Barking and Dagenham - DMD 1 Securing high-quality design

Policy information sourced from the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan

DMD 1 Securing high-quality design

1.

The Council will support development proposals that make a positive contribution to the character of the surrounding area, have regard to the National Design Guide and/or its updated equivalent, design codes developed in accordance with the National Model Design Code and other local guidance.

2.

All development proposals will be expected:

where appropriate, to be required to use mechanisms such as Section 106 agreements and planning conditions to ensure that design quality is carried through into the detailed design and construction of the development. Amendments to the design of major applications may be subject to appropriate Section 106 monitoring contributions if the original architects or landscape architects are not retained for the detailed design stage
to demonstrate high-quality design and to work with Planning Officers and, where recommended, with the Barking and Dagenham Quality Review Panel (QRP) 23 in accordance with its Terms of Reference, or its equivalent
to enable active lifestyle by designing for walkable neighbourhoods with attractive public realm and supporting infrastructure for walking and cycling 24, taking inspiration from Barking Riverside, London’s first healthy new town 25; and Active Design Principles and guidance 26 (or its updated equivalent)
to be creative and innovative, recognising that existing local character and accommodating change is not mutually exclusive. Architecture should be responsive, inclusive, authentic, engaging, and have an enduring appeal
to seek to maximise opportunities for urban greening and biodiversity, and demonstrate that appropriate measures have been taken to protect or enhance the natural environment in accordance with Policies: DME 2: providing flexible, affordable workspace and DME 3: encouraging vibrant, resilient and characterful town centres
to consider the impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties
to take a coordinated approach to development by respecting existing site constraints including utilities situated within sites
using the required Archaeological Priority Areas Appraisal (or its updated equivalent) and best practice guidance 27 to explore archaeological heritage as a cue for design, interpretation and presentation opportunities in a successful design of a development proposal
to demonstrate how avoidance or minimisation of harm to the local character, heritage assets and their heritage significance, as well as to broader townscape character
has been achieved through design and or mitigation; and agree appropriate mitigation with the Council.

3. Major and strategic development proposals (including estate regeneration schemes) must:

provide a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the design process to identify opportunities for maximising potential health gains, minimising harm, and addressing health inequalities and detail the measures taken to achieve these
clearly demonstrate consideration of the individual and cumulative impact on amenity, neighbouring buildings, skyline, infrastructure and the natural and historic environments, provision of public realm and amenity space (private, communal and child play space)
provide publicly accessible open spaces that promote biodiversity, safety, health and well-being. Where on site contributions cannot be delivered, a financial contribution towards off-site provision of infrastructure elsewhere or a commuted sum may be accepted, to be determined in discussion with the Council
seek to achieve the highest standards of construction (e.g. MMC), and adhere to Policy DMSI 1: sustainable design and construction.

For more information please see the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan