Policy information sourced from the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

Policy 16 Small Sites

A. The Council will support the delivery of the small sites target of 234 new homes per annum in accordance with London Plan Policy H2.

B. In accordance with the London Plan, intensification is encouraged on small sites with good public transport accessibility (PTAL 3-6) and on sites within 800m of a tube, rail station or Major or District town centre boundary (as defined in the London Plan). Outside of these locations, development will be considered provided no unacceptable impact(s) identified against other policies in this Plan.

C. Proposals for small sites will need to have regard to the existing townscape character, as set out in the Urban Design Study, with proposals reflecting the building typology and demonstrating how they accord with the broad strategy for planning and management set out in the design guidance for each character area.

D. The Council will support proposals for well-designed new homes on small sites (up to 0.25 hectares) to meet local needs, in accordance with environmental, transport, parking and other relevant policies, see Policy 15 ‘Infill and Backland Development’. Proposals on small sites are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate a character- and design-led approach by setting out how the proposed development takes into account the existing context, assessing the site and surrounds for the sensitivity to change, and ensuring that design elements reflect the small sites and relevant character area design guidance in the Urban Design Study and accord with Policy 28 ‘Local Character and Design Quality (Strategic Policy)’. In particular:
    • in areas where the strategy is to ‘conserve’, proposals should clearly address how they will reflect and where appropriate, enhance existing character features through positive change;
    • in areas where the strategy is to ‘enhance’, proposals should clearly address how they will contribute to restoring the existing character;
    • in areas where the strategy is to ‘improve’, proposals should demonstrate how they will improve the character of the area including any new features which supplement and support the existing essential character of the area; and/or
    • in areas where the strategy is to ‘transform’, proposals should demonstrate how they will remove detracting features and add new elements to change the character.
  2. Provide high quality living environments with good levels of daylight, sunlight and privacy without adversely impacting on amenity of adjoining residential occupiers.
  3. Ensure a sensitive integration into the existing streetscene, respecting the proportions and spaces of and between existing buildings that are characteristic of the locality.
  4. Demonstrate how the impact on existing infrastructure, such as transport, health and education, has been taken into account.
  5. Result in no net loss of existing biodiversity or significant loss of open space or garden land.
  6. Ensure the design, layout and materials respect and respond to the historic environment and any relevant heritage assets, responding positively to the local character as identified in the Urban Design Study and Conservation Area Appraisals/Statements.
  7. Ensure the scale, height, massing, density, proportions, form, materials and detailing are appropriate to the site and its context, while also exploring opportunities for extensions including additional floors, if in accordance with Policy 28 ‘Local Character and Design Quality (Strategic Policy)’ and the design guidance in the Urban Design Study.

For more information please see the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan