B1.6.1 Reflecting local building traditions

Code: 1.35c

Proposed development within existing settlements or adjacent to heritage assets must be informed by the Local Character and Context Assessment (1.3c, and where applicable 1.4g), 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.

New housing development shown either side of an estate road with varying designs ranging from brick built to white render to replicate historic architectural styles and the use of traditional building materials.

Figure 23: Shows high-quality new development at Poundbury, Dorchester which replicates historic architectural styles and traditional building materials (Code: 1.35c)

Code: 1.36c

Design proposals for large scale development must use the Local Character and Context Assessment (1.3c) 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 façades

• townhouses and villas arranged in coherent groups

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

• 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.

Guidance: 1.37g

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.

Guidance: 1.38g

To successfully respond to the character of different parts of the district, traditional references should be thoughtfully layered into proposals. Each component should respond to its immediate context, reinforcing areas of historic significance and avoiding uniformity or combinations that are not reflective of positive local examples.

High density brick built 4 storey houses with flat roofs include some decorative brick work on the roof to add architectural interest. This is to demonstrate an example of respecting local character in a city centre location at Carnforth Avenue in Wakefield.

Figure 24: Shows a housing development at Carnforth Avenue, Wakefield that respects local character through quality materials, vertical proportions and subtle traditional references (Guidance: 1.38g)

Two rows of terraced houses, with the Wakefield County Hall in the central view of the photo. On the left-hand side the terraces are of a new development which consists of red-brick and white stone render, with low black metal railings along the front. On the right-hand side the terraces are of a traditional historic design in multi-red brick, with some areas of white render. Along the front, there are some parked vehicles on the right-hand side and a bus stop on the left.

Figure 25: An example of a new housing development located within Wakefield’s Civic Quarter, designed with traditional references which reinforce the area’s heritage and local significance. The wider development has been commended by the Wakefield Civic Society Design Awards (Guidance: 1.38g)

A lightly coloured dwelling is shown centrally which has two storeys with dormer windows to the front. The dwelling is viewed from an angle to show the front of the property and the gable end. There is public open space in the foreground and other similar dwellings shown in the background. This is to demonstrate design which draws inspiration from local character and context.

Figure 26: Shows a housing development at Church Fields, Boston Spa, designed to draw inspiration from the local character and context (Image credit: Historic England) (Guidance: 1.38g)