Building and landscape design
This section provides information about the importance of good building and landscape design.
Attractive and lively buildings, streets, parks and neighbourhoods, especially those with a mixture of compatible uses and historic character, all contribute to making the area a special place which is a pleasure to live in.
The quality of our surroundings is also now recognised as a vital factor in attracting and retaining businesses, employers and tourists.
Current government policy asks developers 'to think imaginatively in future as to how proposals can incorporate mixed land uses, to produce lively and successful developments and provide a positive contribution to the quality of our towns and cities'.
There are approximately 110 historic buildings and 20 ancient monuments within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, so it is important that we should preserve and enhance our architectural heritage.
It is also vital that we strive to improve the quality of design of all new development within the borough.
Design of new development
Good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process, but it is primarily the responsibility of designers and their clients, and should be encouraged everywhere.
The appearance of proposed development and its relationship to its surroundings are important material considerations in determining planning applications.
A Design statement is now required as part of every planning application to encourage applicants to submit proposals which encompass good design.
Good design vs personal taste
But just what is good design and is there more to it than personal taste?
Good design is concerned with all the practical aspects of building design; soundness of construction, energy conservation, drainage, access and car parking arrangements, effect on daylight and over-shadowing for instance, as well as quality of appearance. But well designed buildings can enrich our surroundings and cultural life.
Good design is about quality more than style and taste.
Our aim is that new development should meet all the necessary practical design considerations, that it should contribute to the the quality of its surrounding area without damage to the environment, and whilst retaining features that contribute to a sense of place.
In Conservation Areas and Residential Areas of Special Character, this will normally point towards a more 'traditional' approach, not necessarily slavishly copying the past but complementing it, with the use of traditional forms and materials in keeping with the area.
In other locations, such as business parks or industiral estates for example, imaginative modern designs which make a 'statement' can be considered where appropriate. In all locations, however, the intrinsic 'quality' of the design will be the chief benchmark.
Urban Design
'Urban Design' is the art of making places for people.
This includes the interaction between groups of buildings, the spaces and streets between them, and the flow of movement which is defined by this.
Urban Design transcends arguments about the architectural style of individual buildings and focuses instead on our total surroundings.
The way to promote good urban design is through provision of a clear design policy and by fostering quality in the design of public buildings and spaces.
Useful documents
Useful documents related to the design issues mentioned above are:-
- Surrey Design – a document produced by and available from Surrey County Council
- Reigate and Banstead Local Distinctiveness Design Guide – a document produced by and available from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
Public Art
The Council encourages public art as an integral part of new development or refurbishments.
Public art enriches our surroundings, symbolises community identity and adds value to developments.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
customer.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
See Also
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