Gwynedd Design Guide Index

GWYNEDD DESIGN GUIDE INDEX Part 1 ..............................................Design Guide Introduction............................................................................1 Choosing and Planning ........................................................2 Site Developmant ..................................................................3 Sustainable Development ....................................................4 Building Design ....................................................................5 Historic Environment ............................................................6 Development in Town ............................................................7 Shopfronts ............................................................................8 Commercial Development ....................................................9 Building in the Countryside ................................................10 Repairs ................................................................................11 Alterations and Extensions..................................................12 Crime Prevention ................................................................13 Public Realm ......................................................................14 Affordable Housing..............................................................15 Further Information ..............................................Appendix 1 Contacts ................................................................Appendix 2 Part 2........................................Landscape Guide Introduction Landscape Character Areas (LCA) Area Wide Guidance - Transport Corridors - Agricultural Landscape - Further Information (Appendix A) GWYNEDD INTRODUCTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN GUIDE Gwynedd is a county full of contrasts, from the University City of Bangor to the scattered settlements of the Lleyn penisula, encompassing mountains and coastline, farmland and forestry. Linking all this together, however, is the particular character of the region, formed by its geology and climate, and inherent in the vernacular architecture of the stone and slate cottages tucked into the landscape for protection from the weather. This uniqueness of character, developed over hundreds of years, is now being systematically destroyed by progressive changes to the very elements that define the quality and individuality of the region. These changes, often a response to new concepts, alien design styles and imported materials, may be carried out as a personal statement of individuality, in a misguided attempt to create a ‘historic’ identity, or in the spirit of improvement and modernisation – plastic windows, concrete tile roofing, pebbledash and lawsonii hedges, for example. In the same way that Gwynedd seeks to protect its language and cultural heritage, the integrity of its environment must be safeguarded from this type of unsympathetic development and alteration, and the imposition of styles that have no relevance to the locality. The establishment of good design practices is seen by the Council as having a signif- icant benefit throughout the county, not only by improving the quality of its environment and enhancing its image and reputation, but also because good design is central to the quality of life for the people of Gwynedd. Guidance is therefore required to assist and advise those who are involved in the planning and development process, including: • Property owners, to help them develop proposals that will positively contribute to the local distinctiveness and character of Gwynedd • Applicants and agents, during the preparation and submission of an application, and the design statement to accompany it • Development Control Officers within the Council, when dealing with applications. Importantly the guidance also provides advice in relation to minor “permitted development” proposals. For these schemes, planning consent is not necessary, although this does not preclude other statutory requirements such as Building Regulations Approval, Listed Building Consents or other specific controls. However, they often involve seemingly minor details, such as the replacement of doors and windows, which can have a disproportionate effect upon the quality and character of buildings, particularly where they form part of a group or terrace. Proper consideration of the design of these features is as important as dealing with larger scale development schemes. This Design Guide will complement other guidance prepared by the Council in relation to planning policies, landscape, highways, and wider environmental issues. Together, they will all contribute to raising the quality of the Gwynedd environment. Continued over… GWYNEDD INTRODUCTION 1 Until relatively recently design was not given the attention it deserved in National Planning Guidance. Design issues were however given greater prominence in 2002 by the publication of Planning Policy Wales (March 2002) which states:- “Good design can protects the environment and enhance its quality, help to attract businesses and investment, promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life. Good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process and should be encouraged everywhere”. In addition to the above the Welsh Assembly Government has issued a number of Technical Advice Notes, and Technical Advice Note 12 deals specifically with Design. This Advice Note explains that design is not just the end product but is moreover a process. It states:- “Design should be considered in its broadest sense as a collaborative, creative, problem solving process – embracing architecture, landscape, infrastructure and urban design that determines the quality of our environment and that can provide the basis for its sustainable future”. The success of good design is therefore dependent on the involvement of those connected in this process as early as possible so as to develop a vision and agree design principles. The purpose of this Design Guide is not however to prescribe the Design process but is intended moreover as a part of the “toolbox” in the design process. GWYNEDD CHOOSING & PLANNING A SITE 2 CHOICE OF SITE SITE FEATURES Before deciding on the site, consider: A detailed site appraisal will identify: Use of site and density Land form and topography • Will the proposed use of the site be in line • Topographical features of the site, such as with the Local Authority’s planning policies? gradients, ponds and watercourses, and how they may be exploited • Can the required buildings, roads and parking be accommodated on site without over- • Whether it forms a flood plain development? • Its geology – harmonise with natural materials • Does the site offer sufficient amenity space and colours, utilise minerals or aggregates around buildings to prevent problems of • Location and species of existing planting, overlooking, shading and noise, and to ensure including individual or groups of trees, pleasant surroundings? hedgerows and wildlife corridors • Important views into and across the site, which Access and transport routes should be preserved and enhanced • Are road and other access links suitable for the • Prominent high spots, which may be suitable type of vehicles and volume of traffic that will be for siting important or landmark buildings generated by the development? Climate and microclimate • Are there adequate public transport links close by to enable non-car users to access the site • Effects of climate – seasonal differences, and to minimise car use? prevailing wind, sun path and angle • Can existing pedestrian and cyclist routes be • Modification of climate – shading and shelter by retained and enhanced? adjacent buildings and mature planting, degree and orientation of slopes Location • Negative climatic effects – frost pockets, wind • Will the new development be compatible funnels, flood risk with its neighbours? Minimise the dangers • Reduction of energy costs in use by positioning from additional traffic, generation of noise the building to benefit from solar gain and make and nuisance, pollution, and any increased use of natural shelter security risk. Manmade features • Will it compromise the privacy of adjacent properties? Consider the relationship between • Existing buildings offering potential for reuse fronts and backs of buildings both on, and or recycling adjoining, the site • Overhead and underground services, mining • Will the development overload local services or quarrying such as public transport, shops, schools, etc? • Ground contamination from previous uses • Is the site suitable for a mixed use develop- • Roads, paths and site accesses; boundary ment? This can bring benefits of diversification walls and fences, etc. of the economy, and ensure the area is fully utilised at all times. Services Wildlife and landscaping • Are adequate power supplies and services available on or near the site? • Will the development threaten any special • Can natural water reserves be used for water wildlife habitats? supply or energy generation? • Can existing wildlife corridors be retained and • Could alternative energy sources be utilised – enhanced? ground rods, methane gas, solar or wind power? • How can planting, mature trees, and hedgerows • Or could a resource for other sites be provided, be retained? These allow the site to establish for example a district heating scheme? quickly and provide continuity. • Can suitable indigenous species, adapted to the local environment, be used to reinforce planting? Continued over… GWYNEDD

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