B1.1.2 Undertaking a local character and context assessment
Code: C1.2
Applicants must provide a Local Character and Context Assessment identifying and analysing the unique features and characteristics of the area by assessing their value in terms of positive details and attributes which contribute to the local area.
The character and context assessment must:
be unbiased, balanced and based on factual information
reflect an understanding of the surrounding and immediate local character and context of a site, considering how such details can be used to either sensitively integrate with the existing local character or to justify a new character which compliments the local area in a positive way
be structured to follow the design process, addressing high-priority considerations first to help achieve a well-designed place for both people and the natural environment
demonstrate a clear assessment of the topics set out in ‘List 2 character and context assessment’, relevant to the scale of the proposed development
Exception: Minor development proposals will need to only assess the indicated fields within List 2: Local Character and Context Assessment, which are listed as (must assess) under Code: C1.2. Further consideration should then be given to Guidance: G1.2 which highlights additional (should consider) when undertaking a Local Character and Context Assessment for all minor developments.
Guidance: G1.2
When preparing a Local Character and Context Assessment, applicants should also consider the listed additional topics set out in ‘List 2 Local Character and Context Assessment’, which are relevant to the scale of the proposed development.
Exception: Householders are not required to provide an assessment, however the listed topics should still be considered as indicated to ensure that new proposals will create a positive design for the local area.
List 2: Local Character and Context Assessment
Assessment topics applicable to development type/scale: Householder applications
local building styles, architectural details, building proportions, façade patterns, windows, doors, heads and cills, roofscapes should be considered
existing material colours, textures, shapes, and patterns should be considered
urban pattern variations in built form including heights, scale, blocks, massing, voids, and relations between fronts and backs when considering orientation, should be considered
visual elements of the street scene, including building lines and projections, sense of enclosure, vistas, key corners, landmarks and gateways, and active frontages should be considered
well considered public realm treatments, which can include hard surfacing detailing, street furniture (such as seating, bins, bollards, signage), trees, lighting, and soft landscaping (including planters) should be considered
front and back garden variations, areas of green communal open space and public amenities, grass verges, shrub and tree planting, including any areas of ecological importance, such as priority habitats, woodland areas and natural water systems or features should be considered
existing types of boundary treatments utilised for both private and public spaces (such as walls, fencing, hedgerows, and railings) should be considered
Assessment topics applicable to development type/scale: Minor residential and minor employment applications
local building styles, architectural details, building proportions, facade patterns, windows, doors, heads and cills, roofscapes must be assessed
existing material colours, textures, shapes, and patterns must be assessed
urban pattern variations in built form including heights, scale, blocks, massing, voids, and relations between fronts and backs when considering orientation must be assessed
visual elements of the street scene, including building lines and projections, sense of enclosure, vistas, key corners, landmarks and gateways, and active frontages must be assessed
well considered public realm treatments, which can include hard surfacing detailing, street furniture (such as seating, bins, bollards, signage), trees, lighting, and soft landscaping (including planters) should be considered
front and back garden variations, areas of green communal open space and public amenities, grass verges, shrub and tree planting, including any areas of ecological importance such as priority habitats, woodland areas and natural water systems or features should be considered
existing types of boundary treatments utilised for both private and public spaces (such as walls, fencing, hedgerows, and railings) must be assessed
existing legibility and wayfinding details such as signage, advertising, information boards or specific focal points (for example vistas, gateways or landmarks) should be considered
Assessment topics applicable to development type/scale: All major developments (residential, employment, other)
local building styles, architectural details, building proportions, facade patterns, windows, doors, heads and cills, roofscapes must be assessed
existing material colours, textures, shapes, and patterns must be assessed
urban pattern variations in built form including heights, scale, blocks, massing, voids, and relations between fronts and backs when considering orientation must be assessed
visual elements of the street scene, including building lines and projections, sense of enclosure, vistas, key corners, landmarks and gateways, and active frontages must be assessed
well considered public realm treatments, which can include hard surfacing detailing, street furniture (such as seating, bins, bollards, signage), trees, lighting, and soft landscaping (including planters) must be assessed
front and back garden variations, areas of green communal open space and public amenities, grass verges, shrub and tree planting, including any areas of ecological importance such as priority habitats, woodland areas and natural water systems or features must be assessed
existing types of boundary treatments utilised for both private and public spaces (such as walls, fencing, hedgerows, and railings) must be assessed
existing legibility and details such as signage, advertising, information boards or specific focal points (for example vistas, gateways or landmarks) must be assessed
Guidance: G1.3
Local Character and Context Assessments should also take account of Identifying and Using Local Building Styles (Appendix 5) to help strengthen local distinctiveness and identity, and to add value to the design by ensuring it responds appropriately to its historic and contextual setting.
Exception: Whilst householders are not required to provide an assessment, Identifying and Using Local Building Styles (Appendix 5) should still be used to inform new design proposals as required.
Guidance: G1.4
As part of the Local Character and Context Assessment, a historic map showcasing the regression of the site and its surroundings should be included to help understand how former land uses, historic building patterns, and features such as historic hedgerows and boundary lines have evolved or changed over time.
This should include a review of available online historic mapping resources, from the 19th century onwards. Free Ordnance Survey historic mapping can be found via the National Library of Scotland online mapping.
Figure 5: Shows historic map assessments from the National Model Design Code which demonstrate how historical mapping can be used to understand how sites have changed over time (Guidance: G1.4)