B1.6.1 Reflecting local building traditions

Proposed development within existing settlements or adjacent to heritage assets must be informed by the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2 where applicable), Identifying and Using Local Building Styles (Appendix 5) and any relevant Conservation Area Appraisals. Designs must take inspiration from the defining characteristics of the local building style (such as scale, form, materials and detailing) but can reinterpret these elements in a sensitive, contemporary, and innovative manner.

The success of directly replicating historic architectural styles depends on a deep understanding of the principles behind the style and a high quality of execution (as, for example, at Poundbury in Dorchester, or Tornagrain new village in Inverness, Scotland). This approach may be acceptable where proposals demonstrate strong design quality, high quality materials, proportionate massing and a streetscape sensitive approach. A contemporary building may have a less disruptive visual impact than one that unsuccessfully imitates historic styles.

Design proposals for large scale development must use the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2 as relevant) to establish a hierarchy of building types, identifying their appropriate location and grouping within the urban structure in ways that positively contribute to local character.

For example, in urban locations, this may include:

• individually significant landmark buildings

• formal avenues defined by sweeping facades

• townhouses and villas arranged in coherent groups

• richly textured ‘shambles’-style lanes with varied, irregular facades

• narrow city lanes and historic yards

These references must inform the design approach, but must not result in themed or pastiche character areas. Instead, they shall serve as a toolkit to support a cohesive and authentic layout.

Applicants should demonstrate how a hierarchy of built form and public realm has been established by providing architectural treatments and features that reflect and respond to locally distinctive qualities and character. This should be clearly illustrated through a selection of street scenes and elevational drawings.

As is typical of the district, traditional references should be thoughtfully layered into proposals, with each component responding to its immediate context, reinforcing areas of significance and avoiding combinations that are not reflective of positive local examples. When it comes to material choice, quality is just as important as material types. For example, although an area is predominantly stone-built, poor-quality stone on a new development may have a more negative visual impact than high-quality brick in a complementary tone.