Policy information sourced from the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1

SC5 - ENSURING SUITABLE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SPACE

Our approach

We will ensure new housing development contributes to improving the quality and design of housing in the borough. Developments will be required to be of the highest quality internally and externally, and meet the demands of everyday life for the intended occupants, whilst offering flexibility to meet changing needs and respect the principles of good neighbourliness.

We will achieve this by

  • Applying the minimum internal space standards for all new housing developments and residential conversions, as set out in the Nationally Described Space Standard;
  • Seeking that provision of private external space that is usable and affords privacy and security with regard to the benchmark external space standards set out in Figure SC5.2; and
  • Ensuring the delivery of a minimum 10% of new dwellings provide enhanced accessibility or adaptability where the local authority is responsible for allocating or nominating a person to live in that dwelling.

We will expect development proposals to

  • Demonstrate compliance with the Nationally Described Space Standard with a flexible approach taken to residential conversions to achieve heritage conservation objectives;
  • Demonstrate through a clear design rationale how the benchmark external space standards contained in Figure SC5.2 have been considered. The exact area and character of external amenity space will vary according to the size and use of the dwelling unit;
  • Show how the aspect, usability, sense of enclosure and prevailing pattern established by local character have been considered in external open space proposals to create sufficiently high quality living conditions. The arrangement of external amenity space across a site should also be carefully considered to ensure an appropriate balance of public, communal and private space. In family sized units, there should be direct and easy access to a good sized private garden;
  • Be in accordance with the London Plan where flatted developments are proposed. This requires the provision of a minimum 5sqm of private outdoor space for all 1 to 2 person dwellings, with an additional 1sqm for each additional occupant. Balconies should be designed as an integral part of the building’s elevation to maximise a beneficial aspect, and avoid positions that result in unacceptable overlooking and loss of privacy to other units or existing nearby dwellings; and
  • Contribute to the achievement of other objectives in the Local Plan where development proposals compromise the delivery of elements of this policy.

For more information please see the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1