Design Guide March 2015 Foreword

One of the best things about living in the Vale is its special mix of rural villages and thriving market towns, alongside high-tech and cutting edge businesses; all set against a backdrop of beautiful countryside with a rich history and heritage. As the Vale’s planning authority, an important job of ours is to protect all of that. One of the ways we’ll do so is by making sure housing developers build high-quality, well-designed homes and neighbourhoods. That’s where this Design Guide comes in. Our old Design Guide was only relevant for residential developments up to 15 houses. It now applies to all sizes and types of developments so we can make sure the larger new communities that are being planned will be designed to a high quality. It also means new employment areas or shops and community facilities meet the high standards we all expect. Councillor Michael Murray, We’ve redeveloped the approach of the guide too. Rather than just being a reference Cabinet Member for Planning Policy document, it is an interactive, step by step system that we’ll be insisting developers use when planning homes and neighbourhoods in the Vale. Each section is followed by a checklist so developers can make sure they’ve done everything they need to. Our planning officers will be using the same document and the same checklist when they’re assessing planning applications. The Vale is a reasonably diverse district, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our Design Guide will make sure developments are in keeping with their immediate surroundings and communities. The approach is to make sure developments fit the character of their local area, to make sure they look like they belong there. The importance of well-designed neighbourhoods and areas of employment are well documented. To put it simply, good quality developments create better and more prosperous places to live. That’s what we want for the Vale, and this Design Guide will help us make that happen.

2 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01

CONTENTS 02 PREFACE...... 5 04 STREETS AND SPACES...... 82 4.1 Streets as social spaces...... 84 03 01 INTRODUCTION...... 6 4.2 Streets to encourage walking...... 85 1.1 Introduction...... 7 4.3 Tree planting and soft landscaping...... 86 1.2 Purpose of the design guide...... 7 4.4 Traffic calming...... 88 1.3 The value of good design...... 7 4.5 Shared surfaces...... 89 04 1.4 Aim and objectives...... 8 4.6 Positive local spaces...... 90 1.5 How to use this design guide...... 8 4.7 Inclusive design...... 92 1.6 Structure of the guide...... 9 4.8 Furniture...... 93 1.7 The design process...... 11 4.9 Lighting...... 93 05 1.8 Summary...... 15 4.10 Utilities...... 94 1.9 Next Steps...... 15 4.11 Public art...... 94 4.12 Public realm materials...... 95 02 RESPONDING TO THE SITE AND SETTING ��16 4.13 Parking...... 96 06 2.1 Introduction...... 18 4.14 Cycle parking...... 101 2.2 Identify any designations...... 19 Summary and checklists...... 102 2.3 Character Study...... 21 2.4 Site Appraisal...... 31 05 BUILDING DESIGN...... 104 07 Summary and checklists...... 39 5.1 Building scale, form and massing...... 106 5.2 Corner buildings...... 108 03 ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE...... 45 5.3 Building frontage...... 109 3.1 Introduction...... 47 5.4 Roofscape...... 114 08 3.2 Conserving natural resources...... 48 5.5 Chimneys...... 115 3.3 Landscape structure...... 54 5.6 Dormers...... 115 3.4 Health, well-being and recreation...... 59 5.7 Windows...... 116 09 3.5 Movement framework...... 60 5.8 Facades and elevations...... 117 3.6 A mix of uses...... 69 5.9 Materials...... 118 3.7 Density...... 70 5.10 Amenity, noise and overshadowing...... 119 3.8 Urban structure...... 71 5.11 Privacy & overlooking...... 120 10 3.9 Hierarchy of spaces and enclosure...... 73 5.12 Inclusive communities...... 121 3.10 The development edge...... 75 5.13 Working from home and live work units �� 122 3.11 Legibility, landmarks and vistas...... 76 5.14 Refuse and recycling...... 123 3.12 Bringing it all together...... 78 5.15 Meters and services...... 124 11 Summary and checklists...... 79 5.16 Apartments...... 125 Summary and checklists...... 130

3 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 06 BUILDINGS IN RURAL/LOWER DENSITY AREAS ��134 10 HOUSEHOLD EXTENSIONS...... 170 6.1 Landscape character and setting...... 136 10.1 Planning...... 172 6.2 Informal clusters or groupings in rural locations ��138 10.2 Listed buildings...... 172 6.3 Scale, form and massing...... 139 10.3 Responding to the character...... 173 6.4 Facades and elevations...... 140 10.4 Consider your neighbours...... 173 6.5 Boundaries and landscape settings...... 140 10.5 Scale, form and massing...... 174 6.6 Parking and access...... 141 10.6 Design considerations...... 175 Summary and checklists...... 142 10.7 Detailed principles...... 176 Summary and checklists...... 182 07 BUILDING PERFORMANCE...... 143 7.1 Introduction...... 145 7.2 Energy efficient design principles...... 146 11 BUILDING CONVERSIONS...... 183 7.3 Materials and construction...... 147 11.1 Agricultural buildings...... 185 7.4 Energy technology...... 148 11.2 Conversion of chapels, schools and churches �� 187 7.5 Water...... 150 11.3 Conversion of commercial buildings...... 189 Summary and checklists...... 151 11.4 Refurbishment...... 191 Summary and checklists...... 193

08 MIXED USE CENTRES...... 152 8.1 Access...... 154 APPENDIX A: BIODIVERSITY AND PLANNING �� 194 8.2 Layout and public realm...... 155 8.3 Built form...... 156 APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY OF TERMS...... 206 8.4 Shopfronts...... 157 Summary and checklists...... 160 APPENDIX C: REFERENCE DOCUMENTS...... 210 APPENDIX D: CONSERVATION AREAS...... 213 09 COMMERCIAL / EMPLOYMENT AREAS...... 161 9.1 Layout and access...... 163 APPENDIX E: VALE OF WHITE HORSE CHARACTER...... 215 9.2 Parking and services...... 165 9.3 Supporting facilities...... 166 9.4 Built form...... 166 9.5 Building frontage...... 167 9.6 Signage...... 167 9.7 Waste and recycling...... 168 9.8 Building performance...... 168 9.9 Materials...... 168 Summary and checklists...... 169

4 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD PREFACE 01

02 Application type The Vale of White Horse Design Guide The Design Guide is sub-divided sets out clear design principles to into eleven sections that cover from 03 guide future development within the strategic place making principles District and to encourage a design-led through to detailed guidance on approach to development. building design. 04

The aim of this guide is to inspire These sections are: designers to rise to the challenge to • Introduction; deliver high quality, well designed 05 buildings, streets and spaces that are • Responding to the site and setting; Design Guide Section Strategic housing developments and urban extensions Major residential development - 100 dwellings) (10 Infill developments (3-15 dwellings) Schemes in rural or lower density areas employmentCommercial or Mixed use scheme Apartment blocks buildings ancillary and houses Individual Residential extensions conversions Building in keeping with their environment and • Establishing the structure; 01 Introduction respond to the challenge to deliver 06 sustainable development. • Streets and spaces; 02 Responding to the site and setting

The Design Guide consists of principles • Building design; 03 Establishing the structure (highlighted throughout the document) 07 • Building in rural and lower density 04 Streets and spaces that development should adhere to. areas; This is accompanied by descriptive 05 Building design text, general guidance and illustrations • Building performance; 08 06 Buildings in rural and lower density areas supporting these principles. • Mixed use centres; 07 Building performance The guidance applies to all planning • Commercial / employment areas; 09 applications from a significant 08 Mixed use centres residential extension with several • Household extensions; and 09 Commercial / employment areas hundred new homes through to a • Building conversions. 10 modest extension to an existing home. 10 Household extensions In that context it is not anticipated or The adjacent table (Figure A) indicates 11 Building conversions expected that all applicants will read the sections that are relevant to a range the entire document. of application types. Fig A: Design Guide matrix indicating relevance of document sections for application 11 types

5 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 1 Introduction The Vale of White Horse is a beautiful district rich in architecture and landscape quality. The villages and towns of the district are successful, lively settlements that generally convey a robust historic quality. This quality is recognised by the designation of over 2,000 listed buildings, 52 Conservation Areas, many landscape designations including an important section of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The district also has significant employment areas of national note including, Harwell and Milton Science Parks in Science Vale. New development within the district should be of a quality that contributes to the success of settlements, contributes to a strong local economy and benefits existing residents, visitors and future generations. The design guide highlights the importance of a robust design process and careful consideration of context to create sustainable, successful, well-used places.

6 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 1 Introduction “The Government attaches great importance Purpose of the Design Guide to the design of the built environment. 02 Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning 03 and should contribute positively to making places better for people” 04 NPPF Para 56 Fig 1.1: Abingdon - Historic dwellings overlooking the River Thames 05

1.1 Introduction 1.2.2 This Design Guide aims to 1.3 The value of good • A well designed school will improve provide general guidance on the form design the educational achievement of its 1.1.1 This section outlines the 06 that new development should take. pupils; purpose of the design guide and the 1.3.1 The importance of design This addresses a range of development value of good design. It explains how quality in creating successful places • A well designed public realm types from new urban extensions and to use the document, its structure and that people want to live and work in increases retail rents; 07 large residential developments to more the design process that should be is well documented. Design matters modest residential extensions. It also • A well designed department store undertaken by all applicants. because our lives are connected covers the design of mixed-use areas, will have a direct impact on stock through the villages, towns and homes employment and commercial areas. turnover; and 08 that we live, work and socialise in. 1.2 Purpose of the Design 1.2.3 This document is intended Research by the Commission for • A well designed neighbourhood will to provide general guidance for the Architecture and the Built Environment benefit from lower crime and higher Guide 09 whole of the Vale however local (CABE) and the Royal Institute of house values. 1.2.1 The Vale of White Horse areas can undertake their own study British Architects (RIBA) and national District Council have prepared this 1.3.2 The importance of design / Neighbourhood Plan to set out more guidance including the Urban Design guidance to set out clear design quality is also intrinsic to national 10 detailed character analysis for a Compendium have all demonstrated principles to guide future development planning policy with a clear mandate specific area. the link between good design and within the District and to encourage a within the NPPF to deliver high quality improved quality of life, equality of design-led approach to development. built environments. opportunity and economic growth: 11 1.3.3 The test of whether this Design • A well designed hospital will help Guide is successful will be in the quality patients get better more quickly; of development that comes forward in A the Vale in the future.

7 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Introduction • Town and parish councils, statutory 1.5.7 Applicants will be required 1 and non-statutory consultees and the to provide a response to how the How to use the Design Guide public in commenting on planning principles of this guide have been applications; and taken into account in the design of 02 the development proposals. Where • The council, in determining planning applicants feel it is essential to go applications and in upholding against the advice in this guide 03 decisions at planning appeals. they should demonstrate how their 1.5.3 Compliance with the design proposals are better meeting these guide will help speed up the planning urban design objectives. 04 process by reducing the chance of 1.5.8 The Design Guide is adopted objections due to poor design. as a Supplementary Planning 05 Fig 1.2: The Design Guide should be used as a working tool 1.5.4 The Design Guide is a Document. It is supplementary to Supplementary Planning Document the saved policies of the Local Plan (SPD) and as such will be a material 2011*. The Vale of White Horse District 1.4 Aims and objectives 1.5 How to use this Design consideration in determining planning Council is currently preparing its Local 06 Guide 1.4.1 The aim of this guide is applications submitted to the Council. It Plan 2031 Part 1: Strategic sites and to inspire designers to rise to the 1.5.1 This Design Guide is intended carries considerable weight in decision- policy. This Design Guide will support challenge to deliver high quality, well to be a design manual and a working making, having been subject to scrutiny the implementation of the Local Plan 07 designed buildings, streets and spaces tool. It is intended for frequent reference and amendment through the public once it is adopted and any other that are in keeping with their environment and will be essential for all charged with consultation process. relevant Development Plan documents. and respond to the challenge to deliver preparing or assessing the quality of 1.5.5 The Design Guide consists of 1.5.9 The relationship between the 08 sustainable development. planning applications. principles (highlighted throughout the guidance, national planning policy and 1.5.2 The Design Guide should be read document) that development should guidance and planning policy topic by: adhere to. This is accompanied by areas are referenced throughout the 09 descriptive text, general guidance and Design Guide. • Developers and builders, in considering illustrations supporting these principles. potential development proposals; 10 1.5.6 The issues raised in each section *Saved Local Plan 2011 policies are identified • Householders, considering residential here: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/ are summarised in the Checklists. extensions; node/10175. Upon adoption of the Local Plan Applicants are required to address only 2031 Part 1 we will continue to reply upon the saved policies identified at Appendix G of 11 • Design professionals, in drawing up those checklists appropriate to their the November 2014 Publication version of the schemes for development; application Local Plan 2031 Part 1, until they are replaced by adoption in due course the Local Plan 2031 Part 2. • Development management officers, as A a material consideration in assessing the suitability of applications;

8 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 1 Introduction Structure of the Design Guide 02

1.6.2 The document is split into 1.6.3 The flow chart demonstrates 1.6 Structure of the Design eleven sections covering from strategic which sections are relevant to which Guide 03 place making principles to more type of application. Navigational 1.6.1 The Design Guide is an detailed guidance on building design. tabs and process text will be interactive PDF that will guide The interactive PDF will guide the used throughout the document for 04 applicants through the document. applicant through the relevant sections navigation. depending on the scale and nature 1.6.4 Appended to this document of the proposed development. This 1 INTRODUCTION are a number of additional sections avoids applicants having to consider 05 providing further detail on key issues. All applications guidance which is not relevant to their application. Urban extensions, 2 RESPONDING major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SETTING

07 3 ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08

Buildings in 4 STREETS AND SPACES 5 BUILDING DESIGN rural and lower density areas 09 6 BUILDINGS IN RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 7 BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

9 EMPLOYMENT 8 MIXED USE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 1.3: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

9 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 1 Introduction Structure of the Design Guide Interactive navigational tab 02

Section title Design principles Reference to planning policy 1.6.5 The guide is laid out in a 03 consistent manner in each section for ease of use. Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 04 1.6.6 Streets as social spaces Principles are highlighted 02 on each page to make it easier for

applicants to understand what is 03 required from them. 05

04 1.6.7 Navigational tabs and

references are provided where Fig 4.2: Wantage - Streets serve many functions and users 05 06 appropriate to ease cross referencing 4.1 Streets as social spaces Fig 4.5: Priority should be given Fig 4.6: Design footways to Fig 4.7: Provide the minimum to buildings and enclosure follow the buildings line space required for the within the document. 4.1.1 Streets should be designed as roadway. Use the resulting 06 public spaces that serve many functions, space for hard or soft landscaping with parking as not only the circulation of traffic, but also appropriate 07 walking, cycling, play and places for social 07 interaction. As such the design of streets Principle DG31: Streets as by development and landscape should not be led by engineering solutions social spaces features and not as peripheral or dominated by the car but instead have distributor roads (bypasses). 08 a strong emphasis on place-making and Streets should be designed as 08 pedestrian movement. S social spaces with the needs of The design of streets and Fig 4.3: Car focused road design pedestrians, cyclists and public definition of that street by built 4.1.2 The design of streets should follow transport users put above the form or landscape features 09 the user hierarchy shown in the table needs of the motorist. should be considered in parallel below. to ensure buildings provide Applicants should refer to Manual appropriate enclosure and 09 for Streets (2007). 10 Consider first Pedestrians contribute positively to the Cyclists Within larger developments character of the space. Public transport users principal vehicular routes Minimise street clutter by 11 Emergency services should be integrated within the reducing road markings, street structure of development as main 10 Service vehicles signs, unnecessary posts or Consider last Other motor traffic R streets or boulevards fronted street furniture. A Fig 4.4: Street designed for all users

84 GO BACK Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 11 Go back button to return to previously viewed page Section theme and Examples of what to do and Captions accompanying description what not to do images A Fig 1.4: Typical page layout

10 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD FIRST STEPS - 01 APPOINT DESIGN 1 Introduction TEAM The design process UNDERSTAND THE 02 PLANNING CONTEXT 1.7 The design process 03 1.7.1 The delivery of high quality CONSIDER BEST PRACTICE development is dependent upon good design professionals undertaking a 04 robust design process. A process RESPONDING TO THE which considers all relevant issues, SETTING - CHAPTER 2 constraints and opportunities, engages Reference to Design Guide with key stakeholders and the public 05 (where appropriate) and that through PREPARE INITIAL PRE-APPLICATION DESIGN - CHAPTERS an iterative process applies creative CONSULTATION 3 -11 thinking to translate these opportunities 06 into development propositions. These PRE-APPLICATION COMMUNITY propositions should respond to the CONSULTATION (IF CONSULTATION (IF NECESSARY) REQUIRED) site’s surroundings and enhance the 07 character of the area.

1.7.2 This section provides an SCHEME REFINEMENT overview of the key issues to be Reference to 08 Design Guide addressed at different stages in the design process and a checklist of SUBMISSIONS OF PROPOSALS submission requirements. These 09 requirements will be dependent on the scale and complexity of the application. CONSULTATION AND COMMITTEE 10

REFUSED APPROVED 11 APPEAL

ADDRESS PLANNING REFUSED CONDITIONS A Fig 1.5: Flowchart indicating AND PLANNING design process OBLIGATIONS

11 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 1 Introduction The design process 02

Arboricultural Association The Malthouse, Stroud Green, Standish, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL103DL First steps Consultants List T: 44 (0)12 4252 2152 E: [email protected] W: http://www.trees.org.uk/Directory-of-Arboricultural-Association- Registered-Consultants/ 03 1.7.3 It is important to understand Architects Registration 8 Weymouth Street, London W1W 5BU T: +44 (0)20 7580 5861 F: +44 (0)20 7436 5269 E: [email protected] W: http://www.arb.org.uk/ the benefits of engaging skilled Board design professionals through the Chartered Institute of 43 Southgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9EH Ecology and Environmental T: +44(0)19 6286 8626 E: [email protected] W: http://www.cieem.net/ 04 design process to ensure high-quality Management solutions. A design guide alone cannot Institute of Chartered 59 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG produce good creative solutions: this is Foresters Consultants List T: +44 (0)13 1240 1425 F: +44 (0)13 1240 1424 E: [email protected] W: http://www.charteredforesters.org/ directory-of-consultants/ the job of a good creative professional. 05 Institute of Highway De Morgan House, 58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS Incorporated Engineers T: +44 (0)20 7436 7487 F: +44 (0)20 7436 7488 E: [email protected] W: http://ihie.org.uk/ 1.7.4 The Vale of White Horse Institute of Historic Building Jubilee House, High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6HA District Council strongly encourages Conservation T: +44 (0)1747 873133 F: +44 (0)1747 871718 E: [email protected] W: http://www.ihbc.org.uk/ 06 householders, local builders, Institution of Civil Engineers One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA developers and any others T: +44 (0)20 7222 7722 E: [email protected] W: http://www.ice.org.uk/ commissioning design within the built Institution of Highways and 6 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DZ Transportation T: +44 (0)20 7387 2525 F: +44 (0)20 7387 2808 E: [email protected] W: http://www.ciht.org.uk/ 07 environment to employ appropriate Landscape Institute 33 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QG design professionals such as T: +44 (0)20 7299 4500 F: +44 (0)20 7299 4501 E: [email protected] W: http://www.landscapeinstitute. architects, landscape architects, co.uk/ arboricultural consultants, heritage North Wessex Downs AONB Denford Manor, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0UN 08 Office T: +44 (0)1488 685440 E: [email protected] W: http://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/ consultants and urban designers. Royal Institute of British 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD Architects T: +44 (0)20 7580 5533 F: +44 (0)20 7251 1541 E: [email protected] W: http://www.architecture.com/RIBA/Home.aspx 1.7.5 Table 1.1 provides information Royal Institution of Chartered RICS Contact Centre, Surveyor Court, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JE 09 on organisations that can assist Surveyors T: +44 (0)870 333 1600 F: +44 (0)20 7334 3811 E: [email protected] W: http://www.rics.org/uk/ with providing contact details for Royal Town Planning Institute 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL professionals. T: +44 (0)20 7929 9494 F: +44 (0)20 7929 9490 W: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/ Town and Country Planning 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AS 10 Association T: +44 (0)20 7930 8903 F: +44 (0)20 7930 3280 W: http://www.tcpa.org.uk/ Trees and Design Action E: [email protected], [email protected], southwest.fce.gsi.gov.uk W: http://www.tdag.org.uk/ Group 11 Urban Design Group 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ T: +44 (0)20 7250 0892 F: +44 (0)20 7250 0872 E: [email protected] W: http://www.udg.org.uk/ Chartered Institute of Miller Building, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AB Archaeologists T: +44 (0)118 378 6446 F: +44 (0)118 378 6448 E: [email protected] W: http://www.archaeologists.net A National Register of Access Fourth Floor, Holyer House, 20-21 Red Lion Court, London, EC4A 3EB Table 1.1: Organisations that can advise on Consultants T: +44 (0)20 7822 8282 E: [email protected] W: http://www.nrac.org.uk engaging design professionals

12 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 1 Introduction The design process 02

Understanding the planning 1.7.9 If you require any guidance Consider best practice 1.7.12 Further advice is available from context in respect of what may or may not the Homes and Communities Agency 03 1.7.11 In addition to planning policy, be permitted development you (www.homesandcommunities.co.uk) 1.7.6 National and local planning applicants should consider best practice should contact the Council’s planning the Commission for Architecture and policies will influence whether a site is in terms of sustainable design, creating department or the publication the Built Environment (CABE) (www. 04 suitable for development and the form better environments and the quality of ‘Permitted Development for designcouncil.org.uk/our-services/ and nature of this development. The the built form. Householders: Technical Guidance’ built-environment) and English applicant should carry out a planning (Department for Communities and Heritage/Historic England publications; review of relevant planning policy 05 Local Government, updated in April particularly Understanding Place documents depending on the nature 2014, http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/ series and Constructive Conservation and scale of the application. uploads/100806_PDforhouseholders_ series (http://www.helm.org.uk/ 06 1.7.7 Depending on the scale of TechnicalGuidance.pdf). guidance-library/). A list of best practice development relevant statutory and documents can be found in Appendix C. 1.7.10 Even if you do not need to non-statutory authorities and council make a planning application, you 07 officers should be consulted to should follow good design principles. Relevant Statutory Authorities and organisations: understand their policies, requirements and initial advice. Relevant • Natural England; organisations are listed in Figure 1.6. 08 • North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Permitted development • Oxford County Council: access, drainage, highways, transport, rights of way, archaeology and cultural heritage, education, libraries etc; 09 1.7.8 There are some forms of development that are classed as • Historic England: Heritage Assets; ‘permitted development’ and therefore • Environment Agency: flooding, rivers and pollution; 10 do not need planning permission. • Utility companies;

• Police service: police liaison and crime prevention officer; 11 • Fire service; and

• Town and parish councils. A

Fig 1.6: Organisations that might be relevant to consult to provide initial advice

13 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Introduction 1.7.17 It is critical, particularly Community consultation 1 for larger and/or more complex 1.7.21 Depending on the scale The design process applications that emerging proposals and nature of the application it are discussed with planning officers at 02 may be appropriate to carry out an early stage in the design process. public consultation with the existing Responding to the setting the issues raised are considered at This will avoid abortive work and community. Chapter 2 the right stage of the design process is more likely to lead to a planning 03 and to optimise the potential of the application which has general support. 1.7.22 Planning is a potentially 1.7.13 One of the fundamental site to accommodate appropriate contentious process as proposals can objectives of this Design Guide is to 1.7.18 The Government encourages development. Not all checklists or affect a wide range of people. The 04 ensure that new development respects, positive engagement between all the issues raised in individual Government promotes a proactive responds to and enhances the unique developers/applicants and the council. checklists will apply to every site and approach to planning where community characteristics of the Vale. Section 2 The Council’s Statement of Community each case will be decided on its merits. engagement and effective consultation of the Guide sets out the key principles Involvement stresses that the Council 05 Applicants are expected to demonstrate are carried out prior to the submission of and process to ensure development will welcome and provide opportunities compliance where checklists do apply a planning application. responds to its setting, including: for applicants or their agents to discuss or robustly justify their proposals where development proposals with planning 1.7.23 This can be used to gather 06 • Identifying any planning a different approach has been taken. officers before they submit a planning views on key aspects of the site and its designations; application. context which are considered important Preparing initial design • Considering the character of the site to the local community, views on initial 07 proposals Chapters 3 - 11 1.7.19 Pre-application discussions and the settlement within which it is options and ideas and to gain an provide an excellent opportunity for located; and 1.7.16 Applicants will be required to understanding of any concerns that the issues to be highlighted and addressed prepare initial design proposals in line community may have in relation to an • Establishing the constraints and at an early stage in the development 08 with the relevant guidance throughout application. opportunities. process, thereby reducing the likelihood the Design Guide. These initial layouts/ of delays later in the process. Pre- 1.7.24 The council encourages all 1.7.14 Proposals for sites often have designs should respond to the work application discussions also provide an applicants and their agents to consult 09 to work around difficult constraints carried out in Section 2 and have a opportunity to discuss the information their neighbours before they submit a or attractive features that should be clear relationship between the site’s and level of detail required to accompany planning application. Where appropriate retained. The challenge of good design setting and the proposals put forward. a particular planning application. for larger applications, the council 10 is to resolve these in a way that still The requirements for the initial design advises developers to consult more complies with the principles in this guide. proposals will depend on the scale and 1.7.20 To find out more about this widely. There are a number of ways to nature of the application. service refer to the council website consult or engage with town and parish The Role of the Checklists and provide the information requested 11 councils, the community and other Pre-application consultation with in the form. Click here http://www. 1.7.15 Checklists are provided at the interested parties. Refer to the Vale’s the Vale of White Horse District whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services- end of each section in this document. Statement of Community Engagement Council and-advice/planning-and-building/ A The checklists are intended to act as 2009 for further information. application-advice. prompts to applicants to ensure that

14 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 1 Introduction Core Policy 37 - Design The design process Core Policy 38 - Major Development 02

Scheme refinement Assessment of Planning 1.8 Summary Applications 03 1.7.25 The scheme should be refined in 1.8.1 Applicants should now understand the light of pre-application discussions and 1.7.28 This Design Guide provides purpose and value of the Design Guide, its community consultation responses. It is advice to support the policies in the structure and the design process applicants 04 the job of the applicant and the design Local Plan that set out the quality of should go through. team to review the design and to try to development that will be expected satisfy concerns. for the district. The NPPF states that 1.9 Next steps 05 permission should be refused for 1.7.26 Applicants will be expected to development of poor design that fails 1.9.1 Section 2, ‘Responding to the outline all consultation responses and to take the opportunities available for Site and Setting’ outlines the councils’ how these have been considered. improving the character and quality requirements on how applicants should 06 of an area and the way it functions, assess the context and character of their Submission of proposals whereas compliance with the guidance site to ensure that new development will 1.7.27 The level of information that the will help speed up the planning respect, respond to and enhance the unique 07 council will require the applicant to process. characteristics of the Vale. submit as part of a planning application 1.9.2 The applicant will be required will depend on the scale and nature of the Design Review to demonstrate a clear link between 08 proposal. Reference should be made to 1.7.29 The council may consider the assessment of their sites’ context, the Validation Checklists on the council’s offering a Design Review when character, any applicable designations and website to understand the documents appropriate, preferably at the pre- physical constraints and opportunities and 09 will need to be submitted. http://www. application stage or as part of the the design concept/proposal set out in the whitehorsedc.gov.uk/sites/default/ assessment of the planning application. Design and Access Statement. files/8%20Validation%20Checklist%20 The purpose of a Design Review 10 for%20Planning%20and%20Listed%20 is to improve the design quality of Buildings.pdf new development. In assessing

applications, the council will have 11 regard to the recommendations from the Design Review panel.

15 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 2 Responding to the site and setting The Vale of White Horse is an historic and beautiful district, with large tracts of its landscape and townscape protected for their special qualities. One of the fundamental objectives of this Design Guide is to ensure that new development respects, responds to and enhances the unique characteristics of the Vale. To ensure that new development shares common characteristics with its locality, integrates and functions as a natural part, or extension, of existing settlements and contributes in a positive manner to the character of the Vale.

16 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Responding to the site and setting The figure below indicates where 2 you are within the document. Planning designations This section should be read by all applicants putting forward 02 proposals.

OVERVIEW OF SECTION 2: This 03 section outlines how applicants should assess the context and character of their site to 04 ensure that new development will respect, respond to and enhance the unique 05 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION characteristics of the Vale.

All applications 06

Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING TO THE SITE AND major residential sites, SETTING employment areas 07

3 ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major 08 residential sites

Buildings in 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND rural and lower 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN 09 SPACES density areas

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 10 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 2.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide in the context of the ‘Responding to the site and setting’ section

17 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Introduction 02

05 Fig 2.2: Wytham - A rural village context

2.1.4 The applicant will be required to 2.1 Introduction 06 demonstrate a clear link between their IDENTIFY PLANNING DESIGNATIONS: (REFER TO SECTION 2.2) 2.1.1 The previous section outlined appraisal of the context, any applicable the purpose and value of the design planning designations, the character guide, its structure and the design 07 of their site, physical constraints and process applicants should follow in opportunities and their development developing their proposals. proposals. This link or rationale will PREPARE A CHARACTER STUDY (REFER TO SECTION 2.3) 2.1.2 Section 2, ‘Responding to the need to be articulated through the 08 site and setting’ outlines the councils’ Design and Access Statement that will requirements on how applicants should support their planning application. assess the context and character 09 2.1.5 This section sets out the process of their site to ensure that new that an applicant will be expected to IDENTIFY CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES (REFER TO SECTION 2.4) development will respect, respond to follow to understand the context and and enhance the unique characteristics 10 character of their site and establish the of the Vale. constraints and opportunities that will Fig 2.3 Flowchart indicating the process that applicants should follow in order to ‘Respond to the Site and Setting’ 2.1.3 The applicant must understand guide their proposals. and respond to the specific context 11 2.1.6 Fig. 2.2 identifies the steps of their site and appreciate that the required in this process. The resulting application of the principles within information will then form the basis on the guide will differ depending on the A which development proposals should location within the District. respond to.

18 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Policy 13 The Oxford Green Belt Planning designations Policy 39 The Historic environment 02

2.2 Identify planning 03 designations

2.2.1 The environment of the Vale is protected by a number of designations, 04 including Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Green Belt, Listed Buildings and conservation areas’ which seek 05 to preserve the area’s natural and built environment for future generations.

2.2.2 Fig 2.4 illustrates the location of 06 many of these designations across the District. The figure should not be seen as definitive and applicants should carry 07 out their own desktop analysis referring to the Vale of White Horse Council

website for further details. 08

Principle DG1: Designations 09 Applicants should clearly identify whether the site lies within or in the setting of any statutory or non-statutory designation. Any 10 development proposals within or in the setting of one or more of these designations will be 11 required to demonstrate how the proposals respond to national and local policies relevant to that A particular designation. Fig 2.4: Designations across the Vale - Map subject to change

19 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the setting Listed Buildings Conservation Areas Planning designations 2.2.7 There are over 2,000 statutorily 2.2.9 There are 52 Conservation listed buildings in the Vale, graded I, II* Areas in the Vale which have been 02 and II. These are designated by central designated because of their special government on the advice of English architectural or historic interest. Heritage and are chosen for their 2.2.10 Conservation Area designation 03 special architectural or historic interest. is intended to preserve or enhance Refer to http://www.whitehorsedc. the character or appearance of gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning- Fig 2.5: Dragon Hill - Within the AONB with views across the district that area. Attention to design is 04 and-building/conservation-and-listed- particularly important when working Area Of Outstanding Natural 2.2.4 Secondary aims are to meet buildings/listed-buildings in Conservation Areas to avoid Beauty (AONB) the need for quiet enjoyment of the 2.2.8 Listed building consent is any detrimental impact from new countryside and to respect the interests 05 2.2.3 The North Wessex Downs, required for any alterations (including development. of those who live and work there. Refer to together with part of the Greensand demolition works and internal http://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk for 2.2.11 The District has a number of Ridge, fall within the North Wessex alterations and repairs) which affect the further information. adopted Conservation Area Appraisals 06 Downs Area of Outstanding Natural special interest of a listed building. which are listed in Appendix D. For Beauty (AONB), a nationally protected Green Belt further details please refer to: http:// landscape under the CRoW Act www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services- 07 2000. Great weight should be given 2.2.5 Green Belt is a policy and land and-advice/planning-and-building/ to conserving landscape and the use designation set out in the NPPF used conservation-and-listed-buildings/ scenic beauty of the AONB, and the to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land Principle DG4: Listed Buildings conservation-areas conservation of wildlife and cultural permanently open. 08 This design guide will not override heritage are important considerations. 2.2.6 The Oxford Green Belt was listed building considerations. Listed designated to prevent unrestricted building consent will be required for Principle DG5: Conservation 09 sprawl, safeguard the countryside from most applications to alter or extend Areas Principle DG2: AONB encroachment, prevent merging of a listed building in any way. neighbouring towns, preserve the setting Applicants with sites in or Applicants with sites within and/ Applicants should review 10 and special character or historic towns adjacent to Conservation Areas or abutting the North Wessex guidance from English Heritage and villages and assist urban generation. should refer to the respective Downs AONB must accord with and/or seek advice from the Conservation Area appraisal relevant criteria set out in the AONB Principle DG3: Green Belt Vale’s conservation officer. and/or local plan policies on 11 Management Plan and Paragraphs Applicants with sites within Development proposals that have Historic Environments and clearly 115-116 of the NPPF. Proposals the Green Belt must accord an adverse effect on the setting of demonstrate that proposals are in outside the AONB should not with relevant criteria set out in listed buildings will need to balance line with this guidance. A adversely affect its setting. Paragraphs 79-92 of the NPPF. the harm against the public benefit.

20 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Character Study 02

2.3 Character Study 2.3.3 The level of detail in the study 2.3.6 The checklists at the end of Principle DG6: Character should be related to the scale of the Section 2 provide guidance on the 03 2.3.1 Having identified planning Study development proposals. A proposal for appropriate scope and subject areas designations, applicants requiring a a large scale urban extension should for the Character Study depending on Applicants must prepare a Design and Access Statement must be supported by an extensive study to the scale of the proposed development. Character Study that identifies 04 then prepare a Character Study that consider the extension in the context the context within which the identifies the context within which the of the region, the existing settlement application site is set. This should application site is set. This should and its movement and green space consider the structure and history consider the structure and history of the 05 network, carefully considering how of the settlement within which it is settlement within which it is located or the development would integrate with located or relates, the character relates, the character of the landscape, and enhance the settlement. Whereas of the landscape, the streets and the streets and spaces and the built 06 an application for infill development spaces and the built form. form. or single dwelling may just consider The Character Study will help to the character of the street and the Prepare a Character Study guide and inform the proposals 07 neighbouring properties to inform how that are prepared later in the 2.3.2 Vale of White Horse District the development can successfully design process and applicants Council will require a Character Study complement the streetscene. will be required to demonstrate to be carried out for any development 08 2.3.4 Sites where the character may how the study informs the design proposal requiring a Design and Access not be desirable to replicate should proposals. Statement, irrespective of scale. The consider adjacent areas or settlements objective of the Character Study is The Character Study should 09 and draw from those elements which to identify, analyse and describe in a identify the existing characteristics help make the Vale a distinctive place. systematic and objective way, those that can help to reinforce local elements, or combination of elements, 2.3.5 Some of the elements to identity and/or create a defined 10 that help to form the character of a consider in a Character Study are sense of place. place. Elements may be drawn from indicated in the example that is set The Character Study will form the immediate surroundings or (where out on the pages that follow. This part of the Design and Access 11 relevant) from adjacent settlements or example is indicative only and should Statement that supports a planning landscapes within the Vale. not be considered as the full scope of a application. Character Study. A

21 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Principle DG7: Site context Character Study As part of the Character Study applicants should carry out a 02 context appraisal that identifies Consider the context • As the focal point of settlement in the broad context within which some cases in evidence over the last their site is located and this 2.3.7 The starting point for the Character 03 millennium, the villages also have should inform their development Study is a consideration of the wider potential to be important areas for Fig 2.6: Rural context with landscape as the proposals. context of the applicants’ site. The applicant dominant feature archaeological interest; must appreciate that the application of 04 the principles within the guide will differ • The urban context: Towns and villages depending on the location of the site within where the buildings, the hierarchy and

the District. Character Study tool kits such the mix of uses and the public realm are 05 as English Heritage’s Place Check may dominate features and define a series of assist applicants and communities in streets, squares, alleys and courts. The undertaking character assessments landscape takes a complementary role 06 within this context but adds significantly 2.3.8 Within the District there are broadly to the character. Archaeological interest five main settlement contexts: Fig 2.7: Rural village context where buildings Fig 2.9: Suburban context which is neither is likely to be high in the urban context; are loosely clustered to define the village core defined by the landscape nor the buildings 07 • Rural context: Isolated dwellings, • Suburban context: Much of the country estates and small groups of 20th century development in the Vale dwellings such as hamlets and farm is suburban. In these areas, neither buildings. In these locations landscape 08 the building form nor landscape are is the dominant feature with the building dominant and the public realm is often situated within the countryside; dominated by estate roads and car hard 09 • Rural village context: Villages that standings; display both rural and urban qualities. • Whilst buildings usually front the streets, Buildings are loosely clustered to Fig 2.8: Urban context where the buildings are Fig 2.10: Lower density suburban where the frontages are fragmented by gaps and the dominant feature and define a series of landscape is an important setting for buildings 10 define space in key locations such buildings are often too loosely grouped streets as around nodes, main streets and or of insufficient height to enclose the • Lower density suburban: defining important spaces (eg village street space; and Characterised by large residential greens). Elsewhere, landscape features 11 properties set within relatively large and structures define the space with well landscaped grounds. In these buildings being secondary; areas, the landscape and mature A vegetation is an important component of the area’s character.

22 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study 02

2.3.13 Consider the landscape and Further advice on assessing the 03 Zone 1 - Thames Valley and Corrallian Ridge settlement character landscape character and the visual Wytham Zone 1 A - Golden Ridge and Wooded impact of Estatelarger Villages development can 2.3.9 The character of the District Significant Hilltops be obtainedZone 1 B - Eastern from Thames “An Approach to OXFORD is diverse and complex due to its Rivers and Streams 04 Zone 2 - Clay Vale Landscape Character Assessment” Settlements BOTLEY differing geology, landform, landscape Zone 2 A - Western Vale Villages by Nature England and “Guidelines Zone 2 B - Central Alluvial Island villages characteristics and the way in which Cumnor for Landscape and Visual Impact Hill the existing settlements respond to Zone 2 C - Lowland Villages 05 Assessment” by the Landscape Cumnor these conditions. Kennington Institute.Zone 3 - Rolling Farmland Villages Appleton 2.3.10 The Vale of White Horse can Zone 4 - Chalk Villages Wootton be divided into broad character zones, 06 Zone 5 - Upper Chalk Downs Longworth Radley taking into account the factors above. Hinton Kingston Waldrist Bagpuize Buckland ABINGDON Further detail is provided in Appendix Buscot Southmoor E: Vale of White Horse Settlement and Marcham 07 Littleworth Landscape Character.

Charney 2.3.11 Applicants should consider this Bassett Coleshill Drayton FARINGDON Sutton 08 as a starting point for carrying out the Stanford Courtenay West East in the Vale Hanney Hanney Character Study. However, this should Steventon Goosey not be used as an alternative for a Fernham Denchworth Watchfield Milton more thorough on-site analysis. Longcot GROVE 09 Harwell DIDCOT Shrivenham East 2.3.12 Further information can be Uffington Ardington East Kingston Challow Hendred obtained from national and regional Lisle Bourton East Woolstone Childrey 10 Landscape Character Assessments WANTAGE Lockinge Letcombe Ginge Blewbury White Horse Regis including the National Landscape Ashbury Hill Chilton Character Area Profiles, AONB Letcombe Bassett Landscape Character Assessment, the 11 Oxfordshire Wildlife and Landscape Study. County Historic Landscape Characterisation will also be available. A

Fig 2.11: Settlement and Landscape Character Zones in the Vale

23 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the setting Character Study 02

2.3.14 Zone 1: Thames Valley and 2.3.16 Zone 2: The Clay Vale is the

Corallian Ridge covers approximately largest of the character zones. It is a 03 one third of the land area of the Vale. broad low-lying area of Kimmeridge The area follows the path of the River and Gault Clays, with fields Thames, which bounds the District to predominantly used as pastureland. 04 the north and east. Here, the landscape Throughout the Clay Vale, Willow trees is a mixture of water meadows on the lie along the river valleys and streams. lower lying land and pasture on slightly 2.3.17 Historically, it was a quiet rural higher ground. To the south is the 05 area of self-sufficient villages and Corallian or Golden Ridge, a higher Fig 2.12: Zone 1 hamlets. Between 1790 and 1840, Fig 2.16: Zone 2 area of land along the crest of which lie significant changes took place due to various settlements. 06 the arrival of the canal and railway, 2.3.15 The zone contains many areas which led to materials being imported of deciduous woodland, including some into the area from further afield. 07 ancient woodlands, particularly along 2.3.18 During this period a number of the Corallian Ridge and in the north- brickworks were set up in the area to eastern corner of the Vale. In the east, take advantage of the rich clay soils. the proximity to Oxford allowed for a 08 Brick replaced stone as the principal wide variety of building materials to building material and was used in the be transported into the District. In the Fig 2.13: The area is, in part, shaped by its Fig 2.17: This area consists of expansive relationship with the River Thames construction of new dwellings, the farmland and pastures west, until the railway connected into 09 repair of older buildings and to add Faringdon, materials were restricted to detailing such as quoins and window those that were available locally. This surrounds to stone buildings. meant less influence by external factors 10 and fashions in favour of traditional materials such as limestone, stone

slates and thatch. 11

Fig 2.14: To the east Fig 2.15: To the west Fig 2.18: The area generally consists of smaller A a variety of building more traditional settlements and hamlets materials are utilised materials prevail

24 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study 02

2.3.19 Zone 3: Rolling Farmland 2.3.22 Zone 4: Chalk Villages along

Villages stretches from Letcombe the Spring Line stretches from the west 03 Regis in the west to Blewbury in the of East Challow to Idstone. The villages east, and from East Hendred in the open out to the south onto a steeply north to the southern boundary of the rising landscape with large open 04 Vale. The Lower Chalk and Upper fields. In other areas, the Lower Chalk Greensand is a transitional landscape spreads out and with its small valleys area, situated between the Chalk forms an undulating landscape. Near Downs and the flat Clay Vale. This area Uffington the Lower Chalk narrows to 05 of Greensand becomes broader in the form a ledge. Fig 2.19: Zone 3 Fig 2.23: Zone 4 east of the District. 2.3.23 The Icknield Way runs at 06 2.3.20 From Wantage to Blewbury, the foot of the Lower Chalk where the Lower Chalk forms a broad the Chalk meets the Greensand. plateau below the Downs which is Watercourses drain from springs 07 particularly evident to the north of towards the River Ock. The area East Hendred. Here, the landscape is around the Upper Greensand and dominated by open arable fields with the lower slopes of the Lower Chalk limited hedgerows. In other areas, the is characterised by considerable tree 08 Lower Chalk spreads out and creates cover and a gentler landscape than the small valleys, forming an undulating Fig 2.20: landscape is dominated by undulating Upper Chalk Downland. Fig 2.24: The character of settlements within pastures and open arable fields this area is distinctly rural landscape below the Downs, such as 09 2.3.24 Zone 4 is characterised by around the hamlet of Ginge. small settlements, with Uffington 2.3.21 The villages in Zone 3 are being the largest. The character of 10 situated at the edge of the northern the villages is distinctly rural, typically scarp of the North Wessex Downs. They comprising informal cottages and are located along a spring line running farmsteads, although some villages through an area of Lower Chalk and include large Manor houses. 11 Upper Greensand. The built environment in Zone 3 includes a mix of small hamlets Fig 2.21: Outside Fig 2.22: Wantage Fig 2.25: The area comprises of informal and the second largest settlement in the Wantage the settlements has a distinct urban clusters of buildings and farmsteads. A Vale, Wantage. comprise of small character within this villages and hamlets area

25 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study 02

2.3.25 Zone 5: the Upper Chalk Downs is characterised by large open 03 fields. There are numerous woodland areas, including mixed and deciduous plantations. Larger areas of deciduous 04 woodland are found at the western end of the zone, in the vicinity of Ashdown

Park, including some areas of ancient 05 woodland. Fig 2.26: Zone 5 2.3.26 The north-facing escarpment of the North Wessex Downs is prominent. 06 The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road, runs along the top of the downs and includes a number of nationally 07 important archaeological sites such as White Horse Hill and Waylands Smithy.

2.3.27 Zone 5 is sparsely settled, 08 with only one settlement of any size, Letcombe Bassett. The remaining Fig 2.27: The area is largely designated as AONB with the White Horse Hill a key landmark built environment comprises a mix of Principle DG8: Landscape 09 farmsteads and the notable Ashdown and settlement character House. As part of the Character Study 10 2.3.28 Further details on the character applicants must identify the areas above Can be found in Appendix landscape character within E: Vale of White Horse Character. which their site is located and consider how this might influence 11 and guide their development proposals. Fig 2.28: Ashdown House A

26 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study 02 2.3.31 Poly-focal settlements have development concentrated in more

than one core. These cores would have 03 developed around several important buildings, such as a church or manor house. This historic settlement pattern 04 is frequently eroded because of later development filling the gaps between the original cores. In villages where the original gaps still exist, they can 05 make an important contribution to the Fig 2.32: Poly-focal settlement character of the settlement. Fig 2.29: Figure ground plans of Buckland, Longworth and Stanford in the Vale show a different settlement form which helps to define the feel and character 06

Traditional Settlement Patterns 2.3.30 Nucleated settlements 2.3.32 Linear settlements have a 2.3.33 Dispersed settlements have are compact, with development distinctive ribbon form. Development evolved around separate original 07 2.3.29 The settlement patterns in the concentrated in the core. Historically, is concentrated along a primary road, manors or separate farm groups Vale can be arranged into four different the core would have been formed with less development on smaller side forming foci for development. Open types, each of which has evolved over around a significant building such as a roads. The depth of development in land is also a key component of time. 08 manor house or a church. linear settlements is generally narrow, dispersed settlements. As with poly- which allows views of the surrounding focal settlements, later infill can reduce countryside from within the settlement. the openness of these settlements. 09

Fig 2.30: Nucleated settlement Fig 2.31: Linear settlement Fig 2.33: Dispersed settlement

27 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study example 02

Overview

Buckland is a small settlement to the north of the Vale of White Horse District. 03 This example Character Study indicates some of the elements to consider in a Character Study. This example is indicative only and should not be considered as the full scope of a Character Study. 04

History Settlement structure and pattern - Buckland Village dates back to AD 1000 - Figure ground plan indicates that the historic pattern of streets and grain of 11 development remains largely intact - Many of the houses were built to support Buckland Manor - Intensification has focused around key routes - The settlement is formed around the convergence of a number of lanes which provide a connected network of routes A Fig 2.34: Historic figure ground plan indicating structure and grain of development (1890) Fig 2.35: Figure ground plan indicating structure and grain of development (2014)

28 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study example 02

Landscape character Private gardens 11 - Existing properties are set within a landscaped setting with significant areas of common land - Properties have substantial back gardens creating a green setting for the village - Front gardens are often defined by a low stone wall Fig 2.36: The location and character of green spaces A

29 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Character Study example 02

Windows 04 - Consider the location, size and arrangement of windows

Roofscape

- Dormer windows and ‘room in the loft’ 08 typologies are common - Predominantly stone buildings with slate roofs or thatched

11 Building frontage and interface Building form - Orientation of buildings varies with some fronting the street and others and others addressing the street with the end gable - Consider building massing and pitch of roofs A Fig 2.37: Building frontage diagram Fig 2.38: Architectural features

30 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Site Appraisal Principle DG9: Site Appraisal 02 Applicants must carry out a Site Appraisal that identifies the physical aspects of their site and identifies key constraints and opportunities that will help to inform their proposal. 03

The Site Appraisal will form part of the Design and Access Statement that supports a planning application. 04

Potential constraints • The history and heritage of and opportunities for the site and the potential for 05 Fig 2.39: Constraints such as overhead pylons will have a significant impact on any development consideration as part of archaeological significant the Site Appraisal artifacts; 2.4 Site Appraisal 2.4.3 Some of the elements to consider This is not an exhaustive • Existing landscape features 06 in a Site Appraisal are indicated in the 2.4.1 Having identified any planning list but a starting point for that are of value; example that is set out on the pages designations relevant to their site consideration: that follow. This example is indicative • Trees covered by Tree and prepared a Character Study, 07 only and should not be considered as • Topography and views; Protection Orders (TPO’s); applicants should then carry out a the full scope of a Site Appraisal. detailed Site Appraisal to consider the • Geology and ground • Ecological sensitive habitats

physical aspects of their site, including 2.4.4 The scope and areas covered conditions; and biodiversity; 08 topography, drainage, existing natural in the Site Appraisal should be related to • Site orientation and • Site access; and features, and access points in order the scale of the development proposals. microclimate; to identify the key constraints and • Rights of way or opportunities 2.4.5 The checklist at the end of 09 opportunities that may impact on future • Air quality and noise; to connect and integrate with Section 2 provides guidance on the development. the existing development appropriate scope and subject areas • Drainage, hydrology and flood pattern. 2.4.2 The objective of this Site for the Site Appraisal. This should not risk; 10 Appraisal is to identify, in spatial terms, be considered as an exhaustive list of Refer also to the Checklist at • The location and capacity of those constraints that will influence the the constraints and opportunities but the end of Section 2. existing services; design and the opportunities afforded by rather a starting point for consideration. 11 the site. PROCESS: For applications of PROCESS: Infill development, strategic housing developments, apartment blocks, Individual urban extensions, major houses and ancillary buildings, residential development and residential extensions and A employment areas CLICK HERE building conversions CLICK to go to example HERE to go to example

31 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Strategic housing developments, urban extensions 02

400m walkbands 09

10 Fig 2.40: Plan showing a potential housing site area (yellow) within an existing settlement, Aveley Fig 2.41: Plan indicating the site’s context in Essex (Pink)

Overview Context - Aveley is a small settlement in Essex - The linear village centre is located to the south and includes local shops and services (red) 11 - It is set within an open agricultural landscape - A number of schools are located within the vicinity (orange) - This example indicates some of the elements to consider in a Site Appraisal - The village also includes a number of public open spaces (green) - This example is indicative only and should not be considered as the full scope of a Site A Appraisal

32 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Strategic housing developments, urban extensions 02

10 Fig 2.42: Plan showing connections in the wider area Fig 2.43: Plan showing opportunities to connect into the site

Movement and connections - The Aveley Bypass (B1335) runs along the northern edge of the site 11 - A number of routes provide connections to Aveley Village Centre - A pedestrian bridge provides access over the bypass to provide access to land to the north - There are several potential points of access into the site A

33 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Strategic housing developments, urban extensions 02

Adjacent school Adjacent playing field 04

Existing mature planting Existing watercourse 05

Integrate site to Views existing settlement 06 Principal access Create new development edge

Rear gardens onto site 07

Averley Bypass Historic Framhouse

Noise issues

Key links to 08 local facilities Sun path

10 Fig 2.44: Plan indicating existing constraints Fig 2.45: Plan showing opportunities

Constraints Opportunities - The Aveley Bypass is a barrier to movement and creates noise and air quality issues - There is potential to integrate the new development into the fabric of the existing settlement 11 and to the open spaces and schools to the north of the bypass utilising existing connections - There are a number of mature trees on the site together with water bodies and ditches - There is potential to integrate the existing farm building into the development proposals - The landscape to the north is open with a number of tree belts. Open views across this landscape can be seen from the site - There is opportunity to create a new development edge that provides a positive image of the place for people passing on the Aveley Bypass A - A former farmhouse and associated buildings is located within the site and provides some local and historic identity

34 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Strategic housing developments, urban extensions 02

Concept plan 03 2.4.6 The information gathered within 2.4.7 The concept plan should respond this section should be pulled together to any significant constraints on or to create a concept plan, informed adjacent to the site and exploit the 04 by any designations identified, the site’s opportunities. Character Study and the Site Appraisal.

DESIGNATIONS CHARACTER STUDY SITE APPRAISAL

SWOT (STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, 07 OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS)

CONCEPT PLAN AND Fig 2.46: Flowchart indicating VISION design process

09 Case study The Aveley site is used as a case • 3.5 - Movement framework (figures Fig 2.47: Concept plan study through the Design Guide and 3.47 and 3.48 and connected 10 the development of a design proposal network of streets (figure 3.54); Concept is documented through the following • 3.7 - Density (figure 3.79); - The concept plan is a useful intermediate stage between the Site Appraisal and layout sections: • 3.10 - Development edge (figure 11 • 3.2 - Water features and SUDs 3.98); and PROCESS: For applications of PROCESS: For applications of (figure 3.20); strategic housing developments major residential schemes and • 3.11 - Legibility landmarks and vistas and urban extensions CLICK employment areas CLICK HERE • 3.3 - Landscape structure / open A (figure 3.103). HERE to go to checklist to go to checklist space network (figure 3.27);

35 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Infill developments, block of flats and single dwellings 02

09 Fig 2.48: Plan indicating site boundary and connections within the wider area Fig 2.49: Plan indicating adjacent land uses

Movement and access Land uses 10 - Located on the intersection of two important local streets - The area primarily consists of residential development - Existing access to the site consists of a separate entrance and exit - Along the southern local street properties have commercial ground floors - To the north of the site an existing access street runs adjacent to the boundary providing - The site consists of a number of commercial buildings and a petrol station access to industrial uses - To the north of the site there are a number of low grade employment uses which have been 11 - An existing bus stop is located in close proximity to the site identified for future development

36 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Infill developments, block of flats and single dwellings 02

09 Fig 2.50: Plan indicating existing constraints Fig 2.51: Plan indicating opportunities

Constraints Opportunities 10 - Existing access route to the north of the site should be maintained - To create new development that celebrates the site’s position as a key node within the town - Adjacent uses turn their back on the site creating a poor interface - To enhance the setting of the listed building - The frontage line along the southern local street is very strong and should be respected - To continue and provide improved frontage to both local streets - The setting of the listed building adjacent to the site should be respected - To consider adjacent development opportunities and future proof the site 11

37 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 2 Responding to the site and setting Site Appraisal example Infill developments, block of flats and single dwellings 02

Concept plan 03 2.4.8 The information gathered within 2.4.9 The concept plan should respond this section should be pulled together to any significant constraints on or to create a concept plan, informed adjacent to the site and exploit the sites 04 by any designations identified, the opportunities. Character Study and the Site Appraisal.

DESIGNATIONS CHARACTER STUDY SITE APPRAISAL

SWOT (STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, 07 OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS)

CONCEPT PLAN AND Fig 2.52: Flowchart indicating VISION design process

09 Fig 2.53: Plan indicating initial concept

Concept 10 - The concept plan is a useful intermediate stage between the Site Appraisal and layout

11 PROCESS: For applications of PROCESS: For applications of infill developments, apartments building extension or building and single dwellings CLICK HERE conversion CLICK HERE to go to to go to checklist checklist A

38 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing a Character Study for Character Study CHECKLIST a Strategic Housing Development or Urban Extension. The checklist should be used Strategic housing developments, urban extensions by applicants and planning officers as prompts when preparing the Character Study. 02 SUBJECT DESCRIPTION COMPONENT CHECK

Wider setting What is the wider setting of the site and the location of the settlement in relation to other Function of the settlement and 03 settlements within the region? relationship to adjacent areas What is the wider context within which the site is located? - rural, rural village, urban or suburban. Settlement character (Principle DG7)

Settlement structure How is the settlement within which the site is located structured and where does it connect to? Historical development 04 Does it a have a linear structure along a main route or is part of a grid of streets for example? What is the existing hierarchy and network of streets and spaces within the settlement and how Structure and hierarchy of streets and does this contribute to its character? spaces 05 Are there any places or uses that provide a focus for the settlement? Identity What is the prevailing density of the settlement? Does it vary and what would be appropriate for Density of development the application site? How does the existing settlement mark arrival points or the meeting of routes? Can this be drawn Gateways and nodes 06 upon to mark gateways and nodes within the proposal? How large are existing plots or blocks within the settlement? Is the pattern regular or irregular? Plot and block size Landscape character/ What is the broad landscape and settlement character, the underlying geology and how might Landscape and settlement character 07 natural features/ this influence the development? Are there particular landscape, arboricultural, ecological or (Principle DG8) topography geological characteristics, for instance, that give a place its essential character? Are there landscape features (trees, hedgerows, ecological or geological), within the site that Existing landscape features, water 08 give the place its character and can these be incorporated into the proposals? features, trees, hedges Are there any important views to and from the site and beyond that are valuable and should be Views and skyline retained? Understanding how the new development will be perceived from the surrounding area. Streets and public What is the prevailing level of enclosure for existing street types within the settlement? Does this The containment of streets and public 09 spaces contribute to their character? How are spaces enclosed? open spaces Are there particular public realm characteristics, such as planting, form, materials to draw Layout and form of spaces influence from? 10 How does the interface between private and public spaces contribute to the settlement’s Public and private space interface character? How does public art contribute to the settlement’s character? Public art 11 Built character What is the local built character and how does this provide cues for appropriate design forms? Scale, form and massing Does the building frontage define the public realm or are there front gardens? What are the Treatment of building frontages and prevailing boundary treatments? boundaries A Are there common building types prevalent within the settlement? Can these be re-interpreted? Building types Are there common building materials within the settlement which would be relevant to the proposal? Use of materials 39 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing a Character Study Character Study CHECKLIST for a Major Residential Scheme or Employment Site. The checklist should be used Major residential scheme or employment site by applicants and planning officers as prompts when preparing the Character Study. 02 SUBJECT DESCRIPTION COMPONENT CHECK

Wider context What is the wider context within which the site is located - rural, rural village, urban or suburban? Settlement character (Principle DG7) 03 Settlement structure How is the settlement within which the site is located structured and where does it connect to? Historical development Does it a have a linear structure along a main route or is part of a grid of streets for example?

What is the existing hierarchy and network of streets and spaces within the settlement and how Structure and hierarchy of streets and 04 does this contribute to its character? spaces Are there any places or uses that provide a focus for the settlement? Identity

What is the prevailing density of the settlement? Does it vary and what would be appropriate for Density of development 05 the application site? How does the existing settlement mark arrival points or the meeting of routes? Can this be drawn Gateways and nodes upon to mark gateways and nodes within the proposal? How large are existing plots or blocks within the settlement? Is the pattern regular or irregular? Plot and block size 06 Landscape character/ What is the broad landscape and settlement character, the underlying geology and how might Landscape and settlement character natural features/ this influence the development? Are there particular landscape, arboricultural, ecological or (Principle DG8) topography geological characteristics, for instance, that give a place its essential character? 07 Are there landscape features (trees, hedgerows, ecological or geological), within the site that Existing landscape features, water give the place its character and can these be incorporated into the proposals? features, trees, hedges

Are there any important views to and from the site and beyond that are valuable and should be Views and skyline 08 retained? Understanding how the new development will be perceived from the surrounding area. Streets and public What is the prevailing level of enclosure for existing street types within the settlement? Does this The containment of streets and public spaces contribute to their character? How are spaces enclosed? open spaces Are there particular public realm characteristics, such as planting, form, materials to draw Layout and form of spaces 09 influence from? How does the interface between private and public spaces contribute to the settlement’s Public and private space interface character? 10 How does public art contribute to the settlement’s character? Public art Built character What is the local built character and how does this provide cues for appropriate design forms? Scale, form and massing Does the building frontage define the public realm or are there front gardens? What are the Treatment of building frontages and 11 prevailing boundary treatments? boundaries Are there common building types prevalent within the settlement? Can these be re-interpreted? Building types

Are there common building materials within the settlement which would be relevant to the proposal? Use of materials A

40 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing a Character Study Character Study CHECKLIST for Infill Developments, Block of Flats and Single Dwellings. The checklist should be Infill developments, apartments and single dwellings used by applicants and planning officers as prompts when preparing the Character Study. 02 SUBJECT DESCRIPTION COMPONENT CHECK

Wider context What is the wider context within which the site is located? - rural, rural village, urban or suburban. Settlement character (Principle DG7) 03 Settlement structure What is the function of the application site within the settlement? How does the settlement Historical development structure or connections influence this function or role?

What is the existing hierarchy and network of streets and spaces within the settlement and how Structure and hierarchy of streets and 04 does this contribute to the character of the site? spaces What are the adjacent land uses that could help inform the proposed uses on the site? Should Density of development the site contribute to a mixed use core for example? Is the site appropriate for residential uses? 05 Does the site, or should the site mark an arrival point into the settlement or a meeting point of Gateways and nodes routes? How might this influence the proposals? How large are existing plots adjacent to the site. Are properties generally terraced or buildings on Plot size individual plots? 06 Landscape character/ Are there landscape features (trees, hedgerows, ecological or geological), within the site that Existing landscape features, water natural features/ give the place its character and can these be incorporated into the proposals? features, trees, hedges

Are there any important views to and from the site and beyond that are valuable and should be Views and skyline 07 retained? Understanding how the new development will be perceived from the surrounding area. Streets and public What is the prevailing level of enclosure for existing street types within the settlement? Does this The containment of streets and public spaces contribute to their character? How are spaces enclosed? open spaces 08 Are there particular public realm characteristics, such as planting, form, materials to draw Layout and form of spaces influence from? How does the interface between private and public spaces contribute to the settlements character? Public and private space interface 09 Built character What is the local built character and how does this provide cues for appropriate design forms? Scale, form and massing What are the prevailing boundary treatments to adjacent properties? Are these successful? Are Treatment of building frontages and these characteristic of the settlement? Does the building frontage define the public realm or are boundaries there front gardens? 10 Are there common building types prevalent within the settlement? Can these be re-interpreted? Building types Are there common building materials within the settlement which would be relevant to the proposal? Use of materials 11

41 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing a Character Character Study CHECKLIST Study for an Extension or Building Conversion. The checklist should be used by Extension or building conversion applicants and planning officers as prompts when preparing the Character Study. 02 SUBJECT DESCRIPTION COMPONENT CHECK

Settlement structure How does the building contribute to the existing settlement? How will any extension or Historical development 03 conversion impact on this? How large are existing plots adjacent to the site. Are properties generally terraced or buildings on Plot / building pattern individual plots? How will the proposal impact on the existing pattern? 04 Landscape character/ What is the broad landscape and settlement character, the underlying geology and how might Landscape and settlement character natural features/ this influence the development? Are there particular landscape, arboricultural, ecological or (Principle DG8) topography geological characteristics, for instance, that give a place its essential character? Are there landscape features (eg a mature tree or hedgerow) that contribute to the character of Existing landscape features, water 05 the site? Will these be affected by the proposals? features, trees, hedges What is the building’s relationship with the countryside and will this be affected by the proposals? Relationship to countryside Streets and public Is there a consistent or prevailing building line along the street? Will the proposal reinforce this? Building line along the street 06 spaces How does the interface between private and public spaces contribute to the character of the area? Public and private space interface How does public art contribute to the settlement’s character? Public art 07 Built character Analyse the existing scale, form and massing of your building to determine what is important Scale, form and massing about these characteristics. Consider how any proposals will affect this?

Are there common building materials within the area which would match or complement the materials Use of materials 08 of the building?

42 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing a Site Site Appraisal CHECKLIST Appraisal. The checklist should be used by applicants and planning officers as prompts to identify Constraints and Opportunities for all sites. 02 SUBJECT COMPONENT SITE APPRAISAL CHECK

Physical Environment Topography and views What is the topography of the site and how will this influence the proposals? How is the site viewed or 03 overlooked from afar? Are there prominent overlooked areas that may be best left undeveloped? How can the development provide a well-defined external image to the countryside?

Geology and ground What is the existing geology of the site? Are there areas of the site which are difficult to build on, 04 conditions contaminated or less porous than others? Orientation and microclimate How is the site orientated? Can this be capitalised on?

Air quality, noise Are there areas of the site which are affected by noise or poor air quality such as adjacent to major 05 strategic roads or rail infrastructure or existing cultural or community buildings? Drainage and hydrology How does the site currently drain? Are there locations where water collects? Are soils permeable? How will this affect the proposals and the potential for sustainable urban drainage systems? 06 Flooding Are there areas of the site within the flood plain? Are there areas of the site prone to flooding?

Services Are there existing services and/or capacity to serve the development? Are there any existing utilities or service infrastructure that may constrain your development. For instance overhead power lines or a 07 significant sewer. Heritage Archaeology Are there likely to be any archeological remains within the area? Is an archeology study required? 08 Historic assets Are there any historic assets on the site or does the site form the setting of a Heritage Asset? Landscape Tree Protection Orders Are there any TPOs on the site? (TPOs) 09 Existing features Are there any existing features such as trees, hedgerows, watercourses, or areas of woodland that have value and should be retained?

Ecology and biodiversity What is the existing ecological and biodiversity value of the site? Are there particular areas or features 10 which have a high ecological/biodiversity value that should be protected? Is there opportunity for habitat creation and enhancement? Highways Access What are the existing access arrangements for the site? Does an alternative means of access have to be introduced? 11 Connections and Links Are there existing rights of way across the site? Can the site connect back to an existing neighbourhood and be integrated with an existing street network? A

43 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 2 Responding to the site and setting This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application responds to its setting. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you: DG1-DG5: Planning Has the applicant clearly identified whether the site lies within or adjacent to any area with a 03 • Identified all planning Designations statutory or non-statutory planning designation? designations; Has the applicant understood the implications of these designations on the development of • Considered the character of the the site? 04 site within its settlement and DG6: Character Has the applicant carried out a Character Study and covered the topics set out in the prepared a Character Study; Study relevant checklist? and Has the applicant identified the potential opportunities for new development to make a 05 positive contribution to the character of a settlement? • Carried out a detailed Site DG7: Site Context Has the applicant prepared a detailed Site Context and identified the constraints and Appraisal and established the opportunities that apply to their site? constraints and opportunities 06 that apply to the site. SUMMARY: At this stage the PROCESS: The adjacent table applicant should have a full 07 summarises the key principles set understanding of their site and out within this section and can be its context. This work should be used by both the applicant and undertaken before developing officer as a checklist. 08 design proposals.

10 Commercial or employment - SECTION 3 PROCESS: Click on your application type to be directed to the appropriate section: Mixed use scheme - SECTION 3 Strategic housing developments and urban extensions - Apartment blocks - SECTION 5 11 SECTION 3 Individual houses and ancillary buildings - SECTION 5 Major residential development - SECTION 3 Residential extensions - SECTION 10 Infill developments - SECTION 4 A Building conversions - SECTION 11 Schemes in rural or lower density areas - SECTION 5

44 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 3 Establishing the structure Getting the structure of development right – the layout of streets, landscape, land uses and buildings and how they integrate with the existing streets, landscape and buildings is crucial to creating successful, attractive and sustainable places. The places we love to live, work and visit all have robust structures that define the character of the place. All to often new development lacks this coherent structure and therefore lacks a sense of place. It is critical when planning large scale development that the principles of place- making are carefully considered. This means considering the street layout and connectivity, the land uses, landscape and buildings in an holistic manner.

45 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure The figure below indicates where • Carried out a detailed Site you are within the document. Appraisal and established the Process This section should be read by constraints and opportunities all applicants putting forward that apply to the site; and 02 proposals for, or within urban • Completed the relevant checklists? extensions, major residential If not please go back to Section 2 sites, employment areas and 03 mixed use areas. OVERVIEW OF SECTION 3: This section outlines the principles Before you proceed have you: of creating a robust layout for 04 • Identified all planning development that considers the designations; street pattern and connectivity, • Considered the character of the land uses, landscape and 05 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION site within its settlement and building in an holistic manner. prepared a Character Study; A checklist is provided at the All applications end of this section. 06

Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING TO THE SITE AND major residential sites, SETTING employment areas 07

3 ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major 08 residential sites

Buildings in 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND rural and lower 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN 09 SPACES density areas

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 10 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 3.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide in the context of the ‘Establishing the structure’ section

46 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Introduction Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction 02

05 Fig 3.2: Successful historic precedents utilise a compact, adaptable and walkable settlement layout

3.1.5 Developing sustainable • Maximising the benefits of daylight 3.1.8 This section is complemented 3.1 Introduction 06 neighbourhoods should not be about and passive solar gain; by Section 7 - Building Performance 3.1.1 The principles of good urban bolt-on solutions but about integrating which covers more detailed design go hand-in-hand with the • Modifying the microclimate to reduce sustainable principles into all stages of sustainability considerations at a creation of sustainable communities. energy demands; 07 design, construction and operation of building level such as the use of 3.1.2 Historic towns and villages are the new development. • Integrating sustainable drainage into photovoltaic panels or grey water by and large highly efficient in terms the landscape design; recycling. 3.1.6 Consideration should be of their use of land, providing a mix of 08 given to minimising the environmental • Designing layouts and streets to uses and reducing the need to travel for impacts of new and existing encourage walking and cycling and local facilities and services. development and creating sustainable create permeability; 09 3.1.3 These settlements developed communities. • Creating places that have identify incrementally in a compact and walkable 3.1.7 Adopting a number of simple and that are easy to navigate through manner responding to the needs of principles can achieve significant with recognisable local landmarks to 10 their residents. They have also evolved reductions in the environmental impact aid legibility; in response to efficient use of local of new development. Many are simple resources and microclimate. • Increasing density around settlement and easily implemented at the outset of cores and public transport corridors; 11 3.1.4 New development should the design process and include: and learn from the past and look to new • Enhancing the ecological value and advances/best practice to address the • Incorporating a mix of local facilities biodiversity of the site; A social, economic and environmental and workspace to reduce the need to concerns of today. travel.

47 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Escarpment edge across the site Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Policy 43 Natural resources Natural resources and sustainability 02

Steeply falling land area

Land forming flat plateau

Fig 3.4: Topography, landform and orientation 05 Fig 3.3: Smiths Wharf, Wantage - Letcombe Brook has been incorporated into the landscape structure Significant historic structure

3.2 Conserving natural Open land Principle DG10: Natural 06 resources Resources Existing right of way 3.2.1 Natural assets such as Use the physical characteristics watercourses, orientation, wind direction 07 of a site including topography, and drainage have historically had a Existing tree line Designated open space orientation, landform, geology, frontage significant influence in shaping our within application boundary drainage patterns, field patterns, to be redistributed within the settlements. Working with these assets boundaries and vegetation cover scheme 08 can contribute to a more sustainable to influence the form and layout development in the long-term and of new development. Fig 3.5: Existing landscape and field patterns enhance the distinctive local character. 09 Maximise the site resources by 3.2.2 Applicants should consider utilising the solar potential of how to maximise their site’s resources the site; making full use of rain while putting minimum demands on the water and drainage systems and 10 environment. harnessing wind energy. 3.2.3 The following section identifies Proposal creates landscape key areas that should be considered links and visual connections 11 to the countryside at an early stage in the design process to maximise the benefits from natural resources before the need for expensive A bolt-on sustainable solutions. Fig 3.6: Landscape structure and block structure

48 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Policy 41 Renewable energy Natural resources and sustainability Policy 43 Natural resources 02

05 Fig 3.7: Building integrated photovoltaics and solar heater, RuralZED

Reducing energy consumption Principle DG11: Reducing Landscape edge providing 06 3.2.4 Urban design can significantly buffer to the wind energy consumption reduce the through-life energy consumption of buildings by creating The layout of development should 07 shelter, providing opportunity for maximise the benefits of daylight passive solar architecture and can also and passive solar gains. help create a comfortable public realm. Applicants should consider how 08 the prevailing wind may effect the Energy supply microclimate of any proposal. 3.2.5 Once every effort has been made The topography of the site can 09 to reduce energy consumption/demand also be used to provide natural Strong prevailing winds to its lowest practicable level applicants shelter from wind and therefore should consider options for the most prevent heat loss in winter. 10 sustainable form of energy supply. Applicants should demonstrate that alternative, site-wide, local energy generation has been 11 considered within the design Fig 3.8: Sheltering development against the prevailing wind process. A

49 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Natural resources and sustainability 02

04 S R Fig 3.9: The microclimate of an area can be influenced by the siting of development in sheltered areas Fig 3.11: Housing layouts that compromises the Fig 3.12: Housing layouts that responds to the 05 principles of good urban design to maximise context whilst still maximising solar gains solar gains should be avoided

Orientation Microclimate 06 Principle DG13: Microclimate 3.2.6 Positioning the layout of 3.2.8 Applicants should consider development to maximise the benefits how the prevailing wind may affect Applicants should consider how of daylight and passive solar gains the microclimate within an area. the prevailing wind may affect the 07 can reduce energy consumption. This For example, proposals can take microclimate of any proposals. generally suggests an east-west street advantage of mild summer breezes Affects can be mitigated through pattern. However, care should be taken by aligning streets with their prevalent consideration of street alignment 08 to avoid compromising the principles of directions. Heat loss from storm or / orientation topography or the good urban design and/or the prevailing winter winds can be minimised by use of landscape to create character of existing settlements. aligning streets across them. shelter. 09 3.2.7 The scale of development or 3.2.9 The topography of the site can location of building types can also also be used to provide natural shelter improve these benefits. from wind and therefore prevent heat 10 loss in winter. Principle DG12: Orientation 3.2.10 Tree planting and soft The layout of development landscaping can also have a 11 should optimise the benefits of significant affect on the microclimate. daylighting and passive solar Fig 3.10: Housing layout orientated to capitalise Refer to section 4.3 for details. on daylighting and solar gains can provide gains. good urban form overlooking streets and A spaces

50 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy CP42: Flood Risk Natural resources and sustainability 02

R 04

Fig 3.14: Dowpipes diverted so that rainwater drainage can be used to irrigate planters 05 Fig 3.13: SUDs incorporated within the public realm

Water 3.2.14 Not all water uses require water to drinking standards and some 06 3.2.11 Reducing the demand for water demands can be met using re-used and managing surface water are critical or recycled water, depending on its considerations in new development quality. Rainwater, in particular, is a 07 proposals. local non-potable resource that can be used for flushing WCs and the Site wide strategies for reducing first cycle on washing machines for R water demand 08 individual buildings can also be used Fig 3.15: Storm water planters can be 3.2.12 Demand management and in external irrigation. Applicants should incorporated within the street design to water efficiency should be a priority for consider how these principles can be attenuate rainwater 09 any applicant developing a sustainable incorporated within their proposals and neighbourhood. the implications of these on site layout, building and landscape design. 3.2.13 Many of the principles for reducing 10 water demand are discussed in Section 3.2.15 It is clear that education and 7.5 and relate to more specific building promotion of water saving measures

solutions. However, it is critical that is also critical in order to influence 11 applicants consider site wide strategies reductions in water demand. Applicants and their implications. should demonstrate how this is being R addressed within the proposals. Fig 3.16: Attenuation ponds can be A incorporated within parklands to provide positive landscape features

51 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy CP42: Flood Risk Natural resources and sustainability 02

05 Fig 3.17: The restored Childrey village pond forms a focal point for the village

Water Features and Sustainable 06 Urban Drainage (SUDs)

3.2.16 Surface water features, Fig 3.20: AVELEY - Sustainable urban drainage network responding to existing water features and topography SUDs and watercourses can make a 07 significant contribution to the landscape Principle DG14: Water features such as ponds, retention character, biodiversity and sustainable features and SUDs planters/basins, green back lanes performance of development and and wetlands, and combined with 08 reinforces identity of place. R Where practically possible good biodiversity and landscape surface water features should be 3.2.17 Consideration at an early Fig 3.18: SUDs should not only be functional features to make a positive but also celebrated and integrated into retained, enhanced and/or re- stage in the design process of how to contribution to the biodiversity, 09 development as positive features established as positive features manage surface water can reduce the character and appearance of a contributing to the character, proposal’s demand on the network. development. ecological value and biodiversity 10 3.2.18 Attenuation ponds, swales, rain of new development. Infiltration methods should be used gardens, the choice of public realm wherever soil conditions permit. Development proposals should materials and the balance between incorporate the use of sustainable Maximise the amount of porous soft and hard landscape areas can 11 urban drainage as an integral part hard surfacing to enable infiltration. contribute to this reduction and also of the landscape structure. help reduce the risk of flooding. Consideration should also be given R SUDs should be designed into the to the future management and A Fig 3.19: SUDs feature integrated within the development from the outset as maintenance of the SUDs. streetscene

52 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Natural resources and sustainability 02

04 Fig 3.22: Modern extension to historic church Fig 3.24: Successful conversion of historic asset.

05 Fig 3.21: Successfully converted industrial building within Abingdon

Heritage Assets and the Historic 06 Landscape

3.2.19 The Vale has a rich variety of 3.2.23 Design solutions incorporating heritage assets and historic landscapes heritage assets should be positive 07 that contribute significantly to the contributions to the built environment character and enjoyment of the District. and should preserve and/or enhance Fig 3.23: Modern Extension to historic building Fig 3.25: Retention of historic architectural the established character. features can add to character of a conversion 3.2.20 These assets should be 08 celebrated, enhanced and preserved where appropriate for the enjoyment of Principle DG15: Heritage more specific advice. existing and future residents. Assets and the Historic 09 Important archeology within Landscape 3.2.21 New development should look the site should be thoroughly to capitalise on these assets wherever Heritage assets and Historic investigated and preserved in-situ. 10 possible and integrate them into the Landscapes should be celebrated, masterplan in a positive manner. enhanced and preserved where appropriate for the enjoyment of 3.2.22 Incorporating heritage assets existing and future residents. 11 and historic landscapes into a development will reinforce a sense of Applications responding to the place and define a strong local identity historic environment should refer A and distinctiveness. to the saved local plan policies for

53 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: Policy 44 Landscape 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 45 Green infrastructure Rear gardens onto Frontage onto open open space space Landscape structure Frontage onto open 02 space

Development Development Development 03 Open space Open space S R 04 Fig 3.28: Landscape dividing new and existing Fig 3.29: Landscape integrated within the proposal development resulting in back gardens with development backing onto existing back Fig 3.26 The landscape should be integrated with the development providing well overlooked public defining the open space should be avoided gardens providing positive frontage to open space 05 spaces

Principle DG16: Landscape within the movement network. 3.3 Landscape structure Structure 06 All open space should have a 3.3.1 The way in which landscape with all other services and drainage Applicants should demonstrate purpose and be of the size, location and open spaces are organised requirements and informs the layout of how the landscape structure has and form appropriate for that use. can make a significant contribution new neighbourhoods. 07 been considered from the outset Avoid space left over after planning to the character and success of a 3.3.2 Well designed, accessible of the design process and as an (SLOAP) or pushing open space development. It is critical that this is landscapes and public open spaces integral part of the proposal. This to the periphery of development a consideration at an early stage in can improve social cohesion, health will be a key requirement within the (unless there is strong justification 08 the design process and integrated and wellbeing within an area. Design and Access Statement. to create a landscape buffer, for instance to reduce the impact Development proposals should of road/rail noise, to retain gaps 09 retain important landscape between settlements or link open features, mature trees and planting spaces). See also DG29. Existing blocks wherever possible and incorporate 10 River these features into the landscape Landscape should not be used as structure. This will provide instant a divisive measure between new ‘maturity’ to new development and and exiting development. This can provide windbreaks, visual tends to lead to isolated pockets 11 screening and shelter. of development and can also undermine the value, overlooking Consider how the existing public Existing blocks and usability of the proposed A rights of way can be incorporated Fig 3.27: Landscape used to structure the proposal landscape.

54 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Landscape structure 02

05 Fig 3.30: East Hendred - Bridleway creating a linked network of landscapes

Open Space Networks Principle DG17: Open Space 06 3.3.3 Each existing settlement has Network a variety and hierarchy of spaces. It Applicants should link existing is important to identify clearly within 07 and proposed landscapes and an application how proposed open open spaces together to form spaces contribute and respond to this open space networks. Fig 3.31: AVELEY - Network of open spaces and connections to existing rights of ways hierarchy. 08 Applicants should demonstrate 3.3.4 Where practical, new and within their application how existing landscapes and open spaces proposed open spaces contribute should be linked to form connected 09 and respond to the hierarchy green networks. These networks are of existing landscape and open often more useful for visual amenity, space networks. recreational use and wildlife corridors 10 than isolated parks.

3.3.5 Where direct links are not possible, it may be appropriate to link 11 these together through green routes, shared surface streets and boulevards. A Fig 3.32: A local open space in Wantage Fig 3.33: Open spaces should be linked to form greenways

55 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Landscape structure 02

05 Fig 3.34: Local open space central to residential development accessible to all

Provision of open space 06 3.3.6 Larger developments will be Fig 3.37: Neighbourhood focal space with key buildings clustered around required to provide a variety of open space types to meet the needs of Principle DG18: Open space new and existing development, 07 different age groups. These spaces within walking distance and Applicants should refer to the should be located so that they are easily accessible. Opportunities Council’s Open Space, Sport within walking distance of residents and should be taken to accommodate and Recreation Future Provision are easy to get to, usually within 400 or biodiversity within all types of 08 Supplementary Planning 800m. open space, for example, by Fig 3.35: Stanford in the Vale, village green Document (July 2008) setting out provision of wildflowers, trees and 3.3.7 The Vale of White Horse has the open space requirements for Shops with flats above shrubs. 09 a huge number of successful open Live-work new developments, in terms of its spaces which act as neighbourhood units Pub quantity, quality and accessibility. Parks and play spaces should be focal points, village greens or central Bus stop The SPD explains the open space used as community focal points 10 squares with activities around them. provision standards, design with development surrounding Applicants should consider the role, Play space objectives and principles, security them. layout and design of existing spaces and safety aspects, and the future Play spaces should be designed within the local context to compliment, management and maintenance 11 to form part of the wider park area strengthen and add character to new requirements. School rather than an isolated/separate spaces. Open spaces should be located feature. See Section 4.6 for Fig 3.36: Clustering key buildings around a A focal space can create a neighbourhood hub within areas that are central to further details on playspaces. and a focal point for activity

56 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Landscape structure 02

Ecology and biodiversity Principle DG19: Ecology and 3.3.8 Many of the most valuable biodiversity 03 landscape assets are those that Landscape features that have have been left alone. These need high biodiversity/ecological respecting, rather than exploiting. The 04 value should be retained and value of a landscape asset can easily incorporated within the proposals. be degraded. All applications should seek 3.3.9 Protecting and enhancing 05 no net loss of biodiversity as existing landscape assets is an a minimum and if possible important consideration in order incorporate net gains. to minimise the damage to natural 06 habitats, add to the character SUDs can be designed and and distinctiveness of a place managed to achieve significant and contribute to climate change biodiversity outcomes. 07 adaptation. New habitats to encourage 3.3.10 Please refer to Appendix A: additional species should be Biodiversity and Planning for more created within the landscape 08 details. Further information can be structure. Hedges, wildflower obtained from https://www.oxfordshire. meadows, wild corners, old trees, gov.uk/cms/content/planning-and- ponds, hard landscaping features 09 biodiversity. such as dry stone walls and rock piles and nest boxes installed in the eaves of buildings can all 10 make a significant contribution to species diversity. Details of how the landscape and 11 biodiversity features on the site Refer to the following Local Plan policies: will be maintained should also be Policy 46 Conservation and improvements to included in the planning application. A biodiversity Fig 3.38:New habitats should be created to encourage additional species and improve biodiversity

57 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Landscape structure 02

Existing view to landmark 03

Existing view blocked by new development 05 Fig 3.39: Faringdon Folly an important district landmark that should be protected

Topography and strategic views 3.3.15 Strategic views should be 06 3.3.11 The impact of large scale retained and enhanced wherever development within the countryside can possible. Existing view maintained by new development Fig 3.41: Landmarks and views be significant. Traditional settlements 3.3.16 Proposals should clearly outline 07 worked with the topography to provide how these considerations have been Principle DG20: Topography Views out of a site to prominent natural shelter from the wind and thus integrated within the design. and strategic views landscape features and softened their appearance. landmarks should also be Development proposals should 08 3.3.12 Applicants should consider retained and where possible work with the topography with how their site is viewed or overlooked enhanced. buildings integrated within the from afar. In some cases prominent existing topography in order New buildings should not obscure 09 overlooked areas may be best left to soften the appearance of a or cause adverse impact to undeveloped. new development within the existing views to important 3.3.13 Development should provide landscape. landmarks or to ridgelines of hills 10 a well-defined external image to the Important views into a site should Where there are no direct sight countryside. be identified and development lines through to an important 3.3.14 Important strategic views to should be arranged to have a landmark, consideration should 11 and from an existing settlement can positive impact on the landscape be given to how the new also contribute to the external image or townscape. development could be structured of a place and help people orientate to open up views. This can help A themselves and find their way around. Fig 3.40: Distant landmark above the treetops to enhance identity and legibility.

58 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure 3.4.8 Local food growing can provide Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Health, well being and recreation a healthy outdoor pursuit, a strong magnet for community integration and 02 contribute to sustainability.

3.4.9 Applicants should consider 03 opportunities for local food growing 400m such as community orchards, provision of allotments or other community garden projects. 04

05 Fig 3.42: Public spaces that encourage social interaction can create more sustainable communities

3.4 Health, wellbeing and 3.4.4 Easy access to these facilities recreation is critical in achieving strong social 06 cohesion within a neighbourhood. 3.4.1 Delivering sustainable communities is also about creating 3.4.5 A widely used benchmark for a Fig 3.43: Neighbourhood unit with supporting 07 successful public life where people neighbourhood unit is 400m radius, facilities have a strong social connection to their equating to a five minute walk. This is neighbourhood. Where people feel widely recognised as a comfortable Principle DG21: Health, Provide the community safe, engaged, connected with other distance most people are willing to walk 08 wellbeing and recreation infrastructure to encourage a residents and have some control over to daily facilities, the corner shop, the legacy of community and cultural how their area is managed. local park or bus stops. Create a network of safe and activities. well designed streets and 09 3.4.2 This can in part be achieved 3.4.6 The neighbourhood unit can public spaces that can have Leave a legacy that allows the by creating a network of multi- be a useful starting point to ensure a social function as well as resident community to have functional streets and public spaces development is planned with easy accommodating vehicular some control over managing their 10 for relaxation, play, learning, discovery, access to facilities and open spaces. movement. surroundings. health, leisure, sport and social 3.4.7 Neighbourhoods should not interaction. Provide opportunities for play, Consider opportunities to be viewed as disconnected enclaves social interaction and recreation encourage local food growing 11 3.4.3 It also requires public spaces however. Instead, they should be as well as any formal sports such as community orchards, and community facilities that encourage conceived holistically as pieces of requirements in line with provision of allotments or other a legacy of civic and cultural activities village or town that overlap, connect Section 4. community garden projects. A that become embedded within the and share facilities. neighbourhood.

59 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Movement framework 02

05 Fig 3.44: Providing pedestrian links across barriers such as rivers increases permeability

3.5 Movement framework 06 3.5.1 The movement framework is the network of connected streets within a development. 07 3.5.2 A successful movement framework provides: • A number of routes offering choice S 08 for how people will make their Fig 3.45: Poorly designed, car dominated journeys; environments encourage the continued use of cars. 09 • A range of street types that facilitate all users and encourages walking and cycling; and 10 • Makes clear connections to existing routes and facilities.

3.5.3 The movement framework should 11 make it as easy and attractive to walk, cycle or take the bus, as it is to travel R by car. Fig 3.46: Streets designed for all users will Fig 3.47: AVELEY - Movement network integrating new development with an existing settlement A encourage walking and cycling provides connections to facilities. In this case; the local high street, a country park, leisure centre and school.

60 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

Reduce the reliance on the car. 3.5.5 A twin track approach should be taken that provides local facilities, 03 3.5.4 A fundamental principle for any employment and live-work opportunities new sustainable development is to closer to home to reduce the need to promote sustainable forms of transport, travel whilst promoting alternative forms 04 and by doing so, reducing energy of travel. consumption and the need to travel by car. 05

Sufficient cycle parking should Principle DG22: Reduce the 06 reliance on the car be provided at dwellings and at workplaces, shops, Within larger proposals a mix community facilities and transport of uses should be provided, 07 interchanges. Lack of cycle including local facilities close parking may deter cycle use. to public transport to promote Please refer to 4.14 for details of walking, cycling and bus use. parking requirements. Fig 3.48: AVELEY - The movement framework establishes a hierarchy of streets that connects to 08 Applicants should liaise with the the existing street network Encourage/promote home council and bus operators to working and live / work units to 3.5.6 For larger developments new encourage bus routing through 09 reduce car bourne trips. Refer to bus routes should be incorporated to the new development and provide Section 5.12 for further guidance. provide new residents with access bus stops within a 5 minute walk to employment, education, retail and (400m) of homes. Link new pedestrian and cycle 10 medical services. routes with ‘strategic’ networks Streets should be designed so such as ‘safe routes to school’ 3.5.7 Main routes must be designed for that pedestrians and cyclists can and the national cycle network. bus operation. safely and easily use the network. 11 All major applications should be 3.5.8 Location of bus stops should be accompanied by a travel plan for agreed early in process and linked to the development. walking routes and serve facilities. A

61 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Establishing the structure Local Facilities 3 (existing) Movement framework 02

Connect with the existing Principle DG23: Connect 03 Proposed 3.5.9 Providing new development with the existing that integrates and connects with the New development should link existing settlement benefits both new 04 with existing routes and access residents, by providing convenient points, creating direct and Existing access to existing facilities and existing attractive connections between residents, by providing access to public transport, footpaths, cycle 05 new facilities delivered as part of the routes and local facilities. development. The more direct links Desire line are (vehicular or otherwise) between Future proof by providing streets 06 residents and local facilities and that later phases of development Fig 3.50: A disconnected proposal does not offer the connection to existing local facilities public transport the more viable those can connect into at the edges of services become. development sites. 07 Local Facilities (existing)

08 b b Proposed 09

a a Existing 10

11 S R Desire line

Fig 3.49: Cul-de-sacs provide little choice and often result in longer routes between desired Fig 3.51: A connected scheme offers connections between facilities locations. A network of connected streets provides a legible structure and offers more direct, A convenient routes

62 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

A connected network of streets 03 3.5.10 Successful places are easy to get to, easy to move through and easy to find your way around. A connected 04 network of streets offers choice, aids legibility, avoids hammerheads S R and other engineered solutions and Fig 3.52: Winding, cul-de-sac layout provides Fig 3.53: A coherent, legible street network 05 provides a hierarchy of street types poor connectivity and also creates awkward provides a more connected environment and which respond to the function and role block and plot layouts resulting in left over creates a more logical block and plot layout spaces of the street. 06

07 Principle DG24: A connected Design a network of connected network of streets streets and public spaces that provides choice and follows a The movement network should spatial and visual hierarchy. The 08 be designed to follow natural character of a street should reflect desire lines, to link to existing its position in this hierarchy and streets, open spaces, local respond to local characteristics 09 facilities or destinations. It should derived from Section 2 of this also respond to topography and Guide. landscape features. While direct routes are most 10 Avoid single points of access, convenient, the design should long culs-de-sac and tortuous also balance visual attraction, routes that do not provide a traffic calming and safety 11 choice of direct and convenient to optimise the pedestrian’s routes. experience. Fig 3.54: AVELEY - the block structure establishes a connected network of streets A

63 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

A hierarchy of streets 03 3.5.11 Development should provide a network of connected streets that provides choice and follows a spatial 04 and visual hierarchy. An appropriate hierarchy of connected streets will be informed by the context of the site and the Character Study carried out Section 05 2.

3.5.12 The network is likely to consist of 06 the following street types:

• Primary Routes – Avenues, Boulevards and Main Streets; Fig 3.55: Consider how best the site can be connected with Fig 3.56: A cul-de-sac response can create an introverted 07 nearby main routes and public transport facilities layout, which fails to integrate with the surroundings • Secondary Routes – Local Streets and access streets; and 08 • Tertiary Routes - Mews, homezones short Cul-de-Sacs and yards.

Fig 3.57: A more pedestrian-friendly approach that Fig 3.58: This street pattern, which forms the basis for A integrates with the surrounding community, links existing perimeter blocks, ensures that buildings contribute and proposed streets, and provides direct links to local positively to the public realm facilities and bus stops 64 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

Street types - Primary routes: 3.5.15 Type of Journey: Main Streets 3.5.19 Parking: On-street parking Avenues, Boulevards and Main should be thought of as true mixed should be allowed in designated bays. 03 Streets priority routes, performing a number 3.5.20 Tree Planting: The opportunity of roles that include accommodating 3.5.13 Role: Main Streets adopt the to integrate trees within Main Streets through traffic and local trips as well as 04 role of accommodating strategic trips should be taken wherever reasonable pedestrians and cyclists. in addition to more local movement, and appropriate. Trees and shrubs focusing activity on those streets that 3.5.16 Character: Main Streets should should not be planted over the route of Fig 3.60: An example of a main street contain town, village and neighbourhood be the focus of public life in each sewers and furthermore tree planting 05 centres. neighbourhood. They should be rich, should not impede access required for engaging and vibrant places where no the maintenance of sewers. 3.5.14 This helps support the viability one mode of transport is allowed to 06 and vitality of existing and proposed 3.5.21 Other Design Requirements: dominate and all users are made aware, centres by creating passing trade. Cycling routes and parking should be through the local context, of how to incorporated into the street design, with behave and what to expect. 07 the form of cycle facilities responding to 3.5.17 Frontage: Main Streets should local context. Generally on-carriageway be lined with building frontage of a formal cycle lanes are encouraged. sufficient scale and continuity to reflect 08 3.5.22 Facilities to aid pedestrian appropriately to the existing context, Fig 3.61: An example of a boulevard crossing should be designed-in. reflect its civic importance and provide This may include formal signalised an appropriate level of enclosure. 09 crossings or central medians that aid 3.5.18 Public Transport: Bus stops informal crossing movements. and the alignment of the routes that 10 serve them should be focused on the network of Main Streets, providing neighbourhoods with access to the public transport network by serving 11 key nodes and junctions, local centres and other community infrastructure. Fig 3.62: An example of a main street A Fig 3.59: Primary routes: Main street

65 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

Street types - Secondary routes: 3.5.24 Type of Journeys: Local Streets 3.5.27 Public Transport: Although Local Streets should primarily be used for movement the bus network should primarily be 03 at a neighbourhood level and for focused on the Main Streets, Local 3.5.23 Role: Local Streets help neighbourhood traffic to access higher- Streets are likely to provide key encourage movement within order streets. opportunities to access potential users, 04 neighbourhoods by providing a strong particularly by locating bus stops at connected route that connects to local 3.5.25 Character: The Local Streets local centres and schools . centres, schools and facilities. Local should create spaces in which car Fig 3.64: Example of a local street streets should provide direct, legible drivers can no longer rely on the 3.5.28 Parking: On-street parking 05 routes for all modes and connect where regulated environment of higher-order should be permitted unless there possible back into main streets. streets where traffic and pedestrians is a reason why this would not be are segregated, and instead must rely appropriate. 06 on local context to inform road user 3.5.29 Other Design Requirements: behaviour. Although pedestrians and Cyclists will generally be cyclists should not necessarily feel 07 accommodated on-carriageway, either that they can dominate the street, with formal cycle lanes or as part of the their movement should be prioritised. general traffic lane. The design of the street should limit 08 vehicular speeds to 20 mph without 3.5.30 Pedestrian crossing facilities are Fig 3.65: Example of a local street the need for dedicated traffic calming most likely to take the form of Zebra features. crossings and informal islands. 09 3.5.26 Frontage: Local Streets should be lined with building frontage of a sufficient scale to provide 10 an appropriate level of enclosure responding to the context.

Fig 3.66: Example of a local street A Fig 3.63: Secondary routes: Local streets

66 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

Street types - Secondary routes: 3.5.32 Type of Journey: Access Access Streets Streets should only be used by traffic 03 with a local origin and/or destination. 3.5.31 Role: Access Streets should connect to the wider network at either 3.5.33 Character: As these streets 04 end, but do not necessarily have to will be lightly used by vehicular traffic form a gridded vehicular network. pedestrians should feel comfortable These street types are likely to have moving freely across the street. In Fig 3.68: An example of an access street lower levels of connectivity for vehicles. some instances the use of shared 05 The layout of development should surface treatments may be appropriate. accommodate further connections for The design of the street should limit pedestrians and cyclists to encourage a vehicular speeds to 20 mph, without 06 permeable, and walkable network. the need for excessive traffic calming measures. 07 3.5.34 Frontage: Access Streets should be lined with building frontage of a sufficient scale to provide an appropriate level of enclosure 08 responding to the context. Fig 3.69:An example of an access street

3.5.35 Public Transport: Bus services 09 should not use Access Streets other than in exceptional circumstances.

3.5.36 Parking: On-street parking 10 should be allowed unless there is a local reason why this may not be

appropriate. 11 3.5.37 Other Design Requirements: Cyclists should be accommodated on- carriageway. Fig 3.70: An example of an access street A Fig 3.67: Secondary routes: Access streets

67 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Movement framework 02

Street types - Tertiary routes: 3.5.40 Character: This lowest- 3.5.42 Public Transport: Bus services Mews, homezones, short Cul-de- order street should be designed so should not use the lowest order of 03 Sacs and yards that drivers feel like guests in an streets. environment that clearly articulates 3.5.38 Role: To provide access to 3.5.43 Parking: On-street parking that pedestrians are prioritised. 04 homes, not for use by through traffic. should be allowed unless there is a This street type is least likely to rely reason why this is not appropriate. 3.5.39 Type of Journey: The lowest- on standard highway engineering Opportunities for casual parking that Fig 3.72: An example of an informal, shared order of street should only be used solutions, such as signage, to inform surface mews may block the carriageway should be 05 by traffic with a local origin and/or drivers about context. Techniques designed out to avoid a streetscene destination. such are shared surfaces can be used that is dominated by parked cars. to convey this message. The design 06 of the street should limit vehicular 3.5.44 Other Design Requirements: speeds to 10 mph without the need for Tree planting can be used to help active traffic calming measures. define spaces within the street. 07 3.5.41 Frontage: The informal nature of these streets can be reflected

in the adjacent development with 08 varying building line, massing and Fig 3.73: An example of an informal, shared orientation. The scale of development surface mews should provide an appropriate level 09 of enclosure and reflect the intimate nature of these street types.

Fig 3.74: An example of an informal yard A Fig 3.71: Tertiary routes: Mews, homezones, short cul-de-sacs and yards

68 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 32 Retailing and other main town centre uses A mix of uses Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility 02

Residential hinterland Mixed workspaces Higher density 03 transitional zone

Mixed use core 04

05 Fig 3.75: A range of local facilities and services is required to create successful, sustainable communities Residential hinterland 3.6 A mix of uses 06 3.6.1 Successful communities require Fig 3.78: Creating a true mix of uses a full range of local facilities and services conveniently located and 07 integrated within a settlement and that Principle DG25: A mix of role as a focus for the community. are connected by safe and pleasant uses The provision of community streets. Larger proposals will require facilities such as health centres, 08 3.6.2 A mixed-use development helps R a range of local services and primary schools or playspaces to support activity and surveillance facilities to be incorporated. should also be considered Fig 3.76: Historic towns provided successful throughout the day and night mixed use cores with residential uses above in an integrated way within The viability and vitality of these 09 contributing to a greater feeling of safety. and adjacent to commercial properties these locations. This will help uses will depend on the existing to reinforce these hubs and 3.6.3 The Vale is endowed with very and proposed catchment. contribute to the viability of local successful town and village centres at Local services and facilities retail use. 10 the heart of its settlements. should be conveniently located For further design advice on 3.6.4 It may be appropriate for new along main routes and/or at mixed-use/local centres refer to large-scale development to provide the junctions of main routes to 11 Section 8. local facilities and neighbourhood hubs maximise accessibility. which serve a more local catchment The location of non-residential R The clustering of facilities should and that complement these town and uses should be integrated with A be encouraged to reinforce their village centres. Fig 3.77: Combining shops at ground floor with the public transport provision. homes above can create active, vibrant streets

69 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 23 Housing density Density 02

3.7 Density 03 3.7.1 Historically, some of the most successful settlements such as medieval villages and town centres, and Georgian, 04 Victorian and Edwardian terraces include high density development.

3.7.2 While it is important to make 05 best use of land, density should be appropriate to the location, respond to Principle DG26: Density and/or enhance the character of the Density should be appropriate 06 existing settlement. to the location, respond to and/ 3.7.3 In some locations, such as in or enhance the character of the Fig 3.79: AVELEY - The density of development varies across the site and is intensified along key routes and at nodal locations (red - high density; orange - medium density and yellow - low rural locations, a lower density of existing settlement. density) 07 development may be more appropriate. For larger development proposals New Development Lower density Neighbourhood centre In some urban areas, however, a higher a range of densities, building density will be more appropriate in types and forms will be required. 08 the interests of creating a sustainable Increased densities should be pattern of development. focused around key movement Fig 3.80: Typical cross section showing higher density development closer to the town 3.7.4 Higher density developments can intersections, along strategic centre 09 support higher levels of public transport routes, overlooking public spaces provision and local facilities and create and within neighbourhood, local more walkable neighbourhoods. and village centres. This varied 10 density profile adds character 3.7.5 An appropriate density or range and interest, supports local of densities for development should facilities and public transport and be informed by the Character Study 11 can provide the building mass to carried out as part of ‘Responding to create strong framing of public the Site and Setting’ Section 2 and spaces. respond to planning policies. A Fig 3.81: Higher density, smaller urban blocks Fig 3.82: Lower density, larger blocks are more are suitable in more urban locations suitable in rural locations

70 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Urban structure 02

3.8 Urban structure - the 3.8.4 Applicants should avoid layouts pattern of blocks and determined by an internal logic or by 03 plots standard design products that bare no relation to the context. 3.8.1 The layout of all existing towns 04 and cities can be simplified into a 3.8.5 The structure/layout of a proposal grid of blocks and plots. The blocks must create or contribute to a grid form within the grid may be regular shaped (be it regular or irregular) of perimeter squares or rectangles (providing a blocks. The perimeter block is most 05 regular grid), as found in many new appropriate for achieving successful towns, or it may be more irregular development as it: (providing a more irregular grid), as 06 • Ensures the efficient use of land; found in historic towns and villages. Fig 3.83: Regular gridded street pattern (west) Fig 3.84: Development site of former industrial • Optimises connections to and historic pattern (east) buildings identified for change 3.8.2 New development should surrounding areas; 07 respond to the existing pattern of development within a settlement (it’s • Provides a clear distinction between grain) taking cues from existing block public and private spaces; sizes, patterns of plot subdivision and 08 • Enhances permeability and legibility; relationship between the built and non- built private space. This will ensure that • Increases natural surveillance of the new development will integrate more street; 09 effectively within existing settlements • Can work at any scale or location; as a natural extension of the original and structure. 10 • Ensures attractive street frontages. 3.8.3 The appropriate ‘grain’ of a R S settlement should be drawn from the Character Study identified in Section 2 Fig 3.85: Development proposes a connected Fig 3.86: Development proposal is internalised 11 network of streets with blocks contributing to with new buildings accessed via cul-de sac of this Guide. the existing pattern streets

71 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Urban structure 02

3.8.6 When designing the layout of Building line and frontages development using perimeter blocks, it 03 3.8.10 The siting of buildings in is important to ensure the blocks vary in relation to the street can have a size and shape according to the density, significant effect on the success of a location within the masterplan and mix 04 development. The most successful S S R of uses. The blocks should take into layouts have ‘public fronts and private account natural features, orientation and Fig 3.87: New buildings in a street should follow the established building line backs’. These streets have clearly topography. defined ‘edges’ and allow for natural 05 3.8.7 In general, blocks between surveillance minimising opportunities Principle DG27: Urban 70 - 125 metres in length provide a for crime and escape. Structure better network for both pedestrians and 06 3.8.11 The existing building line should New development should vehicles. Given the size and character of inform the design and layout of a new create a grid network to provide the settlements in the Vale, larger blocks development. optimum accessibility and best are unlikely to be appropriate. 07 use of land. 3.8.12 The distance that the building 3.8.8 The continuity of development, line is set back from the street also New development should fine grain and subtle variety in form and defines the level of privacy enjoyed respond to the grain of the R massing can add a richness to proposed 08 by a dwelling. It may, therefore, be existing settlement taking development that responds to the unique Fig 3.88: Perimeter block ensuring a clear appropriate to introduce a setback cues from existing block sizes, definition of front and backs and a strong characteristics of the Vale. which offers a buffer between public patterns of plot subdivision and building line to the street 09 3.8.9 The introduction of character and private realms. Even the smallest relationship between built and areas through the use of materials or setback can help privacy and security non-built private space. a coherence of architecture to define as well as provide practical storage New development should provide 10 legible areas within a larger development areas for cycles or refuse. See Section continuity in the streetscene. The may be appropriate. 5 Building Design for further details. provision of a continuous built

frontage maintains the public 11 front of a street and creates a positive rhythm in the street scene. S A Fig 3.89: Streets should not mix fronts and backs

72 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Hierarchy of spaces and enclosure 02

3.9 Hierarchy of spaces and enclosure 03

3.9.1 Most good places have an appropriate sense of enclosure; they 04 feel contained, like an outdoor room. Lack of enclosure gives a place a sense of being too exposed or lacking Fig 3.92: Victorian/Georgian town centre enclosure, Abingdon any structure. 05

3.9.2 Enclosure is determined by the height of the building frontage relative S 06 to the width of the street or square. Trees, hedges and walls can also Fig 3.90: Road dominated: lack of enclosure contribute towards creating a sense of 07 enclosure.

3.9.3 Enclosure may be building

dominated or landscape dominated. 08 Enclosure also creates different Fig 3.93: Village enclosure formed by walled front garden, conditions. In the case of a square or Wytham courtyard, enclosure helps to create a 09 ‘static’ environment; in a street, where movement is the main characteristic, enclosure helps to create a ‘dynamic’ 10 environment. R

Fig 3.91: Creation of a sense of enclosure 11 ensures that buildings rather then roads have priority

Fig 3.94: Estate village enclosure - deep front gardens and trees, Lockinge

73 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Hierarchy of spaces and enclosure 02

Deflected junction Square 3.9.4 A simple way of evaluating enclosure is to calculate the ratio of the 03 height of the buildings to the width of the street or space. Residential street 04 3.9.5 Applicants should refer to their Character Study (Section 2) to inform the level of enclosure appropriate for the location. As a rough guideline, 05 a ratio of between 1:1.5 to 1:3 (height:width) is likely to be appropriate depending on the hierarchy of street or 06 public space (Refer to Urban Design Compendium). The overriding factor is that the space between buildings is a Courtyard 07 safe and pleasant place and does not feel oppressive.

3.9.6 Landscaping can help to create 08 a sense of enclosure – e.g. specimen trees framing the street. Principle DG28: Enclosure 09 3.9.7 A significant challenge for larger Proposals should provide a residential developments is to provide sense of enclosure appropriate a scale that is appropriate to people to the street hierarchy and to 10 rather than cars. When buildings are achieve a human scale. set close to the street it is important Streets and spaces that do not to ensure they relate to the human provide adequate enclosure or scale. When buildings are set back 11 are dominated by roads will not from the street, it is important to ensure Avenue be acceptable. that roads and parking areas do not Fig 3.95: A hierarchy of streets and spaces with varying levels of enclosure dominate the street scene. A

74 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness The development edge 02 Clear entrance to settlement Key landmark

04 Well defined urban edge with Structural planting strong frontage retained

Fig 3.96: A positive development edge can be created by providing strong building frontage overlooking Fig 3.97: The edges of development should be carefully considered to contribute to a positive the countryside accessed by a shared surface street external image of the settlement 05

3.10 The development edge 3.10.4 In addition the edge of Principle DG29: The development should: 06 3.10.1 The edge of a development and its Development Edge external appearance are critical aspects for • Clearly define entrances to the Proposals should avoid back urban extensions and new development on development through the use of pinch fences abutting the countryside. 07 the edge of existing settlements. points, corners or feature buildings; Applicants (where applicable) will 3.10.2 All too often the edge is poorly • Use structural planting to frame be required to demonstrate how defined by wooden fences abutting the views or as screening to hide their proposals provide a positive 08 countryside. existing unsightly views; edge which has a clear and well- Fig 3.98: AVELEY - a clear development edge defines the boundary of the settlement and 3.10.3 Development should instead • Maintain views to important defined external image. creates a positive interface with the landscape provide a positive edge which has a clear landmarks and/or key buildings; and 09 and well-defined external image. The • Provide a varied skyline and roofscape. nature of this edge will depend on the location but could be achieved through: 10 • Providing strong building frontage;

• Combining structural planting, 11 boundary treatments (such as stone walls) and building frontage; and S R • The use of planting to soften the A Fig 3.99: The edges of development should Fig 3.100: A balance between creating a positive mass of built form. respond positively to existing landscape and edge to the countryside whilst maintaining a avoid fences abutting the countryside rural feel 75 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 3 Establishing the structure Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Legibility, landmarks and vistas 02

05 Fig 3.101: The old town hall in Faringdon acts as landmark to aid legibility within the town

3.11 Legibility, landmarks 06 and vistas

3.11.1 The structure or layout of • Emphasising important entrance new development should be easy to points into the settlement or into a 07 navigate and easy to understand. This distinctive part of the settlement, the is achieved through: ‘gateways’, using built form.

• The use of a rational street hierarchy 08 which relates to the street’s role and connectiveness; 09 • Creating or responding to an existing Fig 3.103: AVELEY - Plan indicating legibility, landmarks and local centre or focal point; vistas

• Focusing and connecting the 10 movement network to these local centres or focal points;

• Structuring development around 11 the location where important routes converge, the ‘nodes’ within the settlement; and A Fig 3.102 Focal buildings at nodal points within a settlement also help to terminate vistas

76 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Legibility, landmarks and vistas 02

Landmarks Vistas 03 3.11.2 Landmarks are distinctive 3.11.6 Over-long streets can be buildings, structures, landscape daunting or monotonous to the elements or sculptures that provide pedestrian whereas long culs-de-sac 04 visual cues within a development and and tortuous winding routes can be aid legibility. confusing and lack legibility. Streets that create a varied sequence of 3.11.3 Landmark buildings may have spaces and vistas aligned with focal 05 additional height than the surrounding buildings can be more rewarding and context, be architectural distinctive contribute to the understanding of a either in terms of their form or design. place. This can be achieved through: 06 Fig 3.104: The location of a taller terminal building can limit the visual length of streets 3.11.4 Landmarks should be located • A curve or kink in the street; in or adjacent to important spaces, centres, nodal points or landscapes to • Off-setting the street network and 07 aid the understanding of a place and terminating the view on a building; enhance identity. • Creating a pinch point; and/or Principle DG30: Legibility, The location of landmarks should 3.11.5 The location and justification 08 • Locating a taller building to enclose landmarks and vistas be clearly justified. for potential landmarks should be the street which shortens the visual developed in discussions with the The structure or layout of new Overly-long streets and torturous length of the street. Council to ensure they are proposed in development should be easy to winding culs-de-sac should be 09 areas where they will contribute to the navigate and easy to understand. avoided. wider legibility of the settlement. Applicants should demonstrate how the use of landmarks, 10 markers and vistas has informed their proposal. 11

77 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure Bringing it all together 02

Fig 3.105: The landscape structure Fig 3.106: A network of streets Fig 3.107: Density and land use Fig 3.108: An urban structure 06

3.12 Bringing it all together 07

3.12.1 The principles within this section should be brought together to form a 08 concept masterplan for the development.

Fig 3.109: A concept masterplan

78 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 3 Establishing the structure This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 1) to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application has established the structure of the proposal. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG10: Natural Has the design proposal used the physical characteristics of the site identified in Section 2 to understood and applied the 03 resources influence the form and layout of new development? principles set out through Section Has the proposal maximised the site resources in response to Principles DG10 - DG15? 3? DG14: Water features Where applicable has the design sought to retain, enhance and/or re-establish surface water 04 PROCESS: Have these principles and SUDs features identified in Section 2 as positive features? been considered in conjunction Has the design incorporated the use of sustainable urban drainage as an integral part of the with the Planning Designations, layout and landscape structure? Character Study and Site Appraisal DG15: Heritage Assets Has the design celebrated, enhanced and preserved any Heritage assets and Historic 05 prepared in Response to the Site and the Historic Landscapes within the proposals? Landscape and Setting in Section 2? Does the design identify important archeology within the site and is there a strategy outlined 06 PROCESS: The adjacent table to thoroughly investigated and preserved in-situ? summarises the key principles DG16: Landscape Does the design demonstrate that the landscape structure has been considered from the set out within this section and structure outset of the design process and as an integral part of the proposal? 07 can be used by applicants and Does the design retain any important landscape features identified in Section 2 (mature trees officers as a checklist. and planting) wherever possible and incorporate these features into the landscape structure? Does the design avoid space left over after planning (SLOAP) and integrate open space into The applicant is expected to meet the heart of the development as positive element of the scheme. 08 the requirements of all relevant DG17: Open space Does the design link existing and proposed landscapes and open spaces to form open Principles (ie a tick in each box) network space networks and contribute and respond to the hierarchy of existing open spaces? or provide a justification for failure DG18: Open spaces Where applicable has the design provided the appropriate level of open space in accordance 09 to do so. with the Sport and Recreation Future Provision SPD? Are these open spaces within walking distance and easily accessible?

SUMMARY: Applicants should DG19: Ecology and Have landscape features with high biodiversity/ecological value identified in Stage 02 been 10 now have an urban structure biodiversity retained and incorporated within the proposals? bourne from the place that All applications should seek no net loss of biodiversity as a minimum and if possible incorporate net gains. Has this been achieved? complies with good urban design 11 principles. At this stage it may Have new habitats been created within the landscape structure to encourage additional species? be appropriate to hold a Pre- DG20: Topography Has the design worked with the topography and integrated the buildings within the Application Meeting with the and strategic views landscape? A Planning Authority.

79 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 2) 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK

Have important views into and out of the site identified in Section 2 been retained or 03 enhanced? Where applicable has the design avoided obscuring existing views to important landmarks?

DG21: Health, Does the proposal create a network of safe and well designed streets and public spaces that 04 wellbeing and can have a social function as well as accommodating vehicular movement? recreation

Does the proposal provide opportunities for play, social interaction and recreation as well as 05 any formal sports requirements in line with Section 5? Does the proposal provide the community infrastructure to encourage a legacy of community and cultural activities? 06 Does the proposal leave a legacy that allows the resident community to have some control over managing their surroundings? DG22: Reduce the Has the applicant provided a travel plan (where applicable) or transport statement reliance on the car demonstrating measures taken to reduce the reliance on the car? 07 DG23: Connect with Does the proposal integrate with existing routes and access points, and create direct and the existing attractive connections between public transport, footpaths, cycle routes and local facilities? DG24: A connected Does the proposed movement network follow natural desire lines, link to existing streets, 08 network of streets open spaces, local facilities or destinations? Is the proposal future proofed and allow potential future development to integrate into the street network at a later date? 09 Does the layout avoid single points of access, long culs-de-sac and tortuous routes that do not provide a choice of direct and convenient routes? Does the design provide a network of connected streets and public spaces that enable choice and follow a spatial and visual hierarchy? 10 DG25: Mix of uses Has a range of local services and facilities been incorporated within the design? Are these facilities conveniently located along main routes and/or at the junctions of main routes to maximise accessibility? 11 Are these facilities served or expected to be served by public transport? DG26: Density Is the density of the scheme appropriate to the location and the character of the existing settlement (established in Section 2)? A For larger proposals has a range of densities, building types and forms been proposed?

80 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 3 Establishing the structure SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 3) 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK Are increased densities focused around key movement intersections, along strategic routes, 04 overlooking public spaces and within neighbourhood, local and village centres? DG27: Urban structure Does the design create a grid network to provide optimum accessibility and best use of land? Does the new development respond to the grain of the existing settlement taking cues from existing block sizes, patterns of plot subdivision and relationship between built and non-built 05 private space? Does the new development provide continuity in the streetscene? DG28: Enclosure Does the proposal provide an appropriate sense of enclosure appropriate to the street hierarchy and achieve a human scale? 06 DG29: The Has the applicant (where applicable) demonstrated how their proposals provides a positive development edge edge which has a clear and well-defined external image. Proposals should avoid back fences abutting the countryside. 07 DG30: Legibility, Does the structure or layout of the proposed development appear easy to navigate and easy landmarks and vistas to understand? Has the applicant demonstrated how the use of landmarks, marker buildings and vistas has informed the proposal? 08 Does the layout avoid overly-long streets and torturous winding culs-de-sacs?

10 PROCESS: Click on your application type to be directed to the appropriate section:

Strategic housing developments and urban extensions - 11 SECTION 4 Major residential development - SECTION 4

Commercial or employment - SECTION 4 A Mixed use scheme - SECTION 4

81 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 4 Streets and Spaces Well designed streets and public spaces contribute significantly to the success of places. Those streets and spaces that are comfortable, stimulating and attractive can encourage social interaction, act as meeting points for communities, add value to surrounding properties and generally add to the character of a neighbourhood. The design of the public realm (the streets and spaces around buildings) is as important as the design of buildings. All too often in new development these elements are given less design consideration or dictated by standardised, engineered solutions. The following guidance emphasises the importance of the public realm as well as the design of social spaces that contribute to the success of an area.

82 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Streets and spaces The figure below indicates where If not please go back to Section 2. 4 you are within the document. If your application is for an infill This section should be read by Process site or small development within all applicants putting forward 02 an urban location have you read proposals for urban extensions, through Section 2 and completed major residential sites, infill the checklist? If not please go sites and development in urban 03 back to Section 2. locations. OVERVIEW OF SECTION 4: Before you proceed If your This section outlines the 04 application is for an urban key principles to consider extension or major residential in delivering well designed site have you read through the 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION streets and spaces. relevant parts of Sections 2 and 05 All applications 3 and completed the relevant A checklist is provided at the checklists? end of this section. Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING 06 major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND employment areas SETTING

07 033 ESTABLISHING ESTABLISHING THE THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08

Buildings in 4 STREETS AND SPACES 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN rural and lower density areas 09 06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 4.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

83 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Streets as social spaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 02

Fig 4.2: Wantage - Streets serve many functions and users 05 4.1 Streets as social spaces Fig 4.5: Priority should be given Fig 4.6: Design footways to Fig 4.7: Provide the minimum to buildings and enclosure follow the buildings line space required for the 4.1.1 Streets should be designed as roadway. Use the resulting 06 public spaces that serve many functions, space for hard or soft landscaping with parking as not only the circulation of traffic, but also appropriate walking, cycling, play and places for social 07 interaction. As such the design of streets Principle DG31: Streets as by development and landscape should not be led by engineering solutions social spaces features and not as peripheral or dominated by the car but instead have distributor roads (bypasses). a strong emphasis on place-making and Streets should be designed as 08 pedestrian movement. S social spaces with the needs of The design of streets and Fig 4.3: Car focused road design pedestrians, cyclists and public definition of that street by built 4.1.2 The design of streets should follow transport users put above the form or landscape features 09 the user hierarchy shown in the table needs of the motorist. should be considered in parallel below. to ensure buildings provide Applicants should refer to Manual appropriate enclosure and for Streets (2007). 10 Consider first Pedestrians contribute positively to the Cyclists Within larger developments character of the space. Public transport users principal vehicular routes Minimise street clutter by 11 Emergency services should be integrated within the reducing road markings, street structure of development as main Service vehicles signs, unnecessary posts or Consider last Other motor traffic R streets or boulevards fronted street furniture. A Fig 4.4: Street designed for all users

84 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Streets to encourage walking and cycling 02

05 Fig 4.8: Newhall, Essex - A well design street with generous footways

4.2 Streets to encourage 06 walking and cycling

4.2.1 The design of a street should clearly communicate to users (whether 07 pedestrians, cyclists or motorists) how to behave appropriately and safely by

influencing where in the street they Fig 4.11: Residential streets that incorporate tree planting and soft landscaping, seats for resting 08 and generous footways encourage walking. travel, how fast to travel, and where S enhanced attention is necessary. Fig 4.9: Streets with little or no overlooking will discourage pedestrians from using them Principle DG32: Streets Ensure that residential streets are 4.2.2 This will vary according to 09 to encourage walking and designed to a maximum speed of the type of street and may include cycling 20 miles per hour. tightening kerb radii, narrowing vehicular carriageways, provision of on-street In urban and rural village areas Streets should also encourage 10 parking, and the use of planting and/ streets, pedestrian routes and pedestrian movement through or shared surfaces. Traffic calming spaces should have adequate generous pavement widths,

measures are covered in Section 4.4 building frontage to provide incorporating shared surfaces, 11 of the Design Guide. Applicants should natural surveillance and avoiding unnecessary barriers or also refer to Manual for streets for R contribute to public safety. clutter and providing places for further details on street design best Fig 4.10: Streets with generous footways, tree pedestrians to rest, gather and planting and good overlooking from adjacent A practice. https://www.gov.uk/government/ buildings feel safer to use socialise. publications/manual-for-streets

85 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Trees planting and soft landscaping Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 02

05 Fig 4.12: Lockinge - Tree planting and soft landscaping used to create a sense of enclosure Fig 4.13: Tree can be used as traffic calming features and to increase the sense of enclosure along a street

4.3.4 Native trees and shrubs should • Existing species in the locality; 4.3 Tree planting and soft 06 landscaping be planted where possible. A balanced • The intended character of the area, approach is needed between the use 4.3.1 Trees and soft landscape can street or public space e.g. formal of native species and their suitability for make an important contribution to the sculptural planting or softer informal 07 specific functions. For example there character of an area by adding visual planting; are a limited number of native species interest, giving structure and form to suitable for street frontage planting. • Existing services underground or public and private spaces, and improving overhead; 08 the legibility of a place. Existing mature 4.3.5 Longer lived species should be S planting (identified in the Site Appraisal) used where possible and appropriate. • Whether they are deciduous or should be retained where possible and evergreen to ensure they do not Fig 4.14: Environments devoid of tree or soft 4.3.6 Applicants should seek advice landscaping can often appear bleak and 09 appropriate, and can make a contribution block daylight from elevations during from appropriate professionals (landscape uninviting to local distinctiveness. the winter period and provide shade architects, arboriculturalists, ecologists and shelter in the summer; 4.3.2 New trees and shrubs, should be or nurserymen), for guidance on plant 10 included in all new development as part selection and planting procedures. • Proximity to roads, ensuring sight lines of the scheme’s overall design. and forward visibility is maintained; 4.3.7 Trees and soft landscaping 4.3.3 The selection of tree species should be selected and located • Proximity to buildings; 11 should reflect the character of the according to: • Space available for segregated root locality, including the local soil • Final height, spread and form; areas and service runs; and R conditions, native habitats and plant A Fig 4.15: Introducing soft landscaping communities. • Soil type and volume of soil; • Highway lighting. significantly improves the quality of the public realm 86 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Trees planting and soft landscaping Stormwater attenuation Cooling 02

4.3.8 Minimise the potential for 03 root related damage to surfacing or Air quality boundary structures by considering issues of compatibility below ground. Property Protective measures such as root value uplift Building energy 04 saving barriers or appropriate tree pit designs Biodiversity should be used.

Fig 4.17: Tree protection should be considered 05 4.3.9 Landscape design also has as part of the street design and be aesthetically a role in deterring crime – e.g. tough pleasing as well as functional and spiky planting can help prevent Tree pit Sense of place Enhanced unauthorised access to a property. walkability 06 Utility zone 4.3.10 Contact the council’s countryside officer and forestry officer Fig 4.16: Professionally designed tree pits 07 should be used to provide the necessary soil Attractive high street for further advice or refer to Trees in volume required to successfully establish the Sustainable urban Design Action Group publications: tree. Tree pit design needs to consider any drainage adjacent service runs and particular care is needed for trees in hard surfaces • Trees in townscape: A guide for Fig 4.17: The benefits of tree planting and soft landscaping 08 decision makers; and Principle DG33: Tree planting Tree species should be Care should be taken to ensure • Trees in hard landscape: A guide for and soft landscaping appropriate to the environment that planting does not reduce delivery. 09 and applicants must consider the natural surveillance. Tree planting and soft landscaping mature size of trees and not just should be provided on all street Applicants should demonstrate the size at the time of planting. types as a matter of principle. that the long-term maintenance 10 Tree size at maturity should be Applicants should seek advice and management of landscape appropriate to the location. For from appropriate professionals elements has been considered

example, in residential access e.g. landscape architects, through a management and 11 streets small scale trees at closely arboriculturalists, ecologists or maintenance plan. spaced should be specified where- nurserymen for further guidance as on a main street larger trees at on plant selection and planting A larger intervals should be specified. procedures.

87 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Traffic calming Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 02

R S 04 Fig 4.19: Frequent changes in directions and Fig 4.20: ‘Fast’ road with gentle bends and tight corners with narrow sight lines to control wide sight lines controlled by speed bumps 05 Fig 4.18: Abingdon - Traffic calming integrated into the design of the street speed gives mixed messages and can encourage speed

• Raised areas at junctions and nodal 4.4 Traffic calming 06 points; and 4.4.1 Traffic calming measures should be integrated within the design of the • Changing colour/materials. streets and not as bolt-on measures 07 4.4.2 The design of the street such as speed bumps. The best way should be carried out by an architect, to do this is to design streets that urban designer and/or the landscape encourage drivers to drive with care and architect, not just the traffic engineer. 08 caution, and minimise all vehicle priority Streets submitted for adoption will measures within residential areas require a safety audit. Fig 4.21: Street design incorporating traffic except on bus routes. Measures can calming measures https://www.gov.uk/government/ 09 include: publications/manual-for-streets • The use of shared surfaces; Principle DG34: Traffic 10 • Varying the alignment of the Calming vehicular route; Traffic calming measures should • Use of tight junction radii; be integrated within the design of 11 • Narrowing down the carriageway and the streets. the use of planting and build outs; S R Refer to Manual for Streets for A • The use of on-street parking; further guidance. Fig 4.22: Speed bumps as a traffic calming Fig 4.23: Traffic calming measures should be measure for new roads should be avoided. integrated within the design of streets

88 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 33 Promoting sustainable transport and accessibility Shared surfaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 02

05 Fig 4.24: Successful shared surface street incorporating tree planting, soft landscaping and parking

4.5 Shared surfaces 4.5.2 A significant concern with shared surfaces, however, is that the 06 4.5.1 In a shared surface street the absence of a kerb can undermine footway and carriageway are combined the mobility of some disabled or and surfaced in the same material and/ visually-impaired people. This can Fig 4.27: Illustration of shared surface mews 07 or at the same level. The absence street be addressed through the use of a of demarcation and/or level change contrasting line or tactile materials to between the pedestrian and car is an demarcate carriageways. Principle DG35: Shared adjacent to public spaces as a effective traffic calming tool as drivers 08 surface streets form of traffic calming. have to slow down to negotiate the 4.5.3 The use of street furniture, space with other users. trees and lighting can also be used Shared surface streets should Applicants should consider to demarcate vehicle routes through be incorporated within new the use of a contrasting line or 09 shared surface streets. residential proposals where different materials to demarcate appropriate. the carriageway. These could be setts or block pavers in contrasting Shared surface streets are best 10 textures or colours, which are used in lower order streets such visible to pedestrians and can be as mews, courtyards, minor felt by partially-sighted people. residential streets or in rural 11 They can also help delineate locations. parking bays in shared surfaced This approach can also be used areas. A however within local centres or Fig 4.25: Shared surface street Fig 4.26: Shared surface square

89 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Positive local spaces 02

05 Fig 4.28: Positive local space defined by positive building frontage Fig 4.29: Informal space and buildings Fig 4.30: Formal space with semi-formal building

4.6.5 Opportunities to improve the 4.6 Positive local spaces 06 wildlife and biodiversity value of open Principle DG36: Local spaces Consideration should be given to 4.6.1 Open spaces should form part spaces should be maximised, for the maintenance of the local open of the overall open space network as Spaces should be designed with example, by linking spaces. spaces, and provision should be set out in Section 3. a specific role or function to avoid 07 made for the ongoing cost of this 4.6.6 Public spaces within urban residual, unused or neglected 4.6.2 These spaces must make maintenance. areas should have an appropriate spaces. a positive contribution towards the level of enclosure related to the human Local public spaces should have townscape. Local spaces should be designed 08 scale. Applicants should consider the an appropriate level of enclosure positively and provide a high level 4.6.3 It is important that open spaces height of surrounding buildings and/ related to the human scale. of amenity with building frontages are high quality and have a specific role or landscape features in relation to the providing clear definition, Where furniture and equipment 09 or function in order to avoid residual, width of public spaces to avoid spaces appropriate enclosure and are provided, their design should unused or neglected open spaces. which are overly wide. A brief analysis overlooking. be should be robust and durable. of existing open spaces within the 4.6.4 The local context should be 10 settlement could provide the cues for reflected in the design of local open suitable enclosure ratios within new spaces. This could be achieved through development. the use of landscape, materials, trees 11 and other planting and street furniture. 4.6.7 A balanced approach between the diversity and/or unity of buildings surrounding a space should be A considered and should respond to the existing character of the settlement.

90 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Positive local spaces 02

05 Fig 4.31: Local playspace well overlooked by adjacent development Playspace

4.6.8 Playing is important to 06 children’s well being. It helps to Fig 4.34: Illustration of local play space develop their physical abilities and their emotional responses. Where play 07 is collaborative, it can help to improve Principle DG37: Playspace Space, Sport and Recreation children’s interpersonal skills. Where play Future Provision Supplementary The siting of playspaces needs to involves exploration and creativity, it can Planning Document (July 2008). S take into account the surrounding 08 help children think in a flexible manner Fig 4.32: Play spaces should not be sited to context to ensure that disturbance Playspaces should be accessible and develop learning and problem the rear or side of buildings where overlooking to surrounding residential to all children. Reference should solving skills. is limited. This can often lead to anti-social behaviour properties is minimised. be made to existing national 09 4.6.9 Play spaces should be learning Factors to consider will be the guidance on inclusive play, environments and incorporate natural intended age of the children including Design for Play: A landscape to enable contact with using the playspace, the size of guide to creating successful play 10 nature. the playspace facility and the spaces (Play England, August proximity to existing residential 2008) and Public Space Lessons:

properties. Designing and planning for play 11 (CABE, October 2008). The requirements and broad R distribution of playspaces can Fig 4.33: Play spaces should be integrated be found in the council’s Open A within the overall landscape design and include elements of natural play and learning environments 91 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Inclusive design 02

Principle DG38: Inclusive In addition applicants should: Design • Design tree pits and select tree 03 Streets and public spaces should species that prevent disruption be designed so that they: of surfaces when trees mature; 04 • Reflect the diversity of people • Ensure that street furniture, using spaces; signage, lighting and visual and Fig 4.35: Public spaces should be designed to enable everyone to participate irrespective of a person’s textural contrast in the paving • Are convenient, safe and easy to mobility, age, gender or ethnicity materials are carefully designed 05 use for all people without having and reflect the needs of all to experience undue effort, potential users; and • Offering choice where a single barriers to access or separation; 4.7 Inclusive design 06 design solution cannot accommodate • Provide sufficient levels of 4.7.1 Buildings and public spaces • Enable everyone to participate all users; accessibility for all potential should be designed so that they are equally, confidently and users in terms of accessible accessible and inclusive to all users.. • Providing for flexibility in use; and independently in everyday 07 parking, pavement space and activities irrespective of a person’s 4.7.2 An inclusive approach to design • Providing buildings and access to public transport. mobility, age, gender or ethnicity; enables everyone to participate equally, environments that are convenient The principles of inclusive design confidently and independently in and enjoyable to use for everyone. • Meet the needs of wheelchair 08 should be incorporated from the everyday activities. users, mobility impaired people 4.7.4 Further guidance on outset, rather than at the end and people with pushchairs; 4.7.3 The five key principles of inclusive design is provided in of the design process as an 09 inclusive design as set out by CABE The Principles of Inclusive Design • Encourage social interaction afterthought. Inclusive design include: (CABE, 2006), Inclusive Mobility and do not purposely design- principles will need to be clearly (Department for Transport, 2005) out the activities of young set out in applicants’ Design and • Placing people at the heart of the and Designing for Accessibility people or other groups; and Access Statements. 10 design process; (RIBA Publishing, 2004). • Provide sensory richness. • Acknowledging diversity and difference; 11

92 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Furniture and lighting 02

Fig 4.37: If stand alone street furniture is Fig 4.38: Lighting mounted on buildings can Fig 4.36: Street furniture integrated with the landscape design to avoid clutter selected it should be complementary to the reduce street clutter within the public realm 05 overall design 4.8 Furniture 4.9 Lighting Principle DG39: Furniture Principle DG40: Lighting 4.8.1 The design and location of 4.9.1 Lighting schemes that are well 06 Street furniture should be Lighting columns should be kept street furniture should take into account considered and reflective of the area restricted to essential items and to a minimum and, wherever the character of the area and the are essential to the creation of safe, functions should be combined possible, light fittings should need to avoid harming the amenity of high quality streets and spaces. 07 where possible. For example be located on existing or new residents or impeding movement. attaching signs to lamp posts, 4.9.2 Lighting should be considered buildings. 4.8.2 The design and location of mounting streets signs and/or at an early stage in the design of All lighting features should accord street furniture, therefore, needs to be lighting on buildings. streets and spaces as an integral part 08 with the design approach for considered as part of the early stages of the design process. Street furniture should be simple, other street furniture. of the design process. high quality, well designed, 4.9.3 The use of renewable energy Light fittings should be designed 09 4.8.3 The regular spacing of street robust and responsive to its solar lighting to footpaths and the to avoid causing light pollution seating on pedestrian routes to facilities setting. Seating and other street public realm may be cost effective. particularly in sensitive and dark should be provided to allow the elderly furniture should be considered in rural areas. 10 and disabled opportunity to rest. an integrated way into the design of the landscape.

Applicants should consider the 11 use of changes in levels, planting and street trees integrated into the public realm design to A minimise the need for bollards.

93 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Utilities and public art 02

Fig 4.39: Landform art can double up as play spaces 05 Fig 4.40: Public art can be used to mark a Fig 4.41: Public art can be used as an public space integrated feature within the streetscene 4.10 Utilities 4.11 Public art Principle DG41: Utilities Principle DG42: Public art 06 4.10.1 Whilst most utilities run under 4.11.1 Public art can play a significant Applicants should consider The provision of public art should ground they have an impact on where part in the character of the public realm, utility requirements such as not only consider the art as an trees may be planted within the public creating distinctive places as well as 07 supply boxes, cable runs and item within the public realm, realm and above ground supply boxes forming legible features. maintenance access at an early but as a place or focus that the can be unsightly. The provision and stage of the design process 4.11.2 Public art can be delivered in community can actively enjoy. location of utility requirements should to avoid conflicts between a variety of media, and it should be 08 be considered at an early stage to Public art should be integrated these and landscape features, designed for a specific location in the minimise potential conflict and reduce into the public realm of new tree planting and public realm landscape or public realm. the impact. development. It should be designs. 09 4.11.3 Larger phased sites often considered at an early stage of use public art provision as community the design process to ensure it is projects. well related to the development proposals. 10 4.11.4 Saved local plan policy DC4 states that in developments on all sites of 0.5 of Proposals should identify suitable

a hectare or more the provision of public locations for public art. 11 art which makes a significant contribution It is important that provision is to the appearance of the scheme or the made for the maintenance of character of the area, or which benefits public art. A the local community will be sought.

94 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 4 Streets and spaces Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Public realm materials 02

Fig 4.42: Bound gravel can be appropriate in rural areas to maintain the character 05

4.12 Public realm materials Concrete or tarmac should be Principle DG43: Public realm 06 4.12.1 The choice of surface material materials used with caution as their uniform within the public realm will have a appearance and sharp finish can The choice of paving and significant bearing on its character and undermine the character of a new surfacing materials should be 07 appearance. development. informed by both the existing 4.12.2 The decision on materials character of an area as well All surfacing and crossing should be driven by the local context S as the intended purpose, facilities should take into account 08 and its appropriateness within this appearance, and technical partially-sighted people or those Fig 4.43: The use of tarmac for both setting. It should also be driven by the carriageway and footway should be avoided as requirements (e.g. sustainable with impaired mobility. real life cost of the material. Natural it extends the appearance of the road and often drainage). results in an over engineered appearance A palette of materials should be 09 stone, gravel and brick often last Robust and durable materials discussed with the council prior to longer, weather better and suit more should be selected. Natural stone submission of an application. historic and rural locations than artificial either as flags, setts or cobbles 10 materials. may be the most appropriate, 4.12.3 Different textures or laying especially in historic and rural

patters should be used to demarcate locations. 11 areas rather than colour. Refer to English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All: South East’ for guidance on materials R A and street furniture in historic areas. Fig 4.44: Using high quality surface materials improves the visual appearance of streets

95 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Streets and spaces Principle DG44: Parking Applicants should consider non- 4 allocated, shared parking to improve A comprehensive car parking Parking efficiencies and reduce parking strategy should be produced numbers. 02 for new developments which should contain a combination of Parking should be considered at

appropriate parking solutions. the outset of the design process 03 and solutions should ensure that Parking should be provided for the impact from parking on the both residents and visitors at an environment has been suitably adequate level in response to the 04 mitigated. Refer to Car Parking: location of the site. For example What works where, HCA (2006). lower parking levels may be acceptable in more urban locations Refer to the Oxfordshire County 05 Fig 4.45: Parking successfully integrated into the street broken up by tree planting and soft landscape or where there is convenient Council’s current parking access to public transport. standards.

4.13 Parking 4.13.4 Non-allocated, shared parking, is 06 more efficient than designating parking to 4.13.1 The provision of parking individual dwellings and applicants should represents a significant design consider whether this approach can be 07 challenge in the built environment. utilised to reduce parking numbers within 4.13.2 Parking is rarely aesthetically development schemes. pleasing and if poorly designed can have 4.13.5 The suitability of parking solutions 08 a significant impact on the appearance of will vary depending on the location and our streets and spaces, and can also raise S S nature of the proposal. For example, concerns about safety. in larger applications or in more urban 09 4.13.3 A balanced approach should locations parking on driveways to the front be taken to achieve convenient parking of properties should be avoided. In rural in close proximity to households whilst areas this could be an acceptable solution 10 reducing the dominance of car parking provided accesses are kept clear. on the street scene. In larger schemes 4.13.6 Applicants for larger sites should this is likely to result in a range of parking also consider provision of electric charging 11 solutions being incorporated. points. S S 4.13.7 The following guidance sets out Fig 4.46: Providing sufficient car parking to meet the needs of residents whilst creating attractive A a range of parking solutions that may be and successful development schemes is a significant challenge. Often parking is poorly designed appropriate. and the choice of parking solution does not fit with the way in which residents wish to park.

96 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Parking 02

Fig 4.47: Parking successfully integrated into the street broken up by tree planting and soft landscape Fig 4.50: Plan of residential development shown with perpendicular parking broken up by soft landscaping and tree planting On-street parking 4.13.9 On-street parking should be 05 designed into the streetscene from the 4.13.8 Parking on-street remains Principle DG45: On-street Lines of on-street parking outset. It may be parallel to the kerb, one of the most successful ways to parking spaces should be broken up angled to the kerb, perpendicular to 06 accommodate parking as part of a into blocks of a maximum of 5 the kerb or within a central reservation; Visitor parking should be sought balanced solution. Parking on the bays separated by kerb build- however, it should not be allowed on street in all but rural/isolated street is an efficient use of space and outs. This allows pedestrians to to dominate the environment or to locations. 07 people understand how it works. Unlike cross the road without visibility negatively impact on the character of rear parking courts, on-street parking On-street parking for residents being blocked and for trees to be a street. All solutions for parking within increases activity on the street and provides convenient spaces planted or other street furniture the street benefit from landscaping and between the street and the house. adjacent to properties and also placed to minimise the visual 08 the materials used should be of the adds to the activity of the street impact of parking. highest quality. and natural surveillance. On- In wider streets and avenues, street car parking also avoids 09 small groups of parking spaces vehicle crossovers on the can be provided at right-angles to pedestrian footway. the carriageway and set within a The quality of the street should be framework of planting. 10 paramount in designing parking spaces into the street. The inclusion of landscaping should be 11 S R integral to the design of the street.

Fig 4.48: Parking should be broken up by Fig 4.49: Parking bays demarcated by a change A tree planting and soft landscaping to avoid in pattern of paving sets and broken up by dominating the street scene carefully selected tree species planted along the street 97 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Parking 02

Fig 4.51: Parking square with central green space 05

On-street parking squares 06 4.13.10 In larger developments, Fig 4.54: Informal parking square adjacent to landscape area. A balance of parking, hard squares or yards can be designed landscaped areas, planting and soft landscaping is required to make parking squares successful to include parking. Parking squares 07 can be efficient solutions, where they double up as shared surface, Principle DG46: On-street Large unsightly expanses of pedestrian friendly spaces. Parking parking squares tarmac should be avoided. squares require careful design, S 08 including the integration of landscape Where parking squares are Parking should normally be set Fig 4.52: Large parking squares devoid of features to avoid vehicles dominating landscaping should be avoided proposed, they should be out in marked bays to ensure the public realm. designed as attractively efficient use of space. However, 09 landscaped, safe public in villages and rural areas this spaces which are appropriately may not be necessary. overlooked by development. 10 Where larger parking areas are required they should be punctuated by careful landscape 11 R design. This could include trees, low growing planting and varied Fig 4.53: Parking square broken up by mature porous surface materials. A planting which ‘softens’ the appearance of parked cars

98 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Parking 02

Fig 4.55: Car ports can be used to provide driveways whilst maintaining a strong building line

Fig 4.58: On-plot parking arrangements 05 On-plot parking - garages and carports Principle DG47: On-plot of refuse and recycling storage parking - garages and carports (refer to Section 5.13). 4.13.11 Garages and carports can add 06 to the parking solution as part of a Where garages and carports are Garages and carports designed balanced approach. integrated within the frontage of the as individual buildings or building, they should be carefully subordinate to the principal 07 4.13.12 It is essential that garages and designed to avoid blank frontages. dwelling should be well carports are conveniently located, easy Garages and carports are best overlooked by ‘active rooms’ and to use and close to properties. S incorporated within wide frontage by neighbouring dwellings to Fig 4.56: Garages will not be used if they are 08 4.13.13 Above all it is important to not easy to access, well sized and convenient. dwellings, which enable ‘active provide natural surveillance. ensure that where garages and They are unlikely to be used when an rooms’, such as living rooms and alternative such as a front drive in this case is Large groups of garages or car carports are promoted as the provided. kitchens, to be provided fronting ports should be avoided. 09 parking solution the opportunity for the street at ground floor level. indiscriminate parking within the public A single garage should be able When designing carports, the use realm is designed out. Provision of to accommodate a car, storage of visually transparent gates, rather 10 electric charging points in garages is and sufficient space for bicycles, than garage doors, can be beneficial encouraged. and have a minimum internal floor in ensuring the car and the rear of area of 3 metres x 6 metres. the properties are secure, whilst 11 reducing the chance of the spaces When proposing flats above R being used for general storage. garages applicants should consider the quality and amenity Fig 4.57: The use of gates rather than garage The design of carports should A doors can be beneficial in ensuring the space of the residential property. is used for parking cars and not storage space be coordinated with the design

99 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Streets and spaces Off-street parking Principle DG49: Off-street 4 parking Parking 4.13.15 Residents tend to favour parking solutions which maintain a line Parking options to the rear of 02 of sight between their dwellings and blocks in rear parking courts their vehicle. As such parking courts to should only be considered once

the rear of properties tend to be less on-street and on-plot options 03 successful solutions. have been exhausted. Where rear parking courts are proposed, they should be small 04 scale, immediately adjacent Fig 4.59: Front driveways can often lead to overly wide, car dominated streets which lack a sense of to properties and naturally enclosure surveyed. They should be treated 05 as the public realm and also On-plot parking - driveways include elements of landscaping Principle DG48: On-plot and tree planting, and avoid 4.13.14 Much of 20th century suburban 06 parking - driveways single large expanses of asphalt. development has based its parking solution on front driveways within Front driveways in larger or urban Applicants should consider the plot boundary of properties. This and semi-urban schemes should whether dwellings could be 07 has often resulted in unsatisfactory generally be avoided as this located adjacent to or above car-dominated streets that lack the necessitates wider streets, tends parking areas and provide necessary enclosure to create a sense to have a considerable visual S frontage to these parking courts 08 of place. impact and can restrict informal in order to provide overlooking surveillance. In these locations Fig 4.61: Rear parking courts that are not and reduce crime. driveways should be located to overlooked and uninviting are not preferred by residents Entrances to parking courts 09 the side of properties. should be carefully designed In more rural locations provision to create a semi-private of parking on front driveways is appearance. A single access 10 an acceptable solution. or secure entrances should be well overlooked by neighbouring Parking spaces should be a dwellings to provide surveillance minimum 2.5m wide x 5.5m long 11 and security. S with a minimum of 6m behind to reverse and turn into. R Entrances should be of sufficient Fig 4.60: Front driveways can block height to allow access for all A surveillance onto the street and be overbearing Fig 4.62: Entrance to small rear parking courts for adjacent dwellings should appear to be private to discourage anti- vehicles including vans. social behaviour 100 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces Cycle parking 02

Fig 4.63: Conveniently located cycle parking near entrances will encourage cycling 05

4.14 Cycle parking Principle DG50: Cycle to offer convenient access for 06 4.14.1 For cycling to become an parking all residents and they are less attractive alternative to the car, bicycles secure. must be readily accessible and Space should be made available 07 securely stored. within new development for Large separate bicycle storage parking of bicycles in accordance buildings that do not benefit from 4.14.2 The type of storage will depend with the Council’s cycle parking good natural surveillance should largely on the type of dwelling and the standards. be avoided. 08 scale of the development. However, it S is generally recognised that if secure Wherever possible, cycle storage Dedicated visitor cycle parking Fig 4.64: Cycle parking in areas that are not cycle storage is conveniently located well overlooked or in areas that are not points should be accommodated within should also be provided for flats 09 within individual dwellings or close to of activity are less likely to be used each plot, within the dwelling, a close to main entrances and well entrances, cycles are more likely to be garage or outbuilding. overlooked by habitable rooms. used. Secure and convenient cycle 10 storage for flats should be provided within the main

buildings, preferably close 11 to main entrances. External communal stores are usually R inappropriate as they are unlikely A Fig 4.65: Cycle parking within an integral garage

101 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 4 Streets and spaces This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 1) to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application has considered the design of streets and spaces of the proposal. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG31: Streets and Does the design of streets respond to the character established in the Character Study in understood and applied the 03 social spaces Section 2? principles set our above? Have the streets been designed as social spaces with the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and PROCESS: The adjacent table public transport users put above the needs of the motorist? 04 summarises the key principles Where applicable have major streets been design as main streets or boulevards enclosed by set out within this section and development and landscape features and not as peripheral distributor roads (bypasses)? can be used by applicant and Do the proposed buildings provide appropriate enclosure to the streets and contribute officer as a checklist. positively to the character of the space? 05 Has street clutter been minimised by reducing road markings, street signs, unnecessary The applicant is expected to meet posts or street furniture? the requirements of all relevant DG32: Streets to Do all streets, pedestrian routes and spaces have adequate building frontage to provide 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) encourage walking natural surveillance and contribute to public safety? or provide a justification for failure and cycling to do so. Are residential streets designed to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour? 07 DG33: Tree planting Has tree planting and soft landscaping been provided within street designs? Trees should and soft landscaping be a range of sizes and regularly spaced corresponding to the nature and hierarchy of the street. Has the applicant demonstrated that the species selected are appropriate for the location? 08 Has the applicant demonstrated that the long-term maintenance and management of landscape elements have been considered through a management and maintenance plan to ensure their successful establishment? 09 DG34: Traffic Where appropriate have traffic calming measure been integrated within the design of the Calming streets? DG35: Shared Has the use of shared surfaces been considered on lower order streets? If proposed do they SUMMARY: At this stage an Surface streets conform to guidance within Manual for Streets? 10 applicant will have established DG36: Local spaces Are all spaces designed with a specific role or function to avoid residual, unused or the urban structure of their neglected spaces? scheme and prepared a strategy Are all spaces designed to provide a high level of amenity with building frontage providing 11 for the streets and spaces that clear definition, appropriate enclosure and overlooking? form part of this structure. Has the applicant demonstrated that the long-term maintenance and management of these areas has been considered through a management and maintenance plan? A

102 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 4 Streets and spaces SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 2) 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK DG37: Playspace Where applicable has the design provided the appropriate level of playspace in accordance 03 with the Sport and Recreation Future Provision SPD? Is the design for playspaces in line with guidance on inclusive play, including Design for Play: A guide to creating successful play spaces (Play England, August 2008)? 04 DG38: Inclusive Has the applicant demonstrated that the principles of inclusive design has been considered Design and incorporated within the design from the outset? DG39: Furniture Has the selection of street furniture been restricted to essential items and have functions 05 been combined where possible? Is the street furniture simple, high quality, well designed, robust and responsive to its setting? DG40: Lighting Has a lighting strategy been proposed that: minimises the impact of lighting columns on the streets; accords with the design approach to other street furniture and avoids causing light 06 pollution particularly in sensitive and dark rural areas? DG41: Utilities Has the location, design and integration of utilities within the landscape been considered to mitigate their impact on the public realm? 07 DG42: Public art Has the provision of public art been considered? DG43: Public realm Has a suitable palette of high quality materials been proposed that responds to the character materials of the place as identified in the Character Study? 08 DG44: Parking Has the applicant proposed a comprehensive parking strategy that provides a range of parking solutions suitable to the location? Is the parking provision in line with Oxfordshire County Council Parking standards? 09 Do the proposed parking solutions comply with design guidance DG45 - DG49 DG50: Cycle parking Does the design provide adequate cycle parking in suitable locations for both public and private users? 10 PROCESS: Click on your application type to be directed to the appropriate section: Mixed use scheme - SECTION 5

Strategic housing developments and urban extensions - 11 SECTION 5 Major residential development - SECTION 5

Infill developments - SECTION 5 A Commercial or employment - SECTION 7

103 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 5 Building design It is important that the design of buildings and in particular their form, proportions, roofscape and overall appearance is borne from the place and therefore contributes positively to the character of the existing settlement. All too often new development is built which fails to contribute to the distinctiveness of a place resulting in standard development that could be found anywhere. Being responsive to the character of the existing built form should not result in pastiche replicas, instead the emphasis should be placed on contemporary interpretation of traditional building forms to suit today’s needs. Applicants should establish an architectural approach, form and identity borne from the place and demonstrate this link between the existing and the new within the Design and Access Statement. This may have to be drawn from further afield within the district if the adjacent development does not convey any positive characteristics specific to Vale. The design must be drawn from the Character Study undertaken in Section 2. 104 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Building design The figure below indicates where OVERVIEW OF SECTION 5: 5 you are within the document. This section outlines the Process This section should be read by key principles to consider all applicants putting forward in delivering well designed 02 proposals for urban extensions, buildings. This section should major residential sites, infill be read in parallel with Section sites and development in urban 7, Building performance, and, 03 locations. if your site is in a rural or lower density area, Section 06 which Before you proceed have you provides specific additional 04 read through the relevant sections design guidance for proposals from 2 - 4 and completed the in these areas. 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION relevant checklists? If not please go back to Section 2. A checklist is provided at the 05 All applications end of this section.

Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SETTING

07 033 ESTABLISHING ESTABLISHING THE THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08 Buildings in 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN rural and lower SPACES density areas

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ 09 RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 5.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

105 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Building scale, form and massing 02

Fig 5.5: Development should reflect the scale, grain and diversity of the existing settlement 05 Fig 5.2: A varied building height and roofscape provides visual interest Principle DG51: Scale Subtle variations in height can also be used to add visual New development should 5.1 Building scale, form interest. This can be achieved generally reflect the scale of 06 and massing with differing ridge and eaves the existing settlement unless a heights, as commonly found strong justification is provided. Scale in traditional streets. Similarly, For example the location of a 07 variations in frontage widths 5.1.1 The scale of new buildings should landmark building to terminate a and plan forms can add further relate to their context (rural or urban), their key view. interest to the street scene. This location within the hierarchy of routes and can be appropriate in both urban 08 whether they act as a focal point, landmark and rural locations. or corner building. Fig 5.3: Historic development built incrementally had subtle variations in scale 5.1.2 The scale of existing buildings 09 within the urban areas of the District tend to range from 2 to 4 storeys whereas within more rural villages this is predominantly 1 10 to 2 storeys.

5.1.3 Applicants should refer to their Character Study (refer to Section 2) 11 together with relevant conservation area appraisals and community appraisals to consider the prevailing scale, form and Fig 5.6: Grouping dwellings with A Fig 5.4: Variation in height can create visual different scales can add significant massing of development within the locality. interest interest in rural or residential areas

106 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Building scale, form and massing 02

Form and massing Principle DG52: Form and 03 massing 5.1.4 The form and massing of development can have a significant Keep it simple! In most instances contribution to the character of a new development should adopt 04 neighbourhood. a simple form, with a rectangular floorplan and pitched roof unless 5.1.5 The majority of traditional Fig 5.9: Applicants should assess the prevailing a strong justification can be scale, form and massing of successful development buildings in the Vale, in both urban and 05 provided. within the locality to inform their proposals rural areas, adopt a very consistent, simple form, with rectangular floorplans In some locations more complex and pitched roofs. forms, such as L-shaped corner 06 buildings may be appropriate. 5.1.6 New development should adopt They should be composed of a this simple form but good contemporary hierarchy of simple rectangular 07 design that respects context will also elements each with its own be welcomed. pitched roof.

Fig 5.10: The majority of traditional buildings in the Vale, in both urban and rural 11 areas, adopt a simple form, with rectangular floorplans and pitched roofs. Development should take cues from the Fig 5.7: Simple geometric building forms Fig 5.8: Simple geometric forms are organised prevailing forms within the A with gable ends fronting the street whilst other context to strengthen local are parallel to street character

107 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Corner buildings 02 Building designed to turn the corner to avoid blank gable ends

05 Fig 5.11: Historic buildings successfully turned corners providing activity and overlooking to both streets Fig 5.14: Gable ends which incorporate windows provide overlooking

5.2 Corner buildings 3 4 Principle DG53: Corner 06 5.2.1 Corner sites are often visually Buildings 2 prominent and buildings should Corner buildings should be therefore be specifically designed for 07 designed so that they ‘turn the these sites. Corner sites may provide corner’ providing frontage to both an opportunity to accommodate non- S streets. residential uses, to aid legibility of a Fig 5.15: Linking houses together at a corner 08 place or to contribute to its character S Corner locations are particularly causes problems with garden space and through distinctive designs or increased suitable for flatted blocks and privacy. Here the example shows there is no Fig 5.12: The dwelling provides no overlooking garden for houses 2, 3 and 4 building height. to the street ‘L’ shaped buildings maintaining 09 continuity of built frontage and 5.2.2 Standard house types are incorporating corner windows unlikely to work successfully on corner and entrances. 3 locations. 10 Applicants should demonstrate 4 how the design of corner 2 buildings will aid legibility. R 11 Exposed, blank gable ends with Fig 5.16: By extending plot 3 to turn the corner R no windows fronting the public and setting back plot 2 it provides sufficient realm should be avoided. space for a garden. By providing plot 2 with a A Fig 5.13: Entrance areas and windows “turn” single storey element and an adjoining brick the corner to provide overlooking to both wall, it further assists with maintaining a built streets frontage 108 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Building frontage 02

05 Fig 5.17: Strong building frontage providing good overlooking and enclosure to the street

5.3 Building frontage 06

Overlooking the street 07 5.3.1 ‘Secured by Design’ is an initiative run by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) supporting the Principle DG54: Overlooking principles of ‘designing out crime’. There 08 the street are many similarities between the core Fig 5.18: Ensuring that all public areas are overlooked by adjacent buildings, to increase ‘eyes on the street’ will reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour principles of ‘Secured by Design’ and Development should be designed contemporary urban design principles. to ensure that urban streets 09 and public spaces have good 5.3.2 The foundations of both levels of natural surveillance approaches are based upon: from buildings. This can be 10 • Clearly defining public and private achieved by ensuring that in spaces; urban areas, streets and spaces are overlooked by ground floor • Ensuring that all public areas are 11 habitable rooms and upper floor overlooked by adjacent buildings, to windows. S R increase ‘eyes on the street’; and Fig 5.19: Areas which are not overlooked are Fig 5.20: Development should provide a good A • Ensuring private spaces are secure often subject to anti-social behaviour level of overlooking and also clearly define and also well overlooked. public and private space

109 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Building frontage 02

Boundary treatment Principle DG55: Boundary 03 5.3.3 The definition of a private treatments boundary plays an important role in In most cases properties defining public and private space, should have a boundary that 04 contributing to the character of the defines public and private space public realm and maintaining a sense Exceptions may be in areas of privacy. where they are out of keeping 05 5.3.4 Within the Vale a range of with local tradition (for instance in boundary treatments can be found and historic centres). this varies depending on the context. Boundary treatments should 06 In many locations, both urban and be reflective of the area and rural, boundary walls provide enclosure local traditions in terms of to the street and give a degree of height, structure and materials. 07 structure. This should be drawn from the 5.3.5 In many of the Vale’s historic applicants Character Study (refer

centres, buildings often front directly to Section 2). 08 onto the street with no boundary Boundary treatments should not Fig 5.21: Privacy strips and front gardens can provide privacy to dwellings whilst maintaining condition. impair natural surveillance. overlooking 5.3.6 A lack of coordination of boundary 09 For larger developments treatments or a proposal that is out boundary treatments should be of character with the wider area can coordinated to contribute to the fragment the unity of the public realm. character of the street but allow 10 for some variety and individuality.

Fig 5.22: Planting can be used to provide Fig 5.23: Traditional walled boundary A privacy between residents and passers by treatments area part of the character of the Vale

110 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Building frontage 02

5.3.7 Walls: The use of walls within the district is widespread in defining 03 the boundaries of properties. They contribute hugely to the character of rural and urban streets. 04

5.3.8 Within more rural villages walls are often used in combination with S R buildings to provide enclosure and 05 Fig 5.24: Walls are often used within rural areas Fig 5.25: The use of long boundary walls in Fig 5.26: Combining the use of boundary walls structure to streets and spaces. to provide structure to streets and spaces inappropriate locations will not be acceptable and building frontage to maintain overlooking can create development with rural characteristics 5.3.9 The appropriate use, style and 06 materials of walls should be drawn from the local context.

S R 08 Fig 5.27: Low boundary walls contribute to the Fig 5.28: Overbearing walls defining very Fig 5.29: Low boundary walls used as planters character of the district narrow privacy strips should be avoided to define privacy strip 09 5.3.10 Railings: Railings can successfully provide enclosure, whilst allowing views into and out of a site and 10 preventing any loss of light. Designs should be in keeping with the character of the local area and should not be 11 unduly ornate or elaborate. S R A Fig 5.30: The use of railings in combination Fig 5.31: The excessive use of railings to define Fig 5.32: The use of simple railings on a low with a low wall is a successful treatment within privacy strips and front gardens can result in a boundary wall in this design creates a subtle, the Vale cluttered streetscene transparent boundary improving overlooking 111 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Building frontage 02

5.3.11 Fencing: Close-boarded or 03 panel fencing is not an appropriate boundary treatment for prominent locations, such as street frontages. 04 5.3.12 Simple post and rail and picket fencing is usually more appropriate in

village and other rural locations. 05 S R

Fig 5.33: Picket fencing is a common boundary Fig 5.34: Close-boarded fencing is not an Fig 5.35: The use of picket fencing in treatment in rural and rural village locations acceptable solution along street frontages combination with planting can create soft, 06 green boundaries 5.3.13 Open fronts: Traditional buildings in urban locations often fronted 07 directly onto the street with either a small privacy strip or front garden or

no privacy strip at all. This helped 08 create the tight urban grain that often characterises the Vale’s historic towns. 5.3.14 For new development a privacy S R 09 strip or front garden providing a degree of privacy between residents and Fig 5.36: Many traditional buildings within Fig 5.37: Open fronts which do not clearly Fig 5.38: This privacy strip is well defined the Vale fronted directly onto the street. This define and enclose the privacy strip through with planting and a change in surface material passers by is recommended. This can creates tight, urban streets. The privacy of landscape measures will not be accepted which results in a coherent, uncluttered street 10 however be successfully achieved residents from passers-by can be safeguarded scene if windows are vertically aligned and/or cill without a physical boundary through heights are raised

careful landscape design. Open fronted 11 privacy strips tend to be smaller than traditional front gardens and defined by planting. A

112 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Building frontage 02

Entrances Principle DG56: Entrances 03 5.3.15 Building entrances add Main entrances to houses, ground animation and activity to streets and floor flats, communal entrances spaces. In turn they contribute to the for flats and non residential uses 04 overlooking of the street and can add to should directly face onto the street the feeling of safety within a place. and be clearly visible from the public realm. 05 All building entrances should be welcoming and easily identifiable Fig 5.41: Entrances to important buildings, Fig 5.42: Entrances to dwellings should have a apartments and non-residential uses should be more domestic scale to them 06 to help improve legibility. more civic in their appearance The scale and style of an entrance should relate to its 07 function. The more important the function of the building, the more impressive the entrance should be. For example, a public building 08 should have a larger and more Fig 5.39: Traditional recessed entrances providing shelter for residents prominent entrance than a house. 09 Recessed entrances or canopies integrated into the design of the building facade should be provided. Canopies should not 10 appear to be ‘bolt-on’ solutions and instead make a positive Fig 5.43: The design of entrances should consider the integration of cycle 11 contribution to the building facade. storage and bin storage if appropriate

Fig 5.40: Modern recessed entrances providing A shelter for residents

113 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Roofscape 02

5.4 Roofscape Principle DG57: Roofscape 5.4.1 The pitch and form of roofs and 03 the roofscape within a settlement are Keep it simple! New development important to the character of the place. should respect the simple double pitched gable ends or hipped 04 5.4.2 Applicants should refer to their Fig 5.44: Simple pitched roof (model) Fig 5.45: Simple pitched roof on terraced roofs prevalent within the District. properties in the District Character Study (refer to Section 2) to consider the prevailing roofscape within Contemporary roof profiles the locality. may be considered but must be 05 strongly justified. 5.4.3 The predominant roof forms in the District are simple double Overly complicated roof profiles 06 pitched gable ends or hipped roofs should be avoided. (more commonly used for detached The roof of larger floorplan dwellings). New development should buildings should be broken up 07 respect these simple characteristics. into a series of smaller spans Fig 5.46: Hipped roofs (model) Fig 5.47: Hipped roof on an older property in 5.4.4 Integrating hipped roof profiles or modules of a simple form the District

into the streetscene, particularly to ensure that the roof does 08 in more urban locations can be not dominate the building or challenging. In these circumstances it surrounding area and does not may be more appropriate to use simple appear clumsy in its proportions. 09 pitched roofs. In order to minimise the visual R 5.4.5 If there is a prevalent angle of impact of down pipes and pitch within a settlement this can be a guttering these should be 10 powerful contributor to the character of integrated with the design of the R the area. Applicants should consider if roof and facade. this is the case and whether this should Deep floor plans that necessitate Fig 5.49: The roof of this historic property is 11 be reflected within their proposals. flat roof sections should be composed of a number of simple profiles avoided. S A Fig 5.48: Breaking down larger floorplan buildings into a number of simple roof profiles (model) 114 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Chimneys and dormers 02

5.5 Chimneys 5.6 Dormers Principle DG59: Dormers 5.5.1 Chimneys are a traditional feature 5.5.4 The location of a chimney will 5.6.1 Dormer windows can be 03 Dormer windows should be a within the Vale which contribute to the affect the layout of the dwelling and as prominent traditional features in the feature that provide light and character of the area. Developments are such it is an important consideration in streetscene. However, care needs to be ventilation to roofspaces and encouraged to include chimneys as they the initial design. taken with their design, proportions and 04 should not just be used as a can contribute to the overall appearance position on the roof. means of generating additional of a development. headroom. 5.5.2 Chimneys or stack features 05 Flat roof, mono-pitch and gabled can be used in modern ways such as dormers are all commonly found for thermal stacks to aid ventilation in in the Vale. The choice of design summer, to incorporate flues from wood 06 should be informed by the burning stoves or as a service core for character and appearance of the gas flues or vent outlets. local vernacular. 07 5.5.3 Chimneys can be located in a Dormers should be positioned so number of positions including: that they line up with openings on

• On the gable end or projecting from the the main façade. 08 gable end, usually at first or sometimes Fig 5.50: Chimneys can be used in new Fig 5.51: Dormers can be used in new development second floor level; development to reflect local vernacular in a modern to reflect local vernacular in a modern way. Care way. Care should be taken to avoid tokenistic use should be taken to avoid dormers that are our of • Along a side or rear wall or occasionally or pastiche replicas of traditional buildings proportion with the facade 09 on the front; Principle DG58: Chimneys • Within the gable end; Chimneys within new 10 • Along the ridge; development can be positive • Projecting from the roof plane away design features and should be from the ridge; or considered by applicants. 11

• A central position within the building Modern interpretations of optimises energy efficiency as there traditional chimneys could be A is less heat loss than if located on an explored. Fig 5.52: Dormer windows are a traditional feature external wall. within the Vale and come in many configurations

115 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Windows Principle DG60: Windows The choice of window design 02 should be determined by the overall 5.7 Windows Include window recesses Use locally appropriate materials design approach. (reveals) 5.7.1 The choice of window design 5.7.6 UPVC windows are less 03 Alterations to windows should be should be determined by the overall 5.7.4 The positioning of windows, successful in design terms, particularly in keeping with the character of design approach. For example, a including sill and arch/lintel heights, in traditional buildings due to their bulky the existing dwelling. contemporary design may incorporate needs careful consideration to ensure frames and glazing bars. Wherever 04 large glazed elevations, which would be the design reflects the character of possible, timber should be used unless Sash windows should not be inappropriate in a more traditional design. the area. In more traditional designs, an alterative material is shown to be replaced by casement windows. The number of window openings and their the positioning of windows within their more appropriate. Glazing bars should not be 05 size can have a profound effect on the reveals is also important – windows removed to allow a large expanse appearance of a building. that finish flush with the front face of glass. of a building can appear flat and 5.7.2 With careful design, windows 06 uninteresting, whereas windows can create a light and airy impression that are set back within reveals cast and make a building appear less bulky. shadows which add visual interest. The However, if poorly designed, too many 07 degree of any window recess should windows can make a building appear also take into account the choice of overly fussy and fail to respect the S facing material. For example, stone character of the area. It should also buildings can accommodate a deeper 08 be noted that a greater window area window recess than brick buildings. will increase the energy demands of a building. Use bay windows as a feature 09 5.7.3 Buildings of traditional design S 5.7.5 Bay windows can be used to should have rectangular windows, add interest to elevations and create usually constructed of timber, with the 10 attractive features on buildings. Bay emphasis on either the horizontal or windows in the Vale have traditionally vertical axis. Modern buildings can S included splayed, curved and square have a variety of window designs forms often topped with lead flat roofs. 11 provided they are part of an overall Fig 5.53: Illustration of inappropriate window alteration design concept. The window proportions, size and number of panes in addition to style of opening should all be respected in traditional buildings A Sash windows should not be replaced by top or side hung casements Glazing bars should not be removed to allow a large expanse of glass

116 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Facades and elevations 02

5.8 Facades and elevations Principle DG61: Facade and 03 5.8.1 Applicants should refer to their elevations Character Study (refer to Section 2) Applicants should establish to consider the facade and elevational an architectural approach and 04 treatment of existing buildings within identity borne from the place in the locality and this should be a starting the design of building facades point for the consideration of elevational and elevations. A link between treatment and facade design for new 05 the existing and the new should buildings. be demonstrated within the 5.8.2 This should not result in Design and Access Statement. 06 pastiche replicas of traditional buildings Keep it simple! Avoid crowded but instead re-interpret key aspects façades and arrangements that of their elevations, for instance, their are almost, but not quite, aligned. 07 symmetrical layout, window to wall Fig 5.54: Traditional and modern town house elevation ratio, and proportions and placement of windows and doors. 08 5.8.3 The Vale has a wide range of architectural styles and the arrangement of facades varies however 09 building facades are usually simply organised with windows and doors aligned horizontally and vertically. 10

Fig 5.55: Traditional and modern gabled end elevation

117 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Case Study - Horstead, Rochester Materials 02

5.9 Materials Principle DG62: Materials 03 5.9.1 Whilst architectural style Keep it simple! A context- varies within the District a prevailing appropriate palette of good characteristic of most successful quality materials should be used 04 buildings is a simple, restrained palette for new residential development of materials, detailing and architectural Rochester brick Local brick colours and bonding patterns in Rochester with a preference for local High Street features integral to the design. materials and/or materials with 05 5.9.2 The choice of materials low embodied energy. The and architectural features in durability and resistance to new development is often overly weathering of materials is an 06 complicated, pastiche or includes ‘bolt- important concern. on’ elements that area out of place. Avoid reconstituted materials, 5.9.3 The choice of materials and particularly in conservation areas 07 detailing should be drawn from the or other sensitive locations local context and re-interpreted in a For larger scale development contemporary manner. 08 proposals a palette of materials The context above informed the architectural 5.9.4 Materials should reflect the should be developed through the expression and use of materials character of the area and also the style Character Study and agreed with of architecture adopted. For instance, the Council. 09 for a traditional architectural approach use the materials that are used within the area (eg for roofs normally plain 10 clay tiles or slates) where as if a contemporary approach is taken there

is potential to explore a wider range of 11 materials (eg zinc / copper roofing). Fig 5.56: Example of how to reinterpret in a contemporary way brick detailing and materials found in the locality A

118 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Amenity and privacy 02 Overshadowing Principle DG63: Amenity 5.10 Amenity, noise and • 1 bedroom - 35 sq m. 5.10.8 Buildings close to the boundary All development should have Overshadowing of neighbouring properties can increase private open space. This can be 03 5.10.5 Further recommendations on overshadowing or loss of daylight to provided in the form of private 5.10.1 Providing private amenity space amenity space for apartments can be neighbouring properties. Habitable room gardens, patios, balconies or in the form of garden space, balconies found in Section 5.16. windows should normally be at least 12 private communal gardens, 04 or communal gardens is important in metres away from the flank wall of the dependent on the type of achieving a successful and attractive Noise neighbouring property. dwellings being provided. development. 5.10.6 Noise can be a source of significant 5.10.9 Within higher density developments The provision of private open 05 5.10.2 All dwellings should seek to provide aggravation for residents, particularly at care should be taken to avoid areas which spaces should be appropriate to private outdoor space provision. This night. Issues associated with noise are are permanently in shade, overshadowed the location of the development open space should be appropriate to both particularly prevalent in locations close to by adjacent buildings. and the size of dwelling. 06 the location of the proposal and the type external sources of noise such as railway and size of accommodation. For example, lines and busy roads. Where no private space large detached houses within rural areas is provided within a new 5.10.7 Noise disturbance can be reduced 07 should have larger gardens whereas development, applicants will be through careful design. The following the space requirement/expectation for expected to justify why private techniques can be used: compact housing or apartments in an open space cannot be provided. urban area will be significantly less. This • Orientate buildings so that habitable 08 External access to rear gardens can be provided in the form of a private rooms and sitting out areas do not face should be provided. Long, narrow garden, patio or balcony, depending on noise sources; alleyways should be avoided. the type of dwellings being provided. 09 • Introduce design features such as Fig 5.57: Recessed balcony provides protection from noise Private gardens should be 5.10.3 Where no private gardens are recessed balconies and acoustic lobbies; treated as an extension of the proposed private communal gardens should • Construct barriers such as garages living space of the house. 10 be provided, normally to the rear of blocks. or walls between noise sources and Design to prevent noise 5.10.4 Depending on context, the following dwellings; and disturbance. amenity space is recommended for • Locate noisy external activities such 11 houses: Ensure the relationship of as play areas close enough to the buildings does not cause • 3 or more bedrooms - 100 sq m; properties they serve to be safe and overshadowing. usable but far enough way to avoid A • 2 bedrooms - 50 sq m; and noise disturbance. Fig 5.58:Sunken amenity space provides buffer from road noise

119 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Amenity and privacy 02

5.11 Privacy & Overlooking Provide appropriate height to Design amenity space for Principle DG64: Privacy width ratio privacy 03 5.11.1 The specification of minimum New development should distances between buildings can 5.11.4 The height of properties and 5.11.7 Private amenity space should demonstrate how privacy will often lead to standardised layouts and the distance between facing habitable be conveniently located for residents be maintained between new 04 indeed much of our historic fabric within rooms can have a direct impact on and designed to ensure privacy is and existing development whilst towns and villages is comprised of the privacy levels enjoyed by both maintained. designing to the principles of tightly spaced compact development. neighbouring residents and residents of compact neighbourhoods in more the new development. Direct overlooking of private urban locations. 05 5.11.2 The relationship of buildings amenity space by habitable rooms to each other, their height and the 5.11.5 Development proposals should An adequate distance between in neighbouring properties should positioning of windows can all have demonstrate how the privacy of facing habitable rooms helps be avoided. Garden space at the 06 an impact on the privacy enjoyed by neighbouring properties has been enable people to feel comfortable front of properties can be used to neighbouring properties. respected and how a reasonable level in their own home. increase privacy in front facing rooms. of privacy will be achieved for new 5.11.3 In addition to the distance Balconies can contribute to outside Design to prevent noise 07 residents. between properties, there are a number amenity space. However, they must be disturbance. of solutions that can be employed to 5.11.6 In higher density developments, positioned to ensure they do not cause

maintain privacy from the placement it may be possible to include higher overlooking of neighbouring properties. 08 of buildings and typologies used, to buildings without adversely affecting more detailed design measures such privacy by using the following as appropriate positioning of windows techniques: 09 (staggered or otherwise), arrangement • Set back upper floors; of habitable rooms to reduce direct views; and creating varied floor levels. • Recessed balconies; and 10 • Internal courtyards. 21 metres

Fig 5.59: An adequate distance between facing habitable rooms helps enable people to feel comfortable in their own homes. A

120 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 22 Housing mix Policy 24 Affordable housing Inclusive communities Policy 26 Accommodating current and future needs of the ageing population 02

Principle DG65: Inclusive See Lifetime homes guidance

communities for further details. http://www. 03 lifetimehomes.org.uk/ New residential developments should address the needs Wheelchair accessible of people with disabilities homes should be designed in 04 by complying with Building accordance with recognised Regulations. This requires guidance such as Wheelchair Fig 5.60: Proposals should consider the requirements of all members of society reasonable provision to be made Housing Design Guide (Habinteg, 05 for people with disabilities to gain 2006). These homes should be access to and to use buildings. positioned in highly accessible 5.12 Inclusive communities 5.12.3 Consider designing development locations. that is capable of responding to Design buildings to maximise 06 5.12.1 People have differing changing social, technological and the potential for lifetime use. For Affordable housing should comply requirements of their home, depending economic conditions is more likely instance through the provision of with planning policy set out in the on cultural needs, economics, health to be successful and ultimately more bed spaces at ground floor level local plan. 07 requirements and age. The housing sustainable. and knock out panels between available should reflect this diversity. Affordable housing should be floors for lift installation and 5.12.4 The principles of designing ‘pepper-potted’ throughout the 5.12.2 Buildings should be designed between rooms for expansion. Lifetime Homes include: site, and be identical in external 08 so that they can be altered internally appearance to private housing. or externally over time without the • parking space to be capable of need for demolition or rebuilding as widening to 3300mm; 09 needs change. Very narrow fronted • the distance from the car parking buildings are unlikely to be easily space to the dwelling entrance • adequate space to turn a wheelchair altered or extended. By building flexible should be kept to a minimum and be within the living room; 10 internal space, rooms can be adapted level or gently sloping; to different uses depending on family • entrance level living space and WC; requirements. • the dwelling should have an • provision for a future stair lift; and accessible well lit threshold; 11 • sockets and controls at a convenient • the width of doors and hall allow height. wheelchair access; A

121 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Working from home and live-work units Private Entrance entrance to 02 workspace

Bed 1 Living 03 Flexible workspace

04 Kitchen office

Fig 5.61: Live work unit - Sutton Courtenay Bed 3 Bed 2 study 05

Deliveries 5.13 Working from home and live-work units Fig 5.62: Example of how live work space could be 06 accommodated within a family dwelling 5.13.1 People are increasingly choosing to work from home, a trend hastened Principle DG66: Live-work Appropriate sound proofing 07 by advancements in technology and units or ventilation measures the sustainability agenda. Modern may need to be installed to homes, therefore, need to be capable The ability to work from home provide a buffer between of adaptation to enable people to work and/or incorporating Live-work 08 areas used for residential and from home. units should be considered as business purposes. In some part of any application. 5.13.2 Alternatively, new homes can circumstances, it may be 09 be designed as live/ work units to When designing Live-work units appropriate to group workshops enable people to carry out their whole from the outset, the primary use together within a block to business from home. must remain residential. Any minimise any potential conflict business use must be capable of between residential and business 10 5.13.3 The types of Live-work units being carried out in a residential uses and to enable the efficient are wide ranging, from sole trading area without harm to the amenity provision of services. professionals to staffed practices. of other residents. 11 For some people, a study space with internet connection is sufficient, whilst others may require studio space or an A outbuilding.

122 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Refuse and recycling 02

Principle DG67: Refuse and Refuse storage facilities should

utilities ensure that passive surveillance 03 of the street is maintained and Storage facilities should integrate entrances and utility services well with their surrounding are not blocked. They should environment and be as 04 not result in dark recesses and unobtrusive as possible. They should not result in a cluttered or should be located in a position shabby appearance. where they are accessible for 05 Fig 5.63: Carports can be used to accommodate refuse bins residents and accessed directly from the property.

5.14 Refuse and recycling 5.14.4 If sited at the front of the They should be of a suitable 06 property, they should be appropriately size to accommodate all the 5.14.1 The provision of waste screened visually from the public refuse containers to meet the management facilities within footway or enclosed in a well-ventilated needs of residents and be of a 07 developments is fundamental if waste cupboard. They should be designed size acceptable to the refuse reduction and recycling targets are to into developments so as to avoid large collection service. be met. areas of blank frontages. 08 5.14.2 There is an inherent conflict 5.14.5 If convenient external access to between the integration of external rear gardens are provided bin storage features such as bin and recycling could be accommodated to the rear of 09 stores, cycle storage and utility the property allowing residents to wheel services to a property and the bins onto the street for collection. This necessity for active frontages and avoids the need for front bin store and 10 passive street surveillance. the potential conflicts discussed above. 5.14.3 Refuse and recycling storage and 5.14.6 Applicants should refer to Vale’s collection facilities should be designed website for requirements and further 11 to be convenient and easily accessible, guidance. S R integrate with the surrounding environment and be as unobtrusive as Fig 5.64: If refuse facilities are not considered Fig 5.65: Refuse areas should be considered as at an early design stage then bins often part of the design of the buildings. If refuse areas A possible. dominate the streets are located to the front of the building they should be designed as an integral part of the elevation

123 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 5 Building design Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Meters and services 02 S

Fig 5.66: Meter cupboards, vents, downpipes and bolt on canopies can all contribute to a cluttered building appearance 05

5.15 Meters and services 06 Principle DG68: Meters and 5.15.1 The apparatus of modern services services (e.g. external pipework, flues, vents, meter cupboards, satellite dishes Enclosures for utility services and 07 and aerials) can create a cluttered meters must not dominate the appearance and detract from the building frontage and solutions

design of an otherwise successful must be harmonious with the 08 development. Careful consideration, overall architectural design of the therefore, needs to be given to their property. positioning on buildings. Wherever possible, external 09 service pipes and other apparatus should be grouped together and discretely located 10 on elevations which are not prominent. This requires careful

consideration of the provision of 11 all services at the initial design stage.

S A

Fig 5.67: External services can be unsightly

124 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Apartments R 02

04 S Fig 5.68: The scale and massing of apartment buildings can be reduced by breaking the building into smaller components and with subtle variations in height 05 Fig 5.69: Apartment buildings should respond to the scale, massing and grain of the context in a complementary way and avoid becoming overbearing

5.16 Apartments Building heights Principle DG69: Apartments 06 5.16.1 The design of apartment 5.16.4 The height of apartment buildings 5.16.8 Applicants should consider the - scale and massing buildings in the context of the district’s will depend on the local context but is scale and massing of prevalent larger Inappropriately located apartment urban locations needs careful design likely to range from 3 to 5 storeys in historic buildings within the urban 07 buildings that cannot be justified consideration. urban areas. Apartment buildings can context such as mill buildings, factories will be rejected. be effective tools in aiding legibility to and civic buildings as cues to draw 5.16.2 All too often apartments within centres, hubs and key routes through inspiration from. The height and location of these locations fail to respond in a 08 their increased scale and more urban apartment buildings should contextual and sensitive way to their 5.16.9 Single aspect, north facing appearance. respond to its context and aid setting. apartments should be avoided. legibility within the settlement. 09 5.16.3 Apartments should be proposed Form and massing Apartment buildings may be deeper at appropriate locations within urban 5.16.5 By their very nature apartment in floorplan than houses and as areas. These are likely to include town buildings tend to be larger in scale and such care should be taken to avoid 10 centres, neighbourhood hubs, adjacent massing. the building appearing bulky. These to important spaces or landscapes, larger buildings should be broken nodal points, corners or the junction of 5.16.6 They also tend to be deeper in down into a hierarchy of simple major routes. floorplan than houses. However, care 11 rectangular elements each with its is needed to ensure natural light and own pitched roof. ventilation is achieved in deep plan forms. Fig 5.70: Apartments should be proposed at Single aspect, north facing A 5.16.7 Care should be taken to avoid appropriate locations within urban areas and apartments should be avoided. the building appearing overly bulky. add to the legibility of an area

125 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Apartments 02

Overlooking the street Boundary treatment for apartments 03 5.16.10 All Development should be designed to ensure that urban streets 5.16.12 The interface and treatment of and public spaces have good levels of the boundary between an apartment 04 overlooking from buildings as described and the public realm will depend on in Section 5.3. its location and setting. As a general rule apartments are more successful 5.16.11 Apartment buildings can when they form part of the street 05 make a significant contribution to this frontage instead of being set behind surveillance by incorporating ‘active large grassed areas that are too frontage’ (non-residential uses) on Fig 5.73: Apartment build providing overlooking public to be used. of the street and central amenity space 06 the ground floor and/or incorporating separate entrances for ground floor 5.16.13 Open planting, in the form of dwellings. a privacy strip as part of the street 07 scene, can be used successfully Principle DG70: Apartments Apartment buildings should to provide a degree of privacy and - building frontage consider incorporating non- demark an interface zone between residential ground floor uses Apartment buildings that do not public and private. where appropriate. 08 incorporate ground floor non- residential uses should carefully consider ground floor dwelling 09 types to avoid bedrooms at ground floor overlooking the public realm. This can often be disruptive to residents and also 10 reduce passive surveillance onto the public realm. It is often S R more appropriate to incorporate 11 maisonettes on the ground and Fig 5.71: Apartment buildings should Fig 5.72: Apartment buildings that provide non- first floor of apartments to avoid contribute positively to overlooking the street residential ‘active’ ground floor use together from ground floor dwellings with generous entrances contribute positively such scenarios. A to the street

126 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Apartments 02

Fig 5.77: The number of dwellings served by communal cores should be minimised. It is often more appropriate to incorporate two 05 Fig 5.74: Ground floor entrances to maisonettes and communal entrance to apartments above storey dwellings on the ground and first floor of apartments to avoid blank frontages or bedrooms overlooking the street Apartment entrances Principle DG71: Apartments Entrance areas should incorporate 06 5.16.14 Due to the increased number - entrances individual letterboxes, cycle storage of residents apartments can contribute and access to refuse areas. significantly to the activity and Entrances to shared stair cores 07 animation of the streetscene. Careful should be directly from the street. The number of dwellings accessed design consideration however needs from a single core should be Ground floor dwellings within to be applied to provide spacious, minimised (around 2 - 8 per floor) apartments should incorporate appropriately located entrances to meet to increase social interaction with 08 individual entrances direct from these demands. neighbours and increase residents Fig 5.75: It is critical that communal areas the street. This increases the should be of high quality sense of ownership. 5.16.15 The communal areas of animation of the public realm and 09 apartments buildings are critical to reduces the numbers of dwellings Double banked apartments their success. Experience has shown served by communal cores. accessed by long central that poorly designed communal areas corridors should be avoided. All building entrances should be 10 accessed by large numbers of flats are welcoming and easily identifiable Long deck access solutions problematic. Entrance areas should to help improve legibility. should be avoided. serve a limited number of dwellings, be spatious, well-lit by natural light and Communal entrance cores should Cores should connect in a direct 11 naturally ventilated. be generous, well lit by natural and legible way to proposed R light and naturally ventilated. amenity spaces and parking areas. Fig 5.76: Entrance to apartment which is clearly A articulated, naturally lit and welcoming

127 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Apartments 02

Amenity space for apartments 5.16.19 Residents living in upper floor apartments should have access to a 5.16.16 The demand on amenity space, 03 balcony which is large enough to be parking and refuse and recycling storage enjoyed. Balconies should be positioned within apartments can be significant and to ensure they do not cause overlooking this should be considered at an early 04 of neighbouring properties. stage in the design process. 5.16.20 Experience has shown that Fig 5.78: Where possible apartment blocks Fig 5.79: Allowing glimpses through to 5.16.17 When designing apartments, should include communal gardens including courtyards can soften the urban environment communal roof gardens are often communal gardens should be soft landscaping, seating and informal 05 unsuccessful in providing usable recreational space incorporated to the rear of blocks to amenity space. The use of roof gardens provide visual amenity and outdoor space to satisfy amenity space requirements for residents. Soft landscaping should be 06 will have to be strongly justified prioritised over areas of hard standing and applicants will be required to and consideration should be given to demonstrate how every effort has been designing in outdoor seating, eating, 07 made to accommodate amenity space drying and growing space. elsewhere. 5.16.18 Any residents on the ground floor should have access to a well defined, rear, R 08 private area. This will act as “defensible Fig 5.80: Soft landscaping should be prioritised over areas of hard standing and consideration space” and create good quality amenity. should be given to designing in outdoor seating, eating, drying and growing space 09 Principle DG72: Apartments Roof terraces should be avoided Amenity unless the applicant can demonstrate every effort has Proposals should comply with 10 been made to accommodate the council standards in relation to space elsewhere. the provision of adequate amenity space. This space should take Any ground floor dwellings should 11 the form of communal gardens, have access to rear private space R R ground floor gardens or patio to provide defensible space space and balconies. between the dwelling and the Fig 5.81: Where balconies are deemed Fig 5.82: Ground floor dwellings should have A appropriate they should be generous to access to a well defined, rear, private area to communal garden. encourage use act as “defensible space”

128 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design Principle DG75: Parking Apartments Applicants should comply with guidance within Section 4.13 02 Parking. Apartment Refuse Apartment Parking Principle DG73: Apartments Applicants should consider 03 5.16.21 Apartments normally have refuse and recycling 5.16.23 Applicants should refer to whether parking for apartment communal refuse areas. It is important Section 4.13 for guidance on parking. buildings within urban areas Communal refuse areas should to provide sufficient, secure well- of good public transport be provided in convenient, 5.16.24 The demand on space for 04 ventilated space that is readily accessibility can be reduced secure, well-ventilated spaces parking within apartments can be accessible from the road for ease of in consultation with the local close to communal entrances. significant. Applicants should consider collection. authority. whether parking for apartment buildings Integrated refuse areas should be 05 within urban areas of good public Where parking courts are of high quality to mitigate there transport accessibility can be reduced deemed as acceptable solution impact on the street scene. in consultation with the local highway for apartment buildings these 06 Free standing bin stores will not authority. should not compromise the normally be acceptable because central amenity space for of their detrimental impact upon residents and should be 07 the public realm and private integrated within the landscape to amenity. soften the impact.

Fig 5.83: Integrated communal refuse areas Cycle parking for apartments 08 have to be designed with care to mitigate their impact should ideally be within the building, in a ground floor Aerials and satellite dishes communal area close to the Principle DG74: Aerials and 09 main entrance. External facilities 5.16.22 Satellite dishes and aerials satellite dishes within secure rear courts may for individual dwellings on apartment Fig 5.84: Cycle storage within the rear courts of Apartment buildings should apartment buildings should be of high quality be acceptable if these are easily buildings can have a significant always have a communal aerial and integrate with the landscape design accessible from communal 10 detrimental impact on the buildings and satellite dish if cable TV is entrances and designed appearance and on the streetscene. not available, and a condition to mitigate their impact on should be attached to the communal amenity space. 11 planning permission to this effect.

129 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 Building design This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer 5 to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 1) has considered the design of buildings for applications where more than one Developments of more than one building / apartments 02 building is proposed or for apartments. PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, Response to Do the proposals demonstrate a response to the character of the area as identified within the understood and applied the 03 character Character Study in Section 2? principles set our above? Response to Do the proposals demonstrate a response to the site constraints and opportunities as PROCESS: The adjacent table constraints and identified within the Site Appraisal in Section 2? 04 summarises the key principles set opportunities out within this section and can be DG51: Scale Does the design generally reflect or respond to the scale of the existing settlement and positively contribute to the character as identified in the Character Study in Section 2? If not used by applicant and officer as a has a strong justification been provided? checklist. 05 Does the scheme incorporate variations in height responding to the location within the The applicant is expected to meet the proposal, for instance reflecting the street hierarchy, enhancing legibility of an important requirements of all relevant Principles corner or node or emphasising a particular use? 06 (ie a tick in each box) or provide a Is the location of any apartment buildings justified and justifiable? justification for failure to do so. DG52 / DG69: Form Does the new development adopt a simple form in-keeping with the character of the area? If and massing not is the reason justified? DG53: Corner Do corner buildings ‘turn the corner’ providing frontage to both streets? 07 buildings SUMMARY: You will now have Has the applicant demonstrated how the use of corner buildings has been considered in designed the buildings on your order to aid legibility? site. This should have been Does the scheme avoid exposed, blank gable ends with no windows fronting the public realm? 08 carried out in parallel with Building DG54: Overlooking Does the development ensure that all streets and public spaces have good natural the street surveillance from buildings? Performance (refer to the guidance in Section 7) and if your site is in DG55: Boundary Does the development clearly define public and private space through the use of appropriate 09 treatments boundary treatments? If not, is this justified? a rural or low density area, with Are these boundary treatments reflective of the area as established in the Character Study? reference to Section 6. DG56 / DG71: Are all property entrances directly onto and easily visible from the public realm? Are they 10 If a pre-application meeting has Entrances legible and welcoming? not yet been held then this would If there are apartments within the scheme are the number accessed from a single core be an appropriate time. This limited (approximately 2 - 8 per floor) and double banked apartments accessed by long can be used to check that the central corridors or long deck access solutions avoided? 11 Planning Authority are happy with If there are apartments within the scheme are their communal entrance cores generous, well the principles of the scheme and lit by natural light and naturally ventilated? to agree any refinements that DG57: Roofscape Does the roofscape proposed reflect the simple roof structures characteristic within the District? A may be required.

130 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 2) Developments of more than one building / apartments 02 PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK

Are larger buildings broken up into a series of smaller spans or modules of a simple form to 03 ensure the roof does not dominate the building or surrounding area? DG58: Chimneys If chimneys are incorporated into the design are they reflective of the character of the area? DG59: Dormers If dormers are incorporated into the design are they reflective of the character of the area? 04 Are they positioned to line up with openings on the main façade? DG60: Windows Is the choice of window design appropriate to the overall design approach? Are alterations to windows in keeping with the character of the existing dwelling? 05 DG61: Facade and Has the applicant demonstrated an architectural approach and identity borne from the place elevations and reflected through the Character Study? DG62: Materials Is the palette of materials proposed of high quality and reflective of the character of the area as established through the Character Study? 06 DG63 / DG72: Has the applicant demonstrated that the provision of amenity space is appropriate to the Amenity location of the development and the size of dwellings? DG64: Privacy Has the applicant demonstrated how privacy will be maintained between new and existing 07 development whilst in more urban locations designing to the principles of compact neighbourhoods? DG65: Inclusive Has the development addressed the needs of people with disabilities? communities Does the level of affordable housing comply with planning policy? 08 Has any affordable housing been ‘pepper potted’ throughout the site, and is it identical in external appearance to private housing? DG66: Live-work Has the ability to work from home been considered within the application? If Live-work units 09 units are proposed, have they been designed to avoid harm to the amenity of other residents? DG67 / DG73: Refuse Has the applicant demonstrated how the refuse requirements for new development has been and utilities met whilst complying with other principles such as amenity and overlooking? DG68: Meters and Have utility services and meters been considered within the overall architectural design of 10 services the property to avoid dominating the building frontage? DG69: Apartments - If there are apartments within the scheme do they incorporate ground floor non-residential Building frontage uses? If not, do they provide a positive residential frontage overlooking the street and avoid 11 bedrooms at ground floor level overlooking the public realm? DG74: Apartments - Apartment buildings should always have a communal aerial and satellite dish if cable TV is Aerials/satellite dishes not available, and a condition should be attached to the planning permission to this effect. A DG75: Apartments - Does the parking comply with the recommendations of Section 4.13 of this Design Guide? Parking

131 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 Building design This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer 5 to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 1) has considered the design of buildings for applications for single buildings or Single buildings and dwellings 02 dwellings. PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, Response to Do the proposals demonstrate a response to the character of the area as identified within the understood and applied the 03 Character Character Study in Section 2? principles set our above? Response to Do the proposals demonstrate a response to the site constraints and opportunities as PROCESS: The adjacent table Constraints and identified within the Site Appraisal in Section 2? 04 summarises the key principles set opportunities out within this section and can be DG51: Scale Does the design generally reflect or respond to the scale of the existing settlement and used by applicant and officer as a positively contribute to the character as identified in the Character Study in Section 2? If not, checklist. has a strong justification been provided? 05 DG52: Form and Does the new development adopt a simple form in-keeping with the character of the area? If The applicant is expected to meet the massing not, is the reason justified? requirements of all relevant Principles DG53: Corner If the proposed building is on a corner plot does the building ‘turn the corner’ providing 06 (ie a tick in each box) or provide a buildings frontage to both streets? justification for failure to do so. Does the scheme avoid exposed, blank gable ends with no windows fronting the public realm? DG54: Overlooking Does the building provide good natural surveillance of the street or space that is overlooks? 07 the street SUMMARY: You will now have DG55: Boundary Does the development clearly define public and private space through the use of appropriate designed the buildings on your treatments boundary treatments? If not, is this justified? site. This should have been Are these boundary treatments reflective of the area as established in the Character Study? 08 carried out in parallel with Building DG56: Entrances Are all property entrances directly onto and easily visible from the public realm? Are they Performance (refer to the guidance legible and welcoming? in Section 7) and, if your site is in DG57: Roofscape Does the roofscape proposed reflect the simple roof structures characteristic within the district? 09 a rural or low density area, with If the building is large is it broken up into a series of smaller spans or modules of a simple reference to Section 6. form to ensure the roof does not dominate the building or surrounding area? DG58: Chimneys If chimneys are incorporated into the design are they reflective of the character of the area? 10 If a pre-application meeting has not yet been held then this would DG59: Dormers If dormers are incorporated into the design are they reflective of the character of the area? be an appropriate time. This Are they positioned to line up with openings on the main façade? can be used to check that the DG60: Windows Is the choice of window design appropriate to the overall design approach? 11 Planning Authority are happy with Are alterations to windows in keeping with the character of the existing dwelling? the principles of the scheme and DG61: Facade and Has the applicant demonstrated an architectural approach and identity borne from the place to agree any refinements that elevations and reflected through the Character Study? A may be required.

132 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 5 Building design SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST (PART 2) Single buildings and dwellings 02 PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK

DG62: Materials Is the palette of materials proposed of high quality and reflective of the character of the area 03 as established through the Character Study? DG63: Amenity Has the applicant demonstrated that the provision of amenity space is appropriate to the location of the development and the size of the dwelling? 04 DG64: Privacy Has the applicant demonstrated how privacy will be maintained between new and existing development? DG65: Inclusive Has the development addressed the needs of people with disabilities? communities 05 DG66: Live-work Has the ability to work from home been considered within the application? If a Live-work unit units is proposed has this been designed to avoid harm to the amenity of other residents?

DG67: Refuse and Has the applicant demonstrated how the refuse requirements for new development has been 06 utilities met whilst complying with other principles such as amenity and overlooking? DG68: Meters and Have utility services and meters been considered within the overall architectural design of services the property to avoid dominating the building frontage? 07

10 PROCESS: Click on your application type to be directed Commercial or employment - SECTION 7 to the appropriate section: Mixed use scheme - SECTION 7 Strategic housing developments and urban extensions - 11 SECTION 7 Apartment blocks - SECTION 7 Major residential development - SECTION 7 Individual houses and ancillary buildings - SECTION 7

Infill developments - SECTION 7 A Schemes in rural or lower density areas - SECTION 6

133 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas This section is relevant for dwellings in relatively large grounds, country estates and small groups of dwellings such as hamlets and farm buildings. In these locations landscape is the dominant feature with the buildings situated within the landscape and/or countryside. Within rural areas of the Vale traditional buildings successfully integrated into their landscape settings through the use of simple building forms, local materials, structural planting and an understanding of how to site development within the landscape to protect against the climate. The type of landscape varies across the Vale from Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the south, more flat expansive pastures in central areas to the Corraline Ridge to the north of the District. Lower density areas such as Cumnor Hill and Oxford Road in Abingdon are characterised by residential properties set in relatively large, often well landscaped grounds Throughout the Vale the countryside plays a unique role in defining the character of the District. The Council, through its role as Local Planning Authority is a custodian of the countryside and wants to see any development within these areas integrated into the landscape in a sensitive and appropriate manner. 134 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Buildings in rural and lower density areas The figure below indicates where including: 6 you are within the document and 6.1 Landscape character and those sections relevant to your Process setting; application. 02 6.2 Informal clusters or Before you proceed have grouping; you read through the relevant 03 Sections 2 and 5 and completed 6.3 Scale, form and massing; the relevant checklists? If not 6.4 Facades and elevations; please go back. 04 6.5 Boundaries; and OVERVIEW OF SECTION 6:

1 INTRODUCTION This section outlines the 6.6 Parking. key principles to consider A checklist is provided at the 05 All applications in delivering well designed end of this section. buildings in rural locations Urban extensions, 2 RESPONDING 2 RESPONDING TO THE major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SITE SETTINGAND SETTING

07 3 ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08 Buildings in 4 STREETS AND rural and lower SPACES 5 BUILDING DESIGN density areas

09 6 BUILDINGS 6 BUILDINGS IN RURAL IN ANDRURAL LOWER AND DENSITYLOWER Employment Areas DENSITYAREAS AREAS 7 BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

9 EMPLOYMENT 9 EMPLOYMENT AREAS 8 MIXED 8 MIXED USE CENTRES USE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 6.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

135 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Landscape character and setting 02

04 S S R

Fig 6.2: Rural dwelling set within the landscape Fig 6.4 Proposals on hillsides should avoid development set at one level to avoid merging 05 development together which is generally out of character in rural locations 6.1 Landscape character 6.1.4 Country houses have a unique Principle DG76: Landscape landscape character. and setting relationship with their landscape character and setting 06 setting; their exceptional architectural Development proposals should Setting and generally planned formal Applicants should demonstrate work with the topography. landscape settings are unique how the landscape character Integrating buildings around the 6.1.1 Buildings in rural and lower 07 elements within the landscape and not has been considered from the existing topography can help to density areas within the Vale should be the typical relationship between built outset of the design process as an soften the appearance of a new simply integrated into their setting to be form and the landscape. integral part of the proposal. This development within the landscape. at one with the landscape in a sensitive will be a key requirement within The topography of the site can 08 and appropriate manner. the Design and Access Statement. also be used to provide natural 6.1.2 Lower density areas such shelter from wind and therefore Buildings within rural and lower as Cumnor Hill and Oxford Road prevent heat loss in winter. 09 density areas within the Vale in Abingdon are characterised by S should be simply integrated into Buildings on sloping sites should residential properties set in relatively their setting to be at one with the avoid exposed plinths within the large, often well landscaped grounds. landscape. hillside and use the topography 10 6.1.3 Whilst one can point to examples to the development’s advantage. As a general rule, buildings of prominent eighteenth and nineteenth Building along the contours of should not be located on century country houses within the Vale the landscape rather than cutting 11 ridgelines or exposed sites that stand proudly in the landscape as across them can reduce this R where the buildings will become dominant features these tend to be the issue provided buildings are a dominant visual feature to exceptions. Fig 6.3: Buildings should not be located on sufficiently spaced. A ridgelines or exposed sites and instead should the detriment of the existing integrate into their setting

136 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Landscape character and setting 02

Principle DG77: Landscape Trees and planting should be Relationship with the landscape selected and located according to: Work with what you have got! 03 6.1.5 Understanding the relationship Retain important landscape • Final height and appearance of of rural buildings and the landscape is features, mature trees and the tree or plants; critical in successfully integrating new planting wherever possible and 04 development into the countryside. • Whether they are deciduous or incorporate these features into S evergreen to ensure they do not 6.1.6 Applicant should refer to their the landscape structure. block daylight from elevations Character Study in Section 2 and Sufficient space should be during the winter period; 05 demonstrate how these findings have allowed around new buildings and informed the design proposals. • Soil type; consideration must be given to 6.1.7 Landscape elements such as R the relationship of buildings with • Existing tree species in the 06 hedgerows, trees and soft landscaping their boundaries on all sides. locality; are often used to visually anchor Landscape elements, tree • Existing services underground buildings into their settings. Fig 6.5: Buildings on sloping sites should avoid 07 exposed plinths within the hillside and use the planting, and boundary treatments or overhead; and topography to the developments’ advantage. should be used to establish the Building along the contours of the landscape • Proximity to existing buildings. rather than cutting across them can reduce building within the landscape, this issue visually anchoring the building to 08 their existing landscape setting.

Fig 6.6: Hedgerows and tree planting visually Fig 6.7: Traditionally development has Fig 6.8: Homes at Cumnor Hill, set within a well Fig 6.9: Mature trees and vegetation softens A anchor the building to its landscape setting been sited in sheltered positions within the landscaped environment the impact of large homes at Cumnor Hill topography with planting used to provide additional shelter 137 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Informal clusters or groupings 02

05 Fig 6.10: Traditional informal farmyard cluster

6.2 Informal clusters 06 or grouping in rural Principle DG78: Clusters or locations grouping

6.2.1 Repetitive building forms in rows New development should 07 or grids can often appear out of place respond to traditional forms and within a more rural context in its natural cluster around a central space in

surroundings. Traditional farms often and varied manner. 08 contain a variety of buildings often Over-intensive housing clustered around a farmyard or court. development should be avoided These groupings of buildings grew in and in lower density areas plot 09 an organic way to create a varied and Fig 6.11: Historic clusters can be used as size should reflect the prevailing precedent for new development proposals generally successful composition within context. the landscape. Visual gaps that reflect the 10 6.2.2 Over-intensive development general character of the should be avoided within these areas. immediate area should be retained between buildings on 11 adjacent plots.

138 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Scale, form and massing Principle DG79: Scale form 02 and massing

Keep it simple! The majority 03 of traditional buildings in the Vale, in both urban and rural areas, adopts a very consistent, 04 simple form, with rectangular Fig 6.14: Simple rectangular floorplan with pitched roof floorplans and pitched roofs. In most instances new development 05 Fig 6.12: Rural buildings generally conform to simple forms should adopt a similar approach unless justification or a strong architectural approach can be 6.3 Scale, form and 6.3.3 Larger agricultural buildings demonstrated. 06 massing have been a traditional part of the rural Larger footprint buildings can scene in the form of simple rectangular 6.3.1 The majority of traditional often appear bulky and should be barns and sheds nestled within the 07 buildings in the Vale in rural areas, broken down to create a number landscape. Traditionally larger buildings adopt a very consistent, simple form, of simple geometric forms. were broken down into a number with rectangular floorplans and pitched of simple components reducing the Fig 6.15: Simple rectangular floorplan with The majority of development 08 roofs. Refer to Section 5.4 Roofscape. hipped roof overall bulk and mass. This technique within rural and lower density 6.3.2 Applicants should refer to their should be employed for larger areas of the Vale is 1 or 2-storey Character Study (Section 2) to consider commercial and agricultural buildings in height. Development heights 09 the prevailing scale, form and massing within the countryside. should be responsive to their of development within the locality context and predominant heights and respect this in developing their within the area. Development that 10 development proposals. exceeds these will require strong justifications.

New development should 11 generally reflect the scale of the existing dwellings within Fig 6.13: Large agricultural buildings Fig 6.16: Breaking down larger dwellings into a its locality unless a strong should be broken down to avoid a number of simple geometric forms A bulky appearance justification is provided.

139 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Facades, elevations and boundaries 02 6.5 Boundaries and Principle DG81: Boundary landscape setting treatments 03 6.5.1 The interface and boundary The front boundary of a site treatment of plots and the street and should be defined by either walls, surrounding areas should be reflective timber fencing, railings and/or 04 of the character of the area as identified hedges to reflect the general in the Character Study. character of the immediate area. Fig 6.17: Access streets and parking should be informal and reflect the prevailing character 6.5.2 Rural and lower density areas Front gardens should be provided 05 are generally characterised by 6.4 Facades and elevations 6.4.2 This should not result in with lawns, tree planting, hedges the landscape and mature trees, pastiche replicas of traditional buildings and only small areas of hard 6.4.1 The elevational style and layout hedgerows and planting are important but instead reinterpret key aspects of surfacing either gravel or paving. 06 of new buildings should be drawn from to their character and setting. These their elevations be it their symmetrical the characteristics and vernacular of landscape elements in combination Retention of all trees and layout, window to wall ratio, proportions the context. with walls, timber fencing and railings hedgerows, especially along or placement of windows and doors. 07 form the boundary and definition of property boundaries is vital. If individual plots. trees and hedges do need to be removed, they should be Principle DG80: Facades and appearance of the building as replaced within the site. 08 elevations a whole as compared to having specific public and private facades. Side boundary separations of at The elevational style and layout least 2 to 5 metres (depending on of new buildings should be drawn Applicants should establish 09 the location) should be retained from the characteristics and an architectural approach and at all levels. vernacular of the context. identity borne from the place and demonstrate this link between the The visual impact of buildings 10 existing and the new within their within these locations can be Design and Access Statement. more significant than those within urban areas. These buildings can Keep it simple! Avoid crowded 11 often be seen from many locations façades and arrangements that within the wider area. As such are almost, but not quite, aligned. it is important to understand the Fig 6.18: Rustic gates, fences and hedgerows A provide characteristic boundary treatments

140 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Parking and access 02

Fig 6.19: Access should be designed and landscaped to be informal and have a minimal impact 05 6.6 Parking and access 6.6.3 Any garaging required by developments should either be Principle DG82: Parking 6.6.1 Sufficient parking should be incorporated into the buildings at 06 provided on site in accordance with In more rural and lower density the ground floor level or provided current standards. A limited quantity locations front driveways are an in detached buildings. Where there of parking could be provided to the acceptable solution and should is a noticeable slope in the ground, 07 front of buildings if landscaped and be landscaped and designed in it may be possible to cut a garage designed in such a manner that it does such a manner that they do not building into the slope with landscaping not dominate the front garden or impact dominate the front garden or sweeping over the roof. upon the amenity of neighbouring streetscape. 08 properties. Permeable surfacing should 6.6.4 New entranceways and Refer also to Section 4.13. be used to limit any off-site surface driveways shall be designed and water impact. constructed in accordance with 09 Oxfordshire County Council’s 6.6.2 Where hard-surfacing for car standards. parking in front gardens is necessary, 10 it should be screened from view of the 6.6.5 Access ways and driveways to street by trees and hedge planting. developments shall be designed and landscaped to be informal and have a minimal impact. Driveways should be 11 soft (not overly engineered with kerbs and hardsurfacing), well landscaped and boundary hedgerows and plantings A should be retained and/or provided.

141 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 6 Buildings in rural and lower density areas This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application has considered the design of buildings in rural and lower density areas. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG76: Landscape Has the applicant demonstrated how the landscape character has been considered from the understood and applied the 03 character and setting outset of the design process as an integral part of the proposal? principles set our above? Does the design integrate with its setting? PROCESS: The adjacent table Does the design avoid becoming a dominant visual feature to the detriment of the existing 04 summarises the key principles landscape character? set out within this section and Does the proposal work with the existing topography? Avoiding exposed plinths within the can be used by applicant and hillside for example? officer as a checklist. DG77: Landscape Does the development retain important landscape features, mature trees and planting 05 wherever possible and incorporate these features into the landscape structure? The applicant is expected to meet Is sufficient space allowed around new development to avoid clustering of masses and to the requirements of all relevant allow tree planting between? Consideration must be given to the relationship of buildings 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) with their boundaries on all sides. or provide a justification for failure Has the applicant demonstrated that landscape elements, tree planting and appropriate to do so. boundary treatments have been used to establish the building within the landscape, visually anchoring the building to their existing landscape setting? 07 Has the applicant demonstrated that the plant species selected are appropriate for the location? SUMMARY: You will now have designed the building on your site. DG78: Clusters or If a cluster of buildings is proposed do they respond to traditional forms and cluster around a grouping central space in and varied manner? 08 This should have been carried out Has the design retained visual gaps between buildings or groups of buildings to reflect the in parallel Building design (refer general character of the area? to the guidance in Section 5) and Does the design generally reflect or respond to the scale of the existing settlement and 09 Building performance (Section 7). positively contribute to its character? If not has a strong justification been provided? If a pre-application meeting has DG79: Scale form Does the new development adopt a simple form in-keeping with the character of the area? If and massing not, is the reason justified? not yet been held then this may 10 be an appropriate time. This DG80: Facades and Has the applicant demonstrated an architectural approach and identity borne from the elevations place? can be used to check that the Planning Authority are happy with Has the applicant considered the appearance of the building from all visible locations and designed the facades accordingly? 11 the principles of the scheme and DG81: Boundaries Is the boundary treatment and landscape setting of the proposal in-keeping with the to agree any refinements that and landscape character of the area? If not, is the reason justified? may be required. setting A DG82: Parking Does parking comply with Section 4.13 of this Design Guide?

142 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 7 Building performance Housing makes a significant contribution to CO2 emissions in the UK. The construction industry also utilises substantial volumes of non-renewable resources and generates pollution and waste. The need for sustainable approaches to building design is therefore fundamental if the challenges associated with climate change, resource depletion and pollution are to be addressed. Traditionally, sustainable technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels have been retro-fitted to existing buildings, often to the detriment of the building design. Section 3 explored at site wide considerations for sustainable development in larger scale developments. This section looks at how sustainable design and construction can improve the environmental integrity of housing, without compromising design quality.

143 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Building performance The figure below indicates where you the design process and that 7 are within the document and those bolt-on solutions are avoided. Process sections relevant to your application The choice of sustainable 02 Before you proceed have you measures should be considered read through the relevant Sections within the context of the site,

2 - 6 and completed the relevant and measures which are 03 checklists? If not please go back to deemed acceptable for one Section 2. location may not necessarily be acceptable for another. OVERVIEW OF SECTION 7: 04 This section should be read in Applicants should refer to the parallel with ‘Building Design Character Study carried out in 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION (Section 5) to ensure that Section 2 to inform this process. 05 sustainable design measures All applications A checklist is provided at the are integrated at the outset of end of this section. Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING 06 major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND SETTING employment areas

07 033 ESTABLISHING ESTABLISHING THE THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08

Buildings in 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN rural and lower SPACES density areas 09 06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING A AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION

Fig 7.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

144 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 7 Building performance Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Introduction 02

Fig 7.2: Sustainability considerations should cover all aspects from energy to health and wellbeing

05 7.1 Introduction Targets for sustainable development 7.1.1 The council has an adopted 06 Sustainable Design and Construction 7.1.3 The current Government is SPD (Dec 2009). The aim of this committed to ensuring that all new Supplementary Planning Document homes are zero carbon from 2016 07 is to provide guidance to planners, onwards. Changes will be introduced developers, architects and facilities through the Building Regulations to managers on how to achieve the meet this target. council’s requirements in respect of 08 7.1.4 For office and industrial sustainable design and construction development a different system of when preparing planning applications assessment is used under a Building for commercial developments over 09 Research Environmental Assessment 1,000 square meters and residential Method (BREEAM) rating. This has five developments of ten or more dwellings. rating levels from pass to excellent. Applicants with relevant applications 10 should review this document. 7.1.5 The council aspires to new non-residential development achieving 7.1.2 The targets set out within this a level of performance equivalent to document have been superseded 11 BREEAM excellent. but the spirit and aspirations from the council to deliver sustainable development remains a strong priority. A

145 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Building performance Principle DG83: Orientation North facing facades should seek 7 to minimise large areas of glazing The orientation of a building to prevent unnecessary heat loss Energy efficient and design principles should not be dictated solely by in winter. Again this should only 02 the sun. However there are means be applied where this does not by which building design can take compromise provision of adequate advantage of orientation. overlooking onto the street. 03 Building depths should be limited Design for natural light and wherever possible to maximise consider the installation of roof natural lighting levels and natural 04 lights or ‘sunpipes’ to provide ventilation. daylight to areas without windows Fig 7.3: Building integrated photovoltaics and solar heater, RuralZED Homes should seek to avoid and solar-powered external lighting. single-aspect which may cause 05 Applicants should consider inclusion 7.2 Energy efficient design 7.2.3 For example when developing homes to overheat (if south- of materials with high thermal mass principles. an infill site in an urban area the building facing) or create additional heating within the building structure to frontage should overlook the street and demands (if north facing). 06 absorb the sun’s heat energy. Orientation and lighting contribute to the established building South facing windows that lines. It should not restrict orientation to Provide shading to south facing 7.2.1 For site wide guidance on maximise natural daylighting and 30 degrees of south to maximize solar windows to prevent overheating 07 orientation please refer to Section 4. warmth should be favoured for gains. in summer months. This could habitable rooms where this does not 7.2.2 Buildings orientated simply be in the form of deciduous tree 7.2.4 The depth of buildings can have compromise provision of adequate to maximize sunlight and daylight adjacent to the property. a significant effect on natural lighting overlooking onto the street. 08 penetration can often conflict with levels internally. Traditional residential the principles of good urban design. Green roofs and walls buildings within the Vale have depths of As a general rule buildings should 6 - 8m which are particularly effective 7.2.5 Green roofs and walls offer a 09 be orientated to first and foremost in capitalising on natural lighting levels wide range of sustainability benefits, Principle DG84: Green roofs contribute to the structure and and natural ventilation. including reducing storm water runoff, character of established environment Consider whether the use of increased sound proofing, filtering 10 or in the case of larger development green roofs are appropriate within water and increasing biodiversity. the established structure of streets and the context of the site They also provide a radiant barrier to spaces. prevent rooms becoming hotter than Ensure the building position and 11 the outdoor air temperature in summer. climate is suitable for the chosen A green roof can be integrated into the green roof system. design of a new extension, retrofitted A to an existing flat roof or planned into Fig 7.4: Optimum orientation relative to the sun individual units on a larger scheme.

146 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 7 Building performance Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Materials and construction 02

05 Fig 7.5: Locally sourced materials can increase the sustainability credentials of a building

7.3 Materials and Consider the environmental 06 construction impact of materials Principle DG85: Materials

7.3.1 The choice and source of 7.3.3 The use of sustainable building Seek to recycle building materials materials can have a significant bearing materials will be encouraged. where appropriate. 07 on the amount of energy used to The use of materials with construct and operate buildings. Evaluate the thermal mass of low-embedded energy or materials materials that can be recycled is 08 Efficient re-use of materials 7.3.4 Using high thermal mass encouraged. 7.3.2 Where appropriate and materials can significantly reduce heat The use of materials that have practical existing on site materials can loss in winter. Traditional Vale buildings 09 low toxicity is encouraged. be considered for re-use. For example, were frequently constructed using re-use existing concrete as road fill or materials such as brick and stone, Where appropriate, consider the foundations. which store heat and release it slowly. use of materials with high thermal 10 Other materials that also have a high mass that suit the character of thermal mass must be justified as part the area.

of a comprehensive design concept, 11 particularly in sensitive historic areas.

147 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 7 Building performance Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Energy technology 02

7.4.5 Building integrated energy efficient solutions provide an opportunity to maximise energy 03 generation on a building without significantly compromising the building design. They can make a positive 04 contribution to the design of buildings, particularly where a contemporary

Fig 7.6: Building integrated photovoltaics and solar heater, RuralZED statement is required. S 05

Fig 7.7: Retrofitting solar water heating systems require careful planning to mitigate 7.4.3 Installing solar panels on houses their visual impact 7.4 Energy technology 06 does not generally require planning 7.4.1 Heat and energy for buildings permission, however, permission may can be generated from a number of Principle DG86: Photovoltaics Principle DG87: Solar be required in certain circumstances, for different sources including sunlight, thermal water heating 07 example when installing a solar panel For new development, integrated wind and geothermal heat. Where on the roof of flats or in a Conservation energy efficient solutions are Any panels should be positioned appropriate, energy technologies Area. preferable. on roofs that have a 30 – 40 should be integrated into the design of degree pitch within 30 degrees of 08 the building from the outset as part of Any panels should be positioned Solar thermal water heating an east-west axis. an overall design approach. on building surfaces that face 7.4.4 Solar water systems require a within 90 degrees of south. Consider the character of the 09 Photovoltaics collector that can either be roof or wall They work best if they are not building and the area. mounted. Solar thermal water heating overshadowed and ideally on a 7.4.2 For example, solar cells Leave space for extra water systems require a roof collector, but pitch of less than 40 degrees. (photovoltaics) are used for electricity cylinders if required for the 10 demand a larger surface area for the Do consider the character of the generation. Cells can be ‘building chosen system. collector than provoltaics systems. building and the area. integrated’, into the building envelope These systems tend to be visually Make sure that roofs are strong as solar roof tiles or transparent solar Designs should allow for system obtrusive and should be carefully enough to hold the solar panels. 11 membranes on conservatories, rather maintenance. sited and designed from the outset. than retro-fitted to roofs as glass Designs should allow for system With care they can be positive PVs can also be situated within fronted panels which can result in maintenance. design elements of a roofscape or an gardens or on ancillary buildings. A negative visual impact. elevation.

148 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 7 Building performance Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Energy technology 02

Ground / air source power Hydro-power Principle DG88: Hydro-power 7.4.8 Ground source heat pumps 03 7.4.6 Small scale hydro-power can Check the site to see if it is (GSHP) transfer heat from the be used to convert energy from flowing suitable. ground into a building to provide water into electricity. space heating and, in some cases, to 04 Consult the Environment Agency. 7.4.7 When hydro-power is considered preheat domestic hot water. Planning a number of design issues should Locate the power usage site or permission is not usually required be taken into account including the connection point to the national to install these systems and they 05 appearance of turbines and associated grid close to the water source. usually do not have any significant infrastructure. The affect the system design implications. Applicants Minimise the visual and noise may have on neighbouring properties should, however, consider the internal impacts of turbines and other 06 from noise, and vibration or change in requirements of the plant and area of infrastructure by considering the water flow and finally, the impact of the the ground needed for the system. design and position carefully. system on the habitats and species 7.4.9 Air and water source heat 07 in the watercourse. The Environment Take measures to ensure that the pumps are also available. Air source Agency should be contacted for further ecology of a water source is not heat pumps can be fitted outside a information. Planning permission is affected by diverting a proportion house or in the roof space but can be required for all water turbines. of its flow. 08 noisy and visually obtrusive and should therefore be carefully sited to minimise impact on the character of the area. 09

A Fig 7.8: Archimedes screw, hydro generation, East Hanney

149 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 7 Building performance Policy 40 Sustainable design and construction Water 02

05 Fig 7.9: Swales cane be incorporated within the landscape

7.5 Water Harvest the rain 06 7.5.1 Reducing the demand for water 7.5.2 Rainwater storage systems 7.5.4 Grey water storage tanks and in turn reducing the embodied harvest rainwater for irrigation, garden are best located in roof spaces or energy within clean water is a critical watering, toilet flushing or car washing. underground so that they do not affect 07 consideration in sustainable building The simplest form of rainwater storage the exterior of a building or the street design. Measures such as installing is a garden water butt and can scene.

water meters, water-saving devices usually be located on rear elevations. 08 such as dual flush lavatories and other Underground storage should be Principle DG89: Water water efficient fixtures and appliances considered in some sensitive locations All water fittings in all homes and can significantly reduce water or where the storage vessels are larger. non-residential buildings (taps 09 consumption. and showers) should be specified Re-use grey water and installed as recognised low 7.5.3 Grey water recycling systems flow technology. 10 re-use waste water from hand wash Use ultra-low or dual flush WCs. basins, baths and showers. Grey Fig 7.10: Water butts are simple solutions to water systems can be installed in Encourage rainwater harvesting recycle rainwater 11 new or existing properties and have or grey water recycling unless the potential to meet a significant site conditions are such that it proportion of domestic demand for is not possible to install these A water. systems.

150 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 7 Building performance This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST to check that appropriate consideration has been given to building performance as part of an application. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG83: Orientation Whilst the orientation and/or design of a building should not be dictated solely by the sun has understood and applied the 03 the building design taken advantage of orientation or considered maximising solar gains? principles set our above? Are building depths limited to maximise natural lighting levels and natural ventilation? PROCESS: The adjacent table DG84: Green Roofs Has the applicant agreed with the council whether green roofs are appropriate within the 04 summarises the key principles context of the site? set out within this section and Is the building position and climate suitable for the chosen green roof system? can be used by applicant and Has additional structural support to the roof been allowed for, as green roofs are heavier officer as a checklist. than traditional ones? 05 DG85: Materials Has the applicant considered materials with low-embedded energy, materials that can be The applicant is expected to meet recycled and/or materials that have low toxicity? the requirements of all relevant Has the applicant considered materials from local sources wherever possible? 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) or provide a justification for failure DG86: Photovoltaics Has the applicant considered solar roof tiles? to do so. Are the position/location of any panels suitable? 07 DG87: Solar thermal If proposed has the design considered the impact on the building and/or the character of the water heating area? SUMMARY: You will now have Are the position/location of any panels suitable? 08 designed the building on your site. DG88: Hydro-power Is the site suitable? If a pre-application meeting has Has the applicant consulted the Environment Agency? not yet been held then this may Has the design minimised the visual and noise impacts of turbines and other infrastructure? 09 be an appropriate time. This DG89: Water Has the applicant considered rainwater harvesting or grey water recycling systems? can be used to check that the Planning Authority are happy with the principles of the scheme and 10 to agree any refinements that PROCESS: Click on your application type to be directed Commercial or employment - SECTION 9 to the appropriate section: may be required. Mixed use scheme - SECTION 8 Strategic housing developments and urban extensions - 11 SECTION 8 Apartment blocks - COMPLETE Major residential development - SECTION 8 Individual houses and ancillary buildings - COMPLETE

Infill developments - COMPLETE A Schemes in rural or lower density areas - COMPLETE

151 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 8 Mixed use centres The Vale is endowed with very successful town and village centres that have developed over time around crossroads, centres of activity or stopping places, with the incremental growth of housing, retail, community and employment uses around the original core. Successful communities require a full range of local facilities and services conveniently located and integrated within a settlement and connected by safe and pleasant streets. All too often truly mixed use areas in new development is poorly designed, poorly located or lacks the vibrancy and activity of the neighbourhood centres we love. Section 3.6 outlines the importance of incorporating a range of facilities within a neighbourhood that are conveniently sited and connected to residential areas by safe and direct routes. Planning new or designing within mixed use centres or neighbourhood hubs requires careful consideration. This section outlines the key principles to consider to achieve a successfully planned neighbourhood centre. 152 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Mixed use centres The figure below indicates where • 8.1 Access; 8 you are within the document. • 8.2 Layout and public realm; Process Before you proceed have you • 8.3 Built form; and 02 read through Sections 2 - 7 and completed the relevant • 8.4 Shopfronts. checklists? If not please go back A checklist is provided at the 03 to any sections that are relevant end of this section. to your application.

OVERVIEW OF SECTION 04 8: This section outlines the 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION key principles to consider to achieve a successfully planned 05 All applications mixed use centre including:

Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING TO THE SITE AND major residential sites, SETTING 06 employment areas

033 ESTABLISHING ESTABLISHING THE THE 07 STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites

Buildings in 08 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN rural and lower SPACES density areas

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ RURAL AND LOWER 09 DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10 Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 8.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

153 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 8 Mixed use centres Policy 32: Retailing and other main town centre uses Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Access 02

Fig 8.2: Non-residential uses cluster around key streets and nodes 05 8.1 Access

8.1.1 The link between successful 8.1.3 The range of services and Fig 8.4: Illustration of mixed use centre 06 commercial uses and accessibility facilities is linked to the density and has long been recognised. Shops, quantum of supporting development. services and community facilities are For example a village may support a 07 more likely to thrive when located local shop and pub whereas a major Principle DG90: Mixed use Short stay / visitor and disabled on well connected streets benefiting urban extension could have sufficient centres - Access car parking spaces and secure from passing trade, public transport quantum to support a range of facilities, cycle parking should be The location of mixed use accessibility and a walkable catchment shops, schools and other community integrated into the streetscape or 08 centres and neighbourhood of around 5 to 10 minutes (400 - 800m). facilities. landscape design with convenient hubs is key to their viability and access to capitalise on passing 8.1.2 The benefits of mixed use long term success. They should trade. The appropriate number, 09 development are numerous: be conveniently located at the location and layout will depend on intersections of well connected • Reduction in the need to use a car; the local context. streets and should be highly visible. 10 • More convenient access to facilities A frequent bus route should serve Accessibility for all users should and local jobs; the Neighbourhood Centre with be integrated into the design bus stops conveniently located • Greater opportunities for social of the centre, with particular and well-overlooked to encourage 11 interaction; consideration given to how the patronage. elderly and disabled will access • Urban vitality and street life; and and use the centre. A • A greater feeling of safety, with ‘eyes Fig 8.3: In urban and rural areas local retail and facilities locate along key routes on streets’.

154 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 8 Mixed use centres Policy 32 Retailing and other main town centre uses Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Layout and public realm 02

Local retail and other facilities Principle route School playing fields 03

School building

05 Fig 8.5: Illustration of village green Apartments

8.2 Layout and public 06 realm Local Park 8.2.1 Mixed use centres or neighbourhood hubs should be Fig 8.8: Illustration of general arrangement for neighbourhood hubs 07 designed as a central focus for the community. They should provide an Principle DG91: Mixed use The size of public spaces created

attractive and identifiable environment, centres - Layout and public in neighbourhood centres should 08 supported by high quality public realm realm be related to the height of treatment including street furniture, enclosing development to provide Fig 8.6: Abstract plan configuration of Mixed use centres and materials, lighting and planting. All neighbourhood hub and mixed use centres enclosure and a sense of place. neighbourhood hubs should 09 development within the centre should be designed around streets or Servicing areas must not visually front onto the public realm and make nodes. Avoid internal shopping dominate the streetscene and a positive contribution to natural centres or malls. dead frontage overlooking the 10 surveillance, identity and legibility. public realm should be avoided. Cluster facilities around an 8.2.2 Providing a public space will appropriate scaled high quality create a more welcoming pedestrian public realm or public space 11 environment suitable for pavement as a central focus. This could cafés and a place for people to linger or range from a village green, a meet friends. Setting the public space small public square to a simple A back from the road will reduce the Fig 8.7: Ground floor retail with residential above focused around a village green - Poundbury widening of the street. intrusion of vehicles.

155 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 8 Mixed use centres Built form 02

Servicing and parking 03

Main Street

Fig 8.9: The height of buildings within a centre should be appropriate to its context and aid legibility 05 Fig 8.10: ‘Wrap’ or locate larger non-residential Fig 8.11: Building heights with 4 storey footprints such as supermarkets or leisure development within the mixed use centre, 3 8.3.3 Sub-dividing development buildings within the block with a perimeter of storeys defining principal streets and 2 storeys 8.3 Built form active development elsewhere parcels into smaller plots has a number 8.3.1 The clustering of buildings 06 of benefits including: and the scale and massing of the Principle DG92: Mixed Use Development within mixed use centre or hub should contribute to • Generating more active frontages centres - Built form areas and neighbourhood hubs its legibility. The heights and form of and entrances onto the street; should generally be fine grain. 07 The height of buildings within a buildings will depend on their location • Encouraging a ‘human scale’ and centre should be appropriate to ‘Wrap’ or locate larger non- within the District and the size of the fine pedestrian grain; its context and aid legibility. residential footprints such as proposed development. For example supermarkets or leisure buildings 08 within a more rural village location • Providing a flexible basis for Include residential development within blocks with a perimeter of a neighbourhood hub could consist amalgamation if necessary which within the mix above non- active development. of two or three 2-storey buildings enables future incremental growth to residential uses to ensure activity 09 clustered around a key node whereas take place; and and surveillance throughout All development within the centre in more urban locations or within larger the day and night. Residential should front onto the public realm • Minimising costly and wasteful urban extensions it may be appropriate proposals within these locations and make a positive contribution leftover space. to structure a number of 3 – 4 storey should consider service yard to natural surveillance, identity 10 buildings, a school building and crèche locations, noise, odour, lighting and legibility. around a public space. and air quality issues. Applicants should refer to Section 11 8.3.2 Development within mixed use Ground floor ceiling heights 5.16 for apartment design. areas and neighbourhood hubs should should be increased to provide generally be fine grain. more generous non-residential A spaces.

156 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 8 Mixed use centres Policy 32 Retailing and other main town centre uses Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Shopfronts Fascia Cornice 02 Console

8.4 Shopfronts 8.4.4 Ground floor units should be flexible and easily adaptable to 03 8.4.1 The guidance below should be respond to the changing needs of applied to both new development and Transom Fanlight the neighbourhood and reduce the Pilaster alterations to existing shopfronts. likelihood of vacant units. 04 8.4.2 There is a wide variety in the Mullion 8.4.5 The principal purpose of a design, detail, style and appearance of shopfront is the advertisement and shopfronts. However there are certain display of goods and services provided Door to upper Cill 05 features that are common to most. floors inside the building. Even in the most modern shopfront it is usually possible to identify a ‘stallriser’, 8.4.6 Retail frontage should reinforce Stall Riser 06 ‘fascia’, and ‘pilaster’, and although not the shop’s identity and its location in Stallriser in a traditional form, elements that echo the centre or neighbourhood hub whilst Fig 8.12: Basic elements of a traditional shopfront design ‘consoles’, ‘cornices’ and ‘fanlights’. In forming an integral part of the whole 07 any design such elements should be building and street frontage. compatible in terms of scale, proportion 8.4.7 This can be achieved by and materials in order to produce a well- considering the style of the whole balanced shopfront. 08 building and that of its neighbours. 8.4.3 Shop frontages should be designed to reinforce the shop’s 09 identity and its location in the centre Fig 8.13: The building frontage is dominated by oversized signage and or hub whilst forming an integral part S signage on upper levels. It appears cluttered and detracts from the overall of the whole building, streetscene or street scene 10 cluster of buildings. The design needs to consider the overall style of the hub or centre and also respond or reflect the character of existing shop fronts 11 within the settlement.

A Fig 8.14: A coordinated, uncluttered approach that is visually cohesive creates R a more pleasant street environment

157 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 8 Mixed use centres Policy 32: Retailing and other main town centre uses Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Shopfronts 02

8.4.11 Signage: The impact of external signage on the street scene can be significant. When carefully 03 considered, signage can aid legibility and contribute positively to the streetscene. Poorly sited, overlarge 04 or badly designed signage however can clutter the appearance of centres S and neighbourhood hubs. There is 05 Fig 8.15: Abingdon shop fronts which are appropriate to their context therefore a need to create a careful Fig 8.16: Solid external metal roller shutters can create an unwelcoming and hostile balance between satisfying commercial environment and should therefore be avoided needs of advertising and protecting 06 8.4.8 Canopies: The integration 8.4.9 Security: Security measures the amenity and character of shopping of canopies within shopfronts will for retail and commercial units should areas. be accepted in areas where this is be considered at the design stage 8.4.12 All signs should relate well in 07 prevalent to provide shelter, colour and and not ‘added on’ as an afterthought. terms of size, scale and appearance interest and reflect the character of A balance must be struck between to the building on which they are set the District. It is important that these ensuring that units are safe and secure and the streetscene of which they are a canopies are consistently applied and while considering their impact on the 08 part. are made of a non-reflective material appearance of the street. Solid external R so that they do not adversely affect the shutters can create an unwelcoming 8.4.13 The signage should generally Fig 8.17: Canopies should contribute to the appearance of the street scene. and hostile environment and should not extend beyond the defined streetscene 09 therefore be avoided. shopfront fascia and should avoid lurid colours and excessive backlit 8.4.10 The preferred solution of light illumination. 10 mesh grilles or lattice roller shutters allow shopfronts to maintain an ‘open’ 8.4.14 Where adjacent shopfronts feel and appearance but maintain a are of similar scale and appearance, high degree of security. designers should define a signage 11 zone so a consistent height and scale of signage can be established across S adjacent shopfronts. A Fig 8.18: Overly lurid shopfronts and signage should be avoided

158 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 8 Mixed use centres Policy 32: Retailing and other main town centre uses Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Shopfronts 02

8.4.15 Lighting: Modest and subtle 8.4.19 Full height advertisements Principle DG93: Shopfronts lighting of centres, neighbourhood or blanked-out panels should not be Shopfronts should respond to 03 hubs and individual shop-fronts can included where they are detrimental to the grain of individual buildings. contribute to a lively and safer-feeling the streetscene. The proportions of the shopfront environment at night and should 8.4.20 Glazed areas should generally should harmonise with the main 04 be encouraged. In the interest of be subdivided to achieve a well- building and its neighbours. minimising obtrusive light, projecting proportioned shopfront and contribute illuminated signs and flashing or neon Within new build development, R to the scale and rhythm of an overall 05 signs should be avoided. the shopfront should not be Fig 8.19: Shopfront integrates with overall elevation. treated separately from the appearance of the building 8.4.16 Materials: The character of upper levels but considered as a the building, street and any adjoining coherent design. 06 buildings should be used to influence the choice of materials and colours. Materials should reflect the The number of different materials and existing range within centres or a 07 colours should be kept to a minimum in palette agreed with the Council. order to avoid a clash with the adjoining Shopfronts should not buildings and the character of the incorporate external security street. 08 measures that negatively impact R 8.4.17 New shopfronts must be on the streetscene. Fig 8.20: Corporate branding on historic buildings should be subtle and in-keeping with constructed from high quality materials Shopfronts should not display the buildings overall appearance 09 and avoid lurid colours. over dominant or incongruous 8.4.18 Glazing: Where appropriate advertising. glazing should be as extensive as All signs should relate well in terms 10 possible to allow views in and out of of size, scale and appearance to shops. Sales counters and checkout the building on which they are set counters should be located near to and the streetscene of which they 11 glazed areas so that they provide are a part. passive surveillance of external public R spaces. A Fig 8.21: Coordination between shopfronts can create a more coherent street scene

159 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 8 Mixed use centres This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application has considered the design of mixed use centres as part of an application.. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG90: Mixed use Is the location of any mixed use areas and/or neighbourhood hubs conveniently located at understood and applied the 03 centres - Access the intersections of well connected streets and highly visible? principles set our above? Is the centre supported by an appropriate quantum of development within walking distance? PROCESS: The adjacent table Is the design accessible for all users? 04 summarises the key principles Does the design incorporate an appropriate number of parking spaces in an appropriate set out within this section and location? can be used by applicant and Is the location accessible by public transport? 05 officer as a checklist. DG91: Mixed use Is the design based around the principles of streets, blocks and nodes? centres - Layout and The applicant is expected to meet public realm the requirements of all relevant Does the design incorporate an appropriate high quality public realm / public space? 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) Are service areas and large areas of parking screened from view? or provide a justification for failure to do so. Is blank frontage onto the public realm avoided? DG92: Mixed use Are the building heights appropriate to the context and appropriate to the enclosure of 07 centres - Built form streets and public spaces? SUMMARY: Applicants should Is a mix of use proposed to ensure activity and surveillance throughout the day? now have a proposal which Are larger footprints such as supermarkets incorporated within a block and wrapped with 08 development? has responded positively to its setting and demonstrates how Does the design make a positive contribution to street frontage, natural surveillance, identity and legibility? the proposal has been informed 09 by its context. It should have If apartments are included, do they conform to guidance in Section 5.16? established an appropriate DG93: Shopfronts Does the design of shopfronts respond to the grain of the building and harmonise with the building as a whole and its neighbours? structure and referred to relevant 10 sections in accordance with Does the choice of materials reflect the palette within an existing centre or has a palette of materials been agreed with the Council? Figure 8.1. Does the signage relate well in terms of size and appearance to the building on which they are set and the streetscene of which they are a part? 11

160 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 9 Commercial / employment areas The District has a number of regionally and nationally significant commercial / employment areas including Milton Park and Harwell Science Park. Over the local plan period these areas will grow significantly to provide employment for a growing population within the Vale. Whilst it is accepted that these areas are influenced and shaped by a different set of priorities to residential and mixed use schemes they can also conform to the basic principles of place-making to create quality workplace environments. Commercial / employment areas that take a landscape led approach and invest in the areas between the buildings create better workplace environments and in turn, improve productivity, reduce sickness days and provide a more prestigious setting. 161 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Commercial / employment areas The figure below indicates where • 9.1 Layout and access; 9 you are within the document. • 9.2 Parking and servicing; Process Before you proceed have you • 9.3 Supporting facilities; 02 read through Sections 2 - 3 and completed the relevant • 9.4 Built form; checklists? If not please go back • 9.5 Building frontage; 03 to any sections that are relevant to your application. • 9.6 Signage;

OVERVIEW OF SECTION 9: • 9.7 Waste and recycling; 04 This section outlines the • 9.8 Building performance; 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION key principles to consider to achieve a successfully planned • 9.9 Materials. 05 All applications commercial / employment area A checklist is provided at the including: Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING end of this section. major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SETTING

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ 09 RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 9.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

162 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 9 Commercial / employment areas Connections to the adjacent landscape Layout and access 02

Buildings creating perimeter development overlooking the street 04 Central focal space

Fig 9.2: Office buildings set within a green environment at Milton Park near Didcot 05 Fig 9.3: Concept for employment area indicating primary route as 9.1.3 New development and 9.1 Layout and access boulevard, central space and key improvements to existing areas should gateway buildings take a landscape led approach, focusing 06 Layout investment in areas that will significantly 9.1.1 The principles of establishing a contribute to the quality of the workplace successful layout in Section 3 should environment. Focus should be directed 07 also be applied to commercial and to the space around and between the employment areas. buildings before the building design itself including: 9.1.2 The existing employment areas 08 have a number of physical assets, • Spine roads or principal streets including areas of open space, natural which could take the form of well woodlands and water which employees planted boulevards to encourage 09 should be able to see from their walking and cycling; workplaces and enjoy in their breaks. • Central landscape areas or public New development and improvements 10 space which form focal points; to existing employment areas should improve connections to the surrounding • Connections to the countryside; landscape and create open, green • Gateways into the areas; 11 vistas through the development to the surrounding landscape. • Entrance forecourts and parking areas for individual businesses; and Fig 9.4: Layout plan showing indicative block layouts with frontage A • Drainage and SUDs solutions. and entrances overlooking the boulevard

163 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 9 Commercial / employment areas Layout and access 02

05 Fig 9.5: Employment structured around high quality landscape design Access 9.1.4 Employment uses should be Fig 9.8: Even larger employment uses clustered around entrance forecourts. 9.1.5 Commercial and employment can be grouped to create entrance 06 The forecourts will function as the main areas should be well served by forecourts as the main arrival space and to incorporate visitor and staff arrival space for groups of buildings public transport with good pedestrian parking and will incorporate visitor and staff connections to bus stops, rail stations 07 parking. The entrances to individual and adjacent residential areas to Principle DG94: Employment Commercial and employment buildings should face these areas with minimise car use. areas - layout and access areas should be well served by reception areas providing surveillance 9.1.6 New employment development public transport. 08 onto forecourt spaces. Forecourts For the layout of new should be structured as a network of should have a simple and robust employment areas applicants Proposals should be structured connected streets with development aesthetic, softened with tree and hedge should refer to Section 3 of this as a network of connected streets wherever possible fronting the street. 09 planting. document and demonstrate how with development fronting the these principles have been met street wherever possible. through the proposals. Office areas and storage space 10 New development and within B2 and B8 uses must be improvements to existing areas integrated within the curtilage

should take a landscape, led of a single structure and avoid 11 approach focusing investment low quality ancillary buildings in areas that will significantly cluttering the development’s high contribute to the quality of the quality appearance. A workplace environment. Fig 9.6: Entrance forecourt Fig 9.7: Entrance forecourt

164 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 9 Commercial / employment areas Parking and servicing 02

03 Parking and service areas

Parking and service areas Fig 9.12: Service yards should be internalised within the perimeter 05 Fig 9.9: Large areas of parking and asphalt to the front of buildings should be minimised block to avoid these spaces fronting onto public routes and landscape area 9.2 Parking and servicing Principle DG95: Employment on the public realm. This could 06 9.2.1 Parking and servicing demands areas - parking and servicing include internalising the parking for commercial and employment areas within the perimeter block or can put significant pressure on land Parking levels should conform locating it to the side or rear of 07 take and can often conflict with creating to current standards, as set out the building. good, sustainable urban solutions. in the Adopted Vehicle Parking Standards. Limited parking can be 9.2.2 Large forecourt parking located provided in small forecourts 08 at the front of buildings can often result Service yards should be accommodating visitor and in a ‘sea of parking’ which can be internalised within the perimeter Fig 9.10: Parking should be incorporated disabled parking. Applicants confusing to find your way around and into the landscape design with tree planting block to avoid these spaces should demonstrate that the 09 reduces overlooking of principal streets breaking up the visual impact of parked cars fronting onto public routes and building line will ensure that a and spaces. landscape area. good streetscene is maintained. 9.2.3 Forecourts should be limited in Large forecourts with buildings Parking should be incorporated 10 size functioning as the main arrival substantially set back from the into the landscape design with space for groups of buildings and will public realm should be avoided tree planting breaking up the incorporate visitor and staff parking. where possible. visual impact of parked cars. 11 9.2.4 Cycle parking should be provided Wherever possible large areas close to the entrance of commercial or of surface parking should be employment buildings in locations with positioned to minimise its impact A good surveillance. Fig 9.11 Applicants should consider light weight parking structures to minimise landtake

165 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Commercial / employment areas Principle DG96: Employment Principle DG97: Employment 9 areas - supporting facilities areas - built form Supporting facilities and built form Where appropriate incorporate a Keep designs simple. Larger 02 range of appropriate, supporting footprint buildings can often facilities within employment areas appear bulky and should be

to serve the needs of employees. broken down to comprise a 03 number of simple geometric forms.

Articulation of the ground floor 04 of buildings can create a more human scale and establish a coherent and common design 05 Fig 9.13: Employment areas should be supported by local facilities to serve the working population language throughout the development.

9.3 Supporting facilities 9.4 Built form 06 9.4.3 This could be achieved through 9.3.1 Having a range of local facilities 9.4.1 Employment buildings should the use of glazing, articulation of serving employees within a commercial respond positively to the character and cladding, establishing a datum line or area can significantly cut down on car architectural traditions of the district in 07 facade detail. The horizontal emphasis bourne trips and improve the workplace terms of scale, mass, form, materials can be visually reduced by in including environment. Facilities such as and detailing. On business parks, as vertical divisions or elements. creches, convenience retail, cafes, and a general principle, the landscape and 08 gyms can also create focal points for public realm should form the dominant 9.4.3 Whilst it is accepted that some employees. feature within employment areas with employment buildings will be of a the buildings forming a more neutral significant scale, applicants should 09 background. As such, the design of consider the impact of these buildings simple, rectilinear buildings within on views from the countryside and the the landscape is promoted similar to wider context. Measures to mitigate 10 traditional agricultural buildings. their impact should be considered. For example, low profile pitches / 9.4.2 Although the scale and massing barrel vault roofs may be preferable to of commercial buildings may vary from angular flat roofs. Green roofs should 11 building to building, articulation of the be considered where appropriate. ground floor can create a more human scale and establish a coherent and A Fig 9.14 Facilities such as creches can be common design language throughout Fig 9.15 Simple geometric forms with entrance hugely successful within employment areas areas and ground floor clearly articulated the development.

166 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 9 Commercial / employment areas S R Building frontage and signage 02

9.5 Building frontage 03 Principle DG98: Employment 9.5.1 Whilst it is recognised that the areas - Building frontage Fig 9.16 Commercial buildings within more Fig 9.17 Commercial buildings should be integrated urban areas should not be set back from the within the development block and maintain a opportunity for active frontages can be Wherever feasible buildings building line consistent building line. Large areas of parking/ 04 limited within some commercial and service yards should be located to the rear should be designed with a single employment uses, building entrances, entrance point serving reception reception areas and offices should 9.6 Signage areas, the main space and office. Principle DG99: Employment be positioned to make a positive 05 9.6.1 Signage for commercial / areas - Signage contribution to the surveillance of the Building entrances will front onto employment areas can become over public realm and forecourts. streets, spaces and forecourts Stand alone signage for dominant within the public realm and make a positive contribution individual businesses should be 06 9.5.2 Individual employment / and detract from the quality of the to surveillance and legibility. avoided as this generally has commercial buildings within more surrounding streets and public spaces. a negative impact on the street urban areas should conform to the Entrances should be generous, scene. In larger employment 07 principles of creating successful covered areas which are areas estate signage with perimeter blocks, providing continuity welcoming and easily identifiable unified boards, listing individual of building line, active frontage to help improve legibility and companies may be provided at and enclosure. In urban locations, provide protection from the 08 entrance points from the public buildings should not be significantly weather. highway. set back and parking / service yards The position of reception areas should be located to the rear. Signage for individual businesses 09 and office space should be should be focused around located to positively contribute entrance areas and / or on bare to the surveillance of entrance flank / walls. areas and forecourts. Reception 10 areas on corners overlooking Signage should not be entrance areas and forecourts overbearing or out of proportion contribute to the surveillance of with the overall building. 11 those areas.

Fig 9.18 Signage should be focused around entrance areas or flank walls A

167 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 9.9 Materials 01 Commercial / employment areas 9 9.9.1 The selection of materials Waste, performance and materials and colours for commercial and employment areas can have a 02 significant visual impact on the context. 9.7 Waste and recycling 9.8 Building performance The selection of materials should also 9.7.1 Business and employment uses 9.8.1 Sustainability principles should consider all sustainability issues and 03 inevitably create waste. The quantity and be integrated into all stages of take a ‘whole life cycle’ approach. how it is dealt with is primarily down to design, construction and operation The use of traditional construction the occupants, however, the design of the of the buildings. The emphasis, in materials such as timber weather 04 buildings can help users to minimise the terms of resources, is on reducing boarding or locally distinctive brick impact of this waste. demand through solar orientation, and roofing tiles, would help integrate

natural ventilation, waste minimisation employment / commercial buildings into 05 practices and reducing resources used, the rural context. Principle DG100: Employment re-used and recycled. The intention is areas - waste and recycling that the quality of the workplace will be 06 A Waste Strategy specific to the raised through the application of these end users should be produced sustainability principles. Fig 9.20 Open plan designs capitalising on and provided to the Local natural light can provide lights and airy spaces 07 Planning Authority for written Principle DG101: Employment that allow future adaptability approval prior to the occupation areas - building performance of each building. Principle DG102: Employment Materials and architectural Applicants are encouraged to areas - materials expression can be used to break 08 Each tenant should have access attain the BRE’s Environmental up facades into its component to adequate, hygienic, space in Assessment Method (BREEAM) A palette of materials should be parts (base, middle, roof) to which to segregate the waste into rating of ‘Excellent’. agreed with the council reduce the bulk and massing 09 various recycling streams and The selection of materials and of buildings, including vertical thus minimise landfill. colours should integrate in the components or elements can These recycling points should be landscape and could be used to reduce the horizontal emphasis. 10 conveniently located for the users reduce the appearance of bulk and also for the efficient removal and massing of the building. of the materials by collection Care should be taken when 11 vehicles. specifying reflective materials These facilities must not be in and/or large areas of glazing plain sight of landscape areas or within inappropriate settings to A principal streets. Fig 9.19 Simple geometric forms with entrance avoid glare and light pollution. areas and ground floor clearly articulated

168 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 9 Commercial / employment areas This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST to check that appropriate consideration has been given to how an application has considered the design of commercial and employment areas as part of an application.. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG94: Employment Does the design conform to guidance in Section 3? understood and applied the 03 areas - layout and principles set our above? access PROCESS: The adjacent table Does the design take a landscape led approach to the layout of the area linking to natural 04 summarises the key principles assets and creating landscaped spaces for workers? set out within this section and Is the design structured around a network of connected streets? can be used by applicant and Is the location accessible by public transport? officer as a checklist. DG95: Employment Does the design incorporate an appropriate number of parking spaces in an appropriate 05 areas - Parking and location? The applicant is expected to meet servicing the requirements of all relevant Are service areas and large areas of parking screened from view? 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) DG96: Employment If applicable does the design incorporate a range of appropriate, supporting facilities or provide a justification for failure areas - Supporting within employment areas to serve the needs of employees? to do so. facilities 07 DG97: Employment Are larger footprint buildings broken down to comprise of a number of simple geometric areas - Built form forms to reduce their apparent bulk? SUMMARY: Applicants should Are ground floors of buildings articulated to create a development with a more human now have a proposal which scale? 08 has responded positively to its DG98: Employment Does the design maximise the potential of active frontage with entrances fronting onto setting and demonstrates how the areas - Building frontage streets, spaces and forecourts and making a positive contribution to surveillance and legibility? proposal has been informed by its 09 context. It should have established DG99: Employment Does the design mitigate the impact of signage onto the public realm? areas - Signage an appropriate structure and DG100: Employment Has a strategy for waste and recycling been considered? referred to relevant sections in areas - Waste and 10 accordance to Figure 9.1. recycling DG101: Employment Is the applicant committed and do the designs support achieving a rating of BREEAM areas - Building excellent? 11 performance DG102: Employment Has a palette of materials been agreed with the council? areas - Materials A Are the materials sustainable and do they mitigate against the impact on their setting?

169 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 10 Household extensions

Extensions to dwellings can have a significant impact on the character and appearance of a dwelling itself and the street or area in which it is set. A well-designed extension can enhance the appearance and value of a property, whereas an unsympathetic extension can have a harmful impact, create problems for neighbouring residents, and affect the overall character of the area. This section examines the design approaches that should be adopted when extending a dwelling. It sets out the differing approaches that should be adopted when designing front and rear extensions, single storey and two storey additions, porches, garages and outbuildings. Householders are encouraged to make their extensions as energy efficient and sustainable as possible, in line with the design principles set out in Section 7. 170 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Household extensions The figure below indicates where • 10.1 Planning; 10 you are within the document. • 10.2 Listed Buildings; Process Before you proceed have • 10.3 Responding to local 02 you read through Section 2 character; and completed the relevant

checklists? If not please go back • 10.4 Consider your 03 to Section 2. neighbours; OVERVIEW OF SECTION 10: • 10.5 Scale, form and massing; This section examines the 04 • 10.6 Design considerations; design approaches that should and 011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION be adopted when extending a dwelling including: • 10.7 Detailed principles. 05 All applications A checklist is provided at the Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING end of this section. major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SETTING

07 033 ESTABLISHING ESTABLISHING THE THE STRUCTURE Infill sites Single dwellings Household extensions Conversions Urban extensions, major residential sites 08 Buildings in 044 STREETS STREETS AND AND SPACES 055 BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN DESIGN rural and lower density areas

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ 09 RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 10.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

171 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 10 Household extensions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Planning and designations 02

05 Fig 10.2: Modern extension used to link two buildings

10.1.3 Building Regulations approval 10.2.2 More information can be found 10.1 Planning 10.2 Listed Buildings, 06 may also be required for any Conservation Areas on the Council’s website (www. 10.1.1 Some smaller-scale extensions extensions or alterations to a dwelling. and other designations whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and- may constitute ‘permitted development’ Advice on Building Regulations can advice/planning-and-building). which means they do not need 10.2.1 If through assessment in Section 07 be provided by the council’s Building planning permission. The council’s 2 a building has been identified as 10.2.3 Extensions to historic buildings Control Service. Planning Service can advise on being Statutorily Listed or is located can be harmful if their significance is

whether planning permission is within a Conservation Area or AONB, not fully understood. Further advice 08 required through the permitted some forms of development or on alterations to your property can development enquiry form (click alteration that would otherwise be be requested through pre-application here) or alternatively, the Planning classed as permitted development will advice. Click here for further details. 09 Portal website provides an interactive require planning permission, Listed 10.2.4 As outlined in Section 2, the section. (www.planningportal.gov.uk/ Building consent or combinations guidance in this Design Guide does uploads/100806_PDforhouseholders_ of these. You may need to submit a not override consideration of proposals 10 TechnicalGuidance.pdf) Design and Access Statement for through an application for Listed applications for Listed Building consent 10.1.2 If planning permission is required Building consent. and for planning applications in the council has a validation checklist Conservation Areas. 11 for householders (click here) to help people in preparing applications and ensure all necessary information is A included.

172 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Local character and neighbours Closest point of nearest 02 habitable room window Proposed extension 10.3 Responding to the local 10.4 Consider your 40 character neighbours degrees 03

10.3.1 The importance of responding 10.4.1 When considering extending or to the setting is identified in Section altering a dwelling applicants should 04 2 and applicants should now have consider its impact on neighbouring Neighbouring property Dwelling to be extended an understanding of how the existing properties. Consider size, how close building contributes to its surroundings it will be to them, overlooking and and the local character. privacy. Think about how you would 05 Fig 10.3 The 40 degree rule: The proposed extension should not project beyond the ‘40 degree feel if they built the same thing. line’ (indicated by the dashed line) into the neighbours protected area

06 Principle DG103: Responding Principle DG104: Consider should not encroach beyond a 40 to local character your neighbours degree line taken from the edge of the nearest ground or first floor Respond to the character Make sure proposed extensions 40 degrees 07 window of a habitable room of a of the area and immediate do not intrude upon a neighbour’s neighbouring property. neighbourhood within which your privacy. 40 degrees property is located. Any side facing upper floor windows All extensions should take 08 to habitable rooms (e.g. bedrooms) Use this character as a starting into account the impact on need to be carefully located and/ point for design in terms of building neighbouring properties in terms or designed to ensure they do not form, size, position within the plot of overshadowing. Consider the 09 cause overlooking problems for and relationship to plot boundaries. position, size and form of the neighbouring properties. Fig 10.4 The 40 degree rule: The proposed extension in relation to adjacent extension should not project beyond the ‘40 Maintain established building lines. degree line’ (indicated by the dashed line) into properties and the path of the sun. A minimum distance of 12m is the neighbours protected area 10 Use simple uncomplicated building recommended between habitable Any extension to a house should forms. windows and flank walls. not lead to an oppressive or Use building materials and overbearing impact, which would be Carefully consider the position of 11 details typical of your area or harmful to the amenity of occupiers new garages to avoid an increase demonstrate how the materials of nearby neighbouring dwellings. in noise and disturbance from chosen are appropriate. vehicle movements. A In particular, two storey extensions

173 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Scale form and massing 02

Garden Garden Garden

S S S 04 Fig 10.8 Multiple extensions Fig 10.9 The size of the Fig 10.10 Extensions that wrap over time can have a extension overwhelms the around the existing dwelling compound impact and original dwelling and also should be avoided 05 Fig 10.5: Extension at East Hanney overwhelm the original results in a significant loss of dwelling private amenity

10.5 Scale, form and Principle DG105: Scale, form Extensions should use simple, 06 massing and massing uncomplicated building forms to 10.5.1 The scale, form and massing of compliment and coordinate with Extensions should not result in an extension and how the extension the scale, form and massing of 07 a significant loss to the private relates to the original dwelling the original dwelling. amenity area of the dwelling. and its amenity space are critical Applicants should avoid considerations. Applicants should keep The original building should proposals that wrap around the 08 the form and scale of the extension S remain the dominant element of existing dwelling and involve proportionate to the house and plot. Fig 10.6 The scale and massing of the the property whether you have extension bears no relationship to the existing complicated roof forms. This Extensions on dwellings that have one extension or several. The dwelling is likely to result in a bulky 09 been extended previously over time effect of any extension should not appearance. and/or proposed extensions which are overwhelm the house from any considered ‘over development’ will not given view point. The pitch and form of roof used 10 be accepted. on a dwelling adds to its character Any existing external access and extensions should respond to from the front of the dwelling to this where appropriate. the rear garden is a significant 11 asset to service the garden R consideration should be given to the value of retaining this access. Fig 10.7 The extension has an appropriate A scale and massing in relation to the original dwelling

174 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Design considerations 02

Fig 10.14 Successful extensions can be Fig 10.15 Successful extensions can be designed to reflect the architectural style of the designed as modern interventions with 05 Fig 10.11: A successful, simple rear extension existing building contrasting style from the existing dwelling

10.6 Design considerations 10.6.4 Both options can create successful, well designed extensions Principle DG106: Design assessment of the building’s 06 10.6.1 There are generally two design that can be mutually beneficial to both considerations significance when considering approaches that can be adopted when the house and the wider area. an extension so that their design considering extending a property. Extensions should respond to the sustains or enhances the features 07 design of the original dwelling and 10.6.2 The first is to consider the that contribute to its significance applicants should demonstrate materials, architectural features, or better reveals them. how the Character Study from window sizes and proportions of the Section 2 has informed the The position, size, proportion, 08 existing building and to recreate this design proposal. height and style of new windows style to design an extension that and doors and the ratio of solid matches or complements the existing Applicants that do not use R wall to openings all help to define 09 building. materials to match those of Fig 10.12 Side extension subservient to original the character of a dwelling. It dwelling with sympathetic window detail the existing dwelling should 10.6.3 The second is to consider the is important, therefore, that demonstrate the appropriateness proportion, materials, architectural the extension responds to the of the alternatives proposed. 10 features and window sizes of the existing pattern of window and existing building and to develop a Owners of listed buildings or door openings.

contemporary response to those by buildings in conservation areas 11 taking cues from the key aspects. should also make use of the This approach requires a high quality statutory list, conservation area design. S character appraisals or any other A Fig 10.13 Side extension with unsympathetic window detail

175 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 10 Household extensions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Detailed principles 02 S

S 04

Fig 10.17 Canopies were integrated very Fig 10.18 Front extensions can often detract successfully in historic dwellings from the continuity of the building frontage 05 Fig 10.16: Front extensions can often detract from the appearance of the dwelling

10.7 Detailed principles Porches and canopies 06 When located close to a Principle DG108: Porches and 10.7.2 Porches and canopies Front extensions neighbouring property, front canopies implemented as extensions can often extensions should not normally 10.7.1 Front extensions can often appear as ‘bolt-on’ and incongruous to Canopies and porches will be 07 project more than 1.4 metres in detract from the continuity of the street the original dwelling. These structures resisted where they have a front of the dwelling. scene and damage the appearance of are not appropriate for all dwellings. For significant impact on the street

a dwelling. Front extensions are more example, simple terraced properties scene or are damaging to the 08 likely to be acceptable where can appear over-dominated by the appearance of a dwelling. the building line is staggered or addition of a porch. In such cases, Principle DG107: Front Where they are located close to where the dwelling is set well an internal porch may be a more extensions a neighbouring property, they 09 back from the road. appropriate solution. should not normally project more Front extensions will be resisted They should normally be 10.7.3 Where porches and canopies are than 1.4 metres in front of the where they have a significant designed with a pitched roof. deemed acceptable they should reflect dwelling. impact on the street scene or are 10 the character of the original dwelling damaging to the appearance of a in terms of their scale, details and dwelling. materials. 11 Modest front extensions that reflect the character of the existing property are more likely A to be acceptable.

176 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Detailed principles 1m 1m 02

05 Fig 10.20 A minimum of 1 metre must normally be retained between the new side Fig 10.19 Successful two storey extension complements the original dwelling wall of the extension and the boundary of the site to prevent a terracing effect

R R 06 Side extensions 10.7.6 The problem can be exacerbated where an extension has the same 10.7.4 Side extensions should normally roofline as the original building and be set back from the front of the house 07 where a neighbouring property already to retain the proportions of the original lies on, or close to, the boundary. building and reduce the visual impact

of the join between existing and new. 10.7.7 To reduce such a ‘terracing 08 This can be particularly important on effect’, it is desirable to maintain a Fig 10.21 Extensions subservient to original dwelling with symmetrical properties or identical gap between the extension and the sympathetic roof and window details semi-detached properties. site boundary and for the extension 09 to have a lower ridge height than the 10.7.5 In built-up areas, the gaps S S main building. The extent of the gap between dwellings can often be should be determined by the pattern of small. Cumulatively, these gaps can 10 development in the area but, in general, make an important contribution to the it should not be less than 1 metre wide. character of an area. Extending at 10.7.8 two storeys to the side of a detached An alternative way of avoiding a 11 or semi-detached dwelling can result terracing effect is to set the first floor in development right up to the site element of the extension back from the Fig 10.22 Flat roof on extension (left) does not sit well with the boundary, resulting in an inappropriate front elevation – it should be set back original ridged roof. Extension (right) is not subservient to, nor A ‘terracing effect’. at least one third of the depth of the seamless with, the original dwelling. The extension also projects forward of the established building line dwelling.

177 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Detailed principles 02

10.7.9 Where the original building has

a pitched roof, two storey extensions Principle DG109: Side 03 should generally be constructed with extensions the same angle of pitch as the existing Side extensions should generally roof. Single storey side extensions be set back from the front of the 04 will have a lesser impact on the house. appearance of a dwelling than two- S R storey extensions. Extensions that close an 05 important gap within the street Fig 10.24 Extensions where side elevations face the street should incorporate windows to provide 10.7.10 A flat roof may be acceptable for scene or lead to a terracing effect passive surveillance a single storey extension, provided it will not be accepted. is carefully designed – e.g. including a 06 parapet wall with a coping stone on top. Two storey extensions should generally be constructed with the same angle of pitch as the 07 existing roof. The design of all side extensions

should take into account 08 the impact on neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking, overshadowing and 09 over dominance.

Fig 10.23 Successful single storey extension Fig 10.25 Successful two-storey extension subordinate to the principle dwelling A

178 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 10 Household extensions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Detailed principles 02

04 Principle DG110: Rear extensions Fig 10.26 Rear extensions which are not visible from the street and do not negatively impact on neighbouring properties can be expressed in many forms, including the use of contemporary 05 architecture and materials Rear extensions should not have a harmful effect on neighbouring properties in terms of privacy, Rear extensions 10.7.14 Extending terraced and semi- 10.7.16 Single storey rear extensions overshadowing or overbearing. 06 detached dwellings represents the and conservatories often do not need 10.7.11 The design of all rear most significant challenge in terms of planning permission as they can be An adequate distance between extensions should take into account the potential loss of residential amenity due built under ‘permitted development’ facing habitable rooms helps impact on neighbouring properties in 07 to the close proximity of neighbouring rights. The council’s Planning Service enable people to feel comfortable terms of overlooking, overshadowing properties. Problems can be mitigated can advise on whether planning in their own homes (refer to Sec and overdominance. by limiting the scale of the proposed permission is required through the 5.11). 10.7.12 A general rule is that any two- extension and applying the 40 degree permitted development enquiry form 08 They should not have a storey element should not encroach rule (refer to Figures 10.3 and 10.4). (click here) or alternatively, the Planning detrimental impact on the existing beyond a 40 degree line taken from the Single storey extensions are easier Portal website provides an interactive dwellings usable amenity space. edge of the nearest ground and first to accommodate successfully. An section. http://www.whitehorsedc.gov. 09 floor window of a habitable room of a alternative solution is for neighbours of uk/services-and-advice/planning-and- Applicants should apply the 40 neighbouring property. adjoining properties to work together to building/application-advice/do-i-need- degree rule as set out in section extend both dwellings concurrently. planning-permission-0 10.4. 10 10.7.13 The length of single storey rear extension should not normally exceed 10.7.15 Where the original building has Rear extensions which are not 6 metres on a detached dwelling, 4 a pitched roof, two storey extensions visible from the street and do not metres on a semi-detached dwelling, should generally be constructed with negatively impact on neighbouring 11 and 3 metres on a terraced dwelling. the same angle of pitch as the existing properties can be expressed in roof. many forms, including through the use of contemporary architecture. A

179 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions R Detailed principles 02

R 03

Fig 10.29 Loft conversion incorporating rooflights S 05 Fig 10.27 Dormers successfully integrated into the roof to provide additional space R

10.7.19 Two or three smaller dormers Loft conversion and roof 06 extension are often more successful than a single large dormer. Flat roof or pitched roof 10.7.17 A loft conversion is a space Fig 10.28 If dormer roof extensions are acceptable in dormers can be successfully integrated their context, the position and proportion of dormer efficient means of extending the 07 into the majority of building designs. windows should respond to existing windows amount of living accommodation in a However, the choice of design should dwelling. The most significant challenge Principle DG111: Loft be informed by the character and associated with loft extensions is how conversions and roof appearance of the existing dwelling and 08 to introduce roof lights and/or dormers extensions the surrounding area. Fig 10.30 Loft conversion incorporating that are appropriate to the character of As a general rule extensions dormers the original building. 10.7.20 An alternative means of providing that alter the existing ridge of the 09 light and ventilation to a loft conversion is 10.7.18 Dormer windows should be roof or significantly alter the roof S by introducing roof lights or windows into designed as features principally to profile will not be accepted. gable walls. Where possible, roof lights provide light and ventilation. They should 10 should be included on rear elevations Dormer roof extensions should be small and should sit appropriately in where they are less likely to be visible in be set within the roof slope. the roof-slope, well above the eaves line, the street scene. In sensitive locations well below the ridge line and set in from Where a clear rhythm of such as on Listed Buildings and in 11 the gable ends. fenestration is established, the Conservation Areas, ‘conservation type’ position and proportion of dormer roof lights should be used. windows should respond to A existing windows and/or doors. Fig 10.31 large flat roofed single dormer out of scale with the original dwelling

180 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 10 Household extensions Detailed principles 02

S S 04

Fig 10.33 Outbuilding is a dominant feature Fig 10.34 Garage structure too large for the with the use of contrasting material making the dwelling Fig 10.32 Outbuildings are challenging to design particularly those within view of the public realm structure stand out 05 Self contained annexes Outbuildings and garages

10.7.21 Residential annexes generally 10.7.23 The design principles set 06 provide self-contained accommodation out above should be applied when and offer a degree of separation from considering new outbuildings or the main dwelling. However, they garages. 07 usually need to be linked to the main 10.7.24 The size and scale of any dwelling, both physically and in terms of outbuilding should not compete with the S S the inter-dependence of the use of the main dwelling. annex and the main dwelling. Fig 10.35 Garage obscures dwelling from the Fig 10.36 Garage structure too large for the 08 street dwelling 10.7.25 The original building should 10.7.22 Residential annexes should remain the dominant element of be designed in accordance with the the property whether you have one 09 advice for other residential extensions. extension or several. The effect of any In addition, they should share the front outbuilding should not overwhelm the door and entrance hall of the main house from any given view point. 10 dwelling, and they should be designed to be capable of being incorporated into 10.7.26 They should not result in a the main dwelling at a later date. significant loss to the private amenity area of the dwelling. S S 11 10.7.27 A single garage should be able Fig 10.37 Outbuilding dominates and Fig 10.38 Garage structure obscures dwelling to accommodate a car, storage and compromises the external space A sufficient space for bicycles, with an internal floor area of 3 metres x 6 metres.

181 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 10 Household extensions This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer to SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST check that appropriate consideration has been given to the design of a household extension as part of an application. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG103: Responding to Has the applicant demonstrated how the proposal responds to and respects the character understood and applied the 03 local character of the area and the immediate neighbourhood? principles set our above? DG104: Consider your Has the applicant considered and demonstrated that the proposal does not have an PROCESS: The adjacent table neighbours adverse impact on neighbouring properties in relation to overshadowing, privacy or an 04 summarises the key principles oppressive or overbearing impact? set out within this section and Does the proposal comply with the 40 degree rule? can be used by applicant and DG105 / DG106 / DG107 Is the extension a simple, uncomplicated building form that compliments and coordinates officer as a checklist. and DG108: Scale, form with the scale, form and massing of the original dwelling? The original building should 05 and massing remain the dominant element of the property. The applicant is expected to meet Is the roof form appropriate to the original dwelling? Generally this should be constructed the requirements of all relevant with the same angle of pitch as the existing roof. 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) DG106: Design Do the materials proposed match those of the existing dwelling or has the applicant or provide a justification for failure considerations demonstrated the appropriateness of the alternatives proposed? to do so. Does the proposed extension respond to the existing pattern of window and door openings? 07 DG109: Side extensions Is the side extension set back from the front of the house? If not, has the reason been justified? SUMMARY: Applicants should Does the side extension retain important gaps within the street scene and avoid creating now have a proposal which has a ‘terracing effect’? 08 responded positively to its setting DG110: Rear extensions Does the rear extension avoid detrimental impact on the existing dwelling’s usable and demonstrates how the amenity space? proposal has been informed by DG111: Loft conversions Are any proposed dormer roof extensions set within the roof slope? 09 its context. It should now conform and roof extensions to the principles set out above in Does the position and proportion of dormer windows respond to the location of existing windows and/or doors? Section 10. 10

182 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 11 Building conversions There are many buildings throughout the Vale within settlements and in the countryside that are no longer used or are vacant. These buildings include farm buildings, factories, chapels, schools and mills. The re- use of existing buildings within the Vale is a key objective in terms of preserving their contribution to settlements and the countryside but also in sustainability terms. The embodied energy in a buildings fabric is considerable i.e. it takes a lot of energy to demolish and rebuild existing buildings. With this in mind the council seeks to encourage the re-use of buildings wherever possible particularly when the building makes a positive contribution to the character of an area. Their conversion and re-use however must be done with great care in order to ensure that the essential character of the original building is not lost or that the contribution the building makes to the wider area is not compromised. This section examines the design approaches that should be adopted when converting a range of existing building types. It should be noted that conversion to residential use is not always the most appropriate solution, particularly where the building is listed or is situated in an isolated location in the open countryside. Compliance with building regulations is also a key consideration for any building conversion and may require significant alterations to the original building. In these cases the council may consider the conversion of the building as not appropriate or acceptable. 183 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Building conversions The figure below indicates where • 11.1 Agricultural buildings; 11 you are within the document. Process • 11.2 The conversions of Before you proceed have chapels, schools and 02 you read through Section 2 churches; and completed the relevant • 11.3 Conversion of checklists? If not please go back commercial buildings; and 03 to Section 2. • 11.4 Refurbishments. OVERVIEW OF SECTION 11: This section examines the A checklist is provided at the 04 design approaches that should end of this section.

011 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION be adopted when extending a dwelling including: 05 All applications

Urban extensions, 02 2 RESPONDINGRESPONDING major residential sites, TO THE SITE AND 06 employment areas SETTING

06 6 BUILDINGSBUILDINGS ININ 09 RURAL AND LOWER DENSITY AREAS Employment Areas 077 BUILDING BUILDING PERFORMANCE 10

Urban extensions, major residential sites, mixed use areas 11

09 9 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT 08 8 MIXEDMIXED USEUSE 10 HOUSEHOLD 11 BUILDING AREAS CENTRES EXTENSIONS CONVERSION A

Fig 11.1: Flow chart indicating structure of the guide

184 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 11 Building conversions Agricultural buildings 02

R 03

Fig 11.3 Successful barn conversion Fig 11.4 Traditional courtyard arrangement 04

11.1.5 If substantial rebuilding or 11.1.8 Architectural detailing may include Fig 11.2: Example of unconverted agricultural building extension is required, it is unlikely that patterned brickwork, dentil courses, 05 planning permission will be granted as buttresses, arrow slits and gable 11.1.3 This section examines the design the proposed works would no longer parapets. 11.1 Agricultural buildings approaches that should be adopted constitute a conversion. 11.1.9 These features are essential to 06 11.1.1 The conversion of traditional when converting agricultural buildings the building’s character and, therefore, agricultural buildings such as barns, to other uses. It should be noted Architectural and historic need to be retained as part of the stables and cartsheds, is the most that residential conversions are not characteristics proposed conversion. 07 common form of conversion in the Vale. always the most appropriate solution, 11.1.6 The importance of an agricultural particularly where the building is listed 11.1.10 Agricultural buildings typically 11.1.2 Continuation of the original building to the history, character or is situated in an isolated location in have an informal farmyard or open field agricultural use is usually most and appearance of an area can be the open countryside. Non-residential setting. The proposed conversion should 08 appropriate to preserve the character assessed with reference to its age, uses may be easier to accommodate. respect the building’s setting, either as and appearance of such buildings. design, form, materials used, roof part of a group of traditional buildings or However, if a building is no longer structure and the presence of any Structural integrity as part of the surrounding landscape. 09 needed or suitable for modern architectural detailing. agricultural purposes, its disuse 11.1.4 Many agricultural buildings 11.1.7 The form of traditional agricultural can result in the building falling into will have been unused for extended buildings typically comprises 10 disrepair. Conversion to an alternative periods of time or they may not have substantial stone, brick or timberframe use is a successful way of securing the been well maintained – consequently, walls, uninterrupted roof slopes, long future of such traditional agricultural their structure may have suffered. The ridge lines, few openings apart from the buildings. structural integrity of a building will be 11 large wagon doors, substantial timber a critical factor in determining whether roof structures, and large internal it is capable of conversion without spaces. R substantial rebuilding or extension. A Fig 11.5 Glass roof tiles and small high level windows allow light to penetrate the building

185 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness 11 Policy 39 The historic environment Agricultural buildings 02

Design approach 11.1.14 Dis-proportionately large extensions or ancillary buildings are 11.1.11 The primary objective of all 03 not usually appropriate for conversions. conversions must be to retain the Such elements can dominate the character and appearance of the original building and so detract from original building. This may require 04 its character. Residential type features compromises in terms of the residential R S such as conservatories should be layout and the provision of natural light avoided. Wherever possible, existing Fig 11.7 Successful retention of existing Fig 11.8 Domestic style porch and projecting into all habitable rooms. openings roof lights detract from the barns character ancillary buildings such as car-sheds 05 11.1.12 The introduction of conspicuous should be used as garaging to avoid the Principle DG112: Agricultural The introduction of conspicuous domestic features such as chimneys, need for new buildings. Conversions buildings domestic features should be satellite dishes, aerials, porches and should not subdivide historic farmyards. 06 avoided. additional window or door openings A structural report will need to 11.1.15 Landscaping and boundary tend to be out of character with be submitted with any planning Existing opening in elevations treatments need careful attention and the original building and, wherever application to demonstrate should be used for windows and 07 should be designed to be as simple as possible, such features should be that the building is capable of doors. New windows or doors possible. Hard and soft landscaping avoided. Natural light can be provided conversion without substantial should be added sparingly and should be kept informal, and walls, by introducing glass roof tiles, glass rebuilding or extension. should not significantly alter the fences, kerbing and any other urban 08 insertions into honeycomb brickwork overall proportion of solid wall to features should be avoided where they If substantial rebuilding or and slit windows. Existing openings in openings. would harm the building’s agricultural extension is required, it is unlikely elevations can be used for windows character or farmyard setting. that planning permission will be A simple window design is usually 09 or doors, and to ‘borrow’ light into the granted as the proposed works most appropriate. more central parts of the building. A would no longer constitute a simple window design is usually most Extensions or ancillary buildings conversion. appropriate. that dominate the original building 10 The conversion must retain will not be accepted 11.1.13 Internal walls should be the character and appearance retained where ever practically possible Landscaping, boundary of the original building. This 11 and the introduction of additional walls treatments and access roads should be established through kept to a minimum. Timber roof trusses should be simple, informal and the applicants Character Study should be retained and not cut or R reflect the agricultural character (Section 2). A removed to provide head height at first Fig 11.6 Existing hay doors retained and of a farmyard setting. contributes significantly to the character of the floor level. barn 186 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 11 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Policy 39 The historic environment Chapels, schools and churches 02

04 S 05 Fig 11.10: Internal floor division is visible Fig 11.9: Example of successful conversion retaining original porch through window

06 11.2 The conversion of Architectural and historic 11.2.3 Chapels, schools and churches chapels, schools and characteristics are typically located in central village churches locations. The buildings rarely include 11.2.2 The defining characteristics 07 much external space, which can 11.2.1 This is less common in the Vale of chapels, schools and churches present a challenge for residential than barn conversions. Similar to barn are often similar, comprising formal conversion in terms of providing conversions, the design challenges proportions and a simple rectangular amenity space and minimising any 08 associated with the conversion of these footprint, tall sash windows, brick or overlooking of neighbouring dwellings. S buildings often relate to the creation of stone arches, uninterrupted roof slopes, room and floor divisions in buildings long ridge lines, and large internal Fig 11.11 Unsuccessful removal of original entrance 09 which originally comprised large spaces, sometimes with mezzanine internal spaces. floors. Architectural detailing may include stained glass windows, ornate 10 timberwork and plasterwork on walls and ceilings, and ecclesiastical memorials. These features are essential to the building’s character 11 and, therefore, need to be retained as part of the proposed conversion. R A

Fig 11.12 Successful retention of feature windows

187 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 11 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Policy 39 The historic environment Chapels, schools and churches 02

Design approach 11.2.7 Where additional floors are 03 11.2.4 The primary objective of all introduced, they should not cut across conversions is to retain the character tall windows in such a way as to be and appearance of the original building. visible from outside the building. 04 This may require compromises in 11.2.8 Large extensions or ancillary terms of the residential layout and buildings are not usually appropriate the provision of natural light into all R R for conversions. Such elements can habitable rooms. 05 dominate the original building and so Fig 11.13 Successful retention of original porch Fig 11.14 Small rooflight allows light to upper floor 11.2.5 The introduction of conspicuous detract from its character. domestic features such as satellite 11.2.9 Any existing ecclesiastical Principle DG113: The New windows or doors should 06 dishes, aerials, and dormer windows fixtures and fittings should be retained conversion of chapels, be added sparingly and should tend to be out of character with wherever possible, and the inclusion of schools and churches not significantly alter the overall the original building and, wherever additional detailing which would detract proportion of solid wall to 07 possible, such features should be The conversion must retain from the character of the building openings. avoided. If additional light is required, it the character and appearance should be avoided. may be appropriate to introduce glass of the original building. This Where additional floors are roof tiles or appropriately designed 11.2.10 Landscaping and boundary should be established through introduced, they should not cut 08 rooflights (i.e. conservation rooflights treatments should be designed to be as the applicant’s Character Study across tall windows. which are designed to be flush with the simple as possible. (Section 2). Large extensions or ancillary roof plane ). 09 11.2.11 Paint colours and finishes The introduction of conspicuous buildings that dominate the 11.2.6 The internal wall divisions should be chosen to reflect the domestic features should be original building will not be should be retained wherever possible character and appearance of the avoided. accepted. 10 and the introduction of additional walls building. Existing opening in elevations Existing ecclesiastical fixtures or floors should be kept to a minimum. should be used for windows and and fittings should be retained Existing window openings and window doors. wherever possible. detailing, such as stained glass, should 11 be retained and refurbished. A simple window design is usually Landscaping and boundary most appropriate. treatments should be designed to be as simple as possible. A

188 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 11 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Policy 39 The historic environment Commercial buildings 02

Fig 11.15:Industrial character retained in conversion R 05 Fig 11.16: Successful conversion with retention of many of the industrial features. 11.3 Conversion of 11.3.3 Where a property is being 11.3.5 The defining characteristics of converted to flats, the development these industrial buildings include formal commercial buildings 06 should, where possible, be contained proportions usually in a rectangular 11.3.1 A variety of commercial buildings within the existing building envelope. If plan, and large windows (i.e. plate have played a significant role in the extensions are necessary, for example glass in iron frames with top-hinged history of the Vale, including mills, 07 to accommodate a lift or to meet openings, small pane timber sash shops, pubs and breweries. The building regulations, proposals need to windows or Crittall Windows). design challenges associated with the be carefully designed conversion of these buildings can vary 11.3.6 Roof forms tend to be relatively 08 significantly and can be particularly simple, but where buildings have large Architectural and historic R difficult for buildings such as mills and floor plans, the space may have been characteristics breweries which have large internal spanned by a multi-ridged roof with Fig 11.17 Ornate brickwork adds character to historic building 09 spaces and tall ceiling heights. 11.3.4 Whilst pubs and shops usually a central light atrium. Architectural have a domestic scale and design, detailing may include arched brick 11.3.2 These larger buildings are industrial buildings such as mills and window and door openings, ornate often converted into self-contained flats 10 breweries are usually much larger, brickwork and iron fittings on external which have additional amenity, parking with a more formal architectural elevations, and internal iron rafters and storage requirements that should composition. and structural braces. These features be considered at the outset of the are part of the history and character of 11 design process. Applicants should refer the building and, therefore, should be to Section 5.16 for guidance on these retained as part of the conversion. requirements R A

Fig 11.18 Original features and openings retained

189 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 11 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Policy 39 The historic environment Commercial buildings 02

11.3.10 Design approach Large extensions or ancillary 03 buildings are not usually appropriate 11.3.7 The primary objective of all for conversions. Such elements can conversions is to retain the character dominate the original building and so and appearance of the original building. 04 detract from its character. Wherever Consequently, conversion schemes possible, existing ancillary buildings need to be carefully designed. such as storage sheds should be used R R 11.3.8 The introduction of as garaging to avoid the need for new 05 Fig 11.19 Atrium used to allow light to upper Fig 11.20 Simple landscaping softens industrial uncharacteristic features such as buildings. floors buildings satellite dishes, aerials, and dormer 11.3.11 Existing commercial or windows should be avoided. If Principle DG114: The not significantly alter the overall 06 industrial fixtures and fittings should be additional light is required, it may be conversion of commercial proportion of solid wall to openings. retained wherever possible. Original appropriate to introduce glass roof tiles buildings features such as internal metalwork can Where additional floors are or appropriately designed rooflights. 07 make a positive contribution to the final The conversion must retain the introduced, they should not cut 11.3.9 The internal walls should scheme. The introduction of additional character and appearance of the across tall windows. be retained and the introduction of detailing, which would detract from the original building. This should be Large extensions or ancillary additional walls or floors should be character of the building, should be established through the applicants 08 buildings that dominate the original kept to a minimum. Existing window avoided. Character Study (Section 2). building will not be accepted. openings and detailing should be 11.3.12 Landscaping and boundary The introduction of conspicuous retained. Where additional floors or Existing commercial or industrial 09 treatments need careful attention and domestic features should be mezzanines are introduced, they fixtures and fittings should be should be designed to be as simple as avoided. should not be visible through windows. retained wherever possible. possible. Walls and fences should be Existing opening in elevations 10 avoided where they would harm the Landscaping and boundary should be used for windows and building’s character or setting. treatments should be designed to doors. be as simple as possible and in 11.3.13 Paint colours and finishes A simple window design is usually keeping with the industrial aesthetic. 11 should be chosen to reflect the most appropriate. character and appearance of the Commercial buildings converted building. New windows or doors should to flats should comply with the A be added sparingly and should principles set out in Section 5.16.

190 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Refer to the following Local Plan policies: 01 11 Building conversions Policy 37 Design and local distinctiveness Policy 39 The historic environment Refurbishment 02

04 S 05 Fig 11.22: UPV windows should be avoided Fig 11.21: Refurbishment of thatched dwelling when refurbishing historic properties

06 11.4 Refurbishment 11.4.3 Where a building is listed, Structural integrity consent will be required for any 11.4.1 The Vale is fortunate to have 11.4.5 As with conversions, building external or internal alterations which a rich architectural heritage, with restorations and renovations can 07 affect its special interest. Whilst over 2,000 listed buildings (ranging encounter structural problems. Where all proposals are considered on from large country houses to modest there is any uncertainty about the their merits, certain works to Listed cottages), 8 Historic Parks and impact proposed works would have Buildings are unlikely to be acceptable 08 Gardens and 52 Conservation Areas. on the structural integrity of a building, in principle. Examples include installing R Collectively, these contribute to the a structural report will need to be UPVC windows, re-pointing walls Fig 11.23 Windows and doors should be distinctiveness of the District and prepared. refurbished to complement the character of the in cement-rich mortars, removing 09 represent a valuable architectural, building original features such as fireplaces historical and economic resource. and staircases, painting exteriors in 11.4.2 The architectural heritage of the inappropriate colours, installing satellite 10 Vale should be safeguarded for future dishes or other domestic paraphernalia generations to enjoy. This does not on prominent elevations, and adding

mean, however, that all buildings need poorly designed extensions. 11 to be preserved unchanged. Instead, 11.4.4 This section examines the their sympathetic refurbishment, design approaches that should be alteration and adaptation will be adopted when refurbishing buildings. R A encouraged to prevent possible disuse Fig 11.24 Successful refurbishment retaining and decay. historic features

191 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 11 Building conversions Refurbishment 02

Design Approach 11.4.8 A key consideration in all 11.4.11 The design of any extension refurbishments, but particularly for should be appropriate to the scale, 03 11.4.6 The primary objective of all refurbishments of historic buildings, is layout and design of the original refurbishments is to retain the character the compatibility of modern building building. In some circumstances, it may and appearance of the original building. methods and materials. For example, be more appropriate to design a light- 04 Consequently, conversion schemes historic buildings with solid wall weight modern extension rather than need to be carefully designed. construction are not compatible with copy the style of the original building. The approach, however, may differ modern cavity wall construction, as Wherever possible, inappropriate depending on the design and location 05 solid walls are designed to absorb modern additions should be removed of the building. For example, the post- moisture whereas cavity walls are as part of any refurbishment. war building boom resulted in many designed to keep moisture out. houses being built which are of neither 06 Similarly, it is rarely successful to good traditional or modern design. If retrofit buildings with damp proof refurbishment is being considered, courses and concrete floors as these then the opportunity should be taken 07 can restrict moisture movement and Principle DG115: Refurbishment In more historic building’s features to improve the appearance of such prematurely decay the building’s fabric. which contribute to its character dwellings. As with conversions, building should be retained. 11.4.9 The choice of materials should restorations and renovations can 11.4.7 In more historic buildings, it is 08 be compatible with the building – for encounter structural problems. Consider the compatibility of important to retain any features which example, on historic buildings, lime Where there is any uncertainty modern building methods and contribute to the architectural character mortar should be used on solid wall about the impact proposed works materials. of the building. In the past, architectural 09 construction instead of modern cement would have on the structural features have often been removed and Where a refurbishment proposal as it allows the wall to breath. External integrity of a building, a structural replaced in the mistaken belief that includes an extension, reference paints should also be breathable, which report will need to be prepared. they cannot be repaired. Stripping the should be made to the advice set 10 will be compatible with the building and historic fabric should always be avoided The refurbishment must retain out in Section 10. will help prevent peeling and cracking. and, wherever possible, architectural the character and appearance 11.4.10 features should be retained and Where a refurbishment of the original building. This 11 repaired proposal includes an extension, should be established through reference should be made to the advice the applicant’s Character Study set out in Section 10. (Section 2). A

192 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD How to use 01 11 Building conversions This table provides a checklist for use by both the applicant and planning officer to SUMMARY AND CHECKLIST check that appropriate consideration has been given to the design of a building conversion as part of an application. 02

PRINCIPLE DESCRIPTION CHECK PROCESS: Have you read, DG112: Agricultural Has a structural report been submitted with any planning application to demonstrate understood and applied the 03 buildings that the building is capable of conversion without substantial rebuilding or extension? If principles set our above? substantial rebuilding or extension is required, it is unlikely that planning permission will be granted as the proposed works would no longer constitute a conversion. PROCESS: The adjacent table 04 summarises the key principles Does the conversion retain the character and appearance of the original building as established in the Character Study? The introduction of conspicuous domestic features should be avoided. set out within this section and Has the conversion used the existing openings in elevations for windows and doors. New can be used by applicant and windows or doors should be added sparingly and should not significantly alter the overall 05 officer as a checklist. proportion of solid wall to openings. A simple window design is usually most appropriate. The applicant is expected to meet Does the landscaping, boundary treatments and access roads reflect the agricultural the requirements of all relevant character of a farmyard setting? 06 Principles (ie a tick in each box) DG113: The conversion Does the conversion retain the character and appearance of the original building as established of chapels, schools and in the Character Study? The introduction of conspicuous domestic features should be avoided. or provide a justification for failure churches to do so. Has the conversion used the existing openings in elevations for windows and doors? New windows or doors should be added sparingly and should not significantly alter the overall 07 proportion of solid wall to openings. A simple window design is usually most appropriate. If additional floors are introduced, do they avoid cutting across tall windows? SUMMARY: Applicants should Are existing ecclesiastical fixtures and fittings retained wherever possible? now have a proposal which has 08 responded positively to its setting Is landscaping and boundary treatments designed in a simple manner that does not detract from the building? and demonstrates how the DG114: The conversion Does the conversion retain the character and appearance of the original building as established proposal has been informed by 09 of commercial buildings in the Character Study? The introduction of conspicuous domestic features should be avoided. its context. It should now conform Has the conversion used the existing openings in elevations for windows and doors. New to the principles set out above in windows or doors should be added sparingly and should not significantly alter the overall Section 11. proportion of solid wall to openings. A simple window design is usually most appropriate. 10 Are existing commercial or industrial fixtures and fittings retained wherever possible? Is the landscaping and boundary treatment designed in a simple manner and in keeping with the industrial aesthetic? 11 Do commercial buildings converted to flats comply with the principles set out in Section 5.16? DG115: Refurbishment If required has a structural report been submitted with any planning application to demonstrate that the building is capable of refurbishment without substantial rebuilding or extension? A Does the refurbishment retain the character and appearance of the original building as established in the Character Study?

193 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD A Biodiversity and planning

194 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning A.1.3 The Vale of White Horse A.1.6 This appendix will provide contains a rich variety of natural basic information on the habitats and A habitats of local, national and species most commonly encountered 02 international importance. There in planning process as well as laying are a total of 123 designated out the steps that a developer /

nature conservation sites in the applicant will need to take when 03 Vale including 2 Special Areas of considering these issues. Conservation (SAC), 23 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 84 04 Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), 5 Local Nature Reserves and 9 Geologically Important Sites . 05 A.1.4 In addition to protected habitats there are a large number of protected species found in the Vale. The 06 A.1 Introduction A.1.2 The aim of this appendix is majority of protected species receive to provide basic guidance on what protection as a result of them being A.1.1 Biodiversity simply describes the Council expects in relation to rare or of limited distribution, but also all living things – the variety of life on 07 the protection and enhancement of as a result of persecution, as is the earth – all plants, animals and the biodiversity related to development case with badgers. As a result it is places that they live. The protection proposals. It should give applicants perhaps unsurprising that the majority and enhancement of biodiversity and developers greater certainty of biodiversity issues associated 08 is a key indicator and component and avoid delays in processing with planning applications arise as a of sustainable development. In the planning applications. Information on result of the presence of a protected design guide biodiversity is used providing biodiversity enhancements species. 09 to describe important habitats and and designing wildlife habitats into species which may be affected by, or A.1.5 In line with the National new developments can be found could be enhanced by development Planning Policy Framework all throughout the main body of the activity. developments in the Vale will 10 design guide. There is a wealth be expected to contribute to the of published information available Governments commitment to halt the elsewhere which will be referred to loss of biodiversity and deliver net 11 and should be used to aid developers gains where possible. in making biodiversity related decisions. A

195 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

06 A.2 Legislation A.2.2 Differing procedures and A.2.3 For further information and processes will need to be followed guidance applicants should refer A.2.1 All protected species and depending on the piece of legislation to the following key guidance habitats mentioned within this 07 concerned and the penalties for documents: document are covered within one of not complying with the legislation the following pieces of legislation: • The National Planning Policy will vary accordingly. In addition to Framework (NPPF), particularly • The Wildlife and Countryside Act the legislation the Council takes a 08 chapter 11; 1981as amended; strong stance in the protection of non-statutory sites (LWS) and priority • ODPM Circular 6/2005 Biodiversity • The Countryside and Rights of Way habitats and species. and Geological Conservation – 09 Act 2000 (the CRoW Act 2000); Statutory Obligations and their • The Conservation of Habitats and impact within the planning system; Species Regulations 2010; and 10 • The Badgers Act 1992; • Biodiversity - Code of practice for planning and development BS • The Hedgerow Regulations 1997; 42020:2013. 11 and

• The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. A

196 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning • Where appropriate, information on how the development will avoid harming the species in its existing A 02 location;

• Details of measures to enhance

the provision of species within 03 the development or create new additional opportunities for that species; 04 • Details of mitigation measures employed to mitigate the harm

caused by the development to that 05 species where avoidance is not possible; and

• Details of the compensation 06 A.3 Protected Species A.3.2 Protected species are a measures to be provided where material consideration when the A.3.1 Protected species are present mitigation is not possible. Council is considering a development throughout The Vale and they are 07 proposal. Full information about the A.3.4 Applicants are strongly the biodiversity issue most often presence of a protected species advised to enter into pre-application encountered in the planning system. will be required before the planning discussions to ensure all the The Council takes a pragmatic application can be determined. In relevant information is provided 08 approach to protected species issues line with the NPPF the council will before submitting an application. and will only ask for surveys where expect developers to provide net It is important to note that with it believes that there is a reasonable gains for species and habitats when many species, surveys can only be 09 likelihood of a particular species considering development proposals. satisfactorily conducted at certain being present. Protected species times of the year when the species is occur in many types of habitat A.3.3 In order for the Council to be in active. Early consultation is therefore although there are clearly some a position to determine the application 10 important to avoid undue delays to types of application, which have a the applicant / developer will be applications arising as a result of the much higher probability of affecting expected to provide the following need to carry out surveys within the protected species, and these are information: 11 relevant seasons. outlined in Table 1 of this appendix. • Up to date surveys to an appropriate degree of detail carried out by a A suitably qualified ecologist;

197 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

A.3.5 Surveys will not be conditioned PRE-APPLICATION STAGE APPLICATION STAGE POST-APPLICATION STAGE 03 as part of a planning permission. If applicable acquire the necessary licence Surveys should be carried out by Assess the biodiversity value of the Consider validity of survey findings and before any licensable acts commence. site and its surroundings, formal wildlife suitability of proposed mitigation, with The actual mitigation work must be a suitably qualified ecologist and designations of land, priority habitats advice from Natural England and other planned well and executed well by the and species, presence or absence of relevant conservation bodies if necessary. developer. provide sufficient detail to allow the legally protected species, and identify Request any additional information and 04 Council to make informed decisions. opportunities for enhancement. Consult negotiate any required amendments. Responsibility: Developer with appropriate bodies (eg. Natural Agree the mitigation strategy with the As a guide the Council would as England Are Team, Thames Valley developer. a minimum require the following Environmental Records Centre) about biodiversity records and/or employ Responsibility: Local Planning Manage and monitor to ensure that 05 information to be provided in the ecological consultants to survey Authority planning conditions and the mitigation application site, using best practice strategy are adhered to. survey: techniques. Redesign to reduce impacts. Responsibility: Local Planning • What species are involved?; Responsibility: Developer Authority/Developer 06 Determine application in the light of the information provided with regard to PPS9 • What is the population level likely to and any relevant statutory provisions. be affected by the proposal?; Employ consultants to assess the impact Responsibility: Local Planning Feedback – to planning Authority and 07 of the development on any protected Authority TVERC about what is found. • What is the impact of the proposal species found to be present and if on protected species?; necessary produce a mitigation package. Responsibility: Developer Responsibility: Developer • Is the impact necessary or Attach conditions or planning obligations 08 to any planning permission granted acceptable?; to ensure the implementation of the mitigation strategy. • What can be done to mitigate the Discuss proposals with planners, including any mitigation, prior to Responsibility: Local Planning 09 impact?, and submission of planning application. Authority • Will a licence be required from Responsibility: Developer Natural England? Where application not accompanied 10 by pre-application survey, make initial A.3.6 Fig A.1 provides a visual assessment of biodiversity value and ask interpretation of the steps a developer for survey if considered appropriate. / applicant should take in considering Responsibility: Local Planning 11 Authority a development with the potential for impacts on protected species or habitats: A Fig A.1 Stages in the planning process for a site where protected species may be present (Adapted from the Bat Conservation Trust)

198 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

A.3.7 The species most commonly encountered in development proposals in the Vale are set out in Table 1. This also sets out the issues associated with 03 them, guidance on what can be done and who can help.

04 SPECIES WHAT IS THE ISSUE? WHAT CAN I DO? CHECK Bats The majority of planning cases in the Vale where Bat provision can usually be designed into new Figure 1 gives some guidance on where it is a protected species survey is likely to be needed developments or conversions but it is important reasonable to expect bats may be found. relate to bats. This is because bats are often that this is identified at an early stage of planning 05 associated with man made structures and can to avoid undue delays. Bat mitigation guidelines – A.J. Mitchell-Jones occur in just about any type of building. www.naturalengland.org.uk Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines 2nd 06 Edition – Bat Conservation Trust (2012) http:// www.bats.org.uk/pages/batsurveyguide.html Great crested Great Crested Newts (GCN) breed in ponds, but Mitigation to avoid damage or disturbance to GCN Great crested newt mitigation guidelines – newts spend 75% of their lifecycle on land in long grass populations is usually possible. The type and cost English Nature publication http://webarchive. 07 or rough vegetation up to 500 metres away. They of the mitigation is dependant on the population nationalarchives.gov.uk/20150416000001/ hibernate in the gaps between stones in walls or size and the potential impacts of the proposal. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ rockeries, and in piles of logs. publication/810429 Early consultation with the council is advised if 08 Just about any pond can have GCN resident, from there are likely to be any impacts on GCN. small garden ponds up to farm field ponds. Development sites that don’t contain ponds can 09 still be affected if they provide terrestrial habitats for GCN resident in nearby ponds. Nesting birds All nesting birds receive protection under the In general work which may involve disturbance to Contact the RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as you may nesting birds should only be undertaken outside 10 expect nesting birds are found in many places but of the nesting season which runs from the end of 01767 693 690 particular care should be taken where a scheme February to early August. Where there is a loss Swift Conservation: involves the removal of trees, hedgerows or other of nesting habitat as a result of a development dense vegetation. Care should also be taken the Council would normally expect appropriate www.swift-conservation.org/ 11 for work involving roof structures and the eaves replacement nesting opportunities to be provided of buildings where swifts, swallows and house as part of the development. martins may be present. A

199 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

SPECIES WHAT IS THE ISSUE? WHAT CAN I DO? CHECK Barn owls As the name suggests Barn owls ore often Barn owls should not be disturbed whilst they The Barn Owl Trust: www.barnowltrust.org.uk 03 associated with barns and all types of agricultural are nesting. The nesting season runs from the buildings but they are also associated with a wide beginning of April to the end of September. variety of derelict and unused buildings. Nesting and roosting sites should be protected, 04 where it is not possible to avoid impacts developers will be required to provide alternative roosting or nesting locations as near to the original nesting sites as possible 05 Badgers Badgers can be found in woodlands, in areas Badgers have very large territories and will Badgers and development – English Nature 2002 of scrub, large gardens, (particularly if there are use various setts within this area. Mitigation for www.naturalengland.org.uk relatively undisturbed) and on undeveloped or badgers is often a complex and costly business brownfield sites within towns. Their setts have and it is best to avoid impacting on badger setts 06 large holes which are broadly oval in shape. and the surrounding areas if at all possible. Badger setts are sometimes confused with enlarged rabbit holes or foxes holes (earth’s). If you are unsure contact the Council for advice or 07 employ an appropriately qualified consultant to determine what species are involved.

Reptiles All native reptiles are protected, in the Vale grass As with all protected species it is best to avoid Reptiles: guidelines for developers – English 08 snakes and slow-worms are the most often impacts but where this is not feasible it is often Nature 2004 www.naturalengland.org.uk encountered whilst adders and the common lizard possible to provide appropriate mitigation and or are less common. compensation to offset any negative impacts. 09 Reptiles can be found on a variety of habitats including urban areas and are often associated with brownfield sites, old railway lines and other open sunny habitats. 10

200 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

SPECIES WHAT IS THE ISSUE? WHAT CAN I DO? CHECK Water voles Water voles are associated with watercourses Providing mitigation and compensation measures Advice available from Natural England: 03 including canals, rivers, streams, ditches and for water voles is often expensive and time even sometimes ponds. They are found in both consuming and development impacts on water http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. rural and urban areas and although in decline are voles are best avoided. uk/20150416000001/http://publications. 04 found throughout the Vale. naturalengland.org.uk/publication/31013 Water voles are fully protected. Any development that is likely to either directly or indirectly affect a habitat that has potential to be used by 05 water voles will be expected to provide survey information to determine the presence or absence of the species. 06 Otters The population of otters in the Vale is expanding Developments that are likely to affect otter holts Contact the Environment Agency 01491 828355 following the national trend for the recovery of the are unlikely to be permitted. Mitigation is often species. Otters are primarily associated with river very expensive and complex. systems but occasionally may be found in smaller 07 streams and ditches particularly near where these connect to the main rivers.

Any development that affects the banks of rivers 08 should consider the potential for the development to impact on local otter populations. Dormice Dormice are generally associated with woodlands Mitigation for dormice is usually possible but Contact Natural England: http://www. and species rich hedgerows in the countryside. needs to be planned well in advance of any naturalengland.org.uk 09 Any development which threatens woodland or development proposals. involves the loss of hedgerows or damages the connectivity of hedgerow networks should consider the possibility of impacts on dormice. 10

A.3.8 Important Note: Proposals which disturb or in any way affect many of the species above are likely to require a Licence from Natural England and no 11 development will be possible without first obtaining a licence.

201 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Figure 1 01

Biodiversity and planning Trigger list of where likely bats are to be present and where developers can reasonably be expected to submit a bat survey. A 02

(i) Proposed development which includes the modification, conversion, demolition or A.3.9 Habitats. Protected habitats A.3.10 Priority habitats have not all removal of buildings and structures (especially roof voids) involving the following: • 03 are less often encountered in been mapped and it is not uncommon development proposals as their for these to be identified as a result all agricultural buildings (e.g. farmhouses and barns) particularly of traditional locations are relatively well known of development proposals. If this • brick or stone construction and/or with exposed wooden beams greater than 20 cm thick; and documented. Proposals for is the case the presumption would 04 • all buildings with weather boarding and/or hanging tiles that are within 200 m of development on any undeveloped be against allowing development woodland and/or water; site (brownfield or greenfield) should unless it can be demonstrated that • pre-‐1960 detached buildings and structures within 200 m of woodland and/or water; consider the potential for direct or the proposals can avoid impacts • 05 indirect impacts on designated sites on the priority habitats and provide • pre-‐1914 buildings within 400 m of woodland and/or water; pre-‐1914 buildings with gable ends or slate roofs, regardless of location; (this includes statutory and non enhancements for the long term. If it • all tunnels, mines, kilns, ice-‐houses, adits, military fortifications, air raid shelters, statutory sites) and priority habitats is not possible to avoid impacts on cellars and similar underground ducts and structures; 06 (as defined in S.41 of the Natural priority habitats or provide sufficient • all bridge structures, aqueducts and viaducts (especially over water and wet ground); and Environment and Rural Communities on site mitigation then the developer all developments affecting buildings, structures, trees or other features where Act). Information on the location of would be expected to provide off bats are known to be present. 07 these sites can be obtained from site compensation. Biodiversity the Thames Valley Environmental offsetting is favoured as a means of (ii) Proposals involving lighting of churches and listed buildings or floodlighting of green space within 50 m of woodland, water, field hedgerows or lines of trees with obvious Records Centre (TVERC). compensating for the loss of Priority connectivity to woodland or water. 08 habitats. (iii) Proposals affecting quarries with cliff faces with crevices, caves or swallets. A.3.11 Early consultation with the Council is recommended for any (iv) Proposals affecting or within 400 m of rivers, streams, canals, lakes, or within 200 09 development that has direct or metres of ponds and other aquatic habitats. indirect impacts on a designated (v) Proposals affecting woodland or field hedgerows and/or lines of trees with obvious site or priority habitat. Indirect connectivity to woodland or water bodies. 10 impacts would include things such • as disturbance resulting from noise, (vi) • Proposed tree work (felling or lopping) opment and/or devel affecting: old and veteran trees that are older than 100 years; light, dust or increased pressure from • trees with obvious holes, cracks or cavities; and 11 people or their domestic pets. trees with a girth greater than 1 m at chest height.

(vii) Proposed development affecting any feature or locations where bats are irmed conf as being present, revealed by either a data trawl (from the Thames Valley A Environmental Records Centre) or as notified to the developer by any competent authority (e.g. planning authority, Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation or other environmental or conservation organisation). 202 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

A.3.12 The types of habitat most commonly encountered in the 03 planning system are listed below:

04 HABITATS VALUE PROTECTED SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH ADVICE AND REFERENCES HABITAT

Ponds Ponds are a priority habitat. Ponds of all shapes Great crested newts Restoration” of ponds is often not the best option 05 and sizes can have significant ecological value, – it is better to create new ponds adjacent to the including small garden ponds and seemingly dry Water voles. existing ones to provide a variety of habitats. and derelict ponds Bats Where ponds are lost to development new ponds should be created in compensation. 06 Reptiles http://www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk

07 Hedgerows Native hedgerows provide many important Nesting birds Efforts should be made to retain hedgerows within habitat functions such as winter food sources developments. Retained hedgerows should be for birds, nesting sites and safe commuting Reptiles buffered from surrounding development and not routes connecting otherwise isolated habitats. Badgers incorporated into domestic boundaries. Where 08 Hedgerows are a priority habitat. retention is not possible native species rich Bats hedgerows should be provided in compensation Great Crested newts 09 Dormice

Rivers, Watercourses are important wildlife corridors Water voles Any development which impacts on a watercourse 10 streams, allowing the movement of species throughout the either directly or indirectly may need the consent canals and landscape. They are also important habitats in Great crested newts of the Environment Agency and it is best to ditches themselves. Native crayfish contact them early in the planning process: http:// www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ 11 Bats Reptiles A

203 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

HABITATS VALUE PROTECTED SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH ADVICE AND REFERENCES HABITAT 03 Wildflower Some of the most diverse habitats in the Vale Nesting birds Most of the important grasslands are within grasslands occur on the chalk grassland of the Chilterns and designated sites and development of these areas Reptiles N. Wessex Downs as well as the rich riverside should be avoided. If priority habitat grasslands 04 meadows along the Thames. are identified on development sites then the developer should consider how to avoid direct or indirect impacts. Mitigation should be provided where impacts cannot be avoided and as a last 05 resort compensation will be required if it is not possible to demonstrate a net gain in biodiversity.

06 Ancient or Old trees provide habitats for many species as Bats Impacts on ancient or veteran trees should be veteran trees well as being important landscape features in avoided wherever possible. Applications involving themselves Nesting birds the loss or deterioration of ancient trees will be strongly resisted 07

Woodlands Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable habitats Bats Impacts on ancient woodland should be avoided. which are widespread across the Vale. Mitigation for impacts is generally difficult. The 08 Nesting birds diverse nature and structure of ancient woodlands Badgers means that replacement planting is generally not considered to be adequate mitigation / 09 Dormice compensation. Applications involving the loss or Reptiles deterioration of ancient woodlands will be strongly resisted. 10

Traditional Traditional Orchards are a priority habitat Bats Traditional fruit tree orchards and cobnut plats, Orchard whilst of artificial origin, have often escaped 11 Nesting birds agricultural intensification and are important Badgers refuges for a wide range of wildlife. The total area of traditional orchards has declined drastically Dormice in recent years and the conservation of the A Reptiles remaining orchards is a high priority.

204 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Biodiversity and planning

A 02

Sources of further information: Key contacts: 03 • Bat mitigation guidelines – A.J. • Thames Valley Environmental Mitchell-Jones January 2004 Records Centre (TVERC), c/o Oxfordshire County Council, Signal • Bat Surveys – Good Practice 04 Court, Old Station Way, Eynsham, Guidelines, 2nd edition – Bat OX29 4TL. Tel: 01865 815451. Conservation Trust (2012) ISBN 13:

9781872745985 • [email protected] 05 • Great crested newt mitigation • Natural England - Web site: http:// guidelines – English Nature www.naturalengland.org.uk publication August 2001 06

• Reptiles: guidelines for developers – English Nature 2004 07 • Badgers and development – Natural England

• Barn owls and Rural Planning 08 Applications – A guide for developers and planners – Barn Owl Trust, 09 • BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity - Code of practice for planning and development, British Standards Institute 10

• Guidelines for Ecological Impact

Assessment in the United Kingdom - 11 IEEM 2006

205 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD B Glossary of terms

206 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Glossary of terms

B 02

Access: The point(s) of vehicular or pedestrian entry/exit to a site. Context Appraisal: A detailed analysis of the features that define and influence the area that surrounds a development site. Active Frontage: The interface between buildings and streets is 03 characterised by multiple entrances and windows, which allows interaction Defensible Space: A space that encourages safety and does not create between public realm and the premises facing the street. opportunities for crime. 04 Adaptability: The ability of a building to respond to changing social, Density: A measure of the number of dwellings or people per hectare. technological, economic and market conditions. Design: The creative process of making spaces and places. Amenity Space: External space for recreational purposes. Design Code: A document that sets out the design and planning principles 05 Block: A form of development where the perimeter is defined by streets that will apply to development in a particular place.

Building Line: The line defined by the frontages of buildings along a street or Design Guidance: Documents that provide guidance on the appearance of 06 road. development in a given area.

Building Interface: The area between the back of foot way on the street and Design Principle: A statement that summarises design guidance. the building line. 07 Design and Access Statement: A document that sets out the design Built Form: Buildings and structures approach proposed for a development. The document will also address any site constraints and opportunities. Bulk: The combined effect of volume and shape of a building or group of 08 buildings. Also called massing. Development Control: The process through which a local authority determines whether planning permission should be granted for a Character: The combination of features of a building or a place that give it a development. distinctive identity. 09 Elevation: An external face of a building, or the height of a site above sea Character Area: An area with distinct and recognisable pattern of elements level. that occur consistently to give the area a distinctive identity. Enclosure: The arrangement of buildings, walls, trees etc to provide different 10 Combined Heat and Power (CHP): The combined production of heat, usually levels of containment of a space. in the form of steam, and power, usually in the form of electricity from a single source, close to where they are to be used. The external face of a building or group of buildings that face the Facade: 11 public realm. Conservation Area: An area that has been designated as having special architectural or historical interest. Fenestration: The placement of windows on the exterior of a building. A Context: The physical setting for a development.

207 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Glossary of terms

B 02

Figure ground: A two-dimensional map of an urban space that shows the Massing: The volume of a building or group of buildings. relationship between built and unbuilt space. It is used in analysis of urban 03 Masterplan: An evolving plan that establishes the framework and key design and planning. elements of a site including routes, spaces, uses and so on. Form: The physical appearance of a development – its 3 dimensional shape. Mixed-use: The combination of complementary uses within a building, site or 04 Footprint: The 2 dimensional shape created by a building or group of area. buildings on the ground. Movement: The passage of people and vehicles through buildings, places Grain: The general shape and direction of building footprints. and spaces. 05

Greywater: Wastewater generated from plates and wash-hand basins, Movement network: The term “movement networks” refers to the physical showers and baths, which, because it is nearly as clean as potable water, can infrastructures that allow people to navigate between land uses or 06 be recycled onsite for uses such as toilet flushing, landscape irrigation and destinations. constructed wetlands. Node: A place where activity and routes are concentrated. Heritage assets: A range of geographical components of the historic 07 Passive surveillance: The monitoring of public space through the placement environment which have been positively identified as having a degree of of buildings and activities in such a way as to maximise visibility and foster significance meriting consideration in planning decisions. These include positive social interaction. listed buildings; old buildings that are not listed but still have local historical 08 importance; scheduled monuments; war memorials; historic wreck sites; Permeability: The degree to which a residential development can be parks; historic gardens; conservation areas, archaeological sites and so on. penetrated by foot, cycle and vehicle and the connectivity of the development to adjacent developments. Hierarchy: A logical sequence of spaces, streets or building forms, increasing 09 or decreasing in size or density throughout a development. Permitted Development: Development that is deemed to be permitted without the requirement to submit a formal planning application. Development Landmark: A building or structure that stands out from surrounding buildings. is usually small scale. 10 Layout: The arrangement of buildings, streets and spaces in a development. Place: A space in the built environment that has some meaning for people Legibility: The degree to which a place can be easily comprehended by its due to the activities and uses which characterise the space, or the quality of users so that navigation through that space is easily achieved. the space itself. 11

Local: distinctiveness Similar to character – the features that define an area or Place-making: Creating the physical conditions that residents find attractive, development. safe, neighbourly and legible. A

208 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Glossary of terms

B 02

The spaces between buildings accessible to the public; Public realm: 03 including the highway, green areas, squares etc.

Scale: The size of a building relative to neighbouring buildings. 04 Sense of place: A property of space with strong identity and character that is deeply felt by local inhabitants and visitors.

Street Furniture: Includes litter bins, seating, lighting, bus shelters and signs. 05 Street hierarchy: An urban planning technique for laying out street networks. It is conceived as a hierarchy of routes that embeds the link importance of each road type in the network topology (the connectivity of the nodes to each 06 other).

Streetscape: The character and appearance of the street environment. 07 Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs): Natural drainage solutions that provide an alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of

pipes and sewers to nearby watercourses. 08 Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of today’s generation, without compromising the needs of tomorrow’s generation. 09 Termination, terminated view: A building or other feature which is placed at the end of a view down a street or square, to aid enclosure or provide a landmark. 10 Topography: A description of the shape of the land.

Townscape: The urban equivalent of landscape: the overall effect of the combination of buildings, spaces, views and features. 11

Urban Design: The process of making places, incorporating the design of buildings, spaces and details. A Urban Grain: The pattern development in a settlement.

209 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD C Reference documents

210 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Reference documents

C 02

Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework 03 Association of Chief Police Officers et al (2002), Secured by Design, Website www.securedbydesign.com

Association of Chief Police Officers (2007), Secured by Design - New Homes 04 CABE & DETR (2000) By Design. Urban Design in the Planning System: Towards Better Practice, London, Thomas Telford Publishing

CABE (2003) Building for Life Standard, CABE

CABE (2003) The Use of Urban Design Codes. Building Sustainable Communities, CABE 05

CABE (September 2003) Protecting Design Quality in Planning, CABE

CABE (2004) Creating Successful Masterplans: a guide for clients, CABE 06

CABE (2004) Housing Audit: assessing design quality of new houses, CABE

CABE (April 2004) Safer Places: The Planning System and Crime Prevention, CABE 07 CABE (June 2005) Making Design Policy Work - How to Deliver Good Design through your Local Development Framework, CABE

CABE (June 2006) Design at a Glance: A Quick Reference Wall Chart Guide to National Design Policy, CABE 08 CABE and ODPM in association with Design for Homes (2003) The Value of Urban Design and Layout; Thomas Telford, London

CLG and Department of Transport (2007) Manual for Streets 09 DEFRA (2014) National pollinator strategy: for bees and other pollinators in England

English Heritage, The Conversion of Traditional Farm Buildings: A Guide to Good Practice 10 English Heritage (Revised 2012) Understanding Place: An Introduction

Home Office and ODPM (2004) Safer places - the planning system and crime prevention; Thomas Telford Publishing 11 HMSO (2004) Planning and Compulsory Purchase (Local Development) England Regulations 2004

ODPM (2003) Planning and Access for Disabled People: A Good Practice Guide A Oxfordshire County Council (2004) Oxfordshire Wildlife and Landscape Study (OWLS)

211 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Reference documents

C 02

Oxfordshire County Council (2009) Biodiversity and Planning in Oxfordshire. 03 Urban Design Compendium (2000) Homes and Communities Agency

212 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD D Conservation Areas

213 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 01 Conservation Areas

D 02

There are 52 Conservation Areas • Drayton • Marcham The District has a number of in the Vale which have been adopted Conservation Area 03 • East Hanney • Milton designated because of their Appraisals which are listed special architectural or historic • East Hendred • North Hinksey below: interest: 04 • East Lockinge (See Ardington) • Pusey • Northcourt Conservation Area, • Abingdon Town Centre Abingdon • Faringdon • Shellingford • Abingdon, Albert Park • Wytham Conservation Area • Fyfield & Netherton • Shrivenham 05 • Abingdon, Northcourt • East Hendred Conservation Area • Goosey • Sparsholt • Appleton • Bourton Conservation Area • Great Coxwell • Stanford in the Vale 06 • Ardington & East Lockinge • Cumnor Conservation Area. • Grove • Steventon • Ashbury • Harwell • Sutton Courtenay 07 • Baulking • Hatford • Uffington • Blewbury • Hinton Waldrist • Wantage - Town Centre 08 • Bourton • Idstone • Wantage - Charlton • Buckland • Kingston Bagpuize • West Hanney 09 • Buscot • Kingston Lisle • West Hendred • Charney Bassett • Letcombe Bassett • Woolstone 10 • Childrey • Letcombe Regis • Wytham • Coleshill • Little Coxwell • Cumnor 11 • Littleworth • Denchworth • Longworth A

214 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD E Vale of White Horse character

215 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 2.1 Geology



2.1    

A study of the geology of the District can help to   Geology understand why towns and villages appear the     way they are today. Geology can dictate where a 01     settlement is located, its size and the main  building  Vale of White Horse character   A study of the geology of the Districtmaterials. can help toImage 14 below illustrates how the   understand why towns and villagesDistrict appear is subdividedthe into distinct geological areas.        way they are today. Geology can dictate where a 02 E    settlement is located, its size and the main building      materials. Image 14 below illustrates how the      District is subdivided into distinct geological areas.   E.1 Geology  03          E.1.1 A study of the geology of the       District can help to understand why        04    towns and villages appear the way             they are today. Geology can dictate          where a settlement is located, its size        05  and the main building materials.                           06                             07                             08                          09                   10              11

14 Geological Zones in the Vale 14 Geological Zones in the Vale 216 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Vale Guide of White December Horse 2009 Residential Design Guide December 2009 7 7 2.1 Geology

Zone 1: Thames Valley and Corallian Ridge

• Zone 1A: Upper Thames Valley. • Zone 1B: Golden Ridge & Oxford Heights.

Zone 1A is the northernmost zone; it comprises 16 North of Coleshill the Oxford Clay beds of the Thames Valley, which 01 run from ValeBuscot inof the White west to Wytham Horse in the character 2.1 east. Geology EZone 1B is the Corallian Ridge which is a remnant 02 of a coral reef formed during the Jurassic period. The ridge is made up of limestone and sandstone. ZoneIt stretches 1: Thames from Faringdon Valley andto Kennington Zone and 2: Clay Vale Corallian Ridge 03 Radley. An area of Greensand is apparent around• Zone Zone 2A: Western 1: ClayThames Vale. Valley and Frilford where heathland plants are evident. • Zone 1A: Upper Thames Valley. Corallian Ridge • Zone 2B: Central Clay Vale. • Zone 1B: Golden Ridge & Oxford 04 • Zone• 2C:Zone Eastern 1A: UpperClay Vale. Thames Valley. ZoneHeights. 2: Clay Vale • Zone 1B: Golden Ridge & Oxford Heights. E.1.3 Zone 2 is comprised of E.1.2• Zone Zone 2A: 1A Western is the northernmostClay Vale. KimmeridgeZone 1Aand is Gault the northernmostClays zone; it comprises 05 zone;• Zone it comprises 2B: Central the Clay Oxford Vale. Clay 16 North of Coleshill which originallythe Oxford would Clay bedshave ofbeen the Thames Valley, which beds• Zone of the 2C: Thames Eastern ClayValley, Vale. which run waterloggedrun from marshy Buscot lands in theand west to Wytham in the from Buscot in the west to Wytham thickly east.wooded areas. Settlements inZone the east.Zone2 is comprised 1B is the of Corallian Kimmeridge and 06 Gault Clays which originally would have tookbeen shape on slightly higher ground Ridge which is a remnant of a coral waterlogged marshy lands and thickly woodedas ‘islands’ Zone which1B is the is denoted Corallian by Ridge the which is a remnant reef formed during the Jurassic period. of a coral reef formed during the Jurassic period. areas. Settlements took shape on slightly highersuffix ‘ey’, examples include Hanney The ridge is made up of limestone and The ridge is made up of limestone and sandstone. 07 ground as ‘islands’ which is denoted by the andsuffix Goosey. sandstone.‘ey’, examples It stretchesinclude Hanney from Faringdonand Goosey. It stretches from Faringdon to Kennington and 17 River Thames, Buscot to Kennington and Radley. An area of Radley. An area of Greensand is apparent around Frilford where heathland plants are evident. Greensand is apparent around Frilford 08 where heathland plants are evident. Zone 2: Clay Vale 09 • Zone 2A: Western Clay Vale. • Zone 2B: Central Clay Vale. • Zone 2C: Eastern Clay Vale. 10

Zone 2 is comprised of Kimmeridge and Gault Clays which originally would have been 11 waterlogged marshy lands and thickly wooded areas. Settlements took shape on slightly higher ground as ‘islands’ which is denoted by the suffix ‘ey’, examples include Hanney and Goosey. A 15 View of Oxford from Boars Hill 17 River Thames, Buscot

217 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 8 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD

15 View of Oxford from Boars Hill

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 8 2.1 Geology

Zone 3: Upper Greensand Ledge and Lower Chalk

Zone 3 is comprised of a larger area of Greensand with lower chalk towards the North Wessex Downs. This zone stretches from the western villages of Ashbury and Childrey through to Wantage, the Hendreds and as far as Blewbury in 01 the east. Vale of White Horse character 18 White Horse Hill ZoneE 4: Upper and Middle 2.1 02 Chalk Downs Zone 3: Upper Greensand Ledge Zone 4:Geology Upper and Middle Chalk Zoneand Lower4 is the Chalk southern most zone, it comprisesDowns 03 the Middle and Upper Chalk of the Downs. The E.1.4 Zone 3 is comprised of a larger E.1.5 Zone 4 is the southern most Zone has relatively few settlements, except for area of Greensand with lower chalk zone, it comprises the Middle and farmsteads around the Ridgeway. The land is Zone 3: Upper Greensand 04 mainlytowards used the Northfor grazing Wessex due Downs. to the poorUpper soil Chalk of the Downs. The Zone conditions.This zone stretches from the western has relativelyLedge few settlements,and Lower except Chalk villages of Ashbury and Childrey for farmsteads around the Ridgeway. Zone 3 is comprised of a larger area of Greensand 05 through to Wantage, the Hendreds The landwith is mainlylower usedchalk fortowards grazing the North Wessex and as far as Blewbury in the east. due to Downs.the poor This soil conditions.zone stretches from the western villages of Ashbury and Childrey through to Wantage, the Hendreds and as far as Blewbury in 06 the east.

19 View south from Kingston Lisle 18 White Horse Hill 07 Zone 4: Upper and Middle Chalk Downs 08 Zone 4 is the southern most zone, it comprises the Middle and Upper Chalk of the Downs. The Zone has relatively few settlements, except for 09 farmsteads around the Ridgeway. The land is mainly used for grazing due to the poor soil conditions. 10

20 View north of Watchfield 19 View south from Kingston Lisle

218 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 9

20 View north of Watchfield

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 9 2.2 Character

The following sections provide an overview of the character of each of the zones. Although geology has a very strong influence on the character of a settlement, other factors such It should be noted that the individual character of as local traditions, history and technology can the five largest settlements in the District, Abingdon, also influence the evolution and appearance of a Botley, Faringdon, Wantage and Grove, is more varied settlement. Image 21 below divides the Vale into because of their size and history. These settlements 01 separate character zones, taking into account do not therefore fit comfortably into the individual Vale of White Horse charactergeology, landscape and a physical assessment of character zones and, therefore, they are described individual settlements in each zone. separately. E 02 Zone 1 - Thames Valley and Corrallian Ridge Wytham E.2 LANDSCAPE AND Zone 1 A - Golden Ridge and Wooded Estate Villages 03 SETTLEMENT CHARACTER Significant Hilltops Zone 1 B - Eastern Thames OXFORD E.2.1 Although geology has a very Rivers and Streams strong influence on the character of a Zone 23 - Clay Vale Settlements 04 BOTLEY Zone 2 A - Western Vale Villages settlement, other factors such as local Zone 1 - Thames Valley and Corrallian Ridge Wytham Zone 1 A - Golden Ridge andZone Wooded 2 B - Central Alluvial Island villages traditions, history and technology Estate Villages Significant Hilltops Cumnor Zone 1 B - Eastern Thames OXFORD can also influence the evolution and Zone 2 C - Lowland Villages Hill Rivers and Streams 05 appearance of a settlement. Image 21 Zone 2 - Clay Vale Settlements BOTLEY Cumnor Zone 2 A - Western Vale Villages Kennington below divides the Vale into separate Zone 3 - Rolling Farmland Villages Zone 2 B - Central Alluvial Island villages character zones, taking into account Cumnor Appleton Zone 2 C - Lowland Villages Hill geology, landscape and a physical Cumnor 06 Zone 4 - Chalk Villages Kennington Wootton Zone 3 - Rolling Farmland Villages assessment of individual settlements Appleton Zone 5 - Upper Chalk Downs Longworth Radley in each zone. Zone 4 - Chalk Villages Wootton Hinton Kingston Zone 5 - Upper Chalk Downs Longworth WaldristRadley Bagpuize 07 E.2.2 The following sections provide Hinton Kingston Buckland Waldrist Bagpuize ABINGDON BuscotBuckland ABINGDON an overview of the character of each Buscot Southmoor Southmoor of the zones. Marcham Marcham Littleworth Littleworth 08 E.2.3 It should be noted that the Charney Bassett individual character of the five Coleshill Drayton FARINGDON CharneySutton Stanford East BassettCourtenay largest settlements in the District, West Coleshill in the Vale Hanney Hanney 09 Drayton FARINGDON Steventon Sutton Abingdon, Botley, Faringdon, Goosey Fernham Denchworth Stanford East Courtenay Watchfield Milton West Wantage and Grove, is more varied in the Vale Hanney Hanney Longcot GROVE Harwell DIDCOT Steventon because of their size and history. Shrivenham East Goosey 10 Uffington FernhamArdington East These settlements do not therefore Kingston Challow Hendred Denchworth Lisle Watchfield Milton fit comfortably into the individual Bourton Childrey East Woolstone LongcotWANTAGE Lockinge GROVE character zones and, therefore, they Letcombe Ginge Blewbury DIDCOT White Horse Regis Harwell Ashbury ShrivenhamHill 11 are described separately. Chilton East East LetcombeUffington Ardington Bassett Kingston Challow Hendred Lisle Bourton East Woolstone Childrey Lockinge WANTAGE A Letcombe Ginge Blewbury White Horse Regis Ashbury Hill 21 Character Zones in the Vale Chilton 219 Vale of WhiteLetcombe Horse Design Guide SPD Bassett Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 10 2.2 Character

Zone 1: Thames Valley and Corallian Ridge

Zone 1 covers approximately one third of the land area of the Vale. The area follows the path of the River Thames, which bounds the District to the north and east. Here, the landscape is a mixture of water meadows and pasture on 22 North Hinksey slightly higher ground.

To the south is the Corallian or Golden Ridge, a 01 higher area of landVale along of the White crest of Horsewhich lie character various settlements.

E 02 The zone contains many areas of deciduous woodland, including some ancient woodlands, particularlyZone along 1: Thames the Corallian Valley Ridge and and in the E.2.8 Zone 1 is subdivided into two north-easternCorallian corner Ridge of the Vale. 03 separate sub-zones to the east and In the E.2.4east, Zone the 1proximity covers approximately to Oxford allowed the west of the Vale. These subzones for a onewide third variety of the of landbuilding area ofmaterials the to beare appraised below: 2.2 04 transportedVale. intoThe thearea District. follows In the the path west, of until the • Zone 1A - Corallian Ridge and railwaythe connected River Thames, into Faringdon, which bounds materials the were 23 River Thames, Abingdon WoodedCharacter Estate Villages restrictedDistrict to thoseto the norththat wereand east.available Here, locally. This meantthe landscape less influence is a mixtureby external of water factors and• Zone 1B - Eastern Thames 05 fashions in favour of traditional materials such as meadows and pasture on slightly limestone, stone slates and thatch. higher ground. Zone 1: Thames Valley and 06 Zone 1E.2.5 is subdivided To the south into twois the separate Corallian sub-zones or Corallian Ridge to the Goldeneast and Ridge, the west a higher of the area Vale. of Theseland sub- Zone 1 covers approximately one third of the zones arealong appraised the crest below: of which lie various land area of the Vale. The area follows the path 07 settlements. of the River Thames, which bounds the District • ZoneE.2.6 1A -CorallianThe zone Ridgecontains and many Wooded areas Estate to the north and east. Here, the landscape is a mixture of water meadows and pasture on 22 North Hinksey Villagesof deciduous woodland, including 08 • Zonesome 1B -ancient Eastern woodlands, Thames particularly slightly higher ground. along the Corallian Ridge and in the To the south is the Corallian or Golden Ridge, a north-eastern corner of the Vale. 24 Buckland higher area of land along the crest of which lie 09 E.2.7 In the east, the proximity to various settlements. Oxford allowed for a wide variety of The zone contains many areas of deciduous building materials to be transported 10 woodland, including some ancient woodlands, into the District. In the west, until the particularly along the Corallian Ridge and in the railway connected into Faringdon, north-eastern corner of the Vale. materials were restricted to those that 11 were available locally. This meant In the east, the proximity to Oxford allowed less influence by external factors for a wide variety of building materials to be and fashions in favour of traditional transported into the District. In the west, until the A materials such as limestone, stone railway25 connected Estate Cottages, into Faringdon, Coleshill 26 materials Cumnor were Hill 23 River Thames, Abingdon slates and thatch. restricted to those that were available locally. This meant less influence by external factors and Vale of220 White Horse Residential Design Guide Decemberfashions 2009 in favour of traditional materials such as 11 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD limestone, stone slates and thatch.

Zone 1 is subdivided into two separate sub-zones to the east and the west of the Vale. These sub- zones are appraised below:

• Zone 1A -Corallian Ridge and Wooded Estate Villages • Zone 1B - Eastern Thames

24 Buckland

25 Estate Cottages, Coleshill 26 Cumnor Hill

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 11 2.2 Character

Zone 1A: Corallian Ridge & Wooded Estate Villages

View north from Faringdon Landscape Character 27

The northernmost part of the Vale abuts the River Thames and contains soft Oxford Clays covered by gravels and alluvium.

The landscape combines a diverse mix of water meadows, small woodlands, pasture, with willows 01 along the river banksVale and of hedgerows. White Horse character The Corallian Ridge runs the length of the District and beyondE in either direction. In the west the 02 ridge, also known as the Golden Ridge, is bisected by streams, which have formed steep slopes. In 28 Buckland House the FaringdonZone 1A: area, Corallian this is evident Ridge in & the form ofE.2.11 Settlements2.2 are typically BadburyWooded Hill and Faringdon Estate Villages Folly Hill. limestone villages built of locally 03 sourced, hard Corallian Ragstone, LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Character Much of the ridge is characterised by woodland,and their elevated position often E.2.9 The northernmost part of the including a significant area of ancient woodland. provides spectacular expansive 04 Vale abuts the River Thames and views. contains soft Oxford Clays covered by Zone 1A: Corallian Ridge & Wooded Estate Built Environmentgravels and alluvium. Character The landscape Villages combines a diverse mix of water 05 View north from Faringdon The majoritymeadows, of the small settlements woodlands, are setpasture, back from Landscape Character 27 29 Pusey the riverwith on willows higher alongground the along river banksthe ridge and line. Settlementshedgerows.The here are often Corallian based Ridge around runs country The northernmost part of the Vale abuts the River 06 estates theand length large of manorthe District houses and withbeyond gardens in Thames and contains soft Oxford Clays covered designedeither to look direction. out over In thethe westnorth-facing the ridge, scarp. by gravels and alluvium. also known as the Golden Ridge, 07 Settlements are typically limestone villages built The landscape combines a diverse mix of water is bisected by streams, which have of locally sourced, hard Corallian Ragstone, and meadows, small woodlands, pasture, with willows their elevatedformed positionsteep slopes. often Inprovides the Faringdon spectacular along the river banks and hedgerows. expansivearea, views. this is evident in the form of 08 Badbury Hill and Faringdon Folly Hill. The Corallian Ridge runs the length of the District Zone 1AMuch of the ridge is characterised by and beyond in either direction. In the west the woodland, including a significant area ridge, also known as the Golden Ridge, is bisected Appleton Kingston Bagpuize 30 Wytham 28 Buckland House 09 Bucklandof ancient woodland.Little Coxwell by streams, which have formed steep slopes. In Buscot Littleworth the Faringdon area, this is evident in the form of BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER Coleshill Longworth Badbury Hill and Faringdon Folly Hill. CumnorE.2.10 The majority Puseyof the settlements 10 Faringdonare set back from theShrivenham river on Much of the ridge is characterised by woodland, Farmoorhigher ground alongSouthmoor the ridge line. including a significant area of ancient woodland. Fyfield Settlements here areSunningwell often based Great Coxwell Tubney 11 around country estates and large Hinton Waldrist Watchfield Built Environment Character manor houses withWytham gardens designed to look out over the north-facing scarp. The majority of the settlements are set back from A Cumnor the river31 on higher ground along the ridge line. 29 Pusey Settlements here are often based around country Vale of221 White Horse Residential Design Guide Decemberestates 2009 and large manor houses with gardens 12 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD designed to look out over the north-facing scarp.

Settlements are typically limestone villages built of locally sourced, hard Corallian Ragstone, and their elevated position often provides spectacular expansive views.

Zone 1A

Appleton Kingston Bagpuize 30 Wytham Buckland Little Coxwell Buscot Littleworth Coleshill Longworth Cumnor Pusey Faringdon Shrivenham Farmoor Southmoor Fyfield Sunningwell Great Coxwell Tubney Hinton Waldrist Watchfield Wytham

31 Cumnor

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 12 2.2 Walls Character

Zone 1A: Palette of Materials

The defining building features include limestone, which helps create the distinctive character of the area. Steep pitched roofs, narrow gables and dormer windows are typical of the area.

Walls: 32 A variety of shades of coursed and uncoursed limestone • Random, uncoursed rubble, local corallian limestone with a variety of bed widths and colours. • Ashlar limestone dressings. • Coursed stone appears on later dwellings. • Colour washed lime render often covers stone beneath. 33 Colour washed Render 34 Berkshire orange brick • Berkshire orange brick - usually on smaller Victorian with blue headers dwellings or on Georgian properties. • Decorative brickwork - often blue or buff for chimneys, quoins, doors and window detailing. • Timber frame with render or brick infill panels. • Weatherboard is restricted to conversions from agricultural or cottage industry uses. 35 Natural and stained weatherboard - traditional and modern Roofs: Roofs 01 Vale of White Horse character There are three roofing materials that are equally dominant: • Stone slates. • Thatch was traditionally locally sourced long or E wheat straw with flush ridges. 02 • Orange plain clay tiles. • Blue slates. 36 Stone slates 37 Blue slate Zone 1A: Palette of Materials E.2.14 Windows & Doors: Roofs: 03 E.2.12 The defining building features • There are three roofing materials that• Timber sash and casement windows and iron include limestone, which helps create leaded casement windows. are equally dominant: • Timber doors. the distinctive character of the area. 38 Typical thatched roof 39 Local orange plain with dormer clay tiles 04 Steep pitched roofs, narrow gables • Stone slates; Timber Finishes: and dormer windows are typical of • The paint colour palette is narrow, with white or Timber Finishes • Thatch was traditionally locally similar pale colours. Estate colours in villages such the area. as Buscot and Coleshill. sourced long or wheat straw with • Tar and pitch on barns and exposed timber 05 E.2.13 Walls: flush ridges; frames. • Untreated oak. • Random, uncoursed rubble, local • Orange plain clay tiles, and • For more see information see appendix D. 06 corallian limestone with a variety of 40 White painted timber 41 Buscot estate paint • Blue slates windows colours bed widths and colours; 2.2 E.2.15 Windows & Doors: Walls • Ashlar limestone dressings; Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 13 Character 07 • Timber sash and casement windows • Coursed stone appears on later and iron leaded casement windows; dwellings; and Zone 1A: Palette of Materials • Colour washed lime render often 08 • Timber doors. The defining building features include limestone, covers stone beneath; which helps create the distinctive character of the area. Steep pitched roofs, narrow gables and E.2.16 Timber Finishes: • Berkshire orange brick - usually on dormer windows are typical of the area. 09 smaller Victorian dwellings or on • The paint colour palette is narrow, Walls: 32 A variety of shades of coursed and uncoursed Georgian properties; with white or similar pale colours. limestone • Random, uncoursed rubble, local corallian limestone Estate colours in villages such as with a variety of bed widths and colours. • Decorative brickwork - often blue or 10 Buscot and Coleshill; • Ashlar limestone dressings. buff for chimneys, quoins, doors and • Coursed stone appears on later dwellings. window detailing; • Tar and pitch on barns and exposed • Colour washed lime render often covers stone beneath. 33 Colour washed Render 34 Berkshire orange brick with blue headers timber frames; and • Berkshire orange brick - usually on smaller Victorian 11 • Timber frame with render or brick dwellings or on Georgian properties. infill panels; and • Untreated oak. • Decorative brickwork - often blue or buff for chimneys, quoins, doors and window detailing. • Weatherboard is restricted to • Timber frame with render or brick infill panels. • Weatherboard is restricted to conversions from A conversions from agricultural or agricultural or cottage industry uses. 35 Natural and stained weatherboard - traditional and cottage industry uses. modern Roofs: 222 Roofs Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD There are three roofing materials that are equally dominant: • Stone slates. • Thatch was traditionally locally sourced long or wheat straw with flush ridges. • Orange plain clay tiles. • Blue slates. 36 Stone slates 37 Blue slate

Windows & Doors:

• Timber sash and casement windows and iron leaded casement windows. • Timber doors. 38 Typical thatched roof 39 Local orange plain with dormer clay tiles Timber Finishes:

• The paint colour palette is narrow, with white or Timber Finishes similar pale colours. Estate colours in villages such as Buscot and Coleshill. • Tar and pitch on barns and exposed timber frames. • Untreated oak. • For more see information see appendix D.

40 White painted timber 41 Buscot estate paint windows colours

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 13 2.2 2.2 CharacterCharacter 44 Berkshire 44 Berkshire orange orange brick brick 45 45Painted Painted render Zone 1A Settlements with distinct character Zone 1A Settlements with distinct character Faringdon Faringdon The larger settlements in the Vale have individual characteristics which do not always accord with 46 Coursed limestone 47 Slate The larger settlementsthe incharacter the Vale zone have in whichindividual they are located. characteristics whichWhilst do notFaringdon always is influenced accord bywith the character of 46 Coursed limestone 47 Slate the character zone Zonein which1, it has they developed are itslocated. individual character because of its history, location and size. Whilst Faringdon is influenced by the character of Zone 1, it has developedFaringdon its isindividual the largest charactersettlement in Zone 1A, because of its history,and location has panoramic and size. views across the Thames Valley from its perch on the Golden Ridge. 48 Traditional Georgian 49 Traditional heritage 01 Faringdon is the largestThere issettlement a relatively inbroad Zone spectrum 1A, of building colours colours Vale of White Horse characterand has panoramicmaterials views influencedacross bythe the Thamesarrival of the canal and Valley from its perchrailway, on the including Golden brick,Ridge. stone and limewashed and painted renders. The predominant roofing E Traditional heritage 02 materials are blue and stone slates. 48 Traditional Georgian 49 There is a relatively broad spectrum of building colours colours materials influenced by the arrival of the canal and Zone 1A: Settlements with railway, including brick, stone and limewashed 03 distinct character and painted renders. The predominant roofing E.2.17 The larger settlements in the materials are blue and stone slates. Vale have individual characteristics 04 which do not always accord with the character zone in which they are located. Whilst Faringdon is influenced by the character of Zone 05 50 Gravel Walk, Faringdon 1, it has developed its individual character because of its history, location and size. 42 London Street, Faringdon 06

E.2.18 Faringdon is the largest settlement in Zone 1A, and has 07 panoramic views across the Thames 50 Gravel Walk, Faringdon Valley from its perch on the Golden Ridge. There is a relatively broad 08 2.2 spectrum of building materials 42 London Street, Faringdon Characterinfluenced by the arrival of the canal and railway, including brick, stone and 44 Berkshire orange brick 45 Painted render limewashed and painted renders. The 09 Zone 1A Settlementspredominant with distinct characterroofing materials are 43 Lechlade Road, Faringdon 51 Dove Court, Faringdon

Faringdon blue and stone slates. Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 14 10 The larger settlements in the Vale have individual 2.2 characteristics which do not always accord with 46 Coursed limestone 47 Slate the character zone in which they are located. Character Whilst Faringdon is influenced by the character of 44 Berkshire orange brick 45 Painted render Zone 1, it has developed its individual character 11 because of its history, location and size. Zone 1A Settlements with distinct character

Faringdon is the largest settlement in Zone 1A, Faringdon and has panoramic views across the Thames Valley from its perch on the Golden Ridge. The larger settlements in the Vale have individual A characteristics48 Traditional which Georgian do not always49 accordTraditional with heritage 46 Coursed limestone 47 Slate 43 colours Lechlade Road, Faringdon 51 Dove Court, Faringdon There is a relatively broad spectrum of building the charactercolours zone in which they are located. materials influenced by the arrival of the canal and Whilst Faringdon is influenced by the character of railway, including brick,223 stone and limewashed Zone 1, it has developed its individual character Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD and painted renders. The predominant roofing because of its history, location and size. materials are blue and stone slates. Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 14 Faringdon is the largest settlement in Zone 1A, and has panoramic views across the Thames Valley from its perch on the Golden Ridge. 48 Traditional Georgian 49 Traditional heritage There is a relatively broad spectrum of building colours colours materials influenced by the arrival of the canal and railway, including brick, stone and limewashed and painted renders. The predominant roofing materials are blue and stone slates.

50 Gravel Walk, Faringdon

42 London Street, Faringdon

50 Gravel Walk, Faringdon

42 London Street, Faringdon

43 Lechlade Road, Faringdon 51 Dove Court, Faringdon

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 14

43 Lechlade Road, Faringdon 51 Dove Court, Faringdon

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 14 2.2 Character

Zone 1B: The Eastern Thames 52 View west to Boars Hill Landscape Character

The eastern Thames and Oxford Heights area differs from the area to the west primarily due to its proximity to Oxford. It is a much more developed area, where better transport links have led to the availability of a wider range of building materials. 01 Vale of White Horse character Built Environment Character E 02 Many of the settlements in Zone 1B are situated in low lying areas in close proximity to the River 53 River Thames Thames.Zone 1B: The Eastern Thames Zone 1A 03 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Abingdon2 (north.2 Foxcombe Hill One of the largest settlements in the zone is of River Ock) Botley,E.2.19 which The sits eastern on the Thames edge ofand Oxford. The North Hinksey Oxford Heights area differs from Boars HillCharacter topography rises up from the Thames at Cumnor Kennington 04 Hill, fromthe wherearea to there the west are expansiveprimarily dueviews to the Botley north.to its proximity to Oxford. It is a Radley Cumnor Hill much more developed area, where Wootton 05 Abingdonbetter is transportthe largest links town have ledin theto District, Zone 1B: The Eastern Thames but stillthe retains availability its character of a wider as rangea historic of market 52 View west to Boars Hill town. building materials. Landscape54 North Character Hinksey 06 BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER The eastern Thames and Oxford Heights area E.2.20 Many of the settlements in differs from the area to the west primarily due Zone 1B are situated in low lying to its proximity to Oxford. It is a much more 07 areas in close proximity to the developed area, where better transport links have River Thames. One of the largest led to the availability of a wider range of building settlements in the zone is Botley, materials. which sits on the edge of Oxford. The 08 Zone 1B: topography rises up from the Thames Built Environment Character at Cumnor Hill, from where there Abingdon (north of River Ock) Many of the settlements in Zone 1B are situated Boars Hillare expansive views to the north. 09 in low55 lying Boars areas Hill in close proximity to the River 53 River Thames BotleyAbingdon is the largest town in the Thames. CumnorDistrict, Hill but still retains its character Foxcombe Hill as a historic market town. North Hinksey One of the largest settlements in the zone is 10 Kennington Botley, which sits on the edge of Oxford. The Radley topography rises up from the Thames at Cumnor Wootton Hill, from where there are expansive views to the 11 north.

Abingdon is the largest town in the District, but still retains its character as a historic market A town.56 North Hinksey 54 North Hinksey

224 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 15

Zone 1B:

Abingdon (north of River Ock) Boars Hill 55 Boars Hill Botley Cumnor Hill Foxcombe Hill North Hinksey Kennington Radley Wootton

56 North Hinksey

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 15 2.2 Walls Character

Zone 1B: Palette of Materials

The Corallian limestone again has a strong presence, particularly on cottages in villages.

Walls: 57 Light to mid range shades of Corallian limestone - • A mix of uncoursed and coursed corallian limestone. either coursed or uncoursed Usually smaller regular shaped stones with Ashlar limestone dressings. • Colour washed lime render often covers earlier stone beneath. • Berkshire orange brick - predominates in urban areas. 58 Colour washed 59 Berkshire orange brick • Decorative brickwork - often blue or buff for Render with blue headers chimneys, quoins, doors and window detailing. • Timber frame with render or brick infill panels. • Weatherboard is usually found on conversions.

Roofs: There are three main roofing materials: • Plain clay tiles predominate in the zone and often replace earlier stone or thatch. Roofs 01 • Blue slate is also common. Vale of White Horse character • Thatch is generally found in rural settlements on smaller dwellings and barns. Usually locally sourced long or wheat straw. E 02 Fenestration and Doors: 60 Orange /red plain clay tiles • Timber sash and casement, iron leaded casement Zone 1B: Palette of Materials windows. E.2.23 Roofs • Timber doors. 03 E.2.21 The Corallian limestone again has a strong presence, particularly on • Plain clay tiles predominate in the Timber Finishes • The paint colour palette is narrow, with white cottages in villages. zone and often replace earlier stone 61 Blue Slate 62 Typical thatched roof or similar pale colours. The exception is in urban 04 or thatch; locations, where a broader, palette is observed. E.2.22 Walls: • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. Timber Finishes • Blue slate is also common; and • Untreated oak. • A mix of uncoursed and coursed • For more detail on paint and stain colours see 05 corallian limestone. Usually smaller • Thatch is generally found in rural appendix D. regular shaped stones with Ashlar settlements on smaller dwellings and limestone dressings; barns. Usually locally sourced long

or wheat straw. 63 White painted timber 64 White painted timber 06 • Colour washed lime render often windows door covers earlier stone beneath; E.2.24 Fenestration and Doors: 2.2 Walls Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 16 • Berkshire orange brick - • Timber sash and casement, iron Character 07 predominates in urban areas; leaded casement windows; and

• Decorative brickwork - often blue or • Timber doors. buff for chimneys, quoins, doors and 08 E.2.25 Timber Finishes Zone 1B: Palette of Materials window detailing; The Corallian limestone again has a strong presence, • The paint colour palette is narrow, • Timber frame with render or brick particularly on cottages in villages. with white or similar pale colours. 09 infill panels; and Walls: The exception is in urban locations, 57 Light to mid range shades of Corallian limestone - • A mix of uncoursed and coursed corallian limestone. either coursed or uncoursed • Weatherboard is usually found on where a broader, palette is observed; Usually smaller regular shaped stones with Ashlar conversions. limestone dressings. 10 • Tar and pitch on barns and timber • Colour washed lime render often covers earlier frame; and stone beneath. • Berkshire orange brick - predominates in urban areas. • Untreated oak. 58 Colour washed 59 Berkshire orange brick 11 • Decorative brickwork - often blue or buff for Render with blue headers chimneys, quoins, doors and window detailing. • Timber frame with render or brick infill panels. • Weatherboard is usually found on conversions. A Roofs: There are three main roofing materials: • Plain clay tiles predominate in the zone and often 225 replace earlier stone or thatch. Roofs Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD • Blue slate is also common. • Thatch is generally found in rural settlements on smaller dwellings and barns. Usually locally sourced long or wheat straw.

Fenestration and Doors: 60 Orange /red plain clay tiles • Timber sash and casement, iron leaded casement windows. • Timber doors.

Timber Finishes • The paint colour palette is narrow, with white or similar pale colours. The exception is in urban 61 Blue Slate 62 Typical thatched roof locations, where a broader, palette is observed. • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. Timber Finishes • Untreated oak. • For more detail on paint and stain colours see appendix D.

63 White painted timber 64 White painted timber windows door

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 16 2.2 2.2 Character Character

Zone 1B Settlements with distinct character

The larger settlements in the Vale have individual Zone 1B Settlements with distinct character characteristics which can differ from those of the Morland Brewery conversion zone in which they are located. Abingdon and 67 The larger settlements in the Vale have individual Botley have developed individual characteristics characteristics which can differ from those of the largely influenced by their history, location and 67 Morland Brewery conversion zone in which they are located. Abingdon and size. Botley have developed individual characteristics largely influenced by their history, location and Abingdon size. 01 Vale of White Horse characterAbingdon is the largest town in the District. The Abingdon built history of the town includes buildings which E date from the 15th century, including the chapel 02 Abingdon is the largest town in the District. The of St John’s Hospital, a refuge for travellers, and built history of the town includes buildings which almshouses around St Helen’s Church. date from the 15th century, including the chapel Zone 1B: Settlements with 03 of St John’s Hospital, a refuge for travellers, and distinct character Brick is the predominant building material in 68 Contemporary use of brick and clay tiles. Flood almshouses around St Helen’s Church. Abingdon, although render and stone are also risk addressed by raising ground floor level E.2.26 The larger settlements in the well used. The predominant roofing material is Contemporary use of brick and clay tiles. Flood Vale have individual characteristics Brick is the predominant building material in 68 clay tiles. 04 Abingdon, although render and stone are also risk addressed by raising ground floor level which can differ from those of the well used. The predominant roofing material is zone in which they are located. clay tiles. Abingdon and Botley have developed individual characteristics largely 2.2 05 influenced by their history, location and size. Character 69 Red/orange brick and 70 Coursed limestone 06 ABINGDON clay tiles with ashlar dressings E.2.27 Abingdon is the largest town 69 Red/orange brick and 70 Coursed limestone in the District. The built history of clay tiles with ashlar dressings 07 the town includes buildings which Zone 1B Settlements with distinct character date from the 15th century, including the chapel of St John’s Hospital, a The larger settlements in the Vale have individual refuge for travellers, and almshouses characteristics which can differ from those of the 08 65 Almshouses 67 Morland Brewery conversion around St Helen’s Church.Brick is zone in which they are located. Abingdon and the predominant building material in Botley have developed individual characteristics largely influenced by their history, location and Abingdon, although render and stone 71 Paint covering ashlar 72 Render over earlier 09 65 Almshouses size. beneath brick or stone are also well used. The predominant roofing material is clay tiles. 71 Paint covering ashlar 72 Render over earlier Abingdon beneath brick or stone 10 Abingdon is the largest town in the District. The built history of the town includes buildings which

date from the 15th century, including the chapel 11 of St John’s Hospital, a refuge for travellers, and almshouses around St Helen’s Church.

Doors painted in Contemporary metal Brick is the predominant building material in 68 Contemporary 73 use of brick and clay tiles.74 Flood A 66 Ornate Victorian detailing Georgian colours windows Abingdon, although render and stone are also risk addressed by raising ground floor level well used. The predominant roofing material is Doors painted in Contemporary metal 73 74 226 clay tiles. Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 66 Ornate Victorian detailing Georgian colours windows Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 17

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 17

69 Red/orange brick and 70 Coursed limestone clay tiles with ashlar dressings

65 Almshouses

71 Paint covering ashlar 72 Render over earlier beneath brick or stone

73 Doors painted in 74 Contemporary metal 66 Ornate Victorian detailing Georgian colours windows

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 17 2.2 Character

Botley

Botley is one of the largest settlements in the 2.2 77 Uncoursed limestone cottage Zone. Although it was first settled in Saxon times, its major development has taken place Character since the 1930’s and generally to the west of the ring road. The character of Botley includes a mix of styles, ranging from stone cottages and Victorian terraces to 20th century residential suburbs. Botley

Cumnor Hill extends to the west of Botley Botley is one of the largest settlements in the 77 Uncoursed limestone cottage and links to the village of Cumnor. It has a Zone. Although it was first settled in Saxon distinctive low density, well landscaped character, times, its major development has taken place and includes a variety of substantial detached since the 1930’s and generally to the west of properties and a number of contemporary the ring road. The character of Botley includes apartment buildings. a mix78 of Modern styles, rangingFlats from stone cottages and VictorianA broad terraces spectrum to of20th building century materials residential has been used suburbs.in the Botley and Cumnor Hill area, including brick, render, stone, and more modern materials such as Cumnormetal Hill and extendsglass. The to predominantthe west ofroofing Botley material is and plainlinks clayto thetiles. village of Cumnor. It has a distinctive low density, well landscaped character, 2.2and includes a variety of substantial detached properties and a number of contemporary Characterapartment buildings. 78 Modern Flats A broad spectrum of building materials has been used in the Botley and Cumnor Hill area, including brick, render, stone, and more modern materials such as 79 Red/orange brick with 80 Modern infill based metal and glass. The predominant roofing material is Botley buff banding on 1930s design plain clay tiles.

75 Seacourt Tower, Botley Botley is one of the largest settlements in the 01 77 Uncoursed limestone cottage Vale of White Horse character Zone. Although it was first settled in Saxon times, its major development has taken place since the 1930’s and generally to the west of E 02 the ring road. The character of Botley includes a mix of styles, ranging from stone cottages and Victorian 81terraces Uncoursed to limestone20th century 82 residentialClay tiled extension to Red/orange brick with Modern infill based with ashlar dressings stone cottage 79 80 BOTLEY suburbs. buff banding on 1930s design 03 E.2.28 Botley is one of the largest 75 Seacourt Tower, Botley settlements in the Zone. Although it Cumnor Hill extends to the west of Botley and links to the village of Cumnor. It has a was first settled in Saxon times, its distinctive low density, well landscaped character, major development has taken place and includes a variety of substantial detached 04 since the 1930’s and generally to the properties and a number of contemporary apartment buildings. 78 Modern Flats west of the ring road. The character 83 Original windows 84 Contemporary metal 81 Uncoursed limestone 82 Clay tiled extension to 76 Typical Victorian terraces maintained windows A broadwith spectrum ashlar dressings of building materialsstone cottagehas been used of Botley includes a mix of styles, in the Botley and Cumnor Hill area, including brick, 05 ranging from stone cottages and render, stone, and more modern materials such as Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 18 Victorian terraces to 20th century 2.2 metal and glass. The predominant roofing material is plain clay tiles. residential suburbs. Character 06 E.2.29 Cumnor Hill extends to the west of Botley and links to the village 83 Original windows 84 Contemporary metal maintained windows of Cumnor. It has a distinctive low 76 Typical Victorian terraces 07 density, well landscaped character, and includes a variety of substantial Botley Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 18 79 Red/orange brick with 80 Modern infill based buff banding on 1930s design detached properties and a number of 08 Botley is one of the largest settlements in the contemporary apartment buildings. 75 Seacourt Tower, Botley 77 Uncoursed limestone cottage Zone. Although it was first settled in Saxon E.2.30 A broad spectrum of building times, its major development has taken place materials has been used in the Botley since the 1930’s and generally to the west of 09 and Cumnor Hill area, including brick, the ring road. The character of Botley includes render, stone, and more modern a mix of styles, ranging from stone cottages and 81 Uncoursed limestone 82 Clay tiled extension to materials such as metal and glass. Victorian terraces to 20th century residential with ashlar dressings stone cottage 10 The predominant roofing material is suburbs. plain clay tiles. Cumnor Hill extends to the west of Botley and links to the village of Cumnor. It has a 11 distinctive low density, well landscaped character, and includes a variety of substantial detached properties and a number of contemporary 83 Original windows 84 Contemporary metal A apartment buildings.76 Typical Victorian terraces 78 Modern maintainedFlats windows A broad spectrum of building materials has been used 227 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide Decemberin the 2009 Botley and CumnorVale of WhiteHill area, Horse includingDesign Guide brick, SPD18 render, stone, and more modern materials such as metal and glass. The predominant roofing material is plain clay tiles.

79 Red/orange brick with 80 Modern infill based buff banding on 1930s design

75 Seacourt Tower, Botley

81 Uncoursed limestone 82 Clay tiled extension to with ashlar dressings stone cottage

83 Original windows 84 Contemporary metal 76 Typical Victorian terraces maintained windows

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 18 2.2 Character

2.2 Character Zone 2: The Clay Vale 85 Stanford in the Vale The Clay Vale is the largest of the character zones. It is a broad low-lying area of Kimmeridge Zone 2: The Clay Vale and Gault Clays, with fields predominantly used as pastureland. Throughout85 Stanford in thethe Vale Clay Vale, Willow The Clay Vale is the largest2 of.2 the charactertrees lie along the river valleys and streams. zones. It is a broad low-lying area of Kimmeridge and Gault Clays, with fields predominantlyHistorically, used it was a quiet rural area of self as pastureland. Throughout theCharacter Clay Vale, Willow trees lie along the river valleys and streams.sufficient villages and hamlets. Between 1790 and 1840 significant changes took place due to Historically, it was a quiet rural areathe of selfarrival of the canal and railway, which led sufficient villages and hamlets. Betweento 1790materials being imported into the area from and 1840 significant changesZone took place2: Thedue to Clay Vale the arrival of the canal and railway, whichfurther led afield. East Hanney 85 Stanford in the Vale 86 to materials being imported into the area from further afield. The Clay Vale is the largest of the character zones. It is a Duringbroad low-lying this period area86 of aKimmeridge East number Hanney of brickworks were During this period a numberand of Gaultbrickworks Clays,set wereupwith in fields the predominantly area to take used advantage of the rich set up in the area to take advantageas pastureland. ofclay the Throughout richsoils. theThese Clay Vale,were Willow located in Stanford in clay soils. These were locatedtrees lie in along Stanfordthe the riverVale, in valleys East and Challow, streams. Childrey and Uffington. the Vale, East Challow, Childrey and Uffington.Brick replaced stone as the principal building Brick replaced stone as theHistorically, principal itbuilding was a quiet rural area of self material and was used in thesufficient construction villagesmaterial of newand hamlets.and was Between used in 1790the construction of new dwellings, the repair of olderand buildings 1840 significantanddwellings, to add changes the tookrepair place of olderdue to buildings and to add detailing such as quoins andthe window arrival ofsurroundsdetailing the canal suchand railway, as quoins which andled window surrounds 01 to materials being imported into the area from Valeto ofstone Whitebuildings. Horse characterto stone buildings. further afield. 86 East Hanney The Uffington Brick and Tile Company, which 87 River Thames, Sutton Courtenay During this period a number of brickworks were 87 River Thames, Sutton Courtenay E was sited to the north of Uffington withinThe theUffington Brick and Tile Company, which 02 Clay Vale, provided a largeset quantity up in theof wasbricks area tositedto take toadvantage the north of the of rich Uffington within the Wantage and the surroundingclay villages. soils. These were located in Stanford in the Vale, EastClay Challow, Vale, Childrey provided and aUffington. large quantity of bricks to Zone 2: The Clay Vale E.2.34 The Uffington Brick and 2.2 The arrival of the canal andBrick railway replaced ledWantage tostone the as and the theprincipal surrounding building villages. materialTile and Company, was used in which the construction was sited of newto 03 E.2.31 The Claydevelopment Vale is the of largestVictorian of brick and blue slate terraces within villages and dwellings,as extensionsthe norththeThe torepair some of arrival ofUffington older of buildings the within canal and the to andadd railway led to the Characterthe character zones. It is a broad low-detailing such as quoins and window surrounds villages. Clay Vale,development provided aof large Victorian quantity brick and blue slate lying area of Kimmeridge and Gault to stone buildings. Zone 2 is subdivided into threeof separatebricksterraces tosub- Wantage within villagesand the and as extensions to some 04 Clays, with fields predominantly used 87 River Thames, Sutton Courtenay zones to the east, west andThe centrally Uffingtonsurrounding acrossvillages. Brick the villages. and Tile Company, which as pastureland.Vale, Throughout these sub-zones the Clayare appraisedwas sited below: to the north of Uffington88 Pusey within House the Clay Vale, provided a large quantity of bricks to Vale, Willow trees lie along the river E.2.35 The arrival of the canal and Zone 2: The Clay Vale Wantage andZone the surrounding 2 is subdivided villages. into three separate sub- valleys and streams.• Zone 2A - The Western Clayrailway Vale Villageszones led to to the the development east, west andof centrally across the 05 • Zone 2B - Central AlluvialThe IslandarrivalVictorian VillagesofVale, the brick canal85these and Stanfordand sub-zones bluerailway in slate theled are Valetoterraces appraisedthe below: 88 Pusey House E.2.32 Historically, it was a quiet ruraldevelopment of Victorian brick and blue slate The Clay Vale is the • largestZone 2Cof - Lowlandthe character Villageswithin villages and as extensions to area of self sufficient villages and terraces within villages and as extensions to some zones. It is a broad low-lying area of Kimmeridgevillages.some • villages.2Zone.2 2A - The Western Clay Vale Villages 06 and Gaulthamlets. Clays, Betweenwith fields 1790 predominantly and 1840 used • Zone 2B - Central Alluvial Island Villages as pastureland.significant Throughout changes thetook Clay place Vale, due Willow toZone E.2.36 2 is subdivided Zone 2 into is subdivided three separate into sub- zones to the east,Character west and centrally89 Thatched across thecottage, 90 Distinct yellow trees lie thealong arrival the riverof the valleys canal and and streams. railway, three separate• Zone subzones2C - Lowland Groveto the Villages east, Vale, these sub-zones are appraised below: 88 Puseypaintwork, House Marcham 07 which led to materials being imported west and centrally across the Vale, Historically,into theit wasarea afrom quiet further rural afield. area of selfthese sub-zones are appraised below: Vale of White Horse Residential• Zone Design 2A Guide - The December Western Clay2009 Vale Villages 19 sufficient villages and hamlets. Between 1790• Zone 2B - Central Alluvial Island Villages E.2.33 During this period a number • Zone 2A - The Western Clay Vale and 1840 significant changes took place due• toZone 2C - Lowland Villages 08 of brickworks were set up in the area VillagesZone 2: The Clay Vale 89 Thatched cottage, 90 Distinct yellow the arrival of the canal and railway, which led Grove paintwork, Marcham to take advantage of the rich clay to materials being imported into the area from• Zone 2B - Central Alluvial Island 85 Stanford in the Vale further afield.soils. These were located in Stanford VillagesThe Clay86 EastVale Hanney is the largest of the character 09 in the Vale, East Challow, Childrey Vale of White Horse Residential Design89 Guide Thatched December cottage, 200990 Distinct yellow 19 zones. It is a broad low-lying area of KimmeridgeGrove paintwork, Marcham During thisand periodUffington. a number Brick replacedof brickworks stone were • Zone 2C - Lowland Villages and Gault Clays, with fields predominantly used set up in the area to take advantage of the rich as the principal building material and as pastureland. Throughout the Clay Vale, Willow clay soils. These were located in Stanford Vale in of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 19 10 was used in the construction of new trees lie along the river valleys and streams. the Vale,dwellings, East Challow, the repair Childrey of older and buildings Uffington. Brick replaced stone as the principal building and to add detailing such as quoins Historically, it was a quiet rural area of self material and was used in the construction of new and window surrounds to stone sufficient villages and hamlets. Between 1790 11 dwellings, the repair of older buildings and to add and 1840 significant changes took place due to detailingbuildings. such as quoins and window surrounds the arrival of the canal and railway, which led to stone buildings. to materials being imported into the area from A further afield. The Uffington Brick and Tile Company, which 87 River Thames, Sutton Courtenay 86 East Hanney was sited to the north of Uffington within the During this period a number of brickworks were Clay Vale,228 provided a large quantity of bricks to Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD set up in the area to take advantage of the rich Wantage and the surrounding villages. clay soils. These were located in Stanford in the Vale, East Challow, Childrey and Uffington. The arrival of the canal and railway led to the Brick replaced stone as the principal building development of Victorian brick and blue slate material and was used in the construction of new terraces within villages and as extensions to some dwellings, the repair of older buildings and to add villages. detailing such as quoins and window surrounds to stone buildings. Zone 2 is subdivided into three separate sub- zones to the east, west and centrally across the The Uffington Brick and Tile Company, which 87 River Thames, Sutton Courtenay Vale, these sub-zones are appraised below: 88 Pusey House was sited to the north of Uffington within the Clay Vale, provided a large quantity of bricks to • Zone 2A - The Western Clay Vale Villages Wantage and the surrounding villages. • Zone 2B - Central Alluvial Island Villages • Zone 2C - Lowland Villages The arrival of the canal and railway led to the development of Victorian brick and blue slate terraces within villages and as extensions to some villages.

Zone 892 isThatched subdivided cottage, into three90 separate Distinct yellowsub- zones to Grovethe east, west and centrallypaintwork, across the Marcham Vale, these sub-zones are appraised below: 88 Pusey House

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 19 • Zone 2A - The Western Clay Vale Villages • Zone 2B - Central Alluvial Island Villages • Zone 2C - Lowland Villages

89 Thatched cottage, 90 Distinct yellow Grove paintwork, Marcham

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 19 2.2 Character

Zone 2A: The Western Clay Vale 01 Vale of White Horse character Landscape Character 91 View across Zone 2A from below White Horse Hill

E The Western Clay Vale stretches from the 02 north of Uffington as far as the Corallian Ridge near Faringdon, eastwards to Charney Bassett Zone 2A: The andWestern westwards Clay to Bourton. Vale The pastures and hedgerows of the clay soils areE.2.41 concentrated One2.2 inof the largest settlements 03 LANDSCAPE CHARACTERthe west, between Woolstone and Lyford. in the zone is Grove, which differs E.2.37 The Western Clay Vale The landscape was once heavilysignificantly wooded, Characterbut inis character from the other stretches from thenow north relatively of openUffington largely due to the loss of Elm settlements as it has been substantially 04 as far as the Coralliantrees in theRidge 1970’s. near Some hedgerows have also 92 View northwards towards Shrivenham expanded since the Second World War. Faringdon, eastwardsbeen removed to Charney to create larger fields. Bassett and westwardsBuilt Environment to Bourton. Character Zone 2A Fernham Shippon The pastures and hedgerows of the Zone 2A: The Western Clay Vale 05 As the original landscape of the BaulkingClay Vale was Grove Shellingford clay soils are concentratedlow lying and eitherin the heavily wooded or very wet west, between Woolstonemarshland, it and had Lyford. relatively fewBourton settlements.Landscape CharacterHatford Stanford in the Vale 91 View across Zone 2A from below White Horse Hill These are generally smaller villages and hamlets, Longcot West Challow 06 E.2.38 The landscapeusually located was once on outcrops of gravelCharney raised above Bassett The Western Clay Vale stretches from the the wet land. Lyford heavily wooded, but is now relatively East Challownorth of Uffington as far as the Corallian Ridge 93 Shellingford’s stone cottages open largely dueOne to theof theloss largest of Elm settlements in the zone is near Faringdon, eastwards to Charney Bassett 07 trees in the 1970’s.Grove, Some which hedgerows differs significantly in characterand from westwards to Bourton. The pastures and have also been removedthe other settlements to create as it has been substantially expanded since the Second World War. hedgerows of the clay soils are concentrated in larger fields. the west, between Woolstone and Lyford. 08 BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER The landscape was once heavily wooded, but is E.2.39 As the original landscape of now relatively open largely due to the loss of Elm the Clay Vale was low lying and either 92 View northwards towards Shrivenham trees in the 1970’s. Some hedgerows have also 09 heavily wooded or very wet marshland, been removed to create larger fields. it had relatively few settlements. 94 Charney Bassett Built Environment Character E.2.40 These areZone generally 2A smaller 10 villages and hamlets, usually located Baulking AsLongcot the original landscape of the Clay Vale was on outcrops of gravelBourton raised above lowLyford lying and either heavily wooded or very wet the wet land. Charney Bassett marshland,Shippon it had relatively few settlements. East Challow Shellingford 11 Fernham Stanford inThese the Vale are generally smaller villages and hamlets, Grove Westusually Challow located on outcrops of gravel raised above Hatford the wet land. A 95 Victorian Gothic, Charney Bassett 93 Shellingford’s stone cottages One of the largest settlements in the zone is Grove, which differs significantly in character from 229 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guidethe otherDecember settlements 2009 as it has been substantially 20 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD expanded since the Second World War.

94 Charney Bassett

Zone 2A

Baulking Longcot Bourton Lyford Charney Bassett Shippon East Challow Shellingford Fernham Stanford in the Vale Grove West Challow Hatford

95 Victorian Gothic, Charney Bassett

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 20 2.2 Walls 2.2 01 Vale of White Horse character Character

E 02

Zone 2A: Palette of Materials

Zone 2A: Palette of Materials E.49 Roofs: Although a clay zone, the proximity to stone has led to stone being the predominant building material. It is a 03 E.47 Although a clay zone, the • Roofing materials predominantly rural zone with many wide frontage cottages and low thatched roofs. proximity to stone has led to stone stone slates; thatched roofs. 96 Light Corallian limestone with brick, ashlar and being the predominant building Walls: wooden dressings • Clay tiles are often a later 04 material. It is a rural zone with many replacement for stone slates; • The local coursed corallian limestone with a variety wide frontage cottages and low of tones. • Thatch is also common on smaller • Uncoursed stone appears on the earliest of thatched roofs. dwellings or former agricultural buildings. dwellings or former agricultural buildings. 05 cottages; and • Colour washed render is rarely found but usually E.48 Walls: 97 Colour washed render 98 Blue headers covers stone beneath. 97 98 • Blue slate is less common - usually • The local coursed corallian limestone • Brick is less frequently used. found on later dwellings. • Brick has a common decorative use on stone 06 with a variety of tones; buildings for quoins and window detailing. E.50 Fenestration and Doors: • Weatherboard is usually found on outbuildings and • Uncoursed stone appears on the agricultural buildings and conversions. Stained weatherboard Natural oak earliest of dwellings or former • Timber sash and casement, iron 99 Stained weatherboard 100 Natural oak Roofs: weatherboard 07 agricultural buildings; leaded casement windows; and Roofs: Roofs • Roofing materials predominantly stone slates. Roofs • Colour washed render is rarely found • Timber doors. • Clay tiles are often a later replacement for stone slates. but usually covers stone beneath; 08 E.51 Timber Finishes: • Thatch is also common on smaller cottages. • Brick is less frequently used; • Blue slate is less common - usually found on later • The paint colour palette is narrow, dwellings. • Brick has a common decorative use with white or pale colours such as 101 Traditional and modern replacement stone slates Fenestration and Doors: 09 on stone buildings for quoins and greens and greys. The exception is Fenestration and Doors: • Timber sash and casement, iron leaded casement window detailing; and in urban locations, where a broader, windows. palette is observed; • Timber doors. • Weatherboard is usually found 10 on outbuildings and agricultural • Tar and pitch on barns and timber Timber Finishes: Timber Finishes: 102 Red plain clay tiles 103 Traditional thatch buildings and conversions. frame; and • The paint colour palette is narrow, with white Timber Finishes or pale colours such as greens and greys. The or pale colours such as greens and greys. The 11 • Untreated oak. exception is in urban locations, where a broader, palette is observed. • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. • Untreated oak • For more detail on paint and stain colours see A appendix D. White painted timber Green painted timber 104 White painted timber 105 Green painted timber doors and windows windows

230 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 21 2.2 Character

Zone 2A Settlements with distinct character

The larger settlements in the Vale have individual characteristics which can differ from those of the zone in which they are located. Grove has developed its own character which is largely 108 Brick and tile cottage 2.2 dominated by its post war expansion. Grove Character Grove is the largest settlement in Zone 2A. The buildings include a number of older buildings, which are concentrated around the conservation area. The majority of development in Grove, Zone 2A Settlements with distinct character however, is of post war construction.

The larger settlements in the Vale have individual In the old village, the traditional materials include characteristics which can differ from those of stone, brick, render and timber framing. The the zone in which they are located. Grove has roofing materials include blue slate and plain clay 108 Brick and tile cottage developed its own character which is largely tiles, but also thatch and stone tiles. dominated by its post war expansion. 2.2 109 Modern dwellings based on traditional designs Grove Character Grove is the largest settlement in Zone 2A. The buildings include a number of older buildings, which are concentrated around the conservation area. The majority of development in Grove, however, is of post war construction. Zone 2A Settlements with distinct character 110 Blue slate 111 Orange/red plain clay In the old village, the traditional materials include tile The larger settlements in the Vale have individual stone, brick, render and timber framing. The characteristics which can differ from those of roofing materials include blue slate and plain clay the zone in which they are located. Grove has tiles, but also thatch and stone tiles. developed its own character which is largely 01 108 Brick and tile cottage Vale of White Horse character 109 Modern dwellings based on traditional designs dominated106 Brick and by timber its post frame war expansion.

Grove E 02 Grove is the largest settlement in Zone 2A. The 112 Thatched dormers 113 Half hipped thatch buildings include a number of older buildings, roof Zone 2A: Settlements with which are concentrated around the conservation area. The majority of development in Grove, 03 distinct character however, is of post war construction. 110 Blue slate 111 Orange/red plain clay tile E.52 The larger settlements in the In the old village, the traditional materials include Vale have individual characteristics stone, brick, render and timber framing. The 04 which can differ from those of the roofing materials include blue slate and plain clay 2.2 tiles, but also thatch and stone tiles. 114 Black and white 115 Edwardian green zone in which they are located. Grove106 Brick and timber frame painted timber doors painted door 107 Render and timber frame and windows has developed its own character Character 109 Modern dwellings based on traditional designs which is largely dominated by its post 05 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 22 war expansion. 112 Thatched dormers 113 Half hipped thatch roof GROVE 06 E.53 Grove is the largest settlement Zone 2A Settlements with distinct character in Zone 2A. The buildings include a 110 Blue slate 111 Orange/red plain clay tile number of older buildings, which are The larger settlements in the Vale have individual 07 concentrated around the conservation characteristics which can differ from those of area. The majority of development the zone in which they are located.114 Black Grove and white has 115 Edwardian green painted timber doors painted108 door Brick and tile cottage in Grove, however, is of post war107 Render and timberdeveloped frame its own character whichand windowsis largely 106 Brick and timber frame construction. In the old village, the dominated by its post war expansion. 08 traditional materials include stone, Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 22 Grove 2.2brick, render and timber framing. The 112 Thatched dormers 113 Half hipped thatch roof roofing materials include blue slate 09 Grove is the largest settlement in Zone 2A. The Characterand plain clay tiles, but also thatch buildings include a number of older buildings, and stone tiles. which are concentrated around the conservation area. The majority of development in Grove, 10 however, is of post war construction.

Zone 2A Settlements with distinct character 114 Black and white 115 Edwardian green In the old village, the traditional materials include painted timber doors painted door 11 stone, brick, render and timber framing. The 107 Render and timber frame and windows The larger settlements in the Vale have individual roofing materials include blue slate and plain clay characteristics which can differ from those of tiles, but also thatch and stone tiles. Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 22 the zone in which they are located. Grove has A developed its own character which is largely 108 Brick and tile cottage 109 Modern dwellings based on traditional designs dominated by its post war expansion. 231 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Grove

Grove is the largest settlement in Zone 2A. The buildings include a number of older buildings, which are concentrated around the conservation area. The majority of development in Grove, 110 Blue slate 111 Orange/red plain clay however, is of post war construction. tile

In the old village, the traditional materials include stone, brick, render and timber framing. The roofing materials include blue slate and plain clay Brick and timber frame tiles, but also thatch and stone tiles. 106

109 Modern dwellings based on traditional designs

112 Thatched dormers 113 Half hipped thatch roof

110 Blue slate 111 Orange/red plain clay tile

114 Black and white 115 Edwardian green painted timber doors painted door 107 Render and timber frame and windows 106 Brick and timber frame Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 22

112 Thatched dormers 113 Half hipped thatch roof

114 Black and white 115 Edwardian green painted timber doors painted door 107 Render and timber frame and windows

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 22 2.2 Character

Zone 2B: Central Alluvial Island Villages 01 Vale of White Horse character Landscape Character 116 Letcombe Brook at East Hanney

E To the east, the Gault Clay meets the Kimmeridge 02 Clay and together the two form a wide unbroken vale as far as the Thames at Abingdon. There are extensive alluvial flats and gravel terraces where E.57 Zone 2B: Centralthe Ock Alluvial meets the Island Thames. Goosey2.2 is a prime example Villages of an island village. It comprises a 03 A number of watercourses suchgroup as the Letcombeof Characterhouses, cottages and farm LANDSCAPE CHARACTERBrook, Land Brook and Childrey Brook flow buildings scattered around a large E.54 To the east,through the Gaultthe area. Clay These led to the building of a number of water mills whichgreen, provided originally the intended for keeping 04 meets the Kimmeridge Clay and power for the production of flour,geese. silk and It haswool retained its117 essential View across the green at Goosey to the Downs together the twoat form different a wide periods in the Vale’s history. character over the centuries. unbroken vale as far as the Thames Zone 2B: Central Alluvial Island Villages 05 at Abingdon. ThereBuilt areEnvironment extensive Character alluvial flats and gravel terraces ZoneLandscape 2B CharacterEast Hanney Garford 116 Letcombe Brook at East Hanney where the Ock meetsThe ‘island’ the Thames.villages were established in pre- Norman times on a gravel bed setCotford in theTo marshy the east, the GaultFrilford Clay meets the KimmeridgeMarcham low lying Vale. This gave rise to the building of 06 E.55 A number of watercourses such raised causeways to connect settlementsDenchworthClay as theand togetherFrilford the two Heath form a wideWest unbroken Hanney as the Letcombesurrounding Brook, Land lower Brook fields had the potentialvale asto far as the Thames at Abingdon. There are flood. Dry Sandford Goosey and Childrey Brook flow through the extensive alluvial118 flats Gatehouse, and gravel Denchworth terraces where the Ock meets the Thames. 07 area. These ledGoosey to the isbuilding a prime ofexample a of an island village. number of waterIt millscomprises which a groupprovided of houses, cottages and the power for thefarm production buildings scattered of flour, around a largeA green,number of watercourses such as the Letcombe originally intended for keeping geese. It silk and wool at different periods in Brook, Land Brook and Childrey Brook flow 08 has retained its essential character throughover the the area. These led to the building of the Vale’s history.centuries. a number of water mills which provided the BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER power for the production of flour, silk and wool 117 View across the green at Goosey to the Downs 09 E.56 The ‘island’ villages were at different periods in the Vale’s history.

established in pre-Norman times on a 119 Marcham gravel bed set in the marshy low lying Built Environment Character 10 Vale. This gave riseZone to2B the building of raised causeways to connect Cotford Frilford Heath The ‘island’ villages were established in pre- settlements as theDenchworth surrounding lowerGoosey Norman times on a gravel bed set in the marshy Dry Sandford Garford 11 fields had the potentialEast Hanney to flood. Marcham low lying Vale. This gave rise to the building of Frilford West Hanney raised causeways to connect settlements as the surrounding lower fields had the potential to flood. A 120 Thatched cottage, Grove 121 Farmhouse, Goosey 118 Gatehouse, Denchworth Goosey is a prime example of an island village. 232 Vale of White Horse Residential Design GuideIt comprises December 2009a group of houses, cottages and 23 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD farm buildings scattered around a large green, originally intended for keeping geese. It has retained its essential character over the centuries.

119 Marcham

Zone 2B

Cotford Frilford Heath Denchworth Goosey Dry Sandford Garford East Hanney Marcham Frilford West Hanney

120 Thatched cottage, Grove 121 Farmhouse, Goosey

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 23 2.2 2.2 Walls 01 Character Walls Vale of White Horse character Character

E 02 Zone 2B: Palette of Materials Zone 2B: Palette of Materials 122 Berkshire orange brick - often with blue headers Zone 2B: Palette of Materials The location of this zone traditionally provided access 122 Berkshire orange brick - often with blue headers E.60 Roofs: Theto a locationvariety of of materials. this zone The traditionally clay provided provided local bricks,access 03 E.58 The location of this zone towith a varietystone ofand materials. timber Thealso clay being provided readily local available bricks, • Stone slates; withnearby. stone This andzone timberhas the alsogreatest being mix readily of materials available for traditionally provided access to a nearby.walls and This roofs zone with has nothe onegreatest material mix ofpredominating. materials for variety of materials. The clay provided • Orange or orange/red clay tiles; and wallsSmall andwide roofs frontage, with no1.5-2 one storey material cottages predominating. are most Smallprevalent. wide frontage, 1.5-2 storey cottages are most 04 local bricks, with stone and timber prevalent. 123 Local limestone in narrow beds - often with brick detailing • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge. Walls: 123 Local limestone in narrow beds - often with brick also being readily available nearby. detailing Walls: This zone has the greatest mix of 11.4.7 Fenestration and Doors: • Local coursed corallian limestone with light to mid materials for walls and roofs with no • Localtones coursedand smaller corallian bed widths. limestone with light to mid 05 • Timber sash and casement, iron • tonesUncoursed and smaller stone appears bed widths. on the earliest of dwellings one material predominating. Small leaded casement windows; and • Uncoursedor former agricultural stone appears buildings. on the earliest of dwellings wide frontage, 1.5-2 storey cottages • orTimber former framing agricultural with buildings.either brick, stone or lime 124 Timber frame with 125 Timber frame with • Timberrender infill.framing with either brick, stone or lime lime render infill brick infill are most prevalent. • Timber doors. 124 Timber frame with 125 Timber frame with 06 • renderBerkshire infill. orange brick - often with blue headers. lime render infill brick infill • Berkshire orange brick - often with blue headers. E.59 Walls: E.61 Timber Finishes: • Brick has a common decorative use on stone Roofs • Brickbuildings has for a quoinscommon and decorativewindow detailing. use on stone Roofs • buildingsWeatherboard for quoins is usually and foundwindow on detailing. outbuildings and • Local coursed corallian limestone • The paint colour palette is narrow, 07 • Weatherboardagricultural buildings. is usually found on outbuildings and with light to mid tones and smaller with white or pale colours such as agricultural buildings. bed widths; greens and greys. The exception is Roofs: Roofs: In Marcham, where a yellow paint • Stone slates. 08 • Uncoursed stone appears on 126 Stone slates 127 Orange/red clay tile has been applied; • StoneOrange slates. or orange/red clay tiles. 126 Stone slates 127 Orange/red clay tile the earliest of dwellings r former • OrangeThatch withor orange/red a plain, flush clay ridge. tiles. agricultural buildings Timber framing • Tar and pitch on barns and timber • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge. with either brick, stone or lime render frame; Fenestration and Doors: 09 Fenestration and Doors: infill; • Timber sash and casement, iron leaded casement • Untreated oak; and • Timberwindows. sash and casement, iron leaded casement • windows.Timber doors. Orange plain clay tiles • Berkshire orange brick - often with • Timber doors. 128 129 Thatch • For more detail on paint and stain 10 blue headers; 128 Orange plain clay tiles 129 Thatch colours see appendix D. Timber Finishes: Timber Finishes Timber Finishes: Timber Finishes • Brick has a common decorative use • The paint colour palette is narrow, with white on stone buildings for quoins and • Theor pale paint colours colour such palette as greensis narrow, and withgreys. white The orexception pale colours is In Marcham,such as greens where and a yellow greys. paint The 11 window detailing; and exceptionhas been applied.is In Marcham, where a yellow paint • hasTar andbeen pitch applied. on barns and timber frame. • Weatherboard is usually found • TarUntreated and pitch oak. on barns and timber frame. 130 Black and white 131 Yellow paintwork • Untreated oak. painted windows and - a local colour to • For more detail on paint and stain colours see Black and white Yellow paintwork on outbuildings and agricultural 130 doors 131 properties in Marcham A • Forappendix more D.detail on paint and stain colours see painted windows and - a local colour to buildings. appendix D. doors properties in Marcham

233 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD 24 Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 24 2.2 Character

Zone 2C: Lowland Villages

Landscape Character 132 Steventon Causeway

Zone 2C stretches from Steventon in the west to Appleford in the east, and from Harwell in the south northwards to the south of Abingdon.

The wider landscape contains expansive open arable fields on thin gravel terraces, which overlay 01 the clay sub soil.Vale of White Horse character The Thames passes along the northern boundary of this Ezone. The area is bisected by the A34, 02 and views to the east are dominated by Didcot 133 River Thames Power Station. Zone 2C: Lowland Villages 2.2 E.67 Particularly good examples 03 The areaLANDSCAPE west of theCHARACTER A34 is characterised by a feeling of openness. There are wide viewscan be foundCharacter in Steventon, Sutton E.62 Zone 2C stretches from over the area from Steventon Hill to the southCourtenay and Harwell. Steventon in the west to Appleford in of Steventon village. The flat open landscape 04 the east, and from Harwell in the south provides views of the North Wessex Downs to the Zone 2C Harwell south andnorthwards the Corallian to the Ridge south to of the Abingdon. north. Abingdon (south of Milton E.63 The wider landscape contains Zone 2C: Lowland Villages Steventon 05 expansive open arable fields on thin River Ock) Built Environment Character Landscape Character 132 Steventon Causeway gravel terraces, which overlay the clay Drayton 134 Causeway cottages Sutton Courtenay sub soil. There are a number of fine examples of traditional Zone 2C stretches from Steventon in the west to 06 timber E.64frame The buildings Thames with passes brick and along render infill Appleford in the east, and from Harwell in the panels thein thenorthern area. boundary Particularly of thisgood zone. examples south northwards to the south of Abingdon. can be found in Steventon, Sutton Courtenay The area is bisected by the A34, and 07 and Harwell. The wider landscape contains expansive open views to the east are dominated by arable fields on thin gravel terraces, which overlay Didcot Power Station. the clay sub soil. E.65 The area west of the A34 08 is characterised by a feeling of The Thames passes along the northern boundary of this zone. The area is bisected by the A34, openness. There are wide views over and views135 Suttonto the Courtenay east are dominated by Didcot 133 River Thames the area from Steventon Hill to the 09 Power Station. south of Steventon village. The flat open landscape provides views of the The area west of the A34 is characterised by Zone 2CNorth Wessex Downs to the south a feeling of openness. There are wide views 10 and the Corallian Ridge to the north. over the area from Steventon Hill to the south Abingdon (south of Milton of Steventon village. The flat open landscape BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER River Ock) Steventon provides views of the North Wessex Downs to the E.66 There are a number of fine 11 Drayton Sutton Courtenay south and the Corallian Ridge to the north. Harwellexamples of traditional timber frame buildings with brick and render infill panels in the area. Built Environment136 Stone cottage, Character 137 Victorian farmhouse, A Drayton Steventon 134 Causeway cottages There are a number of fine examples of traditional Vale of234 White Horse Residential Design Guide Decembertimber 2009 frame buildings with brick and render infill 25 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD panels in the area. Particularly good examples can be found in Steventon, Sutton Courtenay and Harwell.

135 Sutton Courtenay

Zone 2C

Abingdon (south of Milton River Ock) Steventon Drayton Sutton Courtenay Harwell

136 Stone cottage, 137 Victorian farmhouse, Drayton Steventon

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 25 2.2 Walls Character

Zone 2C: Palette of Materials

This area of the clay vale is dominated by the use of timber framing and brick from local brickworks. The orange/ red Berkshire brick is often combined with blue or buff in detailing, string courses or diaper work. 138 Berkshire orange brick with a variety of features including: blue headers and string course, buff detailing, diaper work and dentil and bottle work A variety of building forms are found here with a mix of: • Small wide fronted cottages often in rows. • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey houses. • Corner and ‘L’ shaped forms. • Prominent gables. • Jettied first floors.

Walls: • Timber framing with either brick, limestone or lime render infill. • Berkshire orange brick. 139 Timber framing with brick, stone or render infill • Frequent use of contrasting detailing - blue headers, Roofs buff brick courses, diaper work and dentilation. 01 • Weatherboard is usually found on outbuildings and Vale of White Horse character agricultural buildings and conversions.

Roofs: Orange clay tile Red/orange clay tile E • Orange or orange/red clay tiles. 140 141 02 • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge. • Blue slate Zone 2C: Palette of Materials Fenestration and Doors: 03 E.68 This area of the clay vale is E.71 Roofs: 142 Flush ridge Thatch 143 Blue slate • Timber sash and casement, iron and timber dominated by the use of timber framing leaded casement windows. Timber Finishes • Orange or orange/red clay tiles; and brick from local brickworks. • Timber doors. 04 Theorange/ red Berkshire brick is often • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge; and Timber Finishes: combined with blue or buff in detailing, • Blue slate. string courses or diaper work. • The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, with white or pale colours such as greens and greys. 144 Painted and stained 145 Ornate leaded timber windows casements 05 E.72 Fenestration and Doors: • In urban areas and on larger dwellings, greater E.69 A variety of building forms are use of Georgian and Victorian colours particularly found here with a mix of: • Timber sash and casement, iron and on doors. timber leaded casement windows; • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. • Small wide fronted cottages often in • Untreated oak. 06 and rows; • For more detail on paint and stain colours see appendix D. 146 Georgian green door 147 Georgian porch • Timber doors. • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey Walls 07 houses; E.73 Timber Finishes: Vale2 .2of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 26 Character • Corner and ‘L’ shaped forms; • The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, with white or pale • Prominent gables; and 08 colours such as greens and greys; • Jettied first floors. Zone 2C: Palette of Materials • In urban areas and on larger E.70 Walls: dwellings, greater use of Georgian This area of the clay vale is dominated by the use of 09 timber framing and brick from local brickworks. The and Victorian colours particularly on orange/ red Berkshire brick is often combined with blue • Timber framing with either brick, or buff in detailing, string courses or diaper work. 138 Berkshire orange brick with a variety of features doors; including: blue headers and string course, buff limestone or lime render infill; detailing, diaper work and dentil and bottle work A variety of building forms are found here with a mix 10 • Tar and pitch on barns and timber • Berkshire orange brick; of: frame; and • Small wide fronted cottages often in rows. • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey houses. • Frequent use of contrasting detailing • Corner and ‘L’ shaped forms. • Untreated oak. 11 - blue headers, buff brick courses, • Prominent gables. diaper work and dentilation; and • Jettied first floors.

• Weatherboard is usually found Walls: • Timber framing with either brick, limestone or lime A on outbuildings and agricultural render infill. buildings and conversions. • Berkshire orange brick. 139 Timber framing with brick, stone or render infill • Frequent use of contrasting detailing - blue headers, Roofs 235 buff brick courses, diaper work and dentilation. Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD • Weatherboard is usually found on outbuildings and agricultural buildings and conversions.

Roofs: Orange clay tile Red/orange clay tile • Orange or orange/red clay tiles. 140 141 • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge. • Blue slate

Fenestration and Doors: 142 Flush ridge Thatch 143 Blue slate • Timber sash and casement, iron and timber leaded casement windows. Timber Finishes • Timber doors.

Timber Finishes:

• The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, with white or pale colours such as greens and greys. 144 Painted and stained 145 Ornate leaded timber windows casements • In urban areas and on larger dwellings, greater use of Georgian and Victorian colours particularly on doors. • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. • Untreated oak. • For more detail on paint and stain colours see appendix D. 146 Georgian green door 147 Georgian porch

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 26 2.2 Character

Zone 3: Rolling Farmland Villages View from East Lockinge Landscape Character 148

Zone 3 stretches from Letcombe Regis in the west to Blewbury in the east, and from East Hendred in the north to the southern boundary of the Vale.

The Lower Chalk and Upper Greensand is a transitional landscape area, situated between the 01 Vale of White Horse characterChalk Downs and the flat Clay Vale.Zone This 3 area of Greensand becomes broader in theArdington east of the District. E 02 Blewbury 149 The restored Childrey village pond From Wantage to Blewbury, the LowerChildrey Chalk Zone 3: Rolling Farmland forms a broad plateau below the Downs which is Chilton Villages: particularly evident to the north of East Hendred. 03 Here, the landscape is dominated byEast open Hendred arable LANDSCAPE CHARACTER BUILT ENVIRONMENTfields with limited CHARACTER hedgerows. E.74 Zone 3 stretches from E.78 The villages in Zone 3 are Ginge 04 Letcombe Regis in the west to situatedIn atother the edgeareas ofthe the Lower northern Chalk spreadsLetcombe out and Regis creates small valleys, forming an undulating Blewbury in the east, and from East scarp of the North Wessex Downs. Lockinge Hendred in the north to the southern They arelandscape located belowalong athe spring Downs, line such as around the boundary of the Vale. runninghamlet through of anGinge. area of Lower Sparsholt 05 Chalk and Upper Greensand. Upton E.75 The Lower Chalk and Upper Built Environment Character 150 View through East Hendred Greensand is a transitional landscape E.79 The built environment in Zone West Hendred 06 area, situated between the Chalk 3 includesThe avillages mix of in small Zone hamlets 3 are situated and atWantage the edge of Downs and the flat Clay Vale. This the secondthe northern largest settlementscarp of the in theNorth Wessex Downs. area of Greensand becomes broader Vale, WantageThey are located along a spring line running 07 in the east of the District. through an area of Lower Chalk and Upper 2.2 Greensand. E.76 From WantageCharacter to Blewbury, the Lower Chalk forms a broad plateau The built environment in Zone 3 includes a mix of 08 below the Downs which is particularly small hamlets and the second largest settlement evident to the north of East Hendred in the Vale, Wantage. Here, the landscapeZone is dominated3: Rolling Farmland 151 Narrow timber framing 09 by open arable fieldsVillages with limited View from East Lockinge hedgerows. Landscape Character 148

E.77 In other areasZone 3the stretches Lower from Letcombe Regis in theZone west 3 10 Chalk spreads outto Blewbury and creates in the east, and from East Hendred in the north to the southern boundary of theArdington Vale. Letcombe Regis small valleys, forming an undulating Blewbury Lockinge landscape belowThe the Lower Downs, Chalk such and asUpper GreensandChildrey is a Sparsholt 11 around the hamlettransitional of Ginge. landscape area, situated betweenChilton the Upton Chalk Downs and the flat Clay Vale. ThisEast area Hendred West Hendred of Greensand becomes broader in the east of the District. Ginge Wantage 152 Ornate estate 153 Timber frame and A From Wantage to Blewbury, the Lower Chalk 149 The restored Childrey village pond cottages thatch forms a broad plateau below the Downs which is particularly evident to the north of East Hendred. 236 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Here, the landscape is dominated by open Vale arable of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 27 fields with limited hedgerows.

In other areas the Lower Chalk spreads out and creates small valleys, forming an undulating landscape below the Downs, such as around the hamlet of Ginge.

Built Environment Character 150 View through East Hendred

The villages in Zone 3 are situated at the edge of the northern scarp of the North Wessex Downs. They are located along a spring line running through an area of Lower Chalk and Upper Greensand.

The built environment in Zone 3 includes a mix of small hamlets and the second largest settlement in the Vale, Wantage.

151 Narrow timber framing

Zone 3

Ardington Letcombe Regis Blewbury Lockinge Childrey Sparsholt Chilton Upton East Hendred West Hendred Ginge Wantage 152 Ornate estate 153 Timber frame and cottages thatch

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 27 2.2 Walls Character

Zone 3: Palette of Materials

This zone has the most predominant use of timber framing and brick. Originally infilled with limewashed wattle and daub or early brick, however this was often replaced with modern brick or plaster.

The Victorian estate villages of Ardington and Lockinge 154 Commonly square or narrow Timber framing with often recreate the medieval timber framing, but within patterned brick or rendered infill. a highly decorative Gothic style.

A variety of building forms are found here with a mix of: 01 • Taller often deepVale plan cottages.of White Horse character • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey houses. • CornerE and ‘L’ shaped forms. 02 • Prominent steep pitch gables. 155 Berkshire orange facing brick with burnt or blue • JettiedZone first 3:floors. Settlements with distinct headers character 03 Walls: Walls • TimberWANTAGE framing with either brick or lime render 2.2 E.80 The larger settlements in the infill. 04 • BerkshireVale haveorange individual brick. characteristics Character which can differ from those of the • Frequent use of detailing - herringbone pattern, stringzone courses, in which and dentilationthey are located. usually in the same Wantage has developed individual 156 Lime render 157 Weatherboard 05 facing brick. Zone 3: Palette of Materials • Colourcharacteristics washed lime render.largely influenced by Roofs its history, location and size. • Limited use of tile hanging. This zone has the most predominant use of timber 06 • WeatherboardE.81 Wantage on outbuildings. is the second largest framing and brick. Originally infilled with limewashed settlement in the Vale. Originally a wattle and daub or early brick, however this was often replaced with modern brick or plaster. Roofs: small Roman settlement, the town 07 • Orangehas orchanged orange/red dramatically clay tiles. over the The Victorian estate villages of Ardington and Lockinge 154 Commonly square or narrow Timber framing with • Thatchcenturies with a plain,particularly flush ridge. with the arrival often 158recreate Orange the claymedieval tile timber framing,159 Clay but tile within- gabled patterned brick or rendered infill. • Blueof slate. the canal and railway and, in recent a highly decorative Gothic style. years, with the redevelopment of 08 A variety of building forms are found here with a mix of: Fenestrationparts andof the Doors: town centre. • Taller often deep plan cottages. E.82 The Uffington Brick and • Timber sash and casement, iron and timber • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey houses. 09 leadedTile casement Company windows. provided a large • Corner and ‘L’ shaped forms. quantity of bricks for Wantage in the • Timber doors. • Prominent160 Thatch steep pitch gables. 161 Blue slate - steep pitch 19th Century, which enabled the Berkshire orange facing brick with burnt or blue • Jettied first floors. 155 development of Victorian red-brick Timber Finishes headers 10 Timber Finishes: properties. • The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, Walls: withE.83 white or pale colours such as greens and • Timber framing with either brick or lime render Traditional building materials 11 greysin oftenWantage with include black contrasts. orange brick infill. • Tar (sometimesand pitch on withbarns blue and headers) timber frame. and • Berkshire orange brick. • Untreatedrender, oak. with blue slate and plain clay • Frequent use of detailing - herringbone pattern, A • For more detail on paint and stain colours see string courses, and dentilation usually in the same tile roofs. 162 Heritage green timber 163 Black stained timber 156 Lime render 157 Weatherboard appendix D. facing doorbrick. and windows • Colour washed lime render. Roofs 237 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December• 2009Limited use of tile hanging. 28 • Weatherboard on outbuildings.

Roofs: • Orange or orange/red clay tiles. • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge. 158 Orange clay tile 159 Clay tile - gabled • Blue slate.

Fenestration and Doors:

• Timber sash and casement, iron and timber leaded casement windows. • Timber doors. 160 Thatch 161 Blue slate - steep pitch Timber Finishes Timber Finishes: • The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, with white or pale colours such as greens and greys often with black contrasts. • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. • Untreated oak. • For more detail on paint and stain colours see 162 Heritage green timber 163 Black stained timber appendix D. door and windows

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 28 2.2 Character

Zone 3 Settlements with distinct character

Wantage:

The larger settlements in the Vale have individual 166 Harmonious Victorian street design characteristics which can differ from those of the zone in which they are located. Wantage has developed individual characteristics largely 2.2 2.2 influenced by its history, location and size. Character Wantage is the second largest settlement in Character the Vale. Originally a small Roman settlement, the town has changed dramatically over the centuries particularly with the arrival of the Zone 3 Settlements with distinct character canal and railway and, in recent years, with the redevelopment of parts of the town centre. Wantage: Zone 3 Settlements with distinct character The Uffington Brick and Tile Company provided The larger settlements in the Vale have individual 166 Harmonious Victorian street design characteristics which can differ from those of Wantage: a large quantity of bricks for Wantage in the 167 Industrial conversion the zone in which they are located. Wantage 19th Century, which enabled the development of has developed individual characteristics largely The larger settlements in the Vale have individual Victorian red-brick166 properties. Harmonious Victorian street design influenced by its history, location and size. characteristics which can differ from those of Wantage is the second largest settlement in the zone in which they are located. Wantage Traditional building materials in Wantage include the Vale. Originally a small Roman settlement, has developed individual characteristics largely orange brick (sometimes with blue headers) and the town has changed dramatically over the influenced by its history, location and size. render, with blue slate and plain clay tile roofs. centuries particularly with the arrival of the canal and railway and, in recent years, with the 01 Vale ofredevelopment White ofHorse parts of the towncharacter centre. Wantage is the second largest settlement in the Vale. Originally a small Roman settlement, Blue slate with small Orange/red plain clay The Uffington Brick and Tile Company provided 168 171 the town has changed dramatically over the dormer tile - decorative ridge a large quantity of bricks for Wantage in the E centuries 167particularly Industrial conversion with the arrival of the 02 19th Century, which enabled the development of Victorian red-brick properties. canal and railway and, in recent years, with the redevelopment of parts of the town centre. Zone 3: Palette ofTraditional Materials building materials in Wantage include orange brick (sometimes with blue headers) and 03 E.84 This zone hasrender, the most with blue slate and plain clay tile roofs. The Uffington Brick and Tile Company provided predominant use of timber framing a large quantity of bricks for Wantage in the 167 Industrial conversion and brick. Originally infilled with 19th Century, which enabled the development of 168 Blue slate with small 171 Orange/red plain clay 04 limewashed wattle and daub or Victorian red-brickdormer properties. tile - decorative ridge 164 Imposing Georgian features 169 Timber frame and 172 Metal detailing early brick, however this was often render reflecting historic Traditional building materials in Wantage include replaced with modern brick or plaster. former use 2.2 orange brick (sometimes with blue headers) and 05 E.85 The Victorian estate villages of render, with blue slate and plain clay tile roofs. Ardington and Lockinge often recreate Character the medieval timber framing, but within 164 Imposing Georgian features 06 169 Timber frame and 172 Metal detailing Blue slate with small Orange/red plain clay a highly decorative Gothic style. render reflecting historic 168 171 former use dormer tile - decorative ridge E.86 A variety of building forms are found here with a mix of: 07 Zone 3 Settlements with distinct character 170 Original timber doors 173 Contemporary • Taller often deep plan cottages; and windows are window designs Wantage: 165 Grove Street, Wantage maintained • Substantial detached 2-2.5 storey 08 houses; The larger settlements in the Vale have individual 166 Harmonious Victorian street design characteristics which can170 differOriginal timberfrom doors those 173 of Contemporary Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 29 • Corner and ‘L’ shaped forms; 164 Imposing andGeorgian windows features are window designs 165 Grove Street, Wantage the zone in which they aremaintained located. Wantage 169 Timber frame and 172 Metal detailing09 • Prominent steep pitch gables; and has developed individual characteristics largely render reflecting historic former use Vale of White Horse Residential Designinfluenced Guide December by its history,2009 location and size. 29 • Jettied first floors. 10 E.87 Walls: Wantage is the second largest settlement in the Vale. Originally a small Roman settlement, • Timber framing with either brick or the town has changed dramatically over the

lime render infill; centuries particularly with the arrival of the 11 canal and railway and, in recent years, with the • Berkshire orange brick; and redevelopment of parts of the town centre. • Frequent use of detailing - The Uffington Brick and Tile Company provided 170 Original timber doors 173 Contemporary A herringbone pattern. and windows are window designs a large quantity of bricks for Wantage in the 165 Grove Street, Wantage Industrial conversionmaintained 19th Century, which enabled the development of 167 238 Victorian red-brick properties. Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 29 Traditional building materials in Wantage include orange brick (sometimes with blue headers) and render, with blue slate and plain clay tile roofs.

168 Blue slate with small 171 Orange/red plain clay dormer tile - decorative ridge

164 Imposing Georgian features 169 Timber frame and 172 Metal detailing render reflecting historic former use

170 Original timber doors 173 Contemporary and windows are window designs 165 Grove Street, Wantage maintained

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 29 2.2 Character

Zone 4: Chalk Villages along the Spring Line 174 View to White Horse Hill from north of Woolstone

Landscape Character

Zone 4 stretches from the west of East Challow to Idstone. The villages open out to the south onto a steeply rising landscape with large open fields. 01 In other areas Valethe Lower of WhiteChalk spreads Horse out character and with its small valleys forms an undulating landscape. Near Uffington the Lower Chalk E 02 narrows to form a ledge. 175 Kingston Lisle The IcknieldZone Way4: Chalk runs atVillages the foot along of the the Lower 2.2 Chalk whereSpring the Line Chalk meets the Greensand. 03 Watercourses drain from springs towards theBUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER E.88 Zone 4 stretches from the Character River Ock. E.92 Zone 4 is characterised by west of East Challow to Idstone. The small settlements, with Uffington 04 villages open out to the south onto a The area around the Upper Greensand and thebeing the largest. The character of lower slopessteeply of rising the Lower landscape Chalk with is characterised large the villages is distinctly rural, typically by considerableopen fields. tree cover and a gentler comprising informal cottages and landscape than the Upper Chalk Downland. Zone 4: Chalk Villages 05 E.89 In other areas the Lower Chalk farmsteads, although some villages along176 Ashbury the Spring Line 174 View to White Horse Hill from north of Woolstone Built Environmentspreads out andCharacter with its small valleys include large Manor houses. forms an undulating landscape. Near Landscape Character 06 Zone 4 Uffingtonis characterised the Lower by small Chalk settlements, narrows to with Uffingtonform being a ledge. the largest. The character of Zone 4 stretches from the west of East Challow the villages is distinctly rural, typically comprising to Idstone. The villages open out to the south E.90 The Icknield Way runs at 07 informal cottages and farmsteads, although some onto a steeply rising landscape with large open the foot of the Lower Chalk where villages include large Manor houses. fields. the Chalk meets the Greensand. Watercourses drain from springs In other areas the Lower Chalk spreads out 08 towards the River Ock. and with its small valleys forms an undulating E.91 The area around the Upper landscape. Near Uffington the Lower Chalk narrows to form a ledge. Kingston Lisle Greensand and the lower slopes of 177 Woolstone 175 09 the Lower Chalk is characterised by The Icknield Way runs at the foot of the Lower considerable tree cover and a gentler Chalk where the Chalk meets the Greensand. landscape than the Upper Chalk Zone 4 Watercourses drain from springs towards the 10 Downland. River Ock. Ashbury Kingstone Winslow Compton Beauchamp Knighton The area around the Upper Greensand and the 11 Fawler Woolstone lower slopes of the Lower Chalk is characterised Idstone Uffington by considerable tree cover and a gentler Kingston Lisle landscape than the Upper Chalk Downland. A 178 Uffington 179 Sarsen stone 176 Ashbury Built Environment Character

Vale of239 White Horse Residential Design Guide DecemberZone 2009 4 is characterised by small settlements, with 30 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Uffington being the largest. The character of the villages is distinctly rural, typically comprising informal cottages and farmsteads, although some villages include large Manor houses.

177 Woolstone

Zone 4

Ashbury Kingstone Winslow Compton Beauchamp Knighton Fawler Woolstone Idstone Uffington Kingston Lisle

178 Uffington 179 Sarsen stone

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 30 Walls 2.2 01 Vale of White Horse character Character

E 02

Zone 4: Palette of Materials Zone 4: Palette of Materials The most prominent material is local chalk blocks setset onon aa foundationfoundation ofof sarsensarsen stones.stones. SometimesSometimes 03 sarsensarsen stonesstones alonealone makemake upup thethe walls.walls. AsAs thesethese E.93 E.96 The most prominent material is Roofs: are extremely difficult toto cut,cut, theythey are always laidlaid as local chalk blocks set on a foundation whole stones in a random uncoursed fashion. 180 Examples of coursed chalk block and uncoursed • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge; chalkchalk andand sarsensarsen stonestone constructionconstruction of sarsen stones. Sometimes sarsen Small 1.5-2 storey wide frontage cottages often with 04 thatched roofs predominate. stones alone make up the walls. As • Red/orange clay tiles; thatched roofs predominate. these are extremely difficult to cut, • Stone slates; and Walls:: they are always laid as whole stones • Chalk block either regular sized and laid in courses 05 or random sized and uncoursed. in a random uncoursed fashion. • Blue slate. 181 Timber frame and render often over chalk or stone • Sarsen stone mixed with other materials such as 181 Timber frame and render often over chalk or stone chalkchalk oror brick.brick. E.94 Small 1.5-2 storey wide frontage E.97 Fenestration and Doors: • Timber framing. cottages often with thatched roofs 06 • Timber sash and casement, iron • Berkshire orange brick usually used for brick quoins predominate. and detailing around windows and doors and leaded casement windows; and repairsrepairs toto chalk.chalk. • Colour washed lime render. E.95 Walls: 182 Brick repairs 183 Brick detailing • Timber doors. • Weatherboard on outbuildings. 07 • Chalk block either regular sized and Roofs E.98 Timber Finishes: Roofs: laid in courses or random sized and • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge.ridge. uncoursed; • The paint colour palette in rural • Red/orange clay tiles. 08 areas is narrow, with white or pale • Stone slates. • Sarsen stone mixed with other colours such as greens and greys • Blue slate. materials such as chalk or brick; often with black contrasts; Fenestration and Doors: 184 Hipped thatch 185 Half hipped thatch Fenestration and Doors: 09 • Timber framing; • Timber sash and casement, iron leaded • Tar and pitch on barns and timber casementcasement windows.windows. • Berkshire orange brick usually used frame; and • Timber doors.

for brick quoins and detailing around Timber Finishes: 10 • Untreated oak. Timber Finishes: windows and doors and repairs to • The paint colour palette in rural areas is narrow, with white or pale colours such as greens and 186 Stone slates 187 Red/orange clay tile chalk; greys often with black contrasts. Timber Finishes • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame 11 • Colour washed lime render; and • Untreated oak. • ForFor moremore detaildetail onon paintpaint andand stainstain colourscolours seesee • Weatherboard on outbuildings. appendix D.

188 Cream painted door 189 Pale green painted and railings timbertimber doordoor

240 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD ValeVale ofof WhiteWhite HorseHorse ResidentialResidential DesignDesign GuideGuide DecemberDecember 20092009 3131 2.2 Character

Zone 5: The Upper Chalk Downs

Landscape Character

This zone is characterised by large open fields. There are numerous woodland areas, including mixed and deciduous plantations. Larger areas of deciduous woodland are found at the western end of the zone, in the vicinity of Ashdown Park, 190 White Horse Hill 01 including some areasVale of ancientof White woodland. Horse character

The north-facingE escarpment of the North Wessex 02 Downs is prominent. The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road, runs along the top of the Downs and includesZone a5: numberThe Upper of nationally Chalk Downs important E.103 French influences and its archaeological sites such as White Horse Hill and 03 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER hipped roof is topped by two large Waylands Smithy E.99 This zone is characterised by chimneys2 and.2 an octagonal cupola. large open fields. There are numerous Built Environment Character E.104 The house is unusually tall 04 woodland areas, including mixed and Character and narrow, which is emphasised Zone 5deciduous is sparsely plantations. settled, Larger with areasonly ofone Zone 3 by the openness of the landscape settlementdeciduous of any woodlandsize, Letcombe are found Bassett. at the The within which191 it is Watchfield set, and includes Windfarm a from theLetcombe Downs Bassett remainingwestern built endenvironment of the zone, comprises in the vicinity a mix of 05 detached pavilion on each side. farmsteadsof Ashdown and the notablePark, including Ashdown some House. areas of ancient woodland. Zone 5: The Upper Chalk Ashdown House is constructed of chalk blocks Downs 06 with stoneE.100 quoins. The north-facing The building escarpment has Dutch and French ofinfluences the North and Wessex its hipped Downs roof is is topped Landscape Character by two largeprominent. chimneys The and Ridgeway, an octagonal Britain’s cupola. 07 oldest road, runs along the top of This zone is characterised by large open fields. The housethe isDowns unusually and includestall and narrow,a number which of is There are numerous woodland areas, including emphasisednationally by the important openness archaeological of the landscape mixed and deciduous plantations. Larger areas within which it is set, and includes a detached sites such as White Horse Hill and of deciduous woodland are found at the western 08 pavilion on each side. end of the zone, in the vicinity of Ashdown Park, White Horse Hill Waylands Smithy. 190 including some areas of ancient woodland. 192 Dragon Hill BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHARACTER 09 E.101 Zone 5 is sparsely settled, The north-facing escarpment of the North Wessex with only one settlement of any size, Downs is prominent. The Ridgeway, Britain’s Letcombe Bassett. The remaining oldest road, runs along the top of the Downs and includes a number of nationally important 10 built environment comprises a mix of archaeological sites such as White Horse Hill and farmsteads and the notable Ashdown Waylands Smithy Zone 5House. 11 Built Environment Character LetcombeE.102 Bassett Ashdown House is constructed of chalk blocks with stone quoins. Zone 5 is sparsely settled, with only one The building has Dutch and settlement of any size, Letcombe Bassett. The A 193 Waylands Smithy 194 Ashdown House 191 Watchfield Windfarm from the Downs remaining built environment comprises a mix of farmsteads and the notable Ashdown House. Vale of 241White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 32 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD Ashdown House is constructed of chalk blocks with stone quoins. The building has Dutch and French influences and its hipped roof is topped by two large chimneys and an octagonal cupola.

The house is unusually tall and narrow, which is emphasised by the openness of the landscape within which it is set, and includes a detached pavilion on each side.

192 Dragon Hill

Zone 5

Letcombe Bassett

193 Waylands Smithy 194 Ashdown House

Vale of White Horse Residential Design Guide December 2009 32 WallsWalls 22.2.2 01 Vale of White Horse character CharacterCharacter

E 02

ZoneZone 5:5: PalettePalette ofof MaterialsMaterials 195195 Timber Timber frame frame with with render render or or brick brick infill infill

Zone 5: Palette of Materials TheThe mostmost prominentprominent materialmaterial isis timbertimber framingframing infilledinfilled withwith either either chalk, chalk, stone stone or or render. render. 03 E.105 The most prominent material E.110 Roofs: is timber framing infilled with either AA rural,rural, openopen zonezone whichwhich isis containscontains predominantlypredominantly • Thatch with a plain, flush ridge; and farmsfarms and and farm farm cottages. cottages. chalk, stone or render. 196196 Render Render often often covers covers 197197 Uncoursed Uncoursed chalk chalk with with chalkchalk or or brick brick beneath beneath brickbrick repairs repairs 04 • Red/orange clay tiles. LargeLarge detacheddetached farmhousesfarmhouses oftenoften setset inin aa courtyardcourtyard ofof E.106 A rural, open zone which is associatedassociated outbuildings. outbuildings. contains predominantly farms and E.111 Fenestration and Doors: SmallSmall 1.5-21.5-2 storeystorey widewide frontagefrontage cottagescottages oftenoften withwith farm cottages. thatchedthatched roofs. roofs. • Timber sash and casement, iron 05 WallsWalls: : E.107 Large detached farmhouses leaded casement windows; • • TimberTimber framing framing with with chalk, chalk, stone stone or or render render infill infill 198198 Replacement Replacement weather weather 199199 Weatherboard Weatherboard boardboard extensionextension often set in a courtyard of associated • • ChalkChalk block block random random sized sized and and uncoursed. uncoursed. • Timber doors; outbuildings. • • SarsenSarsen stonestone mixedmixed withwith otherother materialsmaterials suchsuch asas 06 chalkchalk or or brick. brick. • Timber Finishes; E.108 Small 1.5-2 storey wide frontage • • WeatherboardWeatherboard onon outbuildingsoutbuildings andand extensionsextensions toto cottages.cottages. cottages often with thatched roofs. • The paint colour palette in rural • • NorthNorth Wessex Wessex orange orange brick brick as as a a sole sole facing facing material material 07 areas is narrow, with white or pale usuallyusually on on outbuildings outbuildings or or used used in in repairs. repairs. 200200 Painted Painted chalk chalk & & brick brick 201201 Sarsen Sarsen stone stone and and flint flint E.109 Walls: • • ColourColour washed washed lime lime render. render. colours such as greens and greys RoofsRoofs

• Timber framing with chalk, stone or often with black contrasts; Roofs:Roofs: render infill; • • ThatchThatch with with a a plain, plain, flush flush ridge. ridge. 08 • Tar and pitch on barns and timber • • Red/orangeRed/orange clay clay tiles. tiles. • Chalk block random sized and frame; and FenestrationFenestration and and Doors: Doors: uncoursed; Hipped thatch Thatch and tile • Untreated oak. • • TimberTimber sashsash andand casement,casement, ironiron leadedleaded 202202 Hipped thatch 203203 Thatch and tile 09 casementcasement windows.windows. • Sarsen stone mixed with other • • TimberTimber doors.doors. materials such as chalk or brick; TimberTimber Finishes: Finishes: 10 • Weatherboard on outbuildings and • • TheThe paint paint colour colour palette palette in in rural rural areas areas is is narrow, narrow, withwith whitewhite oror palepale colourscolours suchsuch asas greensgreens andand extensions to cottages; greysgreys oftenoften withwith blackblack contrasts.contrasts. 204204 Orange Orange clay clay tile tile 205205 Red/orange Red/orange clay clay tile tile • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. • Tar and pitch on barns and timber frame. TimberTimber FinishesFinishes • North Wessex orange brick as • • UntreatedUntreated oak.oak. 11 a sole facing material usually on • • ForFor moremore detaildetail onon paintpaint andand stainstain colourscolours seesee outbuildings or used in repairs; and appendixappendix D.D.

• Colour washed lime render. A

206206 Painted Painted windows windows & & 207207 Black Black and and white white stainedstained door door paintedpainted windows windows

242 Vale of White Horse Design Guide SPD ValeVale ofof WhiteWhite HorseHorse ResidentialResidential DesignDesign GuideGuide DecemberDecember 20092009 3333 Proctor and Matthews Architects