1. Create designs and layouts that are accessible to all, and maintain and maximise opportunities for permeability and linkages to the surrounding area and local services;

2. Respond positively to, and where possible enhance, the local, natural, or historic character of the area. Particular regard should be paid to scale, height, materials, detailing, mass, bulk, articulation and site coverage;

3. Incorporation of a high quality, modern design approach and making use of vernacular materials where appropriate. For housing schemes vernacular materials should be used on a high proportion of buildings, particularly in key/prominent locations*;

4. Create high quality public realm and, where opportunities permit, provide improvements, particularly in town centre locations;

5. Respect the amenities of occupiers of neighbouring properties and uses and provide adequate residential amenities for future occupiers of the development by ensuring that proposals do not result in, or its occupants are exposed to, excessive noise, vibration, odour, air pollution, activity or vehicular movements, overlooking, or visual intrusion, or loss of light to occupiers;

6. Respect the topography and respond to the location of the site and sensitively incorporate natural features such as natural watercourses, trees, hedges, and ponds worthy of retention within the site. Particular attention should be paid in rural and semi-rural areas where the retention and addition of native vegetation appropriate to local landscape character around the site boundaries should be used as positive tool to help assimilate development in a manner which reflects and respects the local and natural character of the area;

7. Provide a high-quality design which responds to areas of heritage, townscape and landscape value or uplifts an area of poor environmental quality;

8. Orientate development, where possible, in such a way as to maximise the opportunity for sustainable elements to be incorporated, including to optimise access to sustainable transport modes, and to reduce the reliance upon less sustainable energy sources;

9. Protect and enhance any on-site biodiversity and geodiversity features;

10. Development shall have regard to relevant national and local design guides and codes;

11. Safely accommodate the vehicular and pedestrian movement generated by the proposal on the local highway network and through the site access;

12. Create a safe and secure environment and incorporate adequate security measures and features to deter crime, fear of crime, disorder and anti- social behaviour;

13. Incorporate measures for the adequate storage of waste, including provision for increasing recyclable waste;

14. Provide adequate vehicular and cycle parking to meet adopted council standards;

15. Be flexible towards future adaptation in response to changing life needs;

16. Ensure that new streets are tree lined and that opportunities have been taken to maximise the incorporation of trees within the development;

17. Account should be taken of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, Character Area Assessments, the Maidstone Borough Landscape Character Guidelines SPD, the Kent Design Guide, and the Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty Management Plan.

*: The separate design guidance will outline examples of vernacular materials and how they can be used well and where these are most appropriate.

For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038