B1.3.1 Sensitively integrating with the urban grain

Applicants must provide a clear narrative outlining how the proposals integrate with and respect the local context in terms of strategic layout (such as the placement of streets, routes, and focal points) and pattern of development (which includes how buildings and homes are placed and spaced together). This must take reference from the Site Appraisal Assessment (C1.1 and G1.1 where applicable) and the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2 where applicable).

The narrative must demonstrate how the layout positively responds to the character of the site and its wider context.

Exception: Where the Local Character and Context Assessment cannot determine a clear and positive existing urban grain.

Where the elements of the existing urban grain are not positive or are fragmented, applicants should refer to the historic urban grain and look to restore this (for example, where there is existing cul-de-sac development in an area that was historically more linear).

Exception: Where no historic urban grain is available applicants should consider:

• designing a layout that responds to existing natural features like topography, waterways, and vegetation to create a sense of place

• using principles of human-scale design to ensure walkability, clear routes, and well-defined public and private spaces

• applying best practice in urban design to establish a legible street network with varied building forms and rhythms that encourage community interaction

To respect the urban grain, development proposals should:

• generalise the existing street network to ensure seamless continuity

• utilise a similar plot and block size to manage mass and spacing (recognising these can be subdivided for modern standards, whilst retaining the appearance of the larger block)

• include locally typical interventions in the public realm (squares, small greens etc) to articulate the layout

New major residential developments should vary density across the site to create areas of distinctive character, enabling a more nuanced and responsive layout. Whilst densities may differ from the immediate locality, proposals should demonstrate how these variations contribute positively to placemaking and integrate sensitively with the surrounding urban grain and character.

Where new high-density development is proposed, this should include well-designed and strategically located public spaces. These public spaces should:

• provide pleasant and open views to enhance the experience and orientation of users

• be predominantly south-west facing to maximise natural daylight and warmth

• avoid being placed in permanent shadow cast by surrounding buildings, ensuring usability, comfort, and environmental quality throughout the day and seasons

Where applying Area Types or higher residential densities that differ from the immediate context, development proposals should:

• carefully assess the location of proposed density and massing

• draw upon positive examples from across the district or refer to the examples demonstrated within What Good Looks Like: Area Types (Appendix 4)

• take reference from the undertaken Site Appraisal Assessment and Local Character and Context Assessment (as listed under C1.1, G1.1, and C1.2 and G1.2)