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

QD6.3: Public Realm

All areas of public realm need to be designed so they are safe, accessible, inclusive and attractive. Public spaces in new development will be supported where it is demonstrated they meet the following criteria:

  • Create spaces that positively reinforce local identity;
  • Routes and spaces are designed to accommodate social interaction, activity and green infrastructure for everyone to use;
  • Use appropriate street furniture to enable informal play, areas for rest, encourage social interaction, wayfinding measures and linkages between local destinations taking care to avoid unnecessary street clutter, and consider how spaces will be used during the day, evening and night;
  • Provide safe environments, using active frontages, natural surveillance, sightlines, good lighting and well located building entrances;
  • Create an attractive environment using tree/shrub planting and soft landscaping, prioritising native species; consideration will need to be given to maintenance and how soft landscaping is used to reduce the sense of car dominance, where car parking is provided; and
  • Use public art where it will animate the public realm and foster a sense of identity.

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