information on the renaissance process. In 2002 the Regional Development of contentious and complex issues. identified for an . The design Agency began a pilot initiative for the A specific workshop for young people guide has provided more detail on the renaissance of six Yorkshire towns as was also held. A film that recorded this development of the public realm along its response to the Urban Task Force process has since been used to further the waterfront. report. This initiative looked for the communicate the Renaissance process development of a 25-year vision for the to the wider public. The Town Team has remained involved renaissance of each town by a team of throughout the renaissance process and urban design consultants that was The agreed vision was set out in a will now act as a ‘Critical Friend’ to the firmly based on the partnership and Town Charter and distributed through elected Mayor. Their role being to involvement of the local community libraries, schools and council for disseminate to the wider public and included capacity building for widespread public consultation. The information on the town’s renaissance both the community at large and vision has now been refined into a process, the organisation of design the local council. masterplan which was again developed events and training and to help raise the in partnership with the Town Team and profile of the importance of design in the

CASE STUDY DONCASTER RENAISSANCE INITIATIVE 21 20 Shortened extracts from By Design building line The line formed by the the context for individual communities to such planning tool should have its own set area is covered either by a unitary (ODPM/CABE, 2000) and The Dictionary frontages of buildings along a street. The prepare village design statements. of design principles. development plan or by a development of (Streetwise Press, 2003) building line can be shown on a plan or plan comprising more than one document section. defensible space Public and semi-public A method of (a structure plan and a local plan, and accessibility The ease with which a building, space that is ‘defensible’ in the sense that it is assessing the quality of buildings in terms sometimes also other plans relating to place or facility can be reached by people building shoulder height The top of a surveyed, demarcated or maintained by of ‘build quality’, ‘functionality’ and ‘impact’. minerals and waste). The development plan and/or goods and services. Accessibility can building’s main facade. somebody. Derived form Oscar Newman’s It was developed by the Construction sets out the policies and proposals against be shown on a plan or described in terms 1973 study of the same name, and an Industry Council and launched in 2003. which planning applications will be assessed. of pedestrian and vehicle movements, built environment The entire ensemble of important concept in securing public safety See www.dqi.org.uk. buildings, and cities with Its context is set by national and regional walking distance from public transport, in urban areas, defensible space is also planning policy guidance. travel time or population distribution. their infrastructure. dependent upon the existence of escape design standards Produced by districts and unitary authorities, usually to quantify built form Buildings and structures. routes and the level of anonymity which can development Statutorily defined under the adaptability The capacity of a building be anticipated by the users of space. measures of health and safety in residential Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as ‘the or space to respond to changing social, bulk The combined effect of the areas. carrying out of building, , mining technological, economic and market arrangement, volume and shape of a building density The mass or floorspace of a building or other operation in, on, over or under land, conditions. or buildings in relation to an area of land. design statement A developer can make or group of buildings. Also called massing. a pre-application design statement to or the making of any material change in the Density can be expressed in terms of plot use of any building or other land’. Most amenity Something that contributes to an character appraisal Techniques (particularly ratio (for commercial development); homes explain the design principles on which a area’s environmental, social, economic or as developed by English Heritage) for development proposal in progress is based. forms of development require planning or habitable rooms per hectare (for residential permission. cultural needs. The term’s meaning is a assessing the qualities of conservation areas. development); site coverage plus the number It enables the local authority to give an initial matter for the exercise of planners’ response to the main issues raised by character area An area with a distinct of floors or a maximum building height; development team (i) The people working discretion, rather than being defined in law. space standards; or a combination of these. the proposal. An applicant for planning together to bring about a particular character, identified as such so that it can be permission can submit a planning application appearance combination of the aspects of protected or enhanced by planning policy. development. (ii) Local authority officers design advisory panel A group of people design statement with the application, setting working collaboratively in dealing with a place or building that determine the visual The degree of protection is less strong than (often architects) with specialist knowledge, out the design principles adopted in relation impression it makes. in a conservation area. development proposals rather than each which meets regularly or occasionally to to the site and its wider context. Government carrying out their own section’s architecture and built environment centre character assessment An area appraisal advise a local authority on the design merits advice (Planning Policy Guidance Note 1) responsibilities individually. A building or organisation that provides emphasising historical and cultural of planning applications or other design encourages an applicant for planning a focus for a range of activities and services associations. issues. permission to submit such a written elevation (i) An external face of a building. (such as discussions, information, statement to the local authority. (ii) A diagrammatic drawing of this. See design workshop design and build An arrangement whereby (iii) The height of a site above sea level. exhibitions, training, collaboration and a single contractor designs and builds a design workshop A participative event, professional services) relating to design and collaboration Any arrangement of people development, rather than a contractor ranging in length from a couple of hours enabling development (i) Commercial planning. See www.architecturecentre.net. working together, such as between building it to the design of an independent to several days, which brings together a development whose profitability makes area appraisal An assessment of an area’s departments, between councillors and architect. Design and build generally range of people (often local people and possible a related development or restoration land uses, built and natural environment, and officials, within partnerships, between local produces buildings that are relatively cheap professional advisors) to discuss design of social, historic or environmental value. social and physical characteristics. authorities, between local authorities and and easy to build, using the methods with issues. A workshop may or may not use (ii) Development (such as building an access developers, and with the public. which the builder is most familiar. Standards techniques of collaborative design. Also road) that is necessary for carrying out authenticity The quality of a place where of design are often low. known as a charrette. another development. things are what they seem: where buildings conservation area advisory group A group that look old are old, and where the social of people with specialist knowledge, which design audit An independent assessment of design-led development (or regeneration) enclosure The use of buildings to create and cultural values that the place seems to meets regularly or occasionally to advise a a design, carried out for a local authority Development whose form is largely shaped a sense of defined space. reflect did actually shape it. local authority on the merits of planning by consultants, another local authority by strong design ideas. applications, or other planning and design or some other agency. energy efficiency The result of minimising background building A building that is not issues in a conservation area. desire line An imaginary line linking facilities the use of energy through the way in which a distinctive landmark. design champion A person responsible for or places which people would find it buildings are constructed and arranged conservation area character appraisal ensuring that a particular organisation – a convenient to travel between easily. on site. backland development The development A published document defining the special local authority, regional development agency, of sites at the back of existing development, architectural or historic interest that health authority or government department, development appraisal A structured enquiry by design A form of urban design such as back gardens. warranted the area being designated. for example – promotes high standards of assessment of the characteristics of a site and planning charrette or workshop in which design throughout its work. and an explanation of how they have been stakeholders in a proposed development, barrier An obstacle to movement. conservation area One designated by a taken into account in drawing up including local authorities, residents, best value The process through which local local authority under the Town and Country design code A document (usually with development principles. developers, landowners, voluntary groups, Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation detailed drawings or diagrams) setting out employers and retailers, collaborate in authorities work for continuous improvement development brief A document providing in the services they provide. Local authorities Areas) Act 1990 as possessing special with some precision the design and planning producing a masterplan through a workshop architectural or historical interest. The council principles that will apply to development guidance on how a specific site of significant that can last up to a week. are required to challenge why a particular size or sensitivity should be developed in service is needed; compare performance will seek to preserve or enhance the in a particular place. character and appearance of such areas. line with the relevant planning and design eyes on the street People whose presence across a range of indicators; consult on the design coordinator One who manages the policies. It will usually contain some in adjacent buildings or on the street make it setting of new performance targets; and context (or site and area) appraisal design process in a development project, indicative, but flexible, vision of future feel safer. show that services have been procured A detailed analysis of the features of a site particularly liaising between the developer development form. A development brief through a competitive process. Councils are or area (including land uses, built and natural and the local authority. usually covers a site most of which is likely facade The principal face of a building. subject to independent best value audits by environment, and social and physical to be developed in the near future. The terms feasibility The appropriateness of the Best Value Inspectorate, an offshoot of characteristics) which serves as the basis design guidance A generic term for ‘planning brief’ and ‘design brief’ are also documents providing guidance on how development in relation to economic and the Audit Commission. for an urban design framework, development sometimes used. These came into use at market conditions. brief, design guide, or other policy or development can be carried out in a time when government policy was that block The area bounded by a set of streets accordance with the planning and design fenestration The arrangement of windows and undivided by any other significant guidance. planning and design should be kept separate policies of a local authority or other in design guidance. The term ‘development on a facade. streets. context The setting of a site or area. organisation. brief’ avoids that unworkable distinction. figure/ground (or figure and ground brief This guide refers to site-specific briefs countryside design summary A descriptive design guide Design guidance on a development control The process through diagram) A plan showing the relationship as development briefs. Site-specific briefs analysis explaining the essential design specific topic such as shopfronts or house which a local authority determines whether between built form and publicly accessible are also called a variety of other names, relationship between the landscape, extensions, or relating to all kinds of (and with what conditions) a proposal for space (including streets and the interiors of including design briefs, planning briefs settlement patterns and buildings. From this development in a specific area. development should be granted planning public buildings such as churches) by and development frameworks. analysis the document draws principles that design policy Relates to the form and permission. presenting the former in black and the latter building element A feature (such as a door, can be applied to development in the area as a white background, or the other way and sets out the implications of the choices appearance of development, rather than development form See form. window or cornice) that contributes to the the . round. overall design of a building. open to designers. As supplementary planning guidance prepared by a local development plan Prepared by a local fine grain The quality of an area’s layout of design principle An expression of one authority to describe the intended use of building envelope guidelines Diagram(s) authority, the summary can encourage a of the basic design ideas at the heart of building blocks and plots having small and with dimensions showing the possible site more regionally and locally based approach land in an area and provide a basis for frequent subdivisions. an urban design framework, design guide, considering planning applications. Every and massing of a building. to design and planning. It can also provide development brief or design code. Each 05 GLOSSARY 23 flagship project One intended to have the of people to see out of windows. Also known scene, such as bus shelters, litter bins, ESSENTIAL READING DTLR and CABE (2001) The Value of Urban highest profile of all the elements of a as passive surveillance (or supervision). seating, lighting and signs. Design, Thomas Telford Publishing. CABE (2002) Better Civic Buildings regeneration scheme. node A place where activity and routes are topography A description or representation and Spaces English Partnerships, Urban Design Compendium. floorplate The area of a single floor of a concentrated. of artificial or natural features on or of the CABE (2002) The Value of Good Design building. ground. Kostof, Spiro (1991) The City Shaped: urban DETR and CABE (2000) By Design: performance criterion/criteria A means of patterns and meaning throughout history, urban design in the planning system, form The layout (structure and urban grain), assessing the extent to which a development urban design The art of making places. London, Bullfinch. density, scale (height and massing), achieves a particular functional requirement Urban design involves the design of towards better practice, Thomas Telford appearance (materials and details) (such as maintaining privacy). This compares buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and Publishing. Kostof, Spiro (1992) The City Assembled: the elements of urban form through history, and landscape of development. with a standard, which specifies more landscapes, in villages, towns and cities, DTLR and CABE (2001) Better Places precisely how a development is to be and the establishment of frameworks and Boston, Bullfinch. grain See urban grain. to Live: a companion guide to PPG3, designed (by setting out minimum distances processes that facilitate successful Thomas Telford Publishing. ODPM PPG1 General Policy and Principles. between buildings, for example). development. in-curtilage parking Parking within a Llewelyn-Davies (2000) Urban Design ODPM PPG3 Housing. building’s site boundary, rather than on permeability The degree to which a place urban design framework A document Compendium, English Partnerships and the ODPM PPG6 Town Centres and a public street or space. has a variety of pleasant, convenient and safe setting out how development plan policies Housing Corporation, London. Retail Development. indicative sketch A drawing of building routes through it. should be implemented in a particular area ODPM PPG13 Transport. where there is a need to control, guide and forms and spaces which is intended to guide ODPM PPG 15 Planning and the permitted development Small scale, often promote change. Such areas include FURTHER READING whomever will later prepare the actual domestic, development which does not Historic Environment. transport interchanges and corridors, Bentley, I. Et al (1985) Responsive design. require formal planning permission provided it regeneration areas, town centres, urban Environments: a manual for designers, ODPM (1998) Training in Planning complies with criteria set out in Government landmark A building or structure that edges, housing estates, conservation areas, London, Architectural Press. for Councillors. stands out from the background buildings. legislation. villages, new settlements, urban areas of CABE (2000) Better Public Buildings. Punter, J. and Carmona, M. (1997) The special landscape value, and suburban areas Design Dimension of Planning: theory, landscape The appearance of land, perspective A drawing showing the view CABE (2000) Guidance on Tall Buildings. including its shape, form, colours and from a particular point as it would be seen identified as being suitable for more intense content and best practice for design CABE (2002) Improving Standards elements, the way these (including those of by the human eye. development. policies, E. and F.N. Spon, London. of Design in the Procurement of streets) components combine in a way that Urban Design Group (2002) Masterplans placecheck A type of urban design audit urban grain The pattern of the arrangement Public Building. is distinctive to particular localities, the way and size of buildings and their plots in a and Design Framework. advocated by the Urban Design Alliance. CABE (2002) The Value of Housing Design they are perceived, and an area’s cultural settlement; and the degree to which an Urban Task Force (1999) Towards an Urban A local collaborative alliance or partnership and Layout, Thomas Telford. and historical associations. uses checklists to investigate how a place area’s pattern of street-blocks and street Renaissance, Executive Summary DETR. CABE and English Heritage (2001) layout The way buildings, routes and open can be improved. junctions is respectively small and frequent, Wates, N. (2000) The Community Planning Building in Context New Development spaces are placed in relation to each other. or large and infrequent. Handbook, Earthscan. planning for real A participation technique in Historic Areas. urban structure The framework of routes legibility The degree to which a place can (pioneered by the Neighbourhood Initiatives Carmona, M., Heath, T., Oc, T. and Tiesdell, and spaces that connect locally and more be easily understood by its users and the Foundation) that involves residents and other S. (2003) Public Space – Urban Spaces: widely, and the way developments, routes WEBSITES clarity of the image it presents to the wider stakeholders making a model of their area the dimensions of urban design, and open spaces relate to one another. CABE world. and using it to help them determine priorities Architectural Press, Oxford. www.cabe.org.uk for the future. vernacular The way in which ordinary lifetime homes With an emphasis on Context: (1998) New Buildings in Historic (For copies of all of CABE’s publications) accessibility, Lifetime Homes have a number planning inspectorate Government agency buildings were built in a particular place Settings, Architectural Press. before local styles, techniques and materials ODPM of design features which make the home which administers the Planning Appeals Cowan, R. Urban Design Guidance: urban were superseded by imports. www.odpm.gov.uk flexible enough to cope with whatever system. design frameworks, development briefs The Urban Design Alliance www.udal.org.uk comes along in life. Part M of the Building plot ratio A measurement of density village appraisal A study identifying a local and masterplans, Thomas Telford Publishing. Regulations require all new homes to The Urban Design Group expressed as gross floor area divided by community’s needs and priorities. Cullen, G (1961) Townscape, London, include Lifetime Home features. www.udg.org.uk the net site area. An advisory Architectural Press. English Heritage live edge Provided by a building or other document, usually produced by a village Cullingworth, B. and Nadin, V. (1997) Town proactive development control Any www.english-heritage.org.uk feature whose use is directly accessible process by which a local authority works with community, showing how development can and Country Planning in the UK (twelfth Design Quality Indicators from the street or space which it faces; planning applicants to improve the quality of be carried out in harmony with the village edition), Routledge, London. www.dqi.org.uk the opposite effect to a blank . development proposals as early as possible and its setting. DETR (1998) Places, Streets and local distinctiveness The positive features in period before a planning application is visual clutter The uncoordinated Movement: a companion guide to Design, of a place and its communities which submitted. arrangement of street furniture, signs and Bulletin 32. contribute to its special character and sense public realm The parts of a village, town or other features. of place. city (whether publicly or privately owned) that walk band A line on a map or plan showing massing The combined effect of the are available, without charge, for everyone to the furthest distance that can be walked from arrangement, volume and shape of a building use or see, including streets, squares and a particular point at an average pace in a or group of buildings. This is also called bulk. parks. Also called public domain. certain time (usually five or ten minutes). mixed uses A mix of complementary uses scale The size of a building in relation to within a building, on a site or within a its surroundings, or the size of parts of a particular area. ‘Horizontal’ mixed uses are building or its details, particularly in relation side by side, usually in different buildings. to the size of a person. ‘Vertical’ mixed uses are on different floors section A drawing showing a slice through of the same building. a building or site. mobility The ability of people to move round settlement pattern The distinctive way that an area, including carers of young children, the roads, paths and buildings are laid out older people, people with mobility or sensory in a particular place. impairments, or those encumbered with luggage or shopping. sight line The direct line from a viewer to an object. movement People and vehicles going to Images courtesy of Urban Initiatives and passing through buildings, places and strategic view The line of sight from a and Mark Ellis. spaces. particular point to an important landmark or Design: DUFFY skyline. November 2003 natural surveillance (or supervision) The discouragement to wrong-doing by street furniture Structures in and adjacent to the presence of passers-by or the ability the highway which contribute to the street

24 06 BIBLIOGRAPHY Commission for Architecture The Tower Building T 020 7960 2400 & the Built Environment 11 York Road F 020 7960 2444 London E [email protected] SE1 7NX W www.cabe.org.uk