New builds

Key issues

Similar to major development, new homes will need to mitigate vibration, noise and air pollution from industrial or transport-related activities, particularly in relation to living rooms and amenity spaces. New build plots vary in size and potential capacity, but each have similar constraints, often with limited access and street-facing frontages.

Space around the buildings:

The space around buildings often has multiple functions. The space may be needed for the retention or provision of trees & landscaping as an ecological resource, to provide a setting

for the building and to accommodate refuse storage and parking facilities. Space will often be needed as an amenity for residents or to provide for children and young people's play and recreation.

Sufficient space between buildings is also required to ensure adequate sunlight, daylight and privacy between buildings is achieved.

It is therefore imperative that the layout and function of all space between buildings is addressed at the outset, as part of the design and layout of new build development.

Scale, massing and roof form:

New builds should recognise the scale, massing and roof form of surrounding buildings and reflect these where they are a positive attribute of the area's character. Consideration should be given to the grouping of buildings, roof pitches, the detailing of eaves and gables, chimney stacks and the size/siting of any dormer windows.

Entrances and windows

The entrance to residential buildings marks an important transition between public and

private space. The main entrance to a building can be an important part of its architectural expression and aid a wider understanding of the function(s) of the building when viewed from the public realm. Main entrances should be clearly visible in the street, contributing to the overall legibility of the development, and must be fully accessible.

In larger buildings, this may require greater height or more considered design elements to ensure that the proportion and scale of the entrance reflects the overall scale of the building.

Where building design seeks to compliment that of neighbouring buildings, special attention should be paid to fenestration details. This will include consideration of the window proportions (horizontal or vertical emphasis), the relationship of the window with the surface of the building elevations (flush or set-back), the opening design (casement, sash or other), glazing bars (horizontal, vertical or none) and the external perception of storey heights.

Consideration needs to be given to avoid rear gardens backing on to noise receptors such as classified roads and railway lines where acoustic fencing would be required to mitigate noise impact.

Architectural detail:

The architectural features and details on buildings can greatly influence their overall visual appearance and design quality. The architectural details must be informed by the chosen design and architectural style.

Modern interpretations of existing features based upon a demonstrable understanding of the original architectural style of an area can add further variety and interest to an area and help to strengthen local character and distinctiveness.