Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

QD6.1: Design for an Attractive Town

New Development in Watford is required to deliver high quality design. Buildings will be designed to minimise environmental impact including mitigating climate change impacts, deliver attractive and functional spaces and reinforce and develop a distinctive local character with durable, lasting materials. Proposals will be required to demonstrate that they have responded positively to sensitive areas. New public realm will be attractive, accessible and reflective of the needs of the community.

There are three areas in Watford, each of which requires a separate approach when considering the design of new development.

Core Development Area

The approach to design will encourage a new positive character, enhance areas of poor quality and build on existing aspects of positive design. High-density development will be supported, with the highest densities to be located in the most sustainable locations. Proposals for taller buildings will be of an appropriate height that reflects its location, role in the built-up area, contributes to wayfinding as a key marker in the townscape and which makes a positive contribution towards an attractive skyline.

Proposals for major developments will be required to achieve high quality design, with taller buildings required to demonstrate outstanding design and innovation that are well connected through a quality public realm that is interesting and people can easily interpret and use. Together, these will contribute towards achieving a compact and walkable town.

Proposals will demonstrate how they maximise the relationship between new buildings, environmental features and people, maximise site-specific opportunities and contribute towards their integration with the surrounding area.

In locations where the Core Development Area is adjacent to existing areas of established residential character, proposals will need to be designed to reflect this sensitivity and demonstrate how they enable an appropriate transition between these areas.

Established Areas

This includes all areas that lie outside the Core Development Area and the Protected Areas. The degree of change will be more limited than in the Core Development Area but is expected to result in a gentle uplift in the density of the area. Development proposals in these areas should be led by the existing characteristics of the local area and will reinforce and where appropriate enhance the character of the local area.

Protected Areas

The degree of change within these areas or which affects their setting will be more limited. Development proposals will be of the highest design standard and particular attention should be paid to the detailing and materials proposed for the scheme. Design cues should be taken from heritage assets and designations to inform and guide the character and identity of new development.

The Core Development Area, Established Areas and Protected Areas are defined on the Policies Map.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.