B3.4.1 Addressing the public realm
Code: 3.38c
Buildings must address the street or public space (including green spaces and waterways) with a primary elevation, typically defined by the main entrance and fenestration. This approach helps to create an engaging street scene and enable effective passive surveillance.
Employment developments must have their main primary elevation addressing the street. This may be achieved through ground-floor uses such as visitor parking, drop-off points, disabled bays, public transport facilities, or public spaces that serve multiple user groups and activities.
Exceptions:
Highly Urban Area Type (80+ dph): In high-density areas where multi-occupancy buildings are common, it is acceptable for the main entrance to be located on a secondary elevation, if active frontage is maintained on the street-facing side through other ground-floor uses that overlook the street or open space
Figure 80: Shows strong and positive frontage, with homes facing the street, Navigation Point, Castleford (Code: 3.38c)
Figure 81: Shows homes positively addressing the open space with their primary elevations, Orchid Way, Pontefract (Code: 3.38c)
Code: 3.39c
Where privacy is a concern for buildings in relation to the public realm, defensible space (such as raised thresholds, low walls, or landscaped buffers) must be incorporated into the layout. It is important that defensible spaces are designed to maintain openness to the street or public realm whilst providing an appropriate degree of separation. The assumed primary viewing level for privacy considerations is from a standing position inside the ground floor of the building, with views from upper floors considered where relevant.