INTRODUCTION
1.0
This chapter establishes design requirements for new development across the District in respect of a number of design themes. The Guidance is structured around an ambition to improve the quality of life in the district through good design. The two important and related types of theme which support this ambition are;
Cross Cutting Themes – Based upon accessibility, sustainability and security, to help ensure new developments are environmentally and socially successful.
Place Making Themes – Based upon use, connectivity, built form and external spaces and how these combine to create quality places.
Quality of Life and Design
1.3
Our quality of life is shaped by our environment. Everyone deserves access to places which are safe, welcoming, attractive and healthy. This relates to the places people live, where they work and where they spend their leisure time.
1.4
The ambition of the Design SPG is to protect these cherished places and through good design create new and improved places that add to the enjoyment of the district for everyone; new development should contribute to the health and well being of the District as a whole. The ways in which this broad ambition can be delivered are established through the Adopted District Local Plan and within this document, where more detailed design guidance is provided.
1.5
Good design adds value to development schemes in terms of environmental performance, community and social well being and commercial viability. The value added by better design is important to appreciate when considering all development projects within the District. Wyre Forest District Council will require a demonstrable investment in good design and a commitment to best practice as set out in this SPG.
CROSS CUTTING THEMES
1.6
Cross Cutting Themes need to be addressed through whole scheme design. These issues raised here need to be considered at the outset of any development project and kept under review to ensure designs are both socially and environmentally responsible. The main themes covered in this section are:
- Inclusive Design and Accessibility,
- Sustainable Design,
- Safer by Design.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility
1.7
New development must be designed to be accessible and useable by all members of the community (Local Adopted Plan Policy D.1).
Design Requirements
1.8
Developers should design internal and external environments which are accessible to all individuals regardless of age, race, gender or physical ability. New development should remove real and perceived barriers to access and use. This section provides initial pointers on good design practice and identifies key requirements of the District Council.
1.9
A range of design information should be used in the detailed design of buildings and public realm, including:
- Section 6 & 8-10 of Approved Document M (Access and Use) of the Building Regulations 2000- basic requirements.
- Code of practice BS 8300:2001- provides advice when designing for buildings and their approaches beyond the basic building regulation criteria.
- The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) identifies statutory requirements for all new development and public realm schemes.