Policy information sourced from Royal Greenwich Local Plan Core Strategy

DH1 Design

All developments are required to be of a high quality of design and to demonstrate that they positively contribute to the improvement of both the built and natural environments. To achieve a high quality of design, all developments are expected to:

  • provide a positive relationship between the proposed and existing urban context by taking account of:
    • topography, landscape setting, ridges and natural features;
    • existing townscapes, local landmarks, views and skylines;
    • the architecture of surrounding buildings;
    • the need to retain trees in line with Policy OS(f) and Policy OS(g);
    • the quality and nature of materials, both traditional and modern;
    • established layout and spatial character;
    • the scale, height, bulk and massing of the adjacent townscape;
    • architectural, historical and archaeological features and their settings;
    • the effective use of land;
    • the potential for a mix of uses;
    • patterns of activity, movement and circulation particularly for pedestrians and cyclists;
    • the cultural diversity of the area;
    • and acceptable noise insulation and attenuation;
  • promote local distinctiveness by providing a site-specific design solution;
  • demonstrate that the development contributes to a safe and secure environment for users and the public (See Policy CH1);
  • achieve accessible and inclusive environments for all, including disabled people;
  • create attractive, manageable well-functioning spaces within the site;
  • maximise energy conservation, through effective layout, orientation, use of appropriate materials, detailing and landscape design (also see Policy E1);
  • benefit Royal Greenwich by helping mitigate and adapt to climate change;
  • enhance biodiversity consistent with the Greenwich Biodiversity Action Plan;
  • incorporate living roofs and/or walls in line with Policy E(f);
  • demonstrate on-site waste management including evidence of waste reduction, use of recycled materials and dedicated recyclable waste storage space;
  • Demonstrate water efficiency and demand management measures;
  • wherever possible, ensure building materials are responsibly sourced and minimise environmental impact;
  • demonstrate measures that reduce surface water flood risk and landscape the environment in a way that provides for permeable surfaces;
  • meet the requirements of Policy H5 for residential schemes;
  • integrate with existing path and circulation networks and patterns of activity particularly for pedestrians and cyclists; and
  • for non-residential buildings in major developments, achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent.’

For more information please see the Local Plan Core Strategy