Wyevale Site
Transcription
Wyevale Site
Urban Design & Landscape Architecture Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design Adopted June 2013 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief This document has been prepared by Milton Keynes Council’s Urban Design and Landscape Architecture Team and internal officers. For further information please contact: Neil Sainsbury Head of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture Planning and Transport Milton Keynes Council Civic Offices 1 Saxon Gate East Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ 2 T +44 (0) 1908 252708 F +44 (0) 1908 252329 E [email protected] Urban Design & Landscape Architecture Contents SECTION 1 SECTION 4 INTRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN PRINCIPLES 1.1 Purpose of the brief 4 1.2 Location and ownership 4 1.3 Structure of brief 4 1.4 Accuracy of information 4 4.1 Introduction 16 4.2 Land uses 16 4.3 Design principles 16 4.4 Development requirements 21 SECTION 2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT ANNEXURE A EXISTING UTILITIES 2.1 NPPF 6 2.2 Local Plan 6 2.3 Core Strategy 7 2.4 Recent and Emerging Policy for CMK 8 2.5 Other SPGs/SPDs 9 SECTION 3 22 ANNEXURE B PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK B1 NPPF 24 B2 Local Plan 28 B3 Core Strategy 35 CONTEXT/SITE APPRAISAL 3.1 Introduction 10 3.2 The Site 10 3.3 Surrounding Area 10 3.4 Opportunities and Constraints 15 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 3 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Milton Keynes Council wishes to appoint a developer for the Wyevale Site, Central Milton Keynes (CMK). The Council has high aspirations for this prominent site, aiming to achieve a high quality, attractive, sustainable and well integrated scheme that complements and enhances the existing CMK offer. 1.1 Purpose of the Brief third party developers and investors, whilst ensuring full community and stakeholder engagement in the The purpose of this document is to provide prospective preparation of development briefs for the sites. developers with development and design guidance for the development of the Wyevale Site. This will allow developers to submit informed proposals for this 1.3 Structure of Brief exciting city centre opportunity that respond to Council expectations for the site. The Brief is divided into four sections: Section 1 outlines the purpose of the brief, its location The Brief has been informed by relevant planning policy and ownership and other administrative information for and has been subject to public consultation and will developers. therefore be a material consideration in determining a Section 2 describes the planning policy context of the planning application for the site. site. Section 3 provides a siite analysis of the site itself and the surrounding area. A thorough understanding of 1.2 Location and Ownership this will have an important bearing on the key design principles and parameters. The site extends to approximately 0.65 ha (1.6 acres) Section 4 represents the Key Design and Development and is located within Block D4.4 of Central Milton Principles, that should inform any development Keynes (CMK). The site is strategically located, proposals. The accompanying Parameters Plan bounded on two sides by the primary routes of Avebury spatially illustrates the design principles. Boulevard, and Secklow Gate (see figure 1). Appendix A highlights additional relevant planning policy beyond that provided in Section 2. The site is currently in the freehold ownership of Milton Keynes Council. Milton Keynes Development 1.4 Accuracy of Information Partnership (MKDP) has however been set up by Milton Keynes Council as a limited libaility partnership to Descriptions of the site and or drawings contained within facilitate Milton Keynes’ continued growth and economic or issued in connection with this brief are for information success by promoting the development of land assets purposes only and the Council does not warrant their transferred to the council from the HCA, in line with the accuracy. The developers should satisfy themselves council’s Corporate Plan and Economic Development prior to entry on the site that its boundaries are agreed Strategy. MKDP take a commercial and entrepreneurial and are physically delineated and/or accurately approach to sell and develop these assets with 4 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture described in the relevant legal documentation. Please note that any costs borne in responding to this brief are entirely at the developer’s risk and MKDP are not bound to accept any tender received. Xscape ck Se low te Ga ard r bu v ule o yB e Av H6 s ild y Wa Ch FISHERMEAD Figure 1: Site Location www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 5 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief SECTION 2: 2.1 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT National Planning Policy Framework The site is part of the City Core Quarter. Local Plan policy CC13 encourages a broad mix of uses including The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in 2012. At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The NPPF’s core planning principles include: • The site is located within Block D4. Local Plan policy CC18 states that: The design and layout of new development of Block D4 in the City Core quarter should good standard of amenity for all existing and future reflect the following principles: (i) Increase the residential community, by promote mixed use developments; encourage the developing new residential accommodation at a effective use of land by reusing land that has been net density of 100-175 dwellings per hectare previously developed; • civic uses within the City Core. “always seek to secure high quality design and a occupants of land and buildings; • shopping, entertainment, residential, hotels, cultural and (ii) shops make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling, and focus significant development in locations which are or can be made (iii) Include a mix of residential, office and entertainment uses in any redevelopment of the sustainable.” The NPPF states that “local planning authorities should Provide new community facilities and local eastern part of Block D4 (iv) Improve pedestrian routes into Fishermead recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursue policies to support their viability and vitality” (see appendix a1 for further detail of NPPF guidance on town centres). 2.2 Local Plan (December 2005) Policy CC1 (retail) states “Within CMK, the main shopping area is between Silbury Boulevard, Avebury Boulevard, Saxon Gate and Marlborough Gate. Elsewhere in CMK, with exception of block C4.1, retail development will be small scale and generally part of The principles for the development of Central Milton mixed shopping, office, leisure and housing schemes.” Keynes are set out in the Milton Keynes Local Plan This site therefore falls outside the Main Shopping Area. (adopted December 2005). The following Local Plan policies have been ‘saved’ by the Secretary of State. Within CMK, the following uses are allowed: Non- They remain in force until superseded by other planning residential community facilities (Policy C1), hotel and policy documents in the Council’s Local Development other visitor accommodation (Policy L10), residential Framework e.g. the Core Strategy & other Development use as part of larger mixed use development schemes Plan Documents (DPDs). (Policy TC19). Policies CC8 and CC9 of the Local Plan provide 6 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture guidance on the design and layout of new development Policies T10 and T15 take account of traffic and parking and the design of new buildings within CMK. Key provision respectively, while Policy T11 sets out the requirements of these policies include the need for Council thresholds regarding whether or not a Transport development proposals to: Assessment/Travel Plan is required. • Make a positive contribution to the public realm, including provision or improvement of open In addition to the policies mentioned above, the space • Transport Policies T1-T6 Incorporate covered walkways on the frontages • Housing Policies H2 (Priority Housing • • of all buildings facing Gates and Boulevards Requirements), H4 (30% Affordable Housing), Interact with, and contribute positively, H8 (Density), H9 (Housing Mix) to their surroundings at street level, encourage • following Local Plan Policies are relevant: • CMK policies CC5 (Office development), CC7A pedestrian activity, and contribute to a sense of (Key Transport Principles) and Policy CC7C place and vitality (Key Principles for Parking) Generally, have a minimum height of five to six storeys with taller buildings in prominent locations • Use a high standard of facing materials • Provide safe, attractive and convenient 2.3 Submission Version Core Strategy (October 2010) pedestrian through routes within or between The Core Strategy was the subject of public examination buildings in July 2012. When adopted, the Core Strategy will form part of the development plan for Milton Keynes. Policy CC10 requires that new development within CMK contributes to the provision of infrastructure and Policy CS7 refers to the key objectives for the community facilities required as a consequence of the development of CMK including “1. Achieve higher development. quality buildings and spaces around them, with greater attention to human scale and more detail and variety Policy D4 of the Local Plan sets out the Council’s of uses within proposals; 2. Promote a higher density requirements with regard to sustainable construction. of development in appropriate locations; 3. Achieve growing visitor numbers from outside the city to further Policy S5 is the Local Plan strategic policy relating to enhance CMK’s status as a regional and national Central Milton Keynes. destination for shopping, culture and leisure; 8. Improve integration between the facilities and defined quarters of Policies D1 and D2 are general design policies that the area; 10. Offer an attractive urban living environment apply borough-wide. They look at the impact of for the residents of current and future dwellings.” development proposals on locality and the design of buildings. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 7 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief 2.4 Recent and Emerging Policy for CMK Over the past few years it has become apparant that some of the existing local plan policy does not necessarily provide the most appropriate policy framework going forward for the development of • variety of land use proposals • Development Framework and emerging CMK Business Neighbourhood Plan reflect the new policy thinking for CMK and are what the Council are encouraging • Anticipates that multi-storey or basement car parking will be provided, particularly as part of mixed use developments • Advises that buildings will generally be 3-8 storeys in height within CMK • Avebury Boulevard (with Midsummer and Silbury Boulevard) are identified as the developers to prepare new proposals around. key pedestrian routes in CMK and therefore development that fronts onto them requires Section 4 provides planning and design principles the greatest attention in terms of the creation for the Wyevale site that are based on the principles of frontages that will enliven these pedestrian contained within the CMK Development Framework and emerging CMK Business Neighbourhood Plan. Proposes that new development should provide its required parking within the application site CMK. Most notably it has become clear how important the existing public realm infrastructure is. The CMK Identifies block D4 as an area suitable for a routes • Promotes a mix of uses at ground floor level fronting the footpaths along the boulevards to animate the public realm 2.4.1 CMK Development Framework • Advises that main entrances to buildings should address portes-cochere (adopted in January 2013) • Requires that buildings facing onto Gates and This Development Framework, which replaces the Boulevards must include within these frontages 2002 Development Framework as well as other existing a weather protected walkway SPGs/SPDs in CMK, cannot and does not replace Local • Promotes a finer grain of development, Plan policy. It does however, based on Lessons Learnt particularly along the most important pedestrian from the 2002 Development Framework provide up- routes, such as Avebury Boulevard. to-date guidance / principles which occasionally varies from Local Plan policy. Where this occurs, the Council will welcome proposals that conform with the guidance / principles contained in the Development Framework. Key Principles include: • Promotes retention of existing building lines • Promotes retention of existing surface level car parks 8 2.4.2 CMK Business Neighbourhood Plan (draft) Under the Government’s Localism Agenda, the CMK Town Council, local business leaders and Milton Keynes Council have come together to create an alliance of CMK residents and businesses to prepare Urban Design & Landscape Architecture a business neighbourhood plan – the CMK Alliance Additional Relevant SPGs/SPDs Plan 2026. A Draft CMK Business Neighbourhood Plan was published for consultation in October 2012. The In addition to the CMK Development Framework, the Draft Plan identifies the Wyevale site as being suitable following SPG/SPDs have formal status as a material for A1 (shops)/ A2 (financial & professional services), consideration for planning applications: A3, C1 and D1/D2 as well as a public multi-storey car park, although acknowledges that, to aid flexibility, Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Planning where are approved that do not meet the indicative Obligations for Central Milton Keynes (CMK) was uses on identified above, it is anticipated that reciprocal adopted in July 2003. The SPG sets out the Council’s or replacement land uses are allocated to other approach to seeking planning obligations and the appropriate sites. likely benefits to be negotiated when development is undertaken in CMK. If successful at an examination and referendum, the Business Neighbourhood Plan once adopted will form part of the development plan and will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. It will also if adopted eplace existing local plan policies highlighted in section 2.2. Milton Keynes Council’s Parking Standards were adopted as SPG in 2005. It sets out the Council’s standards for parking provision, including motor vehicles and cycles, for different land use types. An addendum to the 2005 SPG, setting out revised residential standards and new standards for HiMO accommodation was adopted in April 2009. 2.5 Other Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)/Documents (SPDs) The Sustainable Construction Guide SPD informs compliance with policy D4, which will be a requirement of any development. CMK Handbook for Public Realm The CMK Handbook for the Public Realm has been developed to provide guidance and set standards for the design and delivery of the public environment within Central Milton Keynes to ensure it is co-ordinated, attractive, easily understood and easy to move around. The Handbook was adopted as Technical Guidance by Milton Keynes Council on 26 September 2006. It is available online at: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ development-control/displayarticle.asp?ID=79660 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 9 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief SECTION 3: 3.1 CONTEXT/SITE APPRAISAL Introduction there is nothing that needs to be retained on the site. The site slopes gently downwards from north to south. It is important to understand the existing site and surrounding area and their features, as this informs the layout and design principles for any redevelopment of the site. Figures 2 and 3 provide an analysis of the site The site currently has one existing direct access at the south east corner of the site. Beyond this direct access, the site is very accessible via Secklow Gate and Avebury Boulevard/South 10th Street. and its context . 3.2 The Site 3.3 Surrounding Area 3.3.1 Public Realm The site is in a strategic location within Central Milton South 10th Street is a residential street that forms the Keynes (CMK), with frontage onto two key routes, western edge of the site and is typical of the third level Avebury Boulevard and Secklow Gate. Its location of streets below Gates and Boulevards in CMK. It is 6m means it is within easy walking distance (400m) of the wide and includes parallel parking bays on each side of central shopping area as well as Xscape. the street. To the north, and east of the site is existing public surface level parking, with a double row to the The site was previously developed as a garden centre. The majority of the site is vacant rough scrub and grassland. Whilst there are no buildings on the site, there are the remains of hardstanding and structures from the site’s previous use. The site is unconstrained: The site was previously developed as a garden centre north and two double rows to the east. Pedestrian access to the site is provided: • across Secklow Gate by an underpass crossing which links the site to the Xscape development; Access to the site across Secklow Gate is provided by an underpass pedestrian crossing 10 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture N Sil ry bu ule Bo rd va low ck te Ga d B Se Mi er mm su ard lev u o ur eb Av ard lev ou B y nG xo Sa EXISTING BUS STOP ate LAND USES RESIDENTIAL LEISURE RETAIL OFFICES ild Ch ay sW CIVIC MIXED USE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK FISHERMEAD TEMPORARY SURFACE LEVEL CAR PARK Figure 2: Surrounding Area www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 11 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief N ry bu e Av B ard lev u o low ck Se te Ga h1 ut So rreeyy ssttoo 22½½ th 0 y ey re orsto st½ 1½ 1 t ee Str rey to s 2 PEDESTRIAN ROUTE rey to 3s VEHICULAR ACCESS FROM GATE/BOULEVARD VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE SITE FRONTS OF BUILDINGS 2½ SURFACE LEVEL CAR PARK rey sto UNDERPASS EXISTING TREES u So th w Ro PORT COCHERE SITE BOUNDARY LAND USES RESIDENTIAL LEISURE Figure 3: Site Analysis 12 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture • across Avebury Boulevard via a porte-cochere route, as well as an underpass. • from the south via an underpass which links the adjacent residential area of Fishermead to D4.4./ CMK. 3.3.2 Land Uses To the west of the site, on the western side of South 10th Street, is residential development. To the north of the site, on the northern side of Avebury Boulevard, is a temporary surface level car park. Immediately to Premier Inn and the Barn public house are located to the south of the site the south of the site is a Premier Inn and a public house (The Barn). To the east of the site, on the eastern side of Secklow Gate, is the Xscape ski, leisure, cinema and entertainment complex. 3.3.3 Existing Infrastructure The site is surrounded and served by existing surface level parking, transport access, servicing, pedestrian routes, landscaping and utilities. To the east of the site, on the other side of Secklow Gate, is the Annexure A highlights the key utilities in proximity to the Xscape ski, leisure, cinema and entertainment complex. site. The site is surrounded and served by existing surface level parking www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 13 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief 3.3.4 Building Heights, Setbacks and Edge Conditions The housing to the west of the site is a mixture of 1½ and 2½ storey development. The dwellings fronting South Tenth Street are 1½ storeys in height, whilst those fronting Avebury Boulevard and South Row are 2½ storeys. The Premier Inn is three storeys in height. It is set back 6.5 metres from the pavement along its South Tenth Street frontage. The Barn public house is two storeys in height. The dwellings on the opposite side of South 10th Street front the street. The Premier Inn and Barn public house back onto the southern boundary of the site. 3.3.5 Public Transport Access On the opposite side of Avebury Boulevard to the site, there are a number of bus stops located on Lower Ninth Street and Midsummer Boulevard, which forms part of the primary public transport spine. There are also bus stops on Avebury Boulevard in front of Xscape and the Food Centre. 14 The dwellings fronting South Tenth Street are 1½ storeys in height Urban Design & Landscape Architecture 3.4 Opportunities and Constraints The site is located adjacent to existing housing. Uses proposed for the site should not adversely affect the amenities of these properties. The preceding sections of the development brief provide an appraisal of the site’s existing character and context. The site is within close proximity of bus stops. The Wyevale site represents a prominent, strategically Planning policy supports a wide variety of land uses. important unconstrained site situated in a highly accessible location at the heart of CMK. The site’s The south west edge of the site does not face the public location at Avebury Boulevard’s junction with Secklow realm and therefore there is an opportunity for servicing, Gate represents a key entrance point into CMK which parking or the backs of future buildings to face this can be exploited. edge. The site, which is undeveloped, has three street The opportunities and constraints have served to frontages which need to be addressed. It is served underpin the rationale behind the approach and by existing public realm, transport and utilities principles of this Brief and the Parameters Plan, outlined infrastructure. in section 4. Site lies at a key entrance point into CMK www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 15 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief SECTION 4: 4.1 DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN PRINCIPLES Introduction 4.3 Design Principles This section outlines the principles relevant to the design and development of the site. A Parameters Plan 4.3.1 Structure / Layout accompanies the principles which serves to spatially represent the key design principles. Development should follow perimeter block principles so that there is a clear public front with entrances 4.2 Land Uses and a clear private back. Built form should come up to the back of the existing footways along Avebury The Council’s adopted Local Plan encourages a Boulevard and Secklow Gate. The layout should not variety of land uses for the site with shopping, leisure, result in ambiguous space that is not clearly public or entertainment, residential, hotels, cultural and civic uses private (such as alleyways) or public space that is not all acceptable either as an individual use occupying properly addressed. Public space should not generally the entire site or as a mix of any of these uses. The be internalised to the block unless best practice urban Development Brief supports this flexible approach to design principles can be achieved. permissible land uses. The site forms the northern part of Block D4.4. The This approach to land use selection should also block has public pedestrian routes around all four sides take cognisance of the significant potential for new and therefore additional public vehicular or pedestrian development / refurbishment on a variety of sites directly routes through the site or on its southern edge are not to the north of the Wyevale Site. The Point, the adjacent required nor advisable, unless all best practice urban temporary car park and the Food Centre are all located design principles can be achieved. in the Primary Shopping Area (as identifid in the Core Strategy) where retail led mixed use development is encouraged. Block E.1.1 to the north of Silbury Boulevard is also a development opportunity and offers the same flexibility in terms of permissible land uses as the Wyevale Site. 4.3.2 Building Lines As outlined in the recently adopted CMK Development Framework, new development should adhere to existing building lines and be located behind the existing surface A public multi-storey car park would also be possible as level parking and public footpaths along the Avebury part of a mixed use scheme. Boulevard and Secklow Gate frontages. The mix of land uses should take account of the need to protect the amenities of existing residential properties adjoining the site. 16 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture N s iew of ite y Ke Bo yv Ke es th e Av ry bu rd va e l u ite es th f o ws vie Se ck low ate G ite es th of s iew yv Ke So ut h1 0th e Str et SITE BOUNDARY BUILDING HEIGHT 2-3 STOREYS BUILDING HEIGHT 4- 8 STOREYS BUILDING HEIGHTS 4- 8 STOREYS (OVER 8 STOREYS PERMISSIBLE) PRIMARY ACTIVE FRONTAGE SECONDARY ACTIVE FRONTAGE (DESIRABLE) u So t ow hR ANIMATED FRONTAGE POTENTIAL BACK OF BUILDING (2 STOREYS), SERVICING OR PARKING PROPOSED KEY CORNER (WITH TALLEST ELEMENT) BUILDING ENTRANCES TO LINE UP WITH PORTES COCHERE POTENTIAL CAR PARKING & SERVICING POTENTIAL ACCESS TO BASEMENT/ SERVICING / CAR PARK PRIMARY PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO SITE SECONDARY PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO SITE PEDESTRIAN ROUTES TO BE RETAINED EXISTING VEHICULAR SITE ACCESS EXISTING BUILDINGS Figure 4: Parameters Plan - spatially illustrating some of the key principles www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 17 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief 4.3.3 Frontages The south facing frontage is the least important as it does not face the public realm - the back of a All public open space and streets must be overlooked development could potentially face the backs of the by development. In this regard care must be taken to existing Premier Inn and Barn public house. avoid layouts and building footprints that result in blank elevations that front a public street. In order to help animate the main pedestrian route along Avebury Boulevard, every effort should be made Because the site has three (of its four sides) facing to locate as many smaller individual units along this the public realm, it is important that the development frontage. If possible, this would also be desirable along frontages, particularly at ground floor level, are carefully the Secklow Gate frontage. considered. The development must provide a weather protected An active frontage* is to occur along the Avebury walkway within the building envelope, with a depth of Boulevard frontage in recognition of it being on the at least 2 metres, along the Avebury Boulevard and most heavily utilised pedestrian route. While the Secklow Gate frontages, behind the existing footpaths. accompanying Figure 4 identifies the location opposite The design of weather protection features can be a light the existing porte-cochere as the preferred location for weight, high quality canopy without numerous supports, the main building entrance (in line with original design that allows for good visibility of ground floor businesses. of buildings in CMK) this may not be achievable for all The weather protection must be at the same level as the developments and therefore it will be acceptable to adopted pavement. locate the main entrance to the development in alternate locations so long as they are still on the Avebury Boulevard or Secklow Gate frontage. While an active frontage is desirable along the Secklow Gate frontage, an animated frontage** is a minimum to be achieved. Where / if a building frontage occurs along it, an animated frontage is also required along South 10th street, in recognition of the existing housing facing the site. Servicing must not occur off Avebury Boulevard and should be designed to be as discreet (hidden) as possible to avoid any negative impact of the building frontage onto the public realm. 4.3.4 Building Heights It is anticipated that the development’s highest point will be at the corner of Avebury Boulevard and Secklow Gate and this should be treated as a key corner. The Secklow Gate frontage is set back some distance behind existing parking and therefore building heights of up to 8 storeys would be acceptable in this location. Building heights along Avebury Boulevard of up to 8 storeys (but no less than 4) would also be encouraged. The southern end of this elevation should, however, *Active frontage - A building facade that responds positively to the street and particularly at the ground floor includes uses, entrances, and windows that generate activity, which then improves surveillance of and safety on the street. **Animated frontage - A building facade that responds positively to the street and at the ground floor provides visual activity into and out of the building and potential for overlooking but with no requirement for direct access onto the street. 18 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture respect the height of the existing residential properties Parking for any residential element of the scheme and be reduced to 2-3 storeys. Because of the existing should be provided in accordance with the 2009 housing facing South 10th Street building heights along Addendum to the Council’s 2005 Parking Standards, this elevation should be 2-3 storeys in height. whilst the non-residential element should comply with the 2005 standards. 4.3.5 Vehicular Movement The developer is advised to contact the Council’s There is currently one vehicular access point into the Highways Development Management Team at an early site off Secklow Gate which leads into the site via the stage with regard to its requirements. surface level car park. Current policy restricts the amount of required parking No other vehicular entry point into the site are provided on site as part of a development to 30%, but encouraged or desirable. due to the lack of development of peripheral multi-storey car parks as well as a lack of areas within CMK to 4.3.6 Pedestrian and Cycle Movement Pedestrian movement around the northern, western and eastern edges will occur along existing footpaths. Access across Avebury Boulevard is provided via an existing underpass and a porte-cochere route. This route should be retained and entrance(s) to the new building(s) should wherever possible respond to the fixed location of the porte-cochere. Provision should be made for cycle parking and, within commercial development, facilities for cyclists (changing rooms, showers, lockers etc.), in order to encourage greater cycle usage. Proposals should provide as a minimum the cycle parking standards adopted by Milton Keynes Council. 4.3.7 Parking Car parking requirements will normally be in accordance with Milton Keynes Council’s Parking Standards. build new surface level parking, this is not viewed as a practical way forward in terms of the provision of a new development’s car parking. A development’s parking requirement will therefore normally be provided within the development site, or where this is not possible, it will be provided elsewhere in an agreed location at the developer’s expense. If surface level parking is provided on the site, it should be internalised or located at the southern end adjacent to the Premier Inn. It certainly should not occupy any of the Avebury or Secklow Gate frontage as this would accentuate a car-dominated CMK. Access to and the location of any parking for the development should not furthermore undermine the existing amenity of residents along South 10th Street. If MSCPs are part of the development and are visible form the public realm, care needs to be taken to ensure that they are a piece of architecture in their own right, contributing to the overall quality of the development. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 19 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief 4.3.8 Detailed Design Appearance route through the site from the porte-cochere. However, there should be an entrance to the building or a facade Buildings must be of exceptional contemporary design feature that addresses this pedestrian crossing point. quality, should enhance their surroundings and be constructed from high quality, durable materials. The Council’s Local Plan Policy D4 and its supplementary 4.3.9 Landscaping Sustainable Construction SPD furthermore sets sustainability standards that will have to be considered There is existing street tree planting along the site’s as part of the overall design process. three frontages to the public realm. Any of these trees that need to be removed should be replaced. Particular attention should be paid to the Avebury Elsewhere, the street trees will be retained, and any Boulevard and Secklow Gate frontages, which occupy existing gaps filled. key locations in terms of portraying the image of Milton Keynes as a modern, innovative and 21st century city. 4.3.10 Safety and Security New buildings need to be carefully integrated with the existing porte-cochere on Avebury Boulevard. This The developer must consult with the Crime Prevention does not mean the continuation of the public pedestrian Design Advisor (CPDA) at an early stage in the design process: initially, regarding design and layout and subsequently, regarding any additional physical security or community safety requirements. Most importantly, the layout of the development should avoid the creation of areas of public realm that are ‘leftover’ and not overlooked by any development, as they can become areas of anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, there should be no ambiguous space in terms of ownership. Developers should contact Brian Rodger 01908 257991 [email protected] to discuss safety and security issues. Integrated Parking Structure: Vizion development 4.3.11 Public Art Any potential redevelopment should include an element of public art, in line with the Council’s policy. 20 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture 4.4 Development Requirements part of the Council’s planning policy on sustainable construction. The policy currently requires a minimum of 4.4.1 Servicing, Waste and Utilities 10% of carbon dioxide emissions from the development to be offset specifically through the use of low/carbon The layout and design of the building(s) should accommodate requirements and access for servicing, waste storage and collection and utilities equipment. Methods of dealing with, and integrating servicing, waste renewable energy technologies; a figure which is expected to rise to 20% on adoption of the Core Strategy. 4.4.2 Drainage storage and collection should reflect the city centre location and be part of/integrated within the building Where Anglian Water requires the diversion of, or any envelope, with no separate enclosures. Service yards other works to adopted sewers within the site, the should not dominate any elevation and should avoid developer is responsible for all works and costs incurred altogether from occurring along the Avebury Boulevard in meeting their requirements. frontage. Servicing and refuse collection should not either be located in such a way so as to impact on the The sewers shall be constructed in accordance with the amentiy of residents along South 10th Street. current edition of ‘Sewers for Adoption’ irrespective of their future adoption status. Utilities equipment - electricity sub-stations, gas governors, telecoms cabinets - should be located in accordance with the CMK Handbook for the Public Realm. Links into the existing CMK combined heat and power (CHP) system should be made. CHP is the means by which the heat produced during the generation of energy is used to produce hot water for heating. CHP is most efficient when there is a mix of uses near the plant that create a balanced need for the heat during the day and night such as residential, schools, retail and offices. The CHP system is connected to the mains power grid, providing additional security of electrical supply. Connection into the Central Milton Keynes CHP system will enable the development to fulfil the low carbon/renewable energy requirement which forms www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 21 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief ANNEXURE A: EXISTING UTILITIES 22 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 23 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief ANNEXURE B: PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK B.1 NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK (NPPF) 2. Ensuring the vitality of town centres 23. Planning policies should be positive, promote competitive town centre environments and set out policies for the management and growth of centres not available. If sufficient edge of centre sites cannot be identified, set policies for meeting the identified needs in other accessible locations that are well connected to the town centre; over the plan period. In drawing up Local Plans, local ● Set policies for the consideration of proposals for main planning authorities should: town centre uses which cannot be accommodated in or ● Recognise town centres as the heart of their adjacent to town centres; communities and pursue policies to support their viability ● Recognise that residential development can play an and vitality; important role in ensuring the vitality of centres and set ● Define a network and hierarchy of centres that is resilient to anticipated future economic changes; ● Define the extent of town centres and primary shopping areas, based on a clear definition of primary and secondary frontages in designated centres, and set out policies to encourage residential development on appropriate sites; and ● Where town centres are in decline, local planning authorities should plan positively for their future to encourage economic activity. policies that make clear which uses will be permitted in such locations; ● Promote competitive town centres that provide test to planning applications for main town centre customer choice and a diverse retail offer and which uses that are not in an existing centre and are not in reflect the individuality of town centres; accordance with an up-to-date Local Plan. They should ● Retain and enhance existing markets and, where appropriate, re-introduce or create new ones, ensuring that markets remain attractive and competitive; require applications for main town centre uses to be located in town centres, then in edge of centre locations and only if suitable sites are not available should out of centre sites be considered. When considering edge of ● Allocate a range of suitable sites to meet the scale centre and out of centre proposals, preference should and type of retail leisure, commercial, office, tourism, be given to accessible sites that are well connected cultural, community and residential development to the town centre. Applicants and local planning needed in town centres. It is important that needs for authorities should demonstrate flexibility on issues such retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses as format and scale. are met in full and are not compromised by limited site availability. Local planning authorities should therefore undertake an assessment of the need to expand town centres to ensure a sufficient supply of suitable sites; ● Allocate appropriate edge of centre sites for main town centre uses that are well connected to the town centre where suitable and viable town centre sites are 24 24. Local planning authorities should apply a sequential 25. This sequential approach should not be applied to applications for small scale rural offices or other small scale rural development. 26. When assessing applications for retail, leisure and office development outside of town centres, which are not in accordance with an up-to-date Local Plan, local planning authorities should require an impact Urban Design & Landscape Architecture assessment if the development is over a proportionate, locally set floorspace threshold (if there is no locally set threshold, the default threshold is 2,500 sq m).This should include assessment of: ultra-low emission vehicles; and ● consider the needs of people with disabilities by all modes of transport. ● the impact of the proposal on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or 7. Requiring good design centres in the catchment area of the proposal; and ● the impact of the proposal on town centre vitality and 56. The Government attcahes great importnace to viability, including local consumer choice and trade in the design of the built environment. Good design is the town centre and wider area, up to five years from the indivisible from good planning, and should contribute time the application is made. For major schemes where positively to making places better for people. the full impact will not be realised in five years, the impact should also be assessed up to ten years from the time the application is made. 27. Where an application fails to satisfy the sequential test or is likely to have significant adverse impact on one or more of the above factors, it should be refused. 57. It is important to plan positively for the achivement of high quality and inclusive design for all development, including individual buildings, public and private spaces and wider area dveelopment schemes. 58. Local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of dvelopment that will be expected for the area. 4. Promoting sustainable transport Such policies should be based on stated objectives for the future of the area and an understading and evaluation of its defining characteristices. Planning 35. Plans should protect and exploit opportunities policies and decisions should aim to ensure that foir the use of sustainable transport modes for developments: the movement of goods or people. Therefore, developments should be located and designed where practical to: ● accommodate the efficient delivery of goods and supplies; ● give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements, and have access to high quality public transport facilities; ● will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development; ● establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit; ● optimise the potential of the site to accommodate ● create safe and secure layouts which minimise development, create and sustain an appropriate mix conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians, of uses (including incorporation of green and other avoiding street clutter and where appropriate public space as part of developments) and support local establishing home zones;; facilities and transport networks; ● incorporate facilities for charging plug-in and other www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 25 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief ● respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation; ● create safe and accessible environemnts where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and ● are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping. 8. Promoting healthy communities 23. The planning system can play an importnat role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities. Local planning authorities should create a shared vision with communities of the residential environment and facilities they wish to see. To support this, local planning authorities should aim to involve all sections of the community in the development of Local Plans and in planning decisions, and should facilitate neighbourhood planning. Planning policies and decisions, in turn, should aim to achieve places which promote: ● opportunities for meetings between members of the community who might not otherwise come into contact with each other, including through mixed-use developments, strong neighbourhood cnetres and active street frontages which bring together those who work, live and play in the vicinity;● safe and accessible environemnts where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine qulaity of life or community cohesion; and ● safe and accessible developments, containing clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public space, which encourage the active and continual use of public areas. 26 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 27 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief B.2 MILTON KEYNES LOCAL PLAN (2005) The following are considered to be the relevant planning policies from the Milton Keynes Local Plan 2001- 2011. Strategic Policies Elsewhere in CMK, with exception of block C4.1, retail development will be small scale and generally part of CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES mixed shopping, office, leisure and housing schemes. POLICY S5 Strategic Policy S5 (for Central Milton Keynes) identifies POLICY CC2 that within the Local Plan period; CMK will continue to develop as an emerging regional centre and a focus Planning permission for significant additional retail for retail, commercial and cultural development within floorspace in CMK will only be permitted if the Council is the City. This policy identifies that the key objectives for satisfied that: CMK are to:(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i) Sufficient retail expenditure exists within the Achieve a broader mix of uses within a finer Milton Keynes catchment area to support grain of development, incorporating a high the proposed additional retail floorspace in a standard of design. sustainable manner, and, Promote a higher density of development (ii) The proposed development would not leading to a greater intensity of activity materially affect the vitality and viability of any supporting and supported by high quality public District or Town Centres, including those in transport. towns outside the Council’s area Reduce the influence of the car in the design and layout of the area OFFICE DEVELOPMENT Encourage walking, cycling, and the use of POLICY CC5 public transport for people travelling to, from, and within the area with walking the first priority within CMK (v) Integrate different facilities and quarters within the centre. The Council will seek to maintain the role of Central Milton Keynes as the main office centre in the Borough. Within CMK, planning permission for new office developments will be granted on sites allocated on the Proposals Map provided the minimum plot ratio of the Central Milton Keynes development is 2.5:1 except in the following locations where the minimum plot ration will be 3.5:1 SHOPPING POLICY CC1 Within CMK, the main shopping area is between Silbury Boulevard, Avebury Boulevard, Saxon Gate and Marlborough Gate. 28 (i) Station Square (ii) Sites fronting or adjacent to Midsummer Boulevard (ii) Any other locations identified in Supplementary Planning Guidance. Urban Design & Landscape Architecture be provided mainly in multi-storey car parks, KEY TRANSPORT PRINCIPLES with limited provision on street or within new POLICY CC7a New development in CMK should reflect the following development (ii) provision does not prejudice the implementation access and transport principles: (i) (ii) of public transport proposals serving CMK Create a critical mass of new development and residential population to encourage walking New parking provision will be phased so that its (iii) Off-street car (including integral garages, and cycling, supporting and supported by high surface parking or multi-storey car parks) should quality public transport. be located within development blocks and not on street frontages Protect existing and proposed transport routes, including routes into CMK (iii) Reallocate existing highway space in CMK DESIGN AND LAYOUT to create a safe, integrated and inclusive public POLICY CC8 realm, which connects existing and proposed areas of public open space and centres of activity and encourages pedestrian movement and activity (iv) high standard of design and be based upon a thorough analysis of the physical context and constraints of the Improve interchange between pedestrians, site. Development proposals should: cycles, buses, trains and cars and develop (i) Create a high density built form with a broader existing and proposed key transport interchange mix of uses both horizontally and vertically, points at Lower Ninth Street /Midsummer within a finer grain of development. Boulevard, Station Square and by the Theatre/ Xscape buildings. (v) All development proposals in CMK should achieve a (ii) reducing the area used for roads and parking Provide for the parking needs of business, retail, residents and other visitors consistent with maximum parking standards Maximise development opportunities by within boulevards, gates and streets. (iii) Make a positive contribution to the public realm, including provision or improvement of open space KEY PRINCIPLES FOR PARKING (iv) POLICY CC7C Development proposals in CMK should meet the following parking requirements: (i) Where development on land currently used for car parking occurs alternative parking should www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design Include an element of public art as an integral part of the design (v) Provide safe, attractive and convenient pedestrian through routes within or between buildings, which are accessible to the public 24 hours a day and encourage pedestrian permeability through developments. 29 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief (vi) Minimise the visual impact of private vehicles, (vii) parking and servicing areas on the quality of the streetscape (vii) Pay attention to detail in terms of lighting, sign Be designed to be adaptable for a range of different uses These are the design policies specific to Central Milton Keynes that aim to guide development in this location. ing, street furniture, decoration and works of art and ensure its provision is co-ordinated and complementary to provision else where in CMK. Detailed illustrated design statements to demonstrate PLANNING OBLIGATIONS IN CMK POLICY CC10 how the above criteria and any relevant Supplementary The design and provision of new development will Planning Guidance for the proposal have been taken be expected to help achieve the strategic goals and into account should accompany planning applications. principles of the CMK Development Framework. The Council will seek the following improvements as part of DESIGN OF NEW BUILDINGS POLICY CC9 any development proposals in CMK: (i) cultural infrastructure required to support the realisation of the CMK Development Framework New buildings should: (i) Incorporate covered walkways on the frontages of all buildings facing Gates and Boulevards and and other policies in the Local Plan. (ii) Improvements to, and provision of, community facilities including meeting places, education provide sheltered pedestrian routes from multi- and childcare, healthcare and recreational storey car parks to Midsummer Boulevard (“The facilities. City Spine”) (iii) Support for innovation and enterprise including (ii) Use a high standard of facing materials. (iii) Interact with and contribute positively to to develop the skills of the resident workforce their surroundings at street level, encourage and help sections of the community that are pedestrian activity, and contribute to a sense of disadvantaged in the labour market. place and vitality. (iv) Improvements to the pedestrian environment, cycleways, public transport system infrastructure and highways. (v) Financial contributions towards the provision of new or improved public transport services and Comply with Policy D4: Sustainable Construction (vi) (iv) six storeys with taller buildings in prominent a minimum height of 3 storeys (v) training facilities and other projects that help Generally, have a minimum height of five to locations . Residential development should have 30 Contributions to the economic, social and car parking, including multi-storey provision. (vi) Provision for the remodelling or upgrading of Be designed to maximise the use of natural existing CMK infrastructure, including utilities, lighting, and ventilation and solar gain communications and other services. Urban Design & Landscape Architecture (vi) (viii) (ix) Provision for the remodelling or upgrading of (iii) Create new Civic and Community buildings and existing CMK infrastructure, including utilities, development with active ground floor frontages communications and other services. around Civic Square. Provision for new or improved public realm (iv) Ensure that the design and layout of including public open space, leisure and development around the Midsummer recreation facilities in accordance with Boulevard and Marlborough Gate junction the standards in Appendix L3. Where it is does not prejudice the introduction of an undesirable or inappropriate to meet these enhanced bridge link into Campbell Park and standards on site, contributions will be sought reconfiguration of engineering infra- structure in towards provision elsewhere. this area 30% of new housing proposed within the (v) category of affordable housing. fronting Campbell Park should support the creation of a new skyline with high quality, The list is not exhaustive and further guidance to distinctive buildings. developers on detailed requirements will be contained in Supplementary Planning Guidance, including Quarters Development with an aspect or elevation (vi) Create a new public open space, enclosed by Plans and Design, Development and Implementation development, between Midsummer Boulevard Briefs. and the bridge to Campbell Park. (vii) New residential accommodation should be CITY CORE QUARTER developed at a net density of 175-275 dwellings POLICY CC13 per hectare as part of mixed use schemes. If the redevelopment of the Food Centre occurs during The City Core will be promoted as the main destination the currency of this Local Plan, redevelopment should within CMK and a broad mix of uses will be encouraged achieve a broader mix of uses and promote a higher including shopping, entertainment, residential, hotels, density of development. It should be integrated with the cultural and civic uses. The design and layout of new Theatre District to improve east-west linkages south of development should reflect the following principles: Midsummer Boulevard. (i) Integrate existing and proposed development by breaking down the development block BLOCK D4 structure and reducing the physical separation POLICY CC18 between buildings (ii) Create a new Civic Square and market area The design and layout of new development of Block (following the removal of the Secklow Gate D4 in the City Core quarter should reflect the following Road Bridge over Midsummer Boulevard) to principles: act as a focal point within CMK www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design (i) Increase the residential community, by 31 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief developing new residential accommodation at a (iv) other emission to air, water or land net density of 100-175 dwellings per hectare (ii) Provide new community facilities and local (v) important built and natural features and wildlife Include a mix of residential, office and habitats entertainment uses in any redevelopment of the eastern part of Block D4 (iv) Improve pedestrian routes into Fishermead (v) The undeveloped site to the rear of Saxon Physical damage to the site and neighbouring property including statutorily protected and other shops (iii) Unacceptable pollution by noise, smell, light or (vi) Inadequate access to, and vehicle movement within, the site. Court (Block D4.1 south) should be developed DESIGN OF BUILDINGS as a residential and commercial landmark POLICY D2 building to mark this prominent entrance to CMK. Development of this site should be Development proposals for buildings will be refused designed to integrate with the redevelopment of unless they: Saxon Court. (i) Are in scale with other buildings in the immediate vicinity in terms of their height and massing, except where a greater scale is Design necessary to reflect the development’s function and importance IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ON LOCALITY POLICY D1 (ii) environment. (iii) Provide access for those with impaired mobility (iv) Allows for visual interest through the careful use of detailing, where this is appropriate to the Planning permission will be refused for development character of the area that would be harmful for any of the following reasons: (i) Additional traffic generation which would over (v) (ii) Include landscaping and boundary treatments that integrate with those of the surrounding area load the existing road network or cause undue disturbance, noise or fumes Relate well to and enhance the surrounding (vi) Have regard to the need to design layout and Inadequate drainage, which would adversely screening in the interests of the prevention of affect surface water disposal, including flood crime and the surveillance of the public realm control, or overload the existing foul drainage system (iii) 32 The extension of existing buildings will only be permitted An unacceptable visual intrusion or loss of providing the scale of the proposed extension does not privacy, sunlight and daylight detract from the character of the original building. Urban Design & Landscape Architecture URBAN DESIGN ASPECTS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT POLICY D2A SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION POLICY D4 All new development exceeding 5 dwellings (in the Development proposals will be refused unless they meet case of residential development) or incorporating gross the following objectives: floorspace in excess of 1000 sq m (in the case of other (i) Character in townscape and landscape by development) will be required to include the following: identifying and reinforcing better quality and (i) (ii) locally distinctive design elements buildings’ orientation to maximize sunlighting Continuity of street frontage and enclosure of and daylighting, avoidance of overshadowing, space by clearly defining public and private passive ventilation; areas and locating main building entrances on (ii) the street (iii) Quality public realm consisting of spaces and external wall surface extent and exposure; (iii) related to and overlooked by buildings providing performance; (iv) Ease of movement by creating places that are permeable and well connected with safe, devices; (v) recycling priority to walking, cycling and public transport (vi) Adaptability of buildings and spaces, capable to use by a range of activities in response to changing conditions (vii) Significant use of building materials that are renewable or recycled; junctions and landmarks to help people to find their way around Sustainable urban drainage systems, including rainwater and waste water collection and attractive, convenient routes along streets giving Legibility by providing recognisable streets, Renewable energy production e.g. external solar collectors, wind turbines or photovoltaic vehicles not being visually dominant (vi) Landscape or planting design to optimise screening and individual buildings’ thermal uses along main streets and with parked (v) Grouped building forms in order to minimize the streets that are accessible, attractive, well natural surveillance, with active ground floor (iv) Energy efficiency by siting, design, layout and (vii) Waste reduction and recycling measures; (viii) Carbon neutrality or financial contributions to a carbon offset fund to enable carbon emissions to be offset elsewhere. Variety of layout, building form, use and tenure through the site. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 33 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief Transport Planning Obligations TRAFFIC PERCENT FOR ART POLICY T10 POLICY P04 Planning permission will be refused for development if it would be likely to generate motor traffic: Where new development is proposed, developers are (i) Exceeding the environmental or highway encouraged to allocate at least 1% of the capital cost of capacity of the local road network; or a development towards the incorporation of public works (ii) Causing significant disturbance, noise, pollution or risk of accidents. PARKING PROVISION POLICY T15 of art that enhance the appearance of the development Retail CAR-RELATED RETAIL USES POLICY R3 Development proposals should meet the following Proposals for car showroom, servicing and other car- vehicle parking requirements: related retail uses will be permitted only in the following (i) locations: CMK (except for car servicing) Car parking provision must not exceed the Council’s maximum standards. (ii) On-site parking should not be reduced below the maximum standard if it would be likely to result in off-site parking causing problems that cannot be resolved by on-street parking controls. (iii) Parking areas should be well designed in terms of safety, circulation and appearance and assist access by pedestrians and cyclists. 34 Leisure and Recreation ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMERCIAL LEISURE FACILITIES POLICY L9 New facilities for arts, entertainment, tourism and commercial leisure should be located in CMK or other town or district centres accessible by public transport. Urban Design & Landscape Architecture B.3 MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL CORE STRATEGY CORE STRATEGY SUBMISSION VERSION (OCTOBER 2010) 7 Provide more pedestrian-friendly routes and spaces between new and existing buildings and public areas CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES 8 Improve integration between the facilities and defined quarters of the area Policy CS 7 9 Accommodate the expansion needs of tertiary Central Milton Keynes is a modern and carefully planned Higher Education such as the University Centre new city centre. It will retain and enhance its role as a Milton Keynes (UCMK) sub-regional centre and the city’s focus for retail, office, hotel, leisure and cultural development, together with 10 Offer an attractive urban living environment for the residents of current and future dwellings new housing and related facilities. The key objectives for Central Milton Keynes are to: 1 Achieve higher quality buildings and spaces around them, with greater attention to human scale and more detail and variety of uses within proposals 2 Promote a higher density of development in appropriate locations 3 Achieve growing visitor numbers from outside the city to further enhance CMK’s status as a regional and national destination for shopping, culture and leisure 4 Offer a range of travel options which collectively will support an increase in visitor numbers to the city centre and increased average travel distances 5 Develop as an attractive focus for all the residents of the Borough, whilst recognising its role as a District Centre for most of the surrounding estates 6 Encourage greater access to and within the area by walking, cycling and public transport www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design 35 Wyevale Site, CMK Development Brief performance in the layout and orientation of Ensuring High Quality, Well Designed Places Policy CS 13 buildings and neighbourhoods • Provide sustainable and strategic surface water drainage as part of a network of multi-purpose Character of Place open spaces All new development must be of high design quality in terms of layout, form and appearance, and make • a positive contribution to the character of the area in orientation, particularly from the grid road and which it is located. redway networks All new development must be based on a thorough site • Provide a range of housing densities with appraisal and be sensitive to its context. New housing more high density in Central Milton Keynes should be of an appropriate density for the area in which and close to good public transport nodes, with it is located. lower densities elsewhere, to contribute towards variety in visual appearance and create diverse, Where there is no clear character on the site or sustainable neighbourhood surrounding area, new development must be designed to create a distinctive sense of place by using existing • appearance of buildings. Effectively integrate the Council’s car parking standards into the layout of new developments site features, the layout of the development, and the • Redways (another unique element of MK) Design of Place should be built within the landscape corridor of To ensure high design quality, all new developments all new grid roads, as well as elsewhere within should: new developments • • • appropriate use of planting on streets and in principles in By Design, Manual for Streets and public open spaces, and respecting the existing Safer Places, or future best practice guidance landscaped grid road corridors. Champion new approaches to sustainable concept of the grid, so that everyone lives within walking distance of a viable bus route, local shops and other day-to-day facilities • Provide a choice of contemporary, innovative, exemplar architecture that reflects Milton Keynes’ reputation as an ambitious, forwardthinking, innovative 21st Century city • Continue the green character of the city through Comply with best practice urban design urban form and structure, which build on the 36 Provide visual landmarks to help with Integrate energy efficiency and solar Urban Design & Landscape Architecture Planning and Transport Milton Keynes Council Civic Offices 1 Saxon Gate East Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ T +44 (0) 1908 252708 F +44 (0) 1908 252329 E [email protected] www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/urban-design Available in audio, large print, braille and other languages 01908 254836