Densification and Advanced Methods of Construction

and reasonable. Policy DS.20 Densification and Advanced Methods of Construction A. Promoting Densification In accordance with Policies DS.18 and DS.19, development proposals should make the most effective use of land by seeking to maximise site densities across South Warwickshire. Higher densities are particularly encouraged within the existing Built- up Areas of the Main Urban Areas, Main Service Centres and Local Service Centres, as set out in Policy DS.8. Proposals for major residential development within the existing Built-up Areas of Main Urban Areas, and within 1km of a railway station will be expected to achieve a minimum density of 60 dph unless site-specific circumstances indicate that this is not appropriate and robust justification is given. Proposals for major residential development within the existing Built-up Areas of other settlements and within 500m of a railway station, will be expected to demonstrate how they have optimised density appropriate to the site context. Proposals for additional dwellings on in the defined Built-up Areas will be supported. This may include: • Re-use of redundant buildings • Conversion of upper storeys of existing non-residential buildings • Infill development on empty plots • Additional storeys on existing buildings • Where relevant, proposals will need to demonstrate that there is no significant loss of viable retail or employment floorspace B. Encouraging Advanced Methods of Construction Acknowledging their sustainability credentials and their ability to delivery homes quickly, proposals that utilise Advanced Methods of Construction will be supported. To ensure a design that is appropriate to the local context, all proposals should be supported by an agreed Design Code in accordance with Policy DS.19. Policy Justification 2.12.17 The benefits of building at increased densities are well-established. Not only does it reduce overall land-take, but it also encourages walking, cycling and use of public transport as well as potentially providing for a greater number of smaller homes, which in turn, can be more affordable. The SWLP therefore seeks to promote building at increased densities across South Warwickshire, not just on the allocated sites, but also within the built-up areas of the Main Urban Areas, main Service Centres and Local Service Centres. 2.12.18 A particular focus for higher densities is sites with easy access to public transport facilities. 2.12.19 The National Model Design Code identifies the area typology “Urban neighbourhoods” as typically having net housing densities of 60-120 dwellings per hectare (dph) and a mix of uses. As the bottom end of this range, 60dph is considered to be a reasonable minimum density for the best-located sites. Densities above 60dph will be encouraged where compatible with the site context. Distances will be measured as a straight line to the closest pedestrian entrance to the relevant station building. The 60dph minimum is a net figure and will apply only to those parts of the site which fall within 1km of the station. 2.12.20 Extensive national permitted development rights exist which allow various forms of densification development to take place, including additional storeys to existing buildings. These rights are extended to buildings built after 1st July 1948, and which do not fall into Conservation Areas. Areas most suited to densification development are those in highly sustainable locations, in close proximity to town centre and public transport facilities. Much of the land in South Warwickshire in these most sustainable locations falls within Conservation Areas, has a high proportion of pre-1948 buildings, and many Listed Buildings. As such, the permitted development rights do not apply. Nonetheless it is considered that there are opportunities for sensitively designed densification development in some of these locations. 2.12.21 However, densification requires careful design to accommodate additional homes in spaces not originally designed for them. The aspects Policy DS.18 which are likely to need especially sensitive handling for densification development are Context, Identity, Built Form, and Liveability. 2.12.22 It is acknowledged that in some situations the conversion of upper storeys, or the addition of upper storeys, might involve the unavoidable loss of a small amount of viable floorspace, for example if there is a need to create a new entrance or stairwell. In such cases, the loss should be kept to a minimum, and the benefits accruing from additional dwellings will be balanced against the loss of employment or retail floorspace. Further guidance on sensitive and appropriate densification development will be produced, either in the form of area-specific design codes, or through Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. 2.12.23 This Policy also supports the use of Advanced Methods of Construction (also known as Modern Methods of Construction) that utilise technology, including off-site construction, the provide buildings that are more operationally effective and efficient. Modular build can also have benefits in respect of the speed of construction and in reducing the cost of construction and there