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

QD6.4: Building Design

Well designed buildings that are visually attractive, functional, accessible, sustainable, mitigate climate change, and that reflect the character and wider objectives for the area, will be supported.

Enhancing character and identity

New buildings are to positively contribute towards the local area using the following design principles:

  • In areas where the local character and identity has been eroded, the design of new buildings should enhance the positive and improve the negative qualities of the area;
  • The proportions of new buildings need to be appropriate to the existing or emerging character of the area;
  • Façades and their detailing are to have a positive relationship with the street, be of a human scale, reflect its role and function and enhance the character of the area;
  • Materials should be of high quality, robust, durable, age well, reflect their function and sit comfortably with buildings in the area, adding to local distinctiveness.

Safe, healthy and attractive internal and external environments

New residential buildings should be designed to provide internal and external spaces that support the health and wellbeing of all those who use and experience them. New building design should adhere to the following:

  • All ground floor units facing the street or public realm should be designed so that the primary access for each individual unit is directly on to that street or public realm; deviation from this (by exception) will need to demonstrate that individual ground floor access is not feasible due to the constraints of the site;
  • Include a high proportion of dual aspect units to create quality internal spaces, able to receive good light and air ventilation and, where possible, avoid using a single aspect form;
  • Internal layouts should provide for working at home, implementing the technical internal space standards; this could be the inclusion of space within individual dwellings for a home office, or a shared workspace within the building;
  • Internal cores are to serve no more than eight units per floor; deviation from this (by exception) will need to be justified and mitigated through design measures that demonstrate internal living standards will not be adversely affected.;
  • Buildings should be designed to promote the use of stairs through locating the stairwell in a prominent and easily accessible location within the entrance core of the building, providing a well-lit and spacious internal space which allows social interaction as well as being comfortable for residents to walk up and down and to pass one another.
  • Secure cycle parking should be provided in easily accessible and convenient locations.

Getting the details right: storage, waste, servicing and utilities

All new developments will be designed so they are effective and attractive by meeting the following criteria:

  • Access to service and utility boxes should be inside the building and avoid unnecessary clutter; where this is not possible they should be an integral part of the design;
  • Refuse and recycling should be located within the building envelope; where this cannot be achieved, bin stores which are carefully positioned, easy to use and attractive should be provided;
  • Secure provision for parcel receipt and storage should be provided on site; and
  • The location of drainpipes, gutters and pipes for services and utilities should be integrated into the wider design, to avoid a cluttered appearance.

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