B3.6.1 Establishing a new character

Code: 3.47c

For major new developments expected to be delivered by multiple developers or in phases, a masterplan and also a design code where applicable, must be prepared. This approach ensures that the design of buildings, streets, and materials remains consistent and coherent throughout the entire development. Masterplans and design codes must comply with the requirements set out within Masterplanning guidance (Appendix 6).

A residential street showing dwellings which are brick built with some wooden cladding around the window areas.

Figure 85: Shows Allerton Bywater in Leeds where design codes helped to ensure a cohesive, characterful development despite multiple phases being delivered by different developers (Codes: 3.47c and 3.48c)

3-D model sketch of an urban neighbourhood with numbered annotations from 1 to 6. The following annotations provide details on how masterplans can be used to create a strong sense of place.

Figure 86: Demonstrates how on larger sites, masterplans can be used to create a strong sense of place and help to establish new character (Code: 3.47c). Source: National Model Design Code

  1. Well-proportioned streets: The width of the street and the height of the buildings relate to its place in the street hierarchy

  2. Marking corners: Using architectural features for emphasis on corners

  3. Public art: Encouraging the use of public art in the design of buildings and spaces as well as free-standing pieces

  4. Vista ends: Using taller buildings and architectural expression on buildings that close vistas along a street or square

  5. Planting: Diversity of street tree species to create distinct identities for different streets

  6. Street design: Creating a unified palette of materials and street furniture to be used in different area types

Code: 3.48c

Major new developments must avoid creating large, monotonous areas by establishing distinct character areas that respond to the local context, function, and identity, informed by the Local Character and Context Assessment (1.3c, and where applicable 1.4g). It is important that each character area serves a unique role within the wider development and design variations (such as building scale, materiality, detailing, and landscaping) are utilised to differentiate different areas while maintaining overall cohesion. The proposed approach must be documented within the DAS or within an accompanying masterplan and/or design code.

Guidance: 3.49g

Smaller developments should generally establish their identity by drawing thoughtfully on the local character and context, as identified in the Local Character and Context Assessment (1.3c, and where applicable 1.4g) and guidance in Identifying and using local building styles (Appendix 5). This includes using materials, architectural styles, building traditions, and landscaping that reflect or sensitively reinterpret the surrounding area.

Exception: Where a proposal demonstrates very high architectural quality, it may be acceptable to introduce a distinct contemporary character. In such cases, the new identity should still sit comfortably within its context and ensure a positive integration with the existing place.

By focusing on layout, scale, appearance, and the public realm, the elements that shape character and local identity as assessed in the Site Appraisal Assessment (1.1c and 1.2g) and the Local Character and Context Assessment (1.3c, and where applicable 1.4g), imaginative, modern design can integrate positively with the existing context.

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