B5.6 Gardens and balconies

Access to outdoor space is a key part of making a home feel complete. Well-designed gardens, balconies, and terraces, provide room to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy fresh air, whether shared or private. Thoughtful design can make these spaces feel generous, comfortable, and truly usable, even in compact settings. By giving careful attention to layout, size, and detail, we can create outdoor spaces that are not just addons, but valuable extensions of the home, supporting health and well-being for everyone.

Two blocks of modern three storey terraced housing of alternative white and grey colours with two walkways between the blocks and low level planting including bushes between the walkways

Figure 154: Shows small landscaped front gardens at the Climate Innovation District, Leeds which provide homes with important defensible space. The addition of a central amenity space provides an attractive communal garden for all to enjoy.