Appendices

Appendices Appendix 1 - Design Criteria Buildings, streets and spaces should be of the highest quality. In addition to the policies of the Local Plan, development proposals should satisfy the following more detailed criteria to ensure that new development creates a positive sense of place, does not lead to a gradual deterioration in the quality of the built environment, and that landscaping, the need for privacy and amenity space and the creation of identity in new development are taken into account. It is important to note that whilst a development may be in accordance with the guidance contained in this document, in some cases it may still not be considered acceptable based on site circumstances. Likewise, certain developments may not comply with all guidance but could still be considered acceptable, particularly in the Principal Town, and Small Towns/Large Suburban Settlements, and other locations where high-density development is considered appropriate , and a relaxation of standards may be justified to enable efficient and effective use of land. All applications will be assessed and determined on their own merits. The following criteria provide more detailed guidance for all new residential development including new dwellings, replacement dwellings, and extensions or alterations to existing dwellings. For the purpose of these guidelines, the Town and Country Planning Act defines the term ‘habitable rooms’ as rooms used or intended for the use of sleeping or living which are not solely used for cooking purposes. This would exclude bath or toilet facilities, service rooms, corridors, laundry rooms, hallways or utility rooms. Habitable rooms are considered to be living rooms, dining rooms, shared kitchen-living spaces, studies and bedrooms. Non-residential space is not given the same degree of protection as residential properties. However, proposals should still ensure that development provides for suitable standards of amenity for existing and proposed non -residential space to maintain these as attractive spaces contributing to the economy of the district, and that commercial development including new buildings, replacement buildings and extensions or alterations to existing buildings do not adversely affect the character or amenities of the district. Privacy All developments are expected to maintain acceptable standards of privacy for both new and existing residential buildings. The degree of overlooking and privacy inherent in a development will depend on density, layout, distances and angles between building s, internal layout, positioning of windows, relative levels and, to some extent, the presence of trees, hedges or other landscape features. In the interests of privacy and to prevent unacceptable levels of overlooking: