Built environment, placemaking and design

SP14 - Built environment, placemaking and design This strategic policy is supporting Local Plan objectives 1, 3, 4 and 5. SP14: Placemaking and Design 1. All development will be expected to achieve a high standard of design and placemaking, contributing positively to the quality, character and identity of Buckinghamshire’s towns, villages and landscapes. 2. Development must be informed where appropriate by design codes and a masterplan to ensure it: a) I s design-led and context-responsive, informed by the character, scale and form of existing places. b) Creates safe, inclusive and attractive environments that promote wellbeing, accessibility and social interaction. c) Makes efficient use of land while maintaining or enhancing local distinctiveness. d) Takes account of the character of the landscape set out in the latest Landscape Character Assessment. 3. Strategic development will be required to: a) Demonstrate a coherent placemaking framework in accordance with the Buckinghamshire Design Code (appendix J), integrating land use, movement networks, green infrastructure and community facilities; b. Deliver high-quality urban design and public realm, informed by masterplans, design codes or design frameworks as appropriate. b) Development proposals in and affecting the setting of Chilterns National Landscape must be landscape-led and, as a nationally designated landscape of the highest value, respond positively to the special qualities of that area in accordance with national planning policy and the Chilterns landscape management plan and design guide. c) Development that fails to achieve a high standard of design quality and placemaking will not be supported. 5.185 The quality of the built environment is a key component to the success of the Local Plan. Well-designed places support social interaction, economic vitality, environmental resilience and community wellbeing. Buckinghamshire contains a rich variety of towns, villages, landscapes and heritage assets, all of which contribute to local identity and character. 5.186 This Plan incorporates a placemaking-led approach, ensuring that development is shaped by a clear understanding of context, rather than led solely by land use or density considerations. High-quality urban design, architecture and public realm are central to delivering attractive, safe and functional places. 5.187 Strategic development presents opportunities and challenges for placemaking. For these sites, the Plan expects a comprehensive approach through masterplanning and design frameworks, integrating land use, movement, green infrastructure and community facilities from the outset. This helps to ensure coherence, legibility and long-term adaptability. 5.188 This strategic policy establishes clear expectations for design quality and placemaking, while the detailed criteria for assessment, including design principles and amenity standards, are set out in the Part B Development Management policies. These will also contribute to strengthening the sense of place. 5.189 The policy recognises the need for the highest level of protection, mitigation and careful assessment for development affecting the Chilterns National Landscape. Major development proposals in the national landscape will not be supported unless exceptional circumstances set out in Part B Development Management policies apply.