Policy information sourced from City of London Local Plan

DM 10.1 New Development

To require all developments, including alterations and extensions to existing buildings, to be of a high standard of design and to avoid harm to the townscape and public realm, by ensuring that:

  • the bulk and massing of schemes are appropriate in relation to their surroundings and have due regard to the general scale, height, building lines, character, historic interest and significance, urban grain and materials of the locality and relate well to the character of streets, squares, lanes, alleys and passageways;
  • all development is of a high standard of design and architectural detail with elevations that have an appropriate depth and quality of modelling;
  • appropriate, high quality and durable materials are used;
  • the design and materials avoid unacceptable wind impacts at street level or intrusive solar glare impacts on the surrounding townscape and public realm;
  • development has attractive and visually interesting street level elevations, providing active frontages wherever possible to maintain or enhance the vitality of the City’s streets;
  • the design of the roof is visually integrated into the overall design of the building when seen from both street level views and higher level viewpoints;
  • plant and building services equipment are fully screened from view and integrated in to the design of the building. Installations that would adversely affect the character, appearance or amenities of the buildings or area will be resisted;
  • servicing entrances are designed to minimise their effects on the appearance of the building and street scene and are fully integrated into the building’s design;
  • there is provision of appropriate hard and soft landscaping, including appropriate boundary treatments;
  • the external illumination of buildings is carefully designed to ensure visual sensitivity, minimal energy use and light pollution, and the discreet integration of light fittings into the building design;
  • there is provision of amenity space, where appropriate;
  • there is the highest standard of accessible and inclusive design.

For more information please see the Local Plan