Explanation DQ1

11.5

Policy DQ1 applies to all new development (including either new buildings or alterations to existing buildings). 

Site surroundings and context

11.6

All new development should both respond to and enhance the character of the surrounding area. Where this contains locally distinctive building styles or materials, the Council may require these to be reflected in proposed new buildings. In those parts of Knowsley which have a relatively uniform building style (such as some of the areas of inter war and post war housing), opportunities should be taken to introduce appropriate forms of new building styles to create variety in the built environment. The use of sculpture and public art will be encouraged in appropriate locations. Where the surrounding area contains important views, for example of buildings such as churches, woodlands or other natural features; these should be preserved by new development.

11.7

In order to preserve the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, new buildings should be designed so that they would not have an overbearing effect or cause loss of light or privacy. Car parks and storage areas should be designed and located so as to avoid causing noise or disturbance. 

Site characteristics

11.8

Many sites themselves contain important features such as buildings which are of local historic or architectural interest, sandstone or traditional brick walls, ponds etc. which, if present, should be retained. The Council will prepare a list of buildings which, although not statutorily protected (see policy DQ7) are considered to be of local interest and should therefore be retained in any new development.

Access

11.9

New development in Knowsley should avoid being dominated by the needs of the car. Introverted dead end layouts which limit people's choice of travel should be avoided, and the design of estate roads should discourage drivers from driving fast. New development should where possible front the street and incorporate pedestrian routes linked to where people want to go, i.e. to local shops, bus stops, employment, health and leisure facilities etc.

Site layout and landscaping

11.10

New developments should provide for an efficient use of land. This will mean in general terms achieving a reasonably high density in new development, although for housing development this will need to be balanced against the Council’s desire to achieve a wider choice and better mix of housing in the Borough.

11.11

Substantial new housing areas should also provide open spaces at the heart of the community which provide a sense of identity and a safe place for children to play. Open spaces and car parking areas should be located where they have good natural surveillance and where they will not become a source of nuisance. New development should include both formal and informal landscaping schemes that incorporate areas of trees, plants and grasses, and use a variety of materials to create walkways, pavements and boundaries.  The design principles for all open spaces, parking areas, access routes, fencing, hard landscaping, lighting, and street furniture should be considered as an integral part of the development proposal.

11.12

Policies in chapter 13 “Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation” require measures to be included, where this is necessary, to reduce levels of pollution, noise and the risk of flooding, and to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). If poorly designed, features such as noise barrier mounds or fencing (often required for example in the case of new residential development being close to roads or other noise sources) can prove to be unattractive and/or constitute a maintenance liability. In the case of industrial or commercial development, features such as chimney stacks or other pollution control measures can be prominent and unsightly.  It is therefore important that such measures are considered at the initial design stage of new development and included in any planning application.

11.13

New buildings themselves should be both attractive and environmentally friendly. This will mean ensuring that their design and materials should relate well to each other to create a clear and distinctive identity for a new development.

11.14

The Council will encourage new buildings to be designed and constructed in a way which promotes energy efficiency and the re-use of recycled materials. Designs should include measures to minimise heat loss and make efficient use of water, sunlight and natural light.

Links to other regeneration strategies

11.15

The Council and its partners have approved a number of regeneration strategies for different parts of the Borough, including those listed in chapter 2 “Key Issues and Influences”. As the Plan period progresses, further regeneration proposals are likely to be approved (e.g. for some of the Action Areas identified in this Plan). The design and mix of uses within all new development proposals should be consistent with the aims and objectives of these strategies. 

Knowsley Design Guide

11.16

The Council has prepared a Design Guide which identifies design principles to be applied in new development in Knowsley. The document identifies the characteristics of different parts of Knowsley, for example in terms of predominant built form, density and accessibility, and key principles and priorities applying in each area. Developers will be expected to have regard to this document (ref: The Knowsley Design Guide: BDP Planning 2004) in designing proposals for new development.

Information required with planning applications

11.17

Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 “General Policy and Principles” requires that proposals for new housing layouts, major new industrial and commercial buildings should be accompanied by a design statement, stating how the development will take account of the site context and features.

Further advice

11.18

The Council will adopt a Supplementary Planning Document describing the implications of policy DQ1 for individual types of development.