Policy information sourced from Three Rivers Development Management Policies DPD

DM1 Residential Design and Layout

All applications for residential development should satisfy the design criteria as set out in Appendix 2 to ensure that development does not lead to a gradual deterioration in the quality of the built environment, and that landscaping, the need for privacy and amenity space and the creation of identity in housing layouts are taken into account.

New Residential Development

The Council will protect the character and residential amenity of existing areas of housing from forms of “backland”, “infill” or other forms of new residential development which are inappropriate for the area.

Development will only be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal will not result in:

  • Tandem development
  • Servicing by an awkward access drive which cannot easily be used by service vehicles
  • The generation of excessive levels of traffic
  • Loss of residential amenity
  • Layouts unable to maintain the particular character of the area in the vicinity of the application site in terms of plot size, plot depth, building footprint, plot frontage width, frontage building line, height, gaps between buildings and streetscape features (e.g. hedges, walls, grass verges etc.)

Subdivision of Dwellings

Subject to other development policies, proposals for the conversion of single dwellings into two or more units will generally be acceptable where:

  • The building is suitable for conversion by reason of its size, shape and number of rooms. Normally, only dwellings with three or more bedrooms will be considered suitable for conversion
  • The dwellings created are completely self-contained, with separate front doors either giving direct access to the dwelling, or a secure communal lobby or stairwell which itself has a secure entrance
  • Adequate car parking, services and amenity space can be provided for each new unit in compliance with the Council’s standards
  • The character of the area and the residential amenity of immediate neighbours are protected
  • If conversion of semi-detached dwellings is proposed, generally this takes place in pairs in order that privacy and the amenities of the occupants of the adjoining dwelling are maintained.

The Council will take into account the individual and cumulative effect of applications for development on the character of an area, and will resist piecemeal development in favour of comprehensive proposals that properly address the criteria above.

For more information please see the Three Rivers Development Management Policies DPD