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

QD6.2: Design Principles

Proposals for new development will be required to show how they will make a positive contribution to high quality design and place-making. To achieve this, proposals for new development will need to show how they have responded to the following design principles.

Sustainable design

New developments will need to be designed to minimise their impact on the environment and embrace sustainability principles. This should include measures to reduce the use of resources including energy, water and waste, and incorporate soft measures to improve the environment such as green roofs, green walls and multi-functional green spaces.

Character and identity

New buildings and streets are to be attractive and distinctive. This includes consideration to the way an area looks, feels, sounds, smells and how it functions, both presently and in the future. Street scenes are to be of high quality, welcoming and take design cues from existing buildings, where they make a positive contribution to the character of the area, ensuring it is identifiable and relatable to residents.

Built form

The scale and massing of proposed buildings will need to relate to the local context and the role of the area. Building footprints are to be of an appropriate scale, enhance the relationship between buildings individually, collectively and the spaces between them to create environments that are relatable to people, easy to understand, have good light, minimise wind effects and improve connections with the surrounding area. New buildings should make use of local topography, to reinforce Watford’s distinctiveness.

Active and positive frontages

On main streets and in public spaces, new buildings should include active frontages and/or positive frontages and ensure an active visual and physical relationship between the street, or space, and the building. Uses on the ground floor should incorporate active uses to animate the interface between buildings and the public realm.

Movement and connectivity

Streets are to be designed so they are efficient, convenient, legible and permeable, to support all users and prioritise non-vehicular travel. Routes need to be designed for their anticipated level of use and be clearly defined, to make it easy for different users to interpret using appropriate wayfinding measures, including sightlines.

Views

New development will need to make a positive contribution towards important views in the borough, having regard to the Skyline: Watford’s Approach to Taller Buildings Supplementary Planning Document or equivalent future guidance. This includes views from high vantage points, ground level and long distance views. New development should enhance the setting of local landmarks where appropriate. New developments that have an impact on the local skyline will need to be designed to an outstanding standard that will improve the distinctiveness of Watford in a positive way.

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