All new development will be required to be of a high quality of design which complements and enhances the local character and identity of the Neighbourhood Area.

This shall be achieved by:

a. Development which positively interfaces with the street and streetscape in which it is located;

b. Development which reinforces local distinctiveness and enhances local social, cultural and heritage assets;

c. Development which may include high quality contemporary architectural design should have regard to the form, function, structure and heritage of its context – including the scale, mass, orientation, pattern and grain of surrounding buildings, streets and spaces;

d. Development which promotes principles of healthy and sustainable design with a high level of resource efficiency and resilience to climate change. Consideration should be given to the incorporation of features such as Electric Vehicle charging points, living roofs, green walls, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design and zero carbon buildings;

e. A presumption in favour of a colour and material palate which is in harmony with the materials characteristic of its context;

f. Incorporation of internal and external spaces that are adaptable and flexible and which function well;

g. The use of attractive, durable, high quality materials and high standards of craftsmanship;

h. New buildings that respect and are sensitive to the height and proportions of existing buildings in their vicinity and setting;

i. Protection and enhancement of significant views as defined in the Neighbourhood Plan as well as the provision of associated high quality public realm, landscaping and tree planting and where appropriate, public art;

j. Design of lighting in new development that limits the impact of light pollution from artificial light on nature conservation and local amenity and avoids sky wash.

Where a development proposal is accompanied by a Design and Access Statement, this should demonstrate how it will contribute to sustainable development, including preserving and enhancing high quality local character.

Where development is proposed adjacent to designated and non-designated heritage assets or within Areas of Special Local Character, any new building should be sensitively designed in accordance with the principles set out in Policy BE3 to ensure that it restores and reinforces the regularity of the street form and the unity and coherence of townscape with historic or architectural features of merit.

For more information and policy context please see the Crofton Park and Honour Oak Neighbourhood Plan