B1.5.2 Respecting sensitive edges

Building on the information gained from the Site Appraisal Assessment (C1.1 and G1.1) and the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2), where proposed development adjoins sensitive landscapes and features (such as areas of countryside, areas of open urban green space, ecological assets, including priority habitats and species, woodland, and historic landscapes) the design must incorporate a gradual reduction in density towards the open edge to protect views and reinforce a sense of openness.

This transition must be carefully balanced to ensure compliance with the minimum net density standards for the designated area type and other relevant policy requirements.

Where developments are adjacent to areas of countryside or areas of open urban green space, buildings on the outer edge must front onto the open boundary to create positive, active frontages. This approach not only enhances the visual relationship with the countryside but also promotes better connections with nature, encourages natural surveillance, contributing to a vibrant, safer, and welcoming edge.

Exception: Where a development cannot provide a full outer edge frontage due to the size or configuration of the developable area, careful design consideration must be utilised to ensure that an attractive transition between the boundary edge and countryside/urban green space will be achieved.

For proposed developments adjacent to open countryside, the outer edges must incorporate adequate planting to provide a soft and sensitive transition to the open setting. This planting must:

• be at least 3 to 5 metres wide

• include native trees (selected in line with ‘Right Tree, Right Place’ guidance), hedgerows, and other native, pollinator-friendly planting that supports biodiversity, enhances climate resilience, and promotes habitat connectivity

• consider long-term ease of maintenance from the outset

Where possible, boundary planting and green edges must also contribute to multi-functional green space (e.g. incorporating play opportunities, biodiversity enhancements, sustainable drainage, or quiet areas for informal recreation) whilst framing views into the countryside and enhancing open character.

Landscape treatments adjacent to open countryside should:

• reflect the locally recognised landscape character of the area

• use locally appropriate planting species and groupings to create new landscape features

• implement a planting strategy that establishes appropriate initial structure, with management to maintain suitable heights and densities as the vegetation matures

Where public rights of way/bridleways or byways public rights of way such as bridleways, footpaths or other public access routes, are located at the boundary, proposed buildings must be orientated to provide active and attractive frontages. This is to create effective natural and passive surveillance to enhance safety, usage, and security for users of these active travel and recreational routes.

Exception: Where the route runs alongside a side elevation, careful design consideration must be given to ensure visual engagement without compromising the overall street layout or dwelling orientation.

Heritage assets, whether designated or non-designated, are of historic and architectural significance and must be protected and treated sensitively. Development proposals must not compete with or detract from the character and setting of these assets to avoid adverse effects. Potential strategies to achieve this include:

• avoiding projections in front of, obstruction of, or exceeding the height of historic buildings, so as not to alter their historic character or compete with the surrounding skyline

• respecting the existing pattern of development and preserving it where possible, using this as a framework within the immediate development area

• using appropriate and high-quality materials. Here, quality is just as important as materials type. For example, poor-quality or poorly matched stone may have a greater negative visual impact than high quality brick in a complementary tone (or even a contemporary material)

• reflecting the roofscape, window orientation and solid-to-void ratio of adjacent historic buildings