Policy information sourced from Lewisham Development Management Local Plan
DM Policy 30 Urban design and local character
General principles
The Council will require all development proposals to attain a high standard of design. This applies to new buildings and for alterations and extensions to existing buildings. The requirements of Core Strategy Policy 15 which sets out the aims for each Core Strategy spatial area will need to be met.
Where relevant, development proposals will need to be compatible with and/or complement the urban typologies and address the design and environmental issues identified in Table 2.1 Urban typologies in Lewisham.
The retention and refurbishment of existing buildings that make a positive contribution to the environment will be encouraged and should influence the character of new development and the development of a sense of place. Their value and significance as a heritage asset will be assessed as part of any development proposal.
Other elements such as open spaces, rivers and topographical features that make a positive contribution to the environment should influence the future character of an area and be treated as key elements in the development of a sense of place.
Detailed design issues
An adequate response to the following detailed matters will be required in planning applications to demonstrate the required site specific design response:
- the creation of a positive relationship to the existing townscape, natural landscape, open spaces and topography to preserve and / or create an urban form which contributes to local distinctiveness such as plot widths, building features and uses, roofscape, open space and views, panoramas and vistas including those identified in the London Plan, taking all available opportunities for enhancement
- height, scale and mass which should relate to the urban typology of the area as identified in Table 2.1 Urban typologies in Lewisham
- layout and access arrangements. Large areas of parking and servicing must be avoided
- how the scheme relates to the scale and alignment of the existing street including its building frontages
- the clear delineation of public routes by new building frontages, with convenient, safe and welcoming pedestrian routes to local facilities and the public transport network, including meeting the needs of less mobile people and people with young children
- the quality and durability of building materials and their sensitive use in relation to the context of the development. Materials used should be high quality and either match or complement existing development, and the reasons for the choice of materials should be clearly justified in relation to the existing built context
- details of the degree of ornamentation, use of materials, brick walls and fences, or other boundary treatment which should reflect the context by using high quality matching or complementary materials
- how the development at ground floor level will provide activity and visual interest for the public including the pedestrian environment, and provide passive surveillance with the incorporation of doors and windows to provide physical and visual links between buildings and the public domain
- new development must be sustainably designed and constructed in compliance with Core Strategy Policies 7 and 8
- where there is an impact on a heritage asset a statement will be required that describes the significance of the asset, including its setting, and an assessment of the impact of the proposals upon that significance.
For more information please see the Local Plan