B3.2.1 Form and typologies

Guidance: G3.10

New developments should be organised into coherent block structures that respond thoughtfully to their built form context. The overall layout and design of blocks should take reference from the local character and context assessment (C1.2 and G1.2 where applicable) to ensure they positively contribute to both the streetscape and the amenity of residents and users. Good block design should also incorporate safe design principles, a block design may include:

  • perimeter block: Development arranged around a private, secure courtyard, garden or service area, inaccessible to those outside the block. Typically includes a mix of private and shared spaces with on-plot or well-overlooked parking/servicing

  • informal block: Buildings face outward onto streets with front and rear gardens/ public spaces. Wider blocks may include parking courts or garage clusters, but these should be carefully designed to prevent misuse (well overlooked and ideally access controlled)

  • terrace: A continuous row of attached buildings (including homes, offices or retail units) sharing side walls, typically aligned along the street to create a strong, consistent street frontage. Traditionally, terrace blocks include shared rear access via alleyways or narrow service lanes, allowing for practical uses such as bin storage or small gardens

  • mews block: Historically, mews streets accommodated stables behind large houses. Today, they have often been converted into independent homes or workspaces. Modern mews blocks typically feature smaller, single-aspect dwellings above garages within the block or smaller workshop or studio units

  • courtyard block: This block type involves buildings connected by party walls not only side-to-side but also at the rear, creating enclosed courtyards. Modern interpretations can include deeper housing forms or clusters of small business units arranged around internal courtyards

  • standalone employment units: Single-use buildings, such as larger industrial buildings (sheds), workshops, or distribution units, usually set back from the street integrating areas for servicing and parking

  • business parks / campus blocks: Larger sites organised into multiple detached or semi-detached units set within landscaped grounds, often with shared access roads, parking areas and amenity space. Typical for office, light industrial, or research uses

Shows a 2-D overhead view of an urban block that is drawn with multiple red block buildings and hand-drawn lines that delineate the space between the buildings. The block is of a single rectangular shape with a mixture of semi-detached homes and terraced blocks.

Figure 64: Sketch plan showing an example of a perimeter block. (Guidance: G3.10)

Shows a 2-D overhead view of an urban block that is drawn with multiple red block buildings and hand-drawn lines that delineate the space between the buildings. The block is of a natural form which utilises lose building forms via semi-detached homes. This block also has a central rear parking court with two buildings overlooking the space.

Figure 65: Sketch plan showing an example of an informal block (Guidance: G3.10)

Shows a 2-D overhead view of an urban block that is drawn with multiple red blocks and hand-drawn lines that delineate the space between the buildings. The block consists of a tighter rectangular form which is of terraced housing.

Figure 66: Sketch plan showing an example of a terraced block (Guidance: G3.10)

Shows a 2-D overhead view of an urban block that is drawn with multiple red blocks and hand-drawn lines that delineate the space between the buildings. The block shows two looser rectangular forms which are joined together at the bottom edge via a FOG unit that allows private access down the centre of the two blocks. A mixture of housing types have been utilised in this formation.

Figure 67: Sketch plan showing an example of a mews block (Guidance: G3.10)

Shows a 2-D overhead view of an urban block that is drawn with multiple red blocks and hand-drawn lines that delineate the space between the buildings. The block shows a historic formation consisting of tight buildings with small rear courtyard spacing.

Figure 68: Sketch plan showing an example of a courtyard block (Guidance: G3.10)