Policy information sourced from the Central Befordshire Local Plan

HQ1: High Quality Development

The Council will ensure that all developments are of the highest possible quality and respond positively to their context. Development proposals, including extensions and change of use, will be permitted where:

  1. Proposals take account of opportunities to enhance or reinforce the local distinctiveness of the area and create a sense of place;
  2. Size, scale, massing, orientation, materials and appearance relate well to the existing local surroundings and reinforce local distinctiveness, both built and natural;
  3. Careful consideration is given to the density of all new housing proposals to ensure that they make the most efficient use of the land available, whilst reflecting the existing character of the surrounding area and making provision for appropriate landscaping and boundary treatments;
  4. Proposals are well connected to surrounding areas, providing safe, attractive and convenient routes that encourage travel by sustainable modes and meet the needs of all street users;
  5. The distinction between public and private space is clear, with defined boundaries;
  6. Proposals are complementary to the existing natural environment, taking account of the landscape setting, landscape character and tranquillity, Rights of Way, biodiversity and Green Infrastructure;
  7. High quality hard and soft landscaping appropriate to the scale of development proposed should be used to integrate the proposal into the existing built, natural and historic environment;
  8. Healthy lifestyles are promoted through the design and layout of the development;
  9. Inclusive design is considered from the outset of the design process;
  10. Layouts are designed to maximise surveillance and increase pedestrian activity within the public realm to reduce opportunities for crime and the fear of crime;
  11. There is not an unacceptable adverse impact upon nearby existing or permitted uses, including impacts on amenity, privacy, noise or air quality;
  12. Any lighting associated with the development does not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area; and
  13. Development supports the sustainable management of waste through the appropriate layout and design of buildings, external spaces and roads in accordance with the Design Guide for Central Bedfordshire and Waste Strategic Policy WSP5 of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan (January 2014).

All new development will be expected to have regard to the Central Bedfordshire Design Guide (and subsequent revisions).

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan