Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

SP2 Place Shaping

  • Strategic Masterplans, Concept Framework Plans and all development proposals must reflect and demonstrate that the following place shaping principles have been adhered to having had regard to their relevance within the context of the scale and nature of the development proposed:
    1. strong vision, leadership and community engagement;
    2. provide for the long term stewardship of assets;
    3. provide mixed tenure homes and a range of housing types and sizes;
    4. ensure a robust range of employment opportunities are provided with a variety of jobs within easy commuting distance of homes by sustainable or active transport modes in preference to single occupancy car use;
    5. provide high quality and imaginatively designed homes with gardens or access to usable and accessible amenity space, combining the very best of urban and rural living to promote healthy and active lifestyles and vibrant communities;
    6. ensure generous, well connected and biodiverse rich green and open space provision;
    7. extend, enhance and reinforce strategic green and blue infrastructure assets and the public realm;
    8. ensure that development enhances the natural environment;
    9. deliver strong local cultural, recreational, social (including health and education where required) and retail facilities to support day-to-day needs in walkable neighbourhoods;
    10. ensure positive integration and connection with adjacent rural and urban communities thereby contributing to the revitalisation of existing neighbourhoods;
    11. maintain and enhance the important features, character and assets of existing settlements;
    12. conserve and positively enhance key landscapes, habitats and biodiversity;
    13. provide for sustainable movement and access to local and strategic destinations (including rail, bus, walking and cycling);
    14. positively respond to sustainable water management; and
    15. have regard to the Active Design principles and support healthy living through their design by providing opportunities for physical activity and sport, access to quality open spaces, and employment opportunities.
  • To ensure the best and most efficient use of land as a guide the Council will normally expect:
    1. a greater density of development at places with good public transport accessibility;
    2. densities above 50 dwellings per hectare in towns and large village centres, and along main transport routes and/or close to transport nodes;
    3. in areas outside town and large village centres, new residential development should achieve densities of between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare, and should enhance the distinctive character and identity of the area;
    4. notwithstanding Part B(ii) and (iii) above, lower density developments may be appropriate in urban areas, villages and rural communities where they are particularly sensitive to the impact of intensification and redevelopment because of the prevailing character of the area and the sensitive nature of the surrounding countryside or built form. Where lower densities than those at Part B(ii) and (iii) above are proposed, suitable justification needs to be provided.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033