Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan
LP 1 Local Character and Design Quality
The Council will require all development to be of high architectural and urban design quality. The high quality character and heritage of the borough and its villages will need to be maintained and enhanced where opportunities arise. Development proposals will have to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the site and how it relates to its existing context, including character and appearance, and take opportunities to improve the quality and character of buildings, spaces and the local area.
To ensure development respects, contributes to and enhances the local environment and character, the following will be considered when assessing proposals:
- compatibility with local character including the relationship to existing townscape, development patterns, views, local grain and frontages as well as scale, height, massing, density, landscaping, proportions, form, materials and detailing;
- sustainable design and construction, including adaptability, subject to aesthetic considerations;
- layout, siting and access, including making best use of land;
- space between buildings, relationship of heights to widths and relationship to the public realm, heritage assets and natural features;
- inclusive design, connectivity, permeability (as such gated developments will not be permitted), natural surveillance and orientation; and
- suitability and compatibility of uses, taking account of any potential adverse impacts of the co-location of uses through the layout, design and management of the site
All proposals, including extensions, alterations and shopfronts, will be assessed against the policies contained within a neighbourhood plan where applicable, and the advice set out in the relevant Village Planning Guidance and other SPDs relating to character and design.
Shopfronts
The Council will resist the removal of shopfronts of architectural or historic interest. Shopfronts, including signage and illumination, should complement the proportions, character, materials and detailing, surrounding streetscene and the building of which it forms part. Blinds, canopies or shutters, where acceptable in principle, must be appropriate to the character of the shopfront and the context within which it is located. External security grilles and large illuminated fascias will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. In sensitive areas, such as Conservation Areas and relevant Character Areas as identified in the Village Planning Guidance SPDs, rigid and gloss finish blinds will generally be unacceptable.
Advertisements and hoardings
The Council will exercise strict control over the design and siting of advertisements and hoardings to ensure the character of individual buildings and streets are not materially harmed, having regard to the interests of amenity and public safety (including highway safety).
For more information please see the Local Plan