Policy information sourced from Wandsworth Development Planning Management Policies Document

DMS 1 General development principles - Sustainable urban design and the quality of the environment

Planning permission will be granted for developments which comply with the following criteria where relevant:

  • use a design-led approach to optimise the potential of sites so that the layout and arrangement of buildings ensure a high level of physical integration with their surroundings;
  • ensure that the scale, massing and appearance of the development provides a high quality, sustainable design and layout, that contributes positively to local spatial character;
  • does not harm the amenity of occupiers/users and nearby properties through unacceptable noise, vibration, traffic congestion, air pollution, overshadowing, overbearing, unsatisfactory outlook, privacy or sunlight/daylight;
  • are sympathetic to local landscape characteristics and avoid, remedy or mitigate any impact on natural features, open spaces and identified views;
  • ensure that development takes account of existing or planned social and transport infrastructure and contributes to additional infrastructure where necessary, so that development is adequately served by public transport and a range of community facilities;
  • are adequately serviced with utility infrastructure related and appropriate to the development including water supply, sewerage, waste management, telecommunications, broadband, heat, power and cooling;
  • are designed to reduce the need to travel and minimise car use;
  • include waste and recycling storage facilities on-site unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case off-site provision will be sought;
  • are accessible to people with disabilities;
  • are designed to provide a safe and inclusive environment which maximises personal safety and minimises opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour including terrorist activities;
  • take into account the operational needs of existing businesses and do not prejudice the existing uses/operations;
  • minimise light pollution and reduce harmful effects on neighbours and wildlife;
  • contribute towards a healthy neighbourhood and consider the health impacts of development. The requirement for a Health Impact Assessment will be determined at pre-application stage;
  • in the case of development involving hazardous substances or processes, and development in the vicinity of sites where hazardous substances are used, stored or transported, it can be shown that users of the site, occupants of neighbouring land and the environment will be adequately protected from any additional risk to health and safety;
  • the layout, design, paving and furnishing of public spaces reflects the character and appearance of surrounding buildings, and is designed so as to minimise street clutter, obstruction and visual intrusion. Proposals to reduce street clutter will be supported.

For more information please see the Development Planning Management Policies Document