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12 QUALITY OF DEVELOPMENT
 
Q1 General Principles – Designing for People
Q2 General Principles – Designing for Accessibility
Q3 External Parking Areas
Q4 Pedestrian Areas
Q5 Landscaping – General Provision
Q6 Landscaping – Structural Landscaping
Q7 Layout and Design – Industrial and Business Development
Q8 Layout and Design – Residential Development
Q9 Alterations and Extensions to Residential Property
Q10 Dormer Windows
Q11 Shopfronts – Provision of New
Q12 Shopfronts – Retention of Existing
Q13 Satellite Dishes
Q14 Security Shutters
Q15 Art in Design
Q16 Advertisements – General Criteria
Q17 Advertisements – Hoardings and Panels
  INTRODUCTION
12.1 This Chapter is concerned with the quality of development. It embodies a series of all-embracing design and locational principles which will be applicable to all forms of new development.
  GENERAL BACKGROUND
12.2 The City of Durham is widely acknowledged for the quality of its natural and built environment. The Council wishes to ensure, therefore, that all new development and re-development is of the highest design standard in order that the overall character and setting of the City and its environs are maintained.
12.3 Significant views and elements of the skyline surrounding the City Centre should be protected as these are fundamental to the character of Durham. Development should have regard to the overall principles of sustainability with new buildings designed to be functional, attractive and durable. Development must have regard to the requirements of its users over its lifetime and it should also be designed for successful assimilation into the local environment in a manner which does not have a significant detrimental effect on the amenity of the occupiers of adjoining or nearby property.
12.4 New development should incorporate energy conservation features. Energy efficiency should be an integral aspect of all new development; vital to help reduce the demand on non-renewable fossil fuels and create a lifestyle which is self-sustaining.
12.5 In order to reduce the dependence upon car use and subsequently reduce the levels of carbon dioxide emission which contribute towards global warming, new development should be capable of being served by public transport routes thus ensuring that they are accessible to all sections of the community. Provision should also be made, for safe and direct access for pedestrians and cyclists to facilitate other sustainable modes of transport. It is, however, recognised that travelling by private car is likely to remain a significant element of modern life and, therefore, adequate vehicular access will be required in association with most development.
12.6 The built environment can influence criminal behaviour and environmental design and planning can play an important part in crime prevention. The Council will therefore consult with the Police Architectural Liaison Officer on certain applications, especially those involving large numbers of people or properties, where there is potential to eliminate or reduce criminal activity through the adoption of appropriate measures at the design stage.
12.7 New developments should, wherever possible, include areas of amenity open space and landscaping to create a pleasant environment. Where development is located on the edge of built up areas, potential trespass problems should be minimised by ensuring that it is planned to prevent any easy access onto land by good design and the provision of buffer zones. In accordance with advice from English Heritage, the City Council will seek to ensure that, wherever possible, new development takes note of and is informed by, historic settlement patterns and development of the District.
  LOCAL PLAN OBJECTIVES
12.8 The Council's objectives for quality to be pursued through the Plan's Policies are to ensure that new development:
 
  • Has due regard to the principles of sustainability and energy conservation.
  • Is designed to a high standard.
  • Can be readily assimilated within the local environment.
  • Provides for the varied need of different groups of users.
  • Does not adversely affect the amenities of the occupants of nearby properties.
  • Makes adequate provision for accessibility by all modes of travel.
  • Has regard to crime prevention.
12.9 Developers will be expected to take into account the design principles embodied within the Policies contained in this Chapter of the Plan when Proposals are brought forward for consideration by the Council.
   
  POLICIES
  NEW DEVELOPMENT (GENERAL PRINCIPLES)
 
POLICY Q1 THE LAYOUT AND DESIGN OF ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE REQUIREMENTS OF USERS. IT WILL BE EXPECTED TO INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING AS APPROPRIATE:
  1. PERSONAL SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION; AND
  2. THE ACCESS NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH CHILDREN; AND
  3. THE PROVISION OF TOILET FACILITIES, PUBLIC SEATING, AND SIGNING WHERE APPROPRIATE.
  Justification
12.10 Good design practice in new development, can not only aid in the prevention of crime but can increase personal safety and help reduce the fear of crime. Examples of such measures include the need to ensure that access points should be limited: public spaces should be designed to ensure that they can be surveyed and easily maintained, and wherever possible all areas should be well lit. Care should be taken to avoid sharp bends, dark recesses and restricted views.
12.11 New development should be designed to be accessible to all potential users. Particular consideration should be given to the needs of people with different disabilities (e.g. people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties, people with impaired vision or hearing), the elderly and those with young children in pushchairs. For example, buildings open to the public should have level access or else should incorporate ramps and handrails in their entrance design.
12.12 In any major development which is likely to attract large numbers of people (such as the Millennium City Project and the Walkergate Commercial Leisure Development), well-designed and easily accessible public toilet facilities and seating should, wherever possible, be incorporated. Restrained but adequate information signage should also be included so that people can familiarise themselves with the development.
   
 
POLICY Q2 THE LAYOUT AND DESIGN OF ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE REQUIREMENTS OF USERS. IT WILL BE EXPECTED TO EMBODY THE PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY AND TO INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING AS APPROPRIATE:
  1. MEASURES TO MINIMISE CONFLICT BETWEEN PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES; AND
  2. MEASURES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND USERS; AND
  3. SATISFACTORY MEANS OF ACCESS AND MANUEOVERING FOR VEHICLES SERVICING THE DEVELOPMENT; AND
  4. PROVISION OF CAR AND CYCLE PARKING IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY T10; AND
  5. PROVISION OF PARKING SPACE FOR VEHICLES USED BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CLOSE TO ENTRANCES OF BUILDINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; AND
  6. EFFECTIVE ACCESS AT ALL TIMES FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES; AND
  7. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES.
  Justification
12.13 Policy Q1 has addressed the needs of users in the design and layout of new development. This Policy seeks to ensure that careful consideration is also given to the access requirements of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, cars and emergency vehicles in the design and layout of new development. In order to ensure that development proposals are able to accommodate long term changes in travel behaviour, in accordance with Policy 44 of the Durham County Structure Plan, Policy Q2 of the Local Plan makes specific reference to the principle of sustainability. Compliance with this principle will address the need to encourage the design and layout of new development to allow for access by less environmentally intrusive forms of transport.
12.14 Footpaths and cycle routes incorporated within a development proposal should be designed with personal safety in mind and should be located so as to result in minimum conflict with motor vehicles.
12.15 All new development should include appropriate provision for vehicular access together with parking and manoeuvring space that is both safe and adequate for the needs of the particular use of the proposal. New development which is to be serviced by public transport (e.g. the new District General Hospital should be laid out to enable buses to turn without reversing. It is important to ensure that effective access can be maintained at all times for emergency vehicles in the design and layout of new development.
12.16 The Council's car and cycle parking standards and recommendations for reserved spaces for disabled parking provision will be set out in Supplementary Planning Guidance. Policy T20 addresses the issues of cycle parking throughout the District.
  EXTERNAL PARKING AREAS
 
POLICY Q3 EXTERNAL PARKING AREAS PROVIDED AS PART OF A NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE LANDSCAPED, ADEQUATELY SURFACED, DEMARCATED, LIT AND SIGNED. LARGE SURFACE CAR PARKS SHOULD BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO SMALL UNITS. LARGE EXPOSED AREAS OF SURFACE, STREET AND ROOFTOP PARKING ARE NOT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE.
  Justification
12.17 Car parks can be visually intrusive, particularly if they cover large areas. In order to minimise their environmental impact, the Council will seek to ensure, wherever possible, large areas of open car parking are sub-divided into smaller units and substantial landscaping is incorporated into their design and layout. Large exposed areas of surface, street and rooftop parking are considered inappropriate.
  PEDESTRIAN AREAS
 
POLICY Q4 PEDESTRIAN AREAS AND PUBLIC SPACES SHOULD BE LAID OUT AND DESIGNED WITH GOOD QUALITY MATERIALS IN A MANNER WHICH:
  1. REFLECTS THE CHARACTER OF THE STREETSCAPE; AND
  2. SEEKS TO ACHIEVE A CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO PAVING, STREET LIGHTING, SIGNS, STREET FURNITURE, ROAD CROSSING POINTS AND LANDSCAPING; AND
  3. HAS REGARD TO THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN SET OUT IN POLICIES Q1 AND Q2.
  Justification
12.18 The design of pedestrian areas and public spaces incorporating the principles of public safety and accessibility referred to in Policies Q1 and Q2 enables members of the public to move around in safety and encourages greater use to be made of them.
12.19 The use of good quality materials and co-ordinated street furniture enhances the appearance of the City Centre and the district and local centres. They also engender a pride of place and add to the vitality of the area. Careful consideration needs to be given to the location of planters, signposts and seating to ensure that they do not clutter or impact upon the environment and create an obstruction to pedestrian movements.
12.20 There are many design features that can assist people with disabilities and those with pushchairs to move around more easily e.g. well designed and located dropped kerbs, tactile paving at pedestrian crossings, and pelican crossings with audio warnings.
12.21 The provision of good lighting is essential when considering personal safety and security within pedestrian areas and public spaces.
  LANDSCAPING
  General
 
POLICY Q5 ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT WHICH HAS AN IMPACT ON THE VISUAL AMENITY OF THE AREA IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED WILL BE REQUIRED TO INCORPORATE A HIGH STANDARD OF LANDSCAPING IN ITS OVERALL DESIGN AND LAYOUT.
  Justification
12.22 New developments should include areas of landscaping in order to create a pleasant environment, soften the edge of the development and screen unsightly areas. Landscaping also assists in reducing air pollution and the effect of noise on neighbouring properties. Landscaping schemes must be planned as an integral part of the proposal and should include an appropriate range of indigenous species, reflecting the character of the locality and surrounding development. A high standard of landscaping will be expected particularly around development in the countryside and the periphery of settlements. In some cases an element of structural landscaping in accordance with Policy Q6 may be considered appropriate.
  Structural Landscaping
 
POLICY Q6 ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT LOCATED ON THE OUTER EDGE OF SETTLEMENTS OR EXPOSED SITES WILL BE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE PERIPHERAL STRUCTURAL LANDSCAPING WITHIN THE SITE IN ORDER TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE VISUAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL.
  Justification
12.23 Structural landscaping helps to assimilate new proposals into their immediate locality. In order to be effective it will usually take the form of substantial belts of tree planting and possibly mounding with associated shrub planting of a depth appropriate to the scale of the development and its location. This should be designed to provide an attractive setting to new developments particularly on the fringes of built up areas. Structural landscaping can also enhance existing views from both within and to/from a site, create new wildlife habitats and help to baffle noise alongside major transport routes. Examples where the provision of structural landscaping is considered appropriate include:
 
  • Belmont Prestige Industrial Estate
  • Meadowfield Industrial Estate
  • Belmont Business Park
  • Aykley Heads Business Park
  • Durham Science Park
  • Mount Oswald
  • Dryburn District General Hospital
  • Housing development south of Station Road, West Rainton
  • The long term prestige industrial/business site south of Bowburn
  INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
 
POLICY Q7 POLICY Q7 THE SITING, DESIGN AND EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF ALL NEW INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
  1. BE OF A STANDARD APPROPRIATE TO THE DESIGNATED AREA WITHIN WHICH IT IS LOCATED; AND
  2. HAVE REGARD TO POLICIES Q1 AND Q2.
  Justification
12.24 In order to promote an attractive image of the District and thereby stimulate inward investment, it is important that new industrial and business areas are laid out and designed to a standard appropriate for their designation as well as taking account of the safety and amenity of those working and visiting the area and those living nearby. This is of particular relevance to the City of Durham with its concentration of high quality industrial, research, technical and business developments.
12.25 Industrial estates, in particular, can generate large numbers of heavy, slow-moving vehicles. Roads must be of an adequate width to allow for lorries turning into and out of the estate. Wherever possible, there should also be room to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists safely and space provided for buses to stop and to turn without reversing. The Council's parking standards for industrial and business premises will be set out in Supplementary Planning Guidance. It is expected that the general principles of design set out in Policies Q1 and Q2 will also be incorporated into new industrial and business development.
12.26 The Council will expect the standard of landscaping and the design of new buildings to reflect the designation of the estate as set out in Policy EMP1, especially with regard to Business Parks and Prestige Industrial Sites. Where it is considered appropriate, structural landscaping will be required in accordance with Policy Q6.
  RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
  Layout
 
POLICY Q8 THE LAYOUT OF NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
  1. HAVE A CLEARLY DEFINED ROAD HIERARCHY WHICH SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO EXCLUDE THROUGH TRAFFIC, EXCLUDING CYCLISTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES; AND
  2. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AMENITY AND PRIVACY FOR EACH DWELLING, AND MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL UPON THE OCCUPANTS OF EXISTING NEARBY AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES; AND
  3. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AREAS OF SAFE, ACCESSIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE OPEN SPACE IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY R2; AND
  4. PROVIDE ALL SERVICES UNDERGROUND; AND
  5. HAVE WELL DESIGNED MEANS OF ENCLOSURE; AND
  6. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED TO RETAIN EXISTING FEATURES OF INTEREST WITHIN THE SITE INCLUDING TREES AND HEDGEROWS; AND
  7. BE APPROPRIATE IN SCALE, FORM, DENSITY AND MATERIALS TO THE CHARACTER OF ITS SURROUNDINGS; AND
  8. HAVE REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF ENERGY CONSERVATION SET OUT IN POLICY U14; AND
  9. HAVE REGARD TO POLICIES Q1 AND Q2; AND
  10. MAKE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF THE LAND.
  Justification
12.27 The overall aim in designing new housing development should be to provide a safe and pleasant environment in which to live. Housing areas should be designed with the aim of creating neighbourhood communities. Appropriate recognition should be given to the links with existing residential areas, local services and facilities without the necessity for use of private vehicles.
12.28 The design of buildings and use of materials in new residential development must respect the general character of its surroundings. This does not necessarily mean it should mimic neighbouring development. The appropriate of use of materials can help integrate a development into the existing fabric.
12.29 Estate roads should be designed to preclude through traffic and to keep vehicle speeds low, in the interests of highway safety and to reduce pollution from vehicle noise and fumes. In large developments road layouts should be designed to enable new housing to be served by public transport with space provided for buses to stop and to turn without reversing.
12.30 The design of paths and open spaces in housing areas should attempt to create a 'sense of place' that can be identified by the residents. This can be achieved by the use of alternative surface materials instead of tarmacadam and by locating play spaces, amenity areas and garage courts so that they are overlooked by housing. Wherever possible new footpaths should be separated from roads by verges and low shrubbery. Particular attention should be given to pedestrian safety at road junctions and where footpaths and roads meet. Policy Q8 should be applied in conjunction with Policies Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q5 with regard to designing out crime, the needs of disabled residents, accessibility, the layout of parking areas and internal landscaping.
12.31 Public open space should be provided within the housing site or nearby in accordance with the Council's minimum standard in order to provide for the recreational and leisure needs of the residents and to provide a high quality environment for the housing development. The Council's open space standard for new developments of over 10 houses are set out in Policy R2. Where appropriate, this can be achieved by means of planning agreements in accordance with Policy R2.
12.32 New houses should be laid out and designed to ensure the privacy of the occupants and to prevent overlooking. The main habitable rooms of houses should be capable of a good degree of privacy without resort to temporary curtains, blinds or screens. The required distance standards between buildings are as follows: window to window = 21 metres; window to blank two storey gable = 13 metres and window to blank single storey gable = 6 metres. Main rooms should also receive adequate sunlight and daylight. In designing housing developments a balance will have to be achieved between the needs to maintain privacy and to design for personal safety and security. The orientation of the dwellings, should wherever possible, be placed in order to maximise the principles of energy conservation in Policy U14.
12.33 The retention of existing good quality trees and hedgerows helps to give a feeling of maturity to a new housing estate. New trees and landscaping enhance the setting of a new housing area as well as providing shelter and thus helping to conserve energy. Replacement specimens should be provided where the removal of trees, shrubs or hedges is unavoidable. The provision of structural planting belts, as set out in Policy Q6, will be required where the impact of new development on adjacent land uses (or vice versa), or on a settlement boundary requires softening or screening. The use of indigenous deciduous species will be encouraged, with proper protection and maintenance being a condition of approval.
12.34 Means of enclosure such as boundary walls or fences should be designed as an integral part of the design of the housing development. Along boundaries that abut the highway, public footpaths or areas of open space, a well designed wall or fence will be required, that also gives adequate privacy.
12.35 All new housing should be designed to incorporate a high level of efficiency as regard the conservation of energy. Areas which should be looked at in this respect, include the optimum use of wall and roof insulation, the installation of modern controllable heating systems and double glazing.
12.36 In accordance with the guidance set out in paragraphs 54, 57 and 58 of PPG3, published in March 2000, it is important that developers think imaginatively about designs and layouts, which make the most efficient use of land without compromising the quality of the environment.
  Alterations and Extensions
 
POLICY Q9 PROPOSALS FOR ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:
  1. THE DESIGN, SCALE AND MATERIALS ARE SYMPATHETIC TO THE MAIN DWELLING AND THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE AREA; AND
  2. WHEREVER POSSIBLE THE ALTERATION OR EXTENSION INCORPORATES A PITCHED ROOF; AND
  3. THE ALTERATION OR EXTENSION RESPECTS THE PRIVACY OF ADJOINING OCCUPIERS OF PROPERTY; AND
  4. THE ALTERATION OR EXTENSION WILL NOT CREATE A LEVEL OF MULTIPLE OCCUPATION CONTRARY TO POLICY H9.
  Justification
12.37 Many people wish to alter and extend their homes to meet changing domestic needs. Provided such extensions are sympathetically designed, do not detract from the character of the area, either urban or rural, and have no adverse effect on the amenity of neighbours, these will generally be approved. Particular care is needed, however, in the design of front extensions. Large box-style roof extensions are considered inappropriate. Pitched roofs should normally be incorporated into all forms of extension. When considering proposals, the scale of the extension will not be limited to a particular volumetric percentage increase. It will, however, have to remain subordinate to the dwelling.
12.38 Where the proposed extension or alteration involves the provision of additional bedroom accommodation, it may be considered appropriate for additional car parking to be required. Each proposal will be assessed on its merits.
12.39 It is important to ensure that any increase in the number of residents resulting from an extension to a dwelling does not adversely affect the amenity of nearby residents by creating a level of multiple occupancy contrary to the criteria set out in Policy H9.
12.39A Where the proposed extension or alteration may impact upon the habitats of species of flora and fauna protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Badgers Act 1991, then additionally, the Council will consider proposals under Policy E16.
  Dormer Windows
 
POLICY Q10 PROPOSALS FOR DORMER WINDOWS WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:
    1. ROOF SPACES HAVE ADEQUATE EXISTING HEADROOM FOR A HABITABLE ROOM WITHOUT FURTHER EXTENSION; AND
    2. WINDOW DESIGN BEARS A RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING FENESTRATION AND MATERIALS MATCH THE EXISTING PROPERTY; AND
    3. IT IS IN PROPORTION WITH THE EXISTING BUILDING AS A WHOLE AND THE ROOF IN PARTICULAR; AND
    4. THE DESIGN INCORPORATES A GABLED, HIPPED OR 'CATSLIDE' ROOF AND IS POSITIONED WELL BELOW THE RIDGELINE; AND
    5. IT DOES NOT RESULT IN ANY LOSS OF PRIVACY FOR SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
  Justification
12.40 One means of extending a house within its present limits can be by making use of the roofspace. In older houses with traditional trusses and purlins there is often sufficient headroom to be able to create one or two additional rooms without having to extend the building. Care is needed with the design of dormer extensions to ensure that they do not dominate the roofscape of the dwelling. The use of a flat roofed dormer is rarely acceptable.
12.41 Planning permission is not always required for dormer windows, although in Conservation Areas, on listed buildings or when facing a highway they do require permission. All proposals for dormer windows will, however, be encouraged to meet the criteria set out in Policy Q10.
  SHOPFRONTS
 
POLICY Q11 NEW SHOPFRONTS WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT THEY RESPECT THE SCALE, PROPORTION, MATERIALS AND CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING AND THE AREA IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED.
   
 
POLICY Q12 POLICY Q12 EXISTING SHOPFRONTS WHICH HAVE A DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER AND QUALITY AND MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STREET SCENE SHOULD BE RETAINED.
  Justification
12.42 The display of goods through well designed shopfronts which create an attractive environment is an essential element of the commercial activity of the City. Consequently, the pressure to modernise shopfronts is strong and constant. It is important that the design of a new shopfront, its proportion, scale and materials used, relate to both the building of which it is a part and to adjoining buildings. Corporate company styles can clash with the style and character of individual buildings and their surroundings. In particularly sensitive areas, such as the Durham (City Centre) Conservation Area, it is expected that businesses will be prepared to adapt corporate styles to respect the character of the area. The Council acknowledges, however, that there will be circumstances where a modern shopfront may be appropriate and can contribute to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. High quality, imaginative architectural design will be encouraged in such locations.
12.43 New shopfronts should be considered as part of the architectural composition of the building and the street, providing visible support to the building above, and generally including provision of an integral fascia sign and stallriser of traditional height. The important consideration is that the shopfront should be designed to respect the character of the building and area into which it is fitted. In modifying an existing shopfront or designing a new one, the needs of disabled and aged customers should be taken into consideration in accordance with Policy Q1.
12.44 Well designed sympathetic shopfronts can make a positive contribution to the appearance of the Durham (City Centre) Conservation Area, whilst those that are insensitive or obtrusive can damage it. The promotion of good shopfront design is, therefore, essential to the preservation and enhancement of the intrinsic character of Durham's City Centre.
12.45 In many of the District's settlements, as well as in some parts of the City Centre, traditional shopfront design features such as stallrisers, pilasters, mouldings, glazing bars and canopies, as well as original fascias, name-boards and signs still remain and make a valuable contribution to the architectural quality and character of the shopping areas. Wherever traditional shopfronts and features of merit survive, every effort should be made to retain them to enhance the character and attractiveness of these areas.
  SATELLITE DISHES
 
POLICY Q13 PLANNING PERMISSION WILL BE GRANTED FOR SATELLITE DISHES ON RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER BUILDINGS, WHERE IT IS REQUIRED, PROVIDED THAT:
  1. THERE IS NO ADVERSE VISUAL IMPACT ON THE BUILDING AND EXISTING STREET SCENE;
  2. THERE IS NO ADVERSE VISUAL IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER OF CONSERVATION AREAS CONTRARY TO POLICIES E6 AND E22;
  3. THERE IS NO VISUAL IMPACT ON THE SETTING AND APPEARANCE OF A LISTED BUILDING CONTRARY TO POLICY E23;
  4. THERE IS NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF NEIGHBOURING BUILDINGS;
  SHARED SYSTEMS SHOULD, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, BE INSTALLED ON BUILDINGS CONTAINING MORE THAN ONE DWELLING OR BUSINESS.
  Justification
12.46 Most satellite dishes do not require planning permission provided that they comply with the following criteria currently contained in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995:
  (i) the size of the dish does not exceed 90cm
  (ii) the dish would not project above the highest part of the roof
  (iii) there is only one dish on the property.
12.47 However, dishes which do not meet the criteria, require careful control in order to minimise their visual impact particularly in sensitive locations such as Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings. A proliferation of dishes on blocks of flats, offices or other mixed use buildings or within groups of buildings such as a farm conversion must be avoided.
  SECURITY SHUTTERS
 
POLICY Q14 PLANNING PERMISSION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ROLLER SHUTTERS WILL ONLY BE GRANTED IF THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT UPON:
  1. THE APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDING TO WHICH THEY ARE ATTACHED OR;
  2. THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE AREA IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED.
  Justification
12.48 There are many cities and towns where the character and appearance of shopping areas has suffered from the installation of security shutters on commercial properties. Until now the impact of such shutters in the District has been fairly limited, but more extensive use could seriously undermine the character and attractiveness of the City Centre as well as many of the villages especially during evenings and weekends.
12.49 Some types of security shutter, particularly the solid roller type, can seriously detract from the appearance of a building. If they are adopted by a number of retail units in a street they can have a drastic effect upon the townscape in non-business hours when in the closed position. This is particularly damaging in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings. In developments which involve new retail outlets or shopfronts it is important that any necessary security arrangements are provided as part of the initial design proposals. On a new shopfront where the case for a security shutter or grille has been accepted, it will generally be practical to ensure that the roller bar is concealed within the shop or behind the fascia. The shutters themselves should be open grille, punched lath or perforated type.
12.50 On existing retail outlets the method of security will depend upon the type of retailer and the character of the area and its buildings. In Conservation Areas, on Listed Buildings and on buildings of high townscape value, the method of security should be as discreet as possible. Many premises have a channel already at the top and bottom of existing shopfronts which could be re-used for security measures. However, when the retailer is of the 'high risk' type such as a jeweller, the increased security requirements need to be acknowledged and balanced with protecting the character of both the building and area.
  ART IN DESIGN
 
POLICY Q15 THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF ARTISTIC ELEMENTS IN THE DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF DEVELOPMENT. DUE REGARD WILL BE MADE IN DETERMINING PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO THE CONTRIBUTION THEY MAKE TO THE APPEARANCE OF THE PROPOSAL AND THE AMENITIES OF THE AREA.
  Justification
12.51 The incorporation of artistic elements into the design of buildings, spaces and landscapes can help to enhance design, creating an impression of social and cultural identity. Similarly, public art can also be an integral part of refurbishment and regeneration schemes throughout the District. It can assist in creating a sense of distinctiveness in a development particularly when local people have been involved in the process of design and selection. It can also help support the development of a viable local artistic community.
12.52 Artistic elements can take many different forms. It may be purely decorative relating to, for example the design of walls, floors, seats, railings, or other features of development such as carved stonework, stained or etched glass or murals. On the other hand, it may enhance the setting of a building through imaginative landscaping or compromise independent features such as sculptures or water features. The inclusion of artistic elements is equally important for minor as well as major developments.
12.53 The principle of the 'percent for art' approach of encouraging developers to allow a pre-agreed proportion of the capital cost of development to the commission of work by creative artists for inclusion in the scheme is one which the Council will seek to support and adopt during the Plan period. Development proposals will, therefore, be assessed to determine whether there is evidence of added value in their design. The Council will also encourage the inclusion of the artistic community at the earliest possible stage of development planning.
  ADVERTISEMENTS
  General
 
POLICY Q16 ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT WILL BE GRANTED FOR NON-ILLUMINATED AND ILLUMINATED SIGNS PROVIDED THAT THEIR SIZE, DESIGN, MATERIALS, COLOURING, AND IN THE CASE OF ILLUMINATED SIGNS, ON COMMERCIAL PREMISES FOR APPROPRIATE USES AND PARTICULAR OPENING HOURS, THEIR FORM OF ILLUMINATION WOULD NOT BE DETRIMENTAL TO VISUAL AMENITY OR HIGHWAY SAFETY.
  PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO THE IMPACT OF ADVERTISEMENTS UPON THE CHARACTER AND SETTING OF LISTED BUILDINGS AND THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF CONSERVATION AREAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES E6, E22 AND E23.
  Justification
12.54 The display of advertisements is controlled under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. These require that a formal application is made to the local authority for certain types of advertising display. The Council recognises the need for advertising by the business community and that many signs do not require consent. Those signs that do require consent from the Local Planning Authority, however, will normally be acceptable provided that they do not detract from the appearance of the premises themselves or from the immediate environment, especially in residential and Conservation Areas or do not impede upon highway safety.
12.55 The Council recognises the importance of advertisement design in preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of Conservation Areas. Well-designed appropriate advertisements can make a contribution to the character of such areas. At the same time a proliferation of signs can be unsightly, distracting and damaging to the appearance of the building, shopping street and area. Advertisements, should be so designed and located to avoid conflict with the character of Conservation Areas and should reflect the advice set out in PPG15 (Planning and the Historic Environment) and PPG19 (Outdoor Advertisement Control).
12.56 The City Centre has an Area of Special Advertisement Control within which there are further limits on the location, number and size of advertisement that may be displayed. The Council will ensure that new adverts do not detract from the special character of the area. Legislation requires that such Areas of Special Advertisement Control are reviewed every five years.
  Hoardings and Panels
 
POLICY Q17 ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT WILL ONLY BE GRANTED FOR HOARDINGS AND LARGE ADVERTISING PANELS WHEN THEY ARE NOT LOCATED:
  1. WITHIN OR ON THE EDGE OF THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE;
  2. WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS;
  3. IN THE VICINITY OF LISTED BUILDINGS;
  4. IN PREDOMINANTLY RESIDENTIAL AREAS OR NEAR HOUSING;
  5. ON BLANK WALLS ADJACENT TO, OR SITES CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM, THE MAIN RADIAL ROUTES INTO THE CITY AND RAIL CORRIDORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY E11;
  6. ON A SITE WHERE THE ADVERTISING WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO VISUAL AMENITY OR HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY.
  Justification
12.57 Large hoardings can in some circumstances serve to screen untidy sites or redevelopment sites for a temporary period. Generally, however, large hoardings and significant advance signing are considered to be detrimental to the character of both the countryside and the built environment within the District. It has been the policy of the Council over many years to remove existing large hoardings within Conservation Areas, from prominent sites and from the main radial routes into Durham by resisting renewals of planning permission. New proposals for large hoardings will be resisted where they are considered to detract from the visual amenity of the area.
   
   
   
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