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Location
Designing Places (2001) recognises that one of the common characteristics of successful development is its relationship with the landscape in which it is located, the topography, local materials, its character and appearance and its ecologies. The choice of location and the siting of new development must be the subject of a sound appraisal. Certain locations should generally be avoided, in particular areas at risk of flooding or where there is a high probability of landslips; areas which are subject to high levels of noise, for example from aircraft, motorways or trunk roads; where development would damage significant natural heritage resources, or would result in the loss of a significant area of prime quality agricultural land.
Another key aspect of the sustainability of a location is its accessibility and its connection with surrounding places and communities. The location, the place characteristics and accessibility together form the framework for the development. The form the development takes and the creation of a successful new sustainable community will be influenced by these factors.
Vauban, Freiburg, Southern Germany
Vauban is a new district on a former French barracks site in the south of Freiburg, Germany. Planning for the district started in 1993 and when completed, the site (38 hectares) will be home to more than 5,000 inhabitants and 600 jobs. The main goal of the project is to create a city district in a co-operative and participatory way, meeting ecological, social, economic and cultural requirements. The landowner, the City of Freiburg, is responsible for the planning and development of the site. Although the development plan included some regulations for the design and layout of the homes, builders have had the freedom to design and develop the homes they aspire to. Coherence is provided through the extensive use of ecological measures and the 'car-free' and 'parking-free' concepts of living.
Q2. What makes this a sustainable location?
- the landscape is capable of accommodating the proposed development which responds positively to its setting.
- the location demonstrates potential to create healthy, sustainable and attractive development.
- the location is well related and accessible to existing places which provide a range of services and/or which would benefit from access to new services.
- proposals make efficient use of land and buildings:
- maximising the re-use of previously developed land,
- minimising impact on agricultural land, especially that classified as prime quality, 2
- maximising the opportunity to address environmental pollution eg remediation of contaminated land,
- making efficient use of existing investment in physical and community infrastructure - through development within or on the edge of an existing settlement or regeneration of an existing area of poor quality,
- reusing existing buildings, either in terms of conversion for new uses or by recycling the building materials.
- access to most facilities is achievable without using a car and modes of transport other than the car are more attractive and accessible for longer journeys.
- development can be sited to protect the water environment and should not have a significant probability of being affected by flooding or increase the probability of flooding elsewhere. 3
- natural, built and cultural heritage is protected and enhanced.
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