B3 Welcoming places

Great places are those that foster a sense of community and belonging, by providing healthy, welcoming, and safe environments. The codes within this section are here to help applicants design new places that are easy to navigate, offer spaces for everyone to enjoy, and encourage social connections.

From clear wayfinding and active frontages, to well designed open spaces and community facilities, these principles will support the creation of new places with a strong sense of identity across our District, where people will feel proud to live, work and be.

Public open space including some red brick block paving and a bench in the foreground separately from the open space by a hedge and semi-mature trees. A row of new build housing is present on the far side of the open space.

Figure 52: Shows an attractive, welcoming and multifunctional open space overlooked by surrounding development at Scholar’s Gate, Wakefield.

B3.1 Open spaces and community facilities

Open spaces and community facilities sit at the heart of our welcoming, inclusive neighbourhoods.

B3.2 Blocks and typologies

The layout and structure of our neighbourhoods can shape how places feel and function.

B3.3 Wayfinding and legibility

Clear and intuitive layouts help people feel assured and at ease as they move through a place.

B3.4 Active frontages

Active frontages help to bring streets and open spaces to life.

B3.5 Safe and secure design

Safe and secure design helps people feel comfortable within their surroundings.

B3.6 Creating a new identity

Creating a new identity should focus on shaping a fresh and unique character for all large developments