Design and Environmental Performance
During the process of selecting a site, consideration must be given to the type of development that can be achieved there. The site characteristics, the form and layout of the development and the design of the buildings will determine the quality and sustainability of the place that is created. It should be planned and designed in such as way as to create a popular and desirable place to live, work and visit. In this section the question relates to the design and environmental performance of a) the layout of the development as a whole and b) that of the buildings themselves.
The overall quality of the proposed development is one of the most significant elements in the SSCI. The place which is created should be outstanding in its design concept, uniquely relevant to the location and built to last. It should be clearly demonstrated how the design concept, the form and layout of the development and building design contribute to the highest standards of architectural quality and sustainability.
The design and environmental performance of all buildings, domestic and others, is a key factor in creating high quality development which also reduces emissions of carbon dioxide. The way in which buildings are heated and cooled; use of renewable sources of energy; the materials used, where they come from and how they are produced; the maintenance requirement and life expectancy of the building are all important.
Q3. How does the form and layout of the development and building design contribute to the highest standards of quality and sustainability?
Design |
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Development | Buildings |
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- located and designed with an ecological approach. Considering the relationship of the form of development to topography, incorporating existing natural features, protecting and enhancing biodiversity and embracing locational opportunities for solar gain, shelter and cooling, and noise control.
| - consideration of scale, massing, materials, technologies and principles of high quality architectural design relevant to location.
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- creation of a Place - demonstration of a planning response relevant to the local area which embodies the 6 characteristics of successful places: distinctive, safe and pleasant, easy to get to and move around, welcoming, adaptable and resource efficient (Designing Places 2001) and use of design statements to set out the design principles which determine the design and layout of the proposal - landscape, scale and mix, details, materials and maintenance.
| - adaptable and flexible buildings to accommodate lifestyle, economic and climate changes.
- consideration of the relationship between buildings and spaces to achieve high density, mixed use living environments
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- an overall design concept which sets the framework for development of individual buildings and integrates matters such as site landscaping, layout and density of buildings, roads, paths, open spaces, and energy sources to form a successful townscape.
| - buildings that are accessible for everyone.
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- compatible relationship between land uses, and access to a range of services and facilities that contribute to community connection and social interaction.
- incorporates fully integrated information technology and telecommunication infrastructure.
| - provide high standards of sound insulation.
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Environment |
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Development | Buildings |
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- incorporates efficient energy supply, preferably low carbon district heating or combined heat and power, or other forms of communal energy generation.
- creation of healthy environments with safe and accessible active and amenity open spaces which offer opportunity for recreation.
- designed to reduce opportunity for crime and enhance personal and community safety.
- creation of inclusive environments which address varying needs arising from age, gender or disability.
- green networks, landscaping and sustainable urban drainage systems which protect and promote local biodiversity, including gardens and allotments for self sufficient food production and recreation.
- minimises light pollution.
- contributes to maintaining or improving air quality standards.
| - achieves very low emissions of carbon dioxide and energy demand across the whole development and minimises embedded carbon through:
- incorporation of passive building fabric measures,
- use of efficient equipment,
- use of low carbon equipment, including renewable heat and micro-generation technologies, such as heat pumps or solar water heating.
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Sustainable Transport |
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Development | Buildings |
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- designed in such a way as to encourage a reduction in the use of private cars through high levels of local accessibility by walking and cycling and excellent connection to an existing or enhanced public transport network for longer journeys.
- street networks designed to create safe and attractive places that cater for all modes of travel including use of shared surfaces, supported by a paths network for access and recreation with links to surrounding areas.
- the roads network does not dominate the layout of buildings and spaces. Car parking is well integrated and unobtrusive.
| - designs to accommodate secure cycle storage.
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RESOURCES |
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Development | Buildings |
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- reduction of energy demand by design through responding to topography, use of energy efficient and renewable sources of energy, and connection to public and active transport networks.
- sustainable water management, minimising the risk of pollution and flooding including the use of sustainable urban drainage systems.
- inclusion of provisions to minimise the loss of soil functions including potential for green roofs.
- integrated approach to waste management through waste reduction, management and recycling.
| - affordable and reliable energy supply and other building services with low running costs to residents and occupiers across the life of the development.
- sustainable water management technology such as sustainable urban drainage systems and permeable paving.
- measures to reduce demand for water and the energy it takes to produce and deliver mains water, such as rainwater harvesting.
- internal space for waste recycling.
- minimised construction waste and maximised use of recycled materials.
- use of construction materials from renewable sources, such as timber or hemp.
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