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Urban Design - National and Local Policy Guidance

National Policy Guidance

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 1: 'Delivering Sustainable Development'

• 'Planning policies should promote high-quality inclusive design in the layout of new developments and individual buildings in terms of function and impact, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development. Design which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area should not be accepted'. (Key principle (iv) para 13);
• 'Good design ensures attractive, usable, durable and adaptable places and is a key element in achieving sustainable development.
• 'Good design is indivisible from good planning.' (para 33);
• 'Good design should contribute positively to make places better for people.' (para 34)'High-quality and inclusive design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process.' (para 35)

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 3: 'Housing' (Accompanying document 'Preparing Design Codes: A Practice Manual'). Published November 2006.

'Planning authorities should have regard to good practice set out in By Design - Urban design in the planning system: towards better practice'. (Published by CABE in 2000) (para 37).

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth.  Published December 2009.

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 7: 'Sustainable Development in Rural Areas' - 'Design and the character of rural settlements' (Paragraphs 12-13)

Local Policy Guidance

Urban design is not simply concerned with new development but also with the enhancement of existing developments. At Stafford Borough Council an environment that improves the quality of life for the Borough's residents is an aim outlined within the Council's Aims 2003/2007.

Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001 contains two statutory planning policies which realte to urban design:

Policy Environment & Development 1 - General Requirements (p.10)

Proposals for the development of buildings should ensure that they are designed, sited and grouped, so as to:

• be of a high quality, providing an interesting and attractive environment;
• respect, and integrate with the character and appearance of the locality in terms of scale, materials, layout and siting, both in itself and in relation to adjoining buildings;
• be in sympathy with, and enhance the character and appearance of the locality.

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