The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires all development to be well designed, and states that poorly designed proposals will be refused. Schemes must be supported by a Design Statement showing how they meet criteria covering context, identity, built form and movement. This means understanding the site's history and surroundings, creating attractive and distinctive places, designing walkable streets that limit crime, and prioritising active travel such as walking and cycling alongside a genuine choice of sustainable transport options.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
What the plan says
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Policy DS.18
Well-Designed Places
Development proposals should contribute to high-quality places. Well-designed
development will be achieved by ensuring all the following criteria, where applicable,
are satisfactorily addressed. To demonstrate this, proposals should be accompanied
by a Design Statement that assess the site design constraints, explores the design
opportunities the site offers and demonstrates how the criteria set out in this policy
have been met. Development proposals that are not well-designed will be refused.
Development Proposals should:
A. Context
1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the distinct features, history, and
culture of the site and its wider context.
2. Relate well to the site and its context, being well-integrated to their
surroundings.
3. Be both influenced by, and influence their context
positively through their layout, form, density, scale, massing, appearance,
access, movement, and landscape.
B. Identity
1. Enhance the sense of place, responding to the character and distinctiveness of
the site and its context, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate
innovation or change.
2. Create a coherent identity that can be widely recognised and identified with.
3. Create high quality, welcoming, attractive, and distinctive places through their
layout, form, density, scale, massing, appearance, access and movement
networks, and landscape.
C. Built Form
1. Use their layout, form, density, scale, massing, appearance, access,
movement, and landscape to create high quality places with a recognisable
hierarchy of streets and spaces that are walkable, easy to navigate, and
memorable, as well as being tenure-neutral and socially inclusive.
2. Enhance existing and frame new internal and external sightlines and views of
features and landmarks.
3. Clearly define public and private spaces and have a high standard of
amenity and privacy for existing and future users.
4. Deliver effective measures to limit crime, disorder, and the fear of crime.
D. Movement
1. Prioritise active travel movements, both in the site and adjoining neighbouring
areas.
2. Create a genuine choice of sustainable transport modes, taking account of the
diverse needs of all the potential users.