B5.6.2 Private outdoor space size standards

Development proposals for houses must include private outdoor space that meets the following minimum size standards based on the number of bedrooms:

• 1 to 2 bedrooms must provide a minimum of 50m2

• 3 bedrooms must provide a minimum of 60m2

• 4+ bedrooms must provide a minimum of 75m2

Exception: For flatted development or proposals in higher-density contexts (such as the Urban Area Type (50+ dph) and Highly Urban Area Type (80+ dph)), or where site constraints limit available space, smaller private gardens or private sitting-out areas (such as balconies or terraces) may be acceptable. In these cases, each home must have a usable and well-designed private outdoor area with enough space for relaxation, planting, and clothes drying. Design quality, privacy, and functionality will be essential considerations.

Development proposals for new build apartments must provide one of the following provisions of private outdoor space:

• a balcony/ terrace area which provides a minimum depth of 1.5 metres and provides at least 5m² of outdoor amenity space for each 2 person dwelling, plus an additional 1m² for each additional resident beyond the initial two (for example, a 4-person, 2-bedroom apartment would require an additional 2m² to equate to a 7m² balcony/terrace area)

• a private communal space which totals at least 25m² per apartment

Exception: For proposals in Urban Area Types (50+ dph), Highly Urban Area Types (80+ dph), or conversions where providing private or communal outdoor space/balconies is not feasible or would conflict with local character (as demonstrated through the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2, where applicable), the requirement may be waived if each home has suitable and convenient access to local open space.

Private gardens for new houses should have a minimum length of 10.5 metres to ensure sufficient functional outdoor space for play, planting, and relaxation.

For north-facing gardens, a greater minimum length (typically 12 metres) should be provided. This compensates for reduced sunlight, particularly in winter months to ensure that the garden remains usable and pleasant.

Exceptions: In higher-density contexts, such as the Urban Area Type (50+ dph) and Highly Urban Area Type (80+ dph), or where site constraints limit available space, a reduced garden length may be acceptable with appropriate justification.

Defensible space (such as a small front garden, low wall, railings, hedge or planting) should be provided in front of all ground floor residential dwellings to provide a clear separation from the public realm. This space should have a minimum depth of 1 metre to be effective.

Exceptions: Where it can be demonstrated through the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2, where applicable) that the above minimum depth (1 metre) would disrupt an established building line, alternative measures (such as reduced depths, raised thresholds, or surface material changes) may be considered.