B1.4.2 Protection and celebration of locally important views

Guidance: G1.16

Applicants should implement the following strategies to protect and frame existing views:

  • retain a strong visual axis to key landmarks by setting development back to highlight and frame the most prominent elements of the view, ensuring new buildings do not compete with or obscure significant skyline features

  • use building massing to guide the eye upward toward roof-level landmarks (for example spires and towers) without dominating or visually competing with them. Incorporate offsets and breaks in the built form to frame distant views effectively and maintain clear sightlines to landmark features

Wakefield Town Hall clock tower shown in the far distance with modern buildings in the foreground shown the view from Wakefield Westgate Station. There is a path between the buildings with pedestrians walking away from the station and that path serves as a dual purpose by ensuring a continuous view of the Town Hall clock town in the distance.

Figure 15: Shows a direct pedestrian route from Wakefield Westgate Station where modern buildings frame the view towards the clock tower of Wakefield Town Hall in the distance (Guidance: G1.16)

Guidance: G1.17

In creating new and unfolding views, applicants should apply the principles of serial vision to develop inviting and visually engaging places. These principles are broadly summarised as follows:

  • place: the unique character and atmosphere of spaces between buildings, the idea of genius loci, or the “spirit of a place”

  • here and there: emphasis on spatial layering (foreground, middle ground, and background), encouraging movement and narrative through the urban landscape.

  • this and that: focus on the content and meaning of a place, drawn from history, function, and cultural values to enrich urban environments

  • now and then: advocates balancing change and continuity to maintain coherence within the evolving cityscape

  • mystery, surprise, and concealment: creates urban intrigue through twists, turns, and unexpected views, encouraging exploration and a sense of discovery.

  • punctuation: visual “pauses” in the urban journey, using landmarks, open spaces, or contrasting elements to add rhythm and clarity

  • irregularity, pattern, and coherence: visual interest arises from balancing order and variety, too much uniformity leads to boredom, whilst too much randomness causes confusion

  • enclosure and exposure: enclosure defines and segments spaces, aiding navigation and comfort (people enjoy semi-enclosed spaces offering both shelter and outward views)

  • possession: encourage a sense of ownership and belonging in public spaces, with urban design at a human scale

Shows multiple black and white sketches that demonstrate different viewpoints and levels of enclosure a person may experience when walking around. This can be due to how buildings are placed or by the inclusion of street furniture and tree planting.

Figure 16: Shows thumbnail sketches illustrating the principles of serial vision, depicting the imagined views of a person moving through a series of spaces (Guidance: G1.17)