Policy information sourced from the Braintree District Council Local Plan 2013-2033.

SP 7: Place Shaping Principles.

All new development must meet high standards of urban and architectural design. Development frameworks, masterplans, design codes, and other design guidance documents will be prepared in consultation with stakeholders where they are needed to support this objective.

All new development should reflect the following place shaping principles, where applicable:

  • Respond positively to local character and context to preserve and enhance the quality of existing places and their environs;
  • Provide buildings that exhibit individual architectural quality within well-considered public and private realms;
  • Protect and enhance assets of historical or natural value;
  • Incorporate biodiversity creation and enhancement measures;
  • Create well-connected places that prioritise the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport services above use of the private car;
  • Provide a mix of land uses, services and densities with well-defined public and private spaces to create sustainable well-designed neighbourhoods;
  • Enhance the public realm through additional landscaping, street furniture and other distinctive features that help to create a sense of place;
  • Provide streets and spaces that are overlooked and active and promote inclusive access;
  • Include parking facilities that are well integrated as part of the overall design and are adaptable if levels of private car ownership fall;
  • Provide an integrated and connected network of biodiverse public open space and green and blue infrastructure, thereby helping to alleviate recreational pressure on designated sites;
  • Include measures to promote environmental sustainability including addressing energy and water efficiency, and provision of appropriate water and wastewater and flood mitigation measures including the use of open space to provide flora and fauna rich sustainable drainage solutions; and
  • Protect the amenity of existing and future residents and users with regard to noise, vibration, smell, loss of light, overbearing and overlooking.

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.