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PAN 44: Fitting New Housing Development into the Landscape

DESIGN I - LAYOUT STUDIES : ACCESS AND PARKING (2)

i The layout should seek, primarily, to satisfy the various visual and physical requirements of the site and should not be determined by the necessity to conform to stipulated regulations. Design guidance produced by roads authorities are very helpful in achieving an appropriate balance.

DESIGN J - LAYOUT STUDIES : ASPECT & ENERGY

i Early attention should be paid to the orientation, siting, spacing and shape of individual buildings and groups of buildings to exploit the available sun, arrange the greater protection from wind and to create an energy efficient envelope.

ii By reference to the available data noted in the Section on Climate, Layout studies will determine the optimum location for shelter belt planting to screen and filter the prevailing winds. The design will seek to maximise any southerly facing aspect for both living spaces and outdoor areas. These will encourage plant growth which in time will ameliorate the micro-climate conditions and enhance gardens

iii The orientation of' housing groups and individual units should be examined. This will inform the design or selection of house types.

Buildings positioned to shelter southerly aspect amenity areas

Buildings should be spaced to maximise direct solar gain

DESIGN K - LAYOUT STUDIES : PLOT SIZE

i More detail studies should be undertaken to establish the plot size appropriate to the various house types required in the schedule - large and small detached, terraced and courtyard groupings. Development on sloping sites may suggest split level confirmation.

ii Layout options should be developed to explore building groupings, urban spaces, street or courtyard cross sections, the form of their roofs, and the materials and colour.

iii The plot size should take account of the marketing target for the property. Closely grouped, narrow frontage, deep plan properties which are barely detached from their neighbours and offer little scope for house extension or landscaping are a frequent and unfortunate development solution.

iv The use of deep plan house types should be considered carefully with the eventual three dimensional consequence, as such plan types, combined with a 40º - 45º roof pitch tend to look out of proportion.

v Detached properties with a wider frontage offer more scope to residents, and look more imposing. The traditional linking of the more economical narrow frontage units into terraces allows better proportions for the plan and roof form.

vi Appropriate options should be judged by the quality of environment achieved and by its fit into the existing rural and urban landscape, viewed from within and outwith the site.

Standard development plot widths are usually too narrow and allow little scope for extensions or private landscaping.

DESIGN L - MASTERPLAN : DESIGN OPTIONS

i A series of development options should be tested against the output of the landscape analysis to prepare alternative concepts. These in turn need to be appraised according to environmental quality objectives, development philosophy and viability.

ii The option which works best should be selected to be worked up to produce a masterplan. This process is based in three dimensions, is iterative and intended to balance the ingredients of circulation (including roads and footpaths), buildings and landscape. The process involves working with a variety of scales using plans, sections and sketches to appraise and design landform, gradient, views and structure to produce a detailed plan.

iii Sometimes it is not possible to find an option which satisfies all criteria. Here judgements must be made. In the hands of a skilled designer solutions can be found for most problems provided they are tackled early enough in the design process.

Design Option A Maximising wind protection and orientation. Screening development from the road	Design Option B Cul-de-sac and minor access link layout	Design Option A Loop road with pend access through terraces on street frontages

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