Appendix 2: Local planning policy context

2.1 Wakefeld District Local Plan 2036

The Wakefeld District Local Plan 2036 was adopted on 24 January 2024, which includes requirements for good design. Volume 1 of the Local Plan includes strategic and local policies, and district wide allocations and designations. Volume 2 includes settlementbased allocations.

The Local Plan Vision refers to the district’s standards of design and quality of the built and natural environment improving as well as its rich historic, cultural, and natural heritage being protected. It also refers to new development being sustainable, supporting urban renaissance, reinforcing character and creating distinctive, vibrant, creative and well-designed places.

Some of the aims of the Local Plan Development Principles relevant to the Design Code are:

  • Well-designed homes with gardens, combining the best of town and country to create healthy communities;

  • Development that enhances the natural environment, providing a comprehensive green infrastructure network and net biodiversity gains, using Building for a Healthy Life, zero carbon and energy-positive technology to ensure climate resilience;

  • Strong cultural, recreational and shopping facilities in walkable, vibrant, sociable neighbourhoods; and

  • Integrated and accessible transport systems, with walking, cycling and public transport designed to create streets for people and be the most attractive forms of local transport.

In addition, development will embrace, safeguard and enhance the historic environment.

The Design Code seeks to support the implementation of a wide number of Strategic and Local Policies which are set out below:

  • SP2 Settlement Hierarchy

  • SP5 Scale and Distribution of Additional Housing

  • SP6 Housing Mix, Affordability and Quality

  • SP10 Local Economy

  • SP12 Leisure, Recreation and Open Space

  • SP13 Sustainable Transport

  • SP14 Transport Network

  • SP15 Influencing the Demand for Travel

  • SP21 Community Facilities and Services

  • SP23 Design, Safety and the Local Environment

  • SP24 Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and Efficient Use of Resources

  • LP1 Housing In Rural Areas

  • LP2 Accessible Housing Standards

  • LP3 Minimum Space Standards for Homes

  • LP4 Sub-Division and Multiple Occupation of Homes including Student Housing

  • LP5 Residential Development in Town Centres

  • LP15 Number and Location of Car Parks in Wakefield City Centre

  • LP16 Development of Pedestrian and Cycle Routes in Wakefield City Centre

  • LP17 Wakefield City Centre Skylines and Strategic Views

  • LP18 Wakefield City Centre Vistas

  • LP19 Landmark Sites / Development in Wakefield City Centre

  • LP20 Wakefield City Centre Public Realm Principles and Objectives

  • LP21 Wakefield City Centre Public Realm - Hierarchy of Quality

  • LP24 Strategic Leisure Corridors

  • LP27 Access and Highway Safety

  • LP28 Green and Blue Infrastructure

  • LP29 Flood Risk

  • LP30 Drainage

  • LP31 Protection and Improvement of Watercourses and Flood Defences

  • LP33 Sustainable Construction and Efficient Use of Resources

  • LP34 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

  • LP44 Waste Facilities within Development

  • LP49 Protected Areas of Open Land

  • LP51 Ecological and Geological Conservation

  • LP52 Ecological Protection of Watercourses and Water Bodies

  • LP53 Wildlife Habitat Network

  • LP54 Protection of Trees and Woodland

  • LP55 Landscape Character

  • LP56 Design of New Development

  • LP57 Extensions and Alterations to Dwellings

  • LP58 Waterfront Design

  • LP59 Landscape Design

  • LP60 Safety and Security Through Design

  • LP62 Existing Uses in the Green Belt

  • LP63 Conserving the Historic Environment

  • LP64 Designated Heritage Assets

  • LP65 Non-designated Heritage Assets

  • LP66 Development Affecting Archaeological Sites

  • LP67 Pollution Control

  • LP71 Soil Conservation

Other Local Plan policies may be relevant to the codes, guidance and advice in the Design Code.