Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Core Strategy

CS17- Local Character, Density and Design

Elmbridge’s unique environment is characterised by its green infrastructure, river corridors, historic assets and distinctive town and village settlements. The consideration of sustainable design should be considered as an integral part of the design process (see CS27-Sustainable Buildings) In order to provide a positive strategic design framework that protects and enhances that environment, the Council’s forthcoming development management polices and the Design and Character SPD will take into account the following key principles.

Local Character

New development will be required to deliver high quality and inclusive sustainable design, which maximises the efficient use of urban land whilst responding to the positive features of individual locations, integrating sensitively with the locally distinctive townscape, landscape, and heritage assets, and protecting the amenities of those within the area. Innovative contemporary design that embraces sustainability and improves local character will be supported (see CS1-Spatial Strategy). New development should enhance the public realm and street scene, providing a clear distinction between public and private spaces. Particular attention should be given to the design of development which could have an effect on heritage assets which include conservation areas, historic buildings, scheduled monuments, and the Borough’s three historic parks and gardens.

Development Density

In order to promote the best use of urban land, and to protect the Borough’s green spaces, the Council will promote well designed, high quality and sustainable developments which will contribute to the achievement of an overall housing density target of 40 dwellings per hectare. Other than in the St George’s Hill Estate, Burwood Park and the Crown Estate, Oxshott, a minimum density of 30dph will be required. Developments within town centres should exceed 40 dph. Specific criteria to promote higher densities within each of the town centres will be identified in the Design and Character SPD.

In exceptional circumstances, where overriding harm to the valued character of area would occur as a result of the application of the minimum density threshold, development at a lower density, which maximises the efficient use of land, may be acceptable.

Sustainable Design

The Council will support and promote exemplary design, which adopts innovative approaches to address climate change and minimise the Borough’s carbon footprint and use of natural resources (see CS27-Sustainable Buildings). New development should be appropriately landscaped, and where appropriate should incorporate biodiversity habitat, and enhance the Borough’s green infrastructure network in accordance with policies CS14-Green Infrastructure and CS15-Biodiversity.

Inclusive Development

New buildings should be physically integrated into the community through safe permeable access routes which minimise opportunities for crime.

The Council will promote developments that create accessible, socially inclusive environments. New housing will be built to lifetime homes standards and in schemes including a mix of affordable and market homes, (see CS21-Affordable Housing), tenures will be integrated to ensure social cohesion. Mixed use development will be encouraged in suitable locations with high quality design creating a harmonious, complimentary, and vibrant environment, in which a range of uses can function and flourish.

For more information please see the Elmbridge Core Strategy