Policy information sourced from the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan

DMD 3 Development in town centres

1.

Proposals for development within town centres (designated boundaries are shown on the Policies Map) should, where relevant and appropriate:

  • respect the building lines of the existing urban environment and, where appropriate, build up to the edge of the curtilage
  • co-ordinate and consolidate elements of street furniture, such as seating, bins, bollards, cycle stands and lighting, to streamline the appearance of the public realm and avoid visual clutter
  • avoid the creation of inactive frontages and contribute positively to the street scene and public realm to coordinate the design of development around town centres consider street widths, crossings locations; integration of bus stands along with other public realm elements (as mentioned in b) above) and focus on reducing vehicle dominance along with promoting a safe walking and cycling environment
  • provide clearly defined public and private space, placing servicing away from street frontages, for example at the rear of the building
  • provide level access and ensure new development is fully accessible.

2.

New or replacement shop fronts are required to be robust and well-designed. Proposals must ensure that:

  • they retain or restore traditional shop fronts and existing architectural and heritage features
  • active shop fronts are well maintained in order to contribute positively to the building, street-scene and public realm
  • a sensitive relationship is maintained between the shop front and the upper floors, with neighbouring shop fronts and surrounding buildings
  • the use of materials is appropriate to and enhances the local character and value of existing architectural and historic features
  • the use of external mounted shutters or solid roller shutters are avoided.

For more information please see the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan