Planning Advisory Notes - Vale of White Horse District Council
Transcription
Planning Advisory Notes - Vale of White Horse District Council
abc Planning Advisory Notes Adopted 20th July 2006 Vale of White Horse District Council Planning and Community Strategy Abbey House Abingdon OX14 3JE Tel: 01235 520202 Fax: 01235 540397 email: [email protected] www: whitehorsedc.gov.uk VALE OF WHITE HORSE DISTRICT COUNCIL Planning Advisory Notes This document contains planning advisory notes, to be used as guidance when making a planning application. The notes were previously adopted as supplementary planning guidance alongside the now superseded Local Plan to 2001. They can no longer be supplementary planning guidance as they have not be subjected to formal public consultation during the preparation of the Local Plan 2011. They however, contain information that is still useful and relevant to development control in determining planning applications. The District Council at their meeting held on 22nd March 2006 resolved to continue to use the advisory notes for development control purposes from 20th July 2006, the date the Local Plan to 2011 was adopted. The Planning Advisory Notes are: Page • • • • • • • • Telecommunications Apparatus Clay Pigeon Shoots Landscape Strategy North Vale Corallian Ridge House Conversion to Flats Shop fronts and Advertisements New Residential Design Guide Access for people with impaired mobility 1 4 7 18 20 24 29 37 This document can also be found on the Council’s website at: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk Vale of the White Horse District Council Planning & Community Strategy Abbey House Abingdon OX14 3JE Tel: 01235 520202 Fax: 01235 540397 Re-published July 2006 Telecommunications Apparatus Design Guidance ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION The following notes are intended to provide guidance to those householders who are considering the erection of telecommunications apparatus, including satellite television dishes, amateur radio aerials, masts and antenna. They supplement the formal telecommunication apparatus policies contained in the Community Services and Facilities Chapter of the Local Plan 2011. Most conventional television aerials do not require planning permission although on some modern housing developments the original planning permission contained a condition requiring households to apply for permitted for T.V and other aerials. Many of the smallest antenna systems also may not need permission, depending on their size and the facts of each case. Freestanding domestic radio masts, on the other hand, will usually need consent because of their height. It is advisable to contact the District Council’s Planning Service to establish whether consent is necessary. When planning permission is required, the District Council is more likely to give consent if the advice in this note is followed. SITING OF APPARATUS Choose a position for telecommunications apparatus where it is not readily visible from the street or other areas used by the public and does not adversely affect the appearance of the building or neighbouring properties. A dish close to the living room window of a neighbouring house may not be appropriate for example. Avoid the installation of any telecommunications apparatus on the front walls or roof of the building. Where because of technical requirements it is essential for telecommunications apparatus to be fixed to a building, siting on the side or rear of a building may be more appropriate. It will be essential to ensure that no part of the antenna is higher than the roof or projects forward of the building. Sometimes it may be more acceptable for apparatus to be sited at ground level, where it can be screened, or alternatively it may be appropriate to locate apparatus on garages or outbuildings at the rear or side of the premises. DESIGN OF APPARATUS Try to ensure that the colour of a satellite dish is sympathetic to the building to which it is attached. It is generally better to paint apparatus in a darker rather than lighter shade than the surroundings. A requirement may be imposed that a dark open mesh or a transparent dish should be used, or that dishes should be painted an appropriate matt colour to tone with the surroundings. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 1 In choosing a satellite dish consider apparatus with a supporting mount that would be as unobtrusive as possible and can be painted the same colour as the dish. Freestanding radio masts mounted into a solid base are less obtrusive and easier to screen than masts with attendant guy ropes or lattice framed support structures. Retractable radio masts that may be “wound down” and stored in a horizontal position or reduced considerably in height when not in use would be less prominent than a permanently visible mast. In choosing telecommunications apparatus consideration should be given to the likelihood of interference with neighbours’ electrical equipment arising from the use of powerful apparatus. Where a planning application is required for telecommunications apparatus, particularly radio masts, applicants may need to prove the stability of the apparatus under severe weather conditions. Large, unstable, equipment may constitute a threat to property and public safety. Try to avoid the proliferation of apparatus on individual buildings and structures and the street scheme in general. The District Planning Authority, in assessing applications will seek to minimise technological clutter. Resist the temptation to erect numerous antennas where one is usually sufficient. Wherever possible the District Planning Authority will encourage the sharing of antennas by several users through the provision of communal or master antenna systems linked by cable, in particular in environmentally sensitive areas and where applications have been refused. LISTED BUILDINGS, CONSERVATION AREAS, AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY AND THE NORTH VALE CORALLIAN RIDGE Telecommunications apparatus to be sited on or within the curtilage of a Listed Building will normally require consent. Apparatus which would adversely affect the character, appearance or setting of a Listed Building will not be acceptable. Apparatus may be acceptable at ground level to the rear of the building, on a modern rear extension or in the internal valley of a roof (providing no part of the antenna projects above the ridge and preferably is not visible from ground level). Within Conservation Areas, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Vale Corallian Ridge telecommunications development may not be acceptable if the siting and design of apparatus will have a significant adverse affect on the amenities and character of the area. STANDARD CONDITIONS It is anticipated that rapid improvements in technology will soon make apparatus redundant: use of apparatus is also likely to cease due to other reasons. It is essential to ensure that the environment does not become cluttered with redundant apparatus. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 2 Planning permission granted to those other than the Code Operators for telecommunications installations will normally be subject to a condition requiring their removal when redundant or at the end of 7 years, whichever is sooner. FURTHER INFORMATION Department of the Environment, A Householder’s Planning Guide for the Installation of Satellite Television Dishes (Free booklet available from the District Council Offices). Vale of White Horse District Council Planning & Community Strategy The Abbey House Abingdon Oxon OX14 3JE Telephone: (01235) 520202 Website: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 3 Clay Pigeon Shoots Guidance on new shoots ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Clay pigeon shooting is a growing rural leisure pursuit and is a recognised sport at national and international level. While seeking to support appropriate leisure activities in the countryside it is the duty of the Council to ensure that the pursuit of such activities does not disrupt those with equally legitimate rights to enjoy the countryside. As clay pigeon shooting is a particularly noisy activity the location of shooting grounds can have a detrimental impact upon those enjoying their own residential amenities and those who enjoy quieter rural pursuits like walking and horse riding. It is a Planning Authority’s duty to strike a balance between these competing interests and to this end the District Council has produced a policy on noisy sports (L19) which is contained in the Leisure Chapter of the Local Plan 2011. This guidance gives additional advice specifically on new clay pigeon shoots which will be taken into account when considering planning applications for such uses. LEGAL BACKGROUND Under the terms of Class B Part 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 clay pigeon shooting may take place on any land for not more than 28 days per calendar year provided that: • • • the land in question is not a building or within the curtilage of a building; the land in question is not within a caravan site; the land is not, or is not part of, an area of special scientific interest. Planning permission will not therefore be required for a clay pigeon shoot if it complies with the terms of the General Development Order, although planning permission may be required for any structures erected as facilities for that use – i.e. “trap” towers or structures erected as firing points – and the use of such permanent structures may mean that the activity constitutes a material change of use requiring planning permission. If in doubt it is always wise to contact the Council before arranging a shoot. The principles embodies in the policies set out below represent a “common sense” approach to minimising the potential problems which can be caused by this increasingly popular leisure activity. Even where express permission is not required, organisers of shoots could do much to enhance the image of their sport by seeking to follow the Council’s guidelines. PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR NEW SHOOTS For the purpose of this development control advice note the following definition shall apply; __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 4 NOISE SENSITIVE PREMISES Any premises used as a dwelling; hospital or similar institution; school (in school hours in term time or at other times when in use); or place of worship (during recognised times and days of worship); or used for any other purposes likely to be affected by an increase in noise. The use of land for a clay pigeon shoot for more than 28 days per calendar year – that is between January 1st and December 31st – requires express planning permission from the Council, and in such cases the following principles will be applied. DISTANCE FROM NOISE SENSITIVE LOCATIONS The simplest, and often the most effective, means of ensuring that clay pigeon shoots do not cause disturbance, or indeed nuisance, to residential areas is to locate them in remote areas. Oxfordshire is relatively densely populated and few sufficiently remote areas exist. Therefore it is only possible to set minimum distances between shoots and houses. Research suggests that implementation of the following guidance should minimise nuisance to noise sensitive premises. The site of a clay pigeon shoot should be at least 1,000 metres from the edge of a town, village, small settlement or other noise sensitive location. The Council will prefer sites to be in excess of 1,500 metres from residential areas and below that distance would be likely to impose more rigid restrictions on the number of shoots, the time of operation and the introduction of noise attenuation measures. SUNDAY SHOOTING Sunday is not only the most popular day for clay pigeon shooting it is also the day on which the sport causes most nuisance to others. Therefore on sites within 1,500 metres of the edge of a town, village, small settlement or other noise sensitive location Sunday shooting will not normally be permitted and applicants may be asked to enter into legal agreements with the Council to ensure that Sunday shooting does not take place on adjacent land under the terms of the General Development Order. HIGHWAY REQUIREMENTS The Highways Act requires that no firearm be discharged within 50 feet of the centre of a public highway. Even at that distance the noise from shooting can frighten users of a public highway; particularly walkers, and horses and their riders. It is of particular importance that shooting grounds adjacent to footpaths and bridleways are carefully designed, to ensure the safety of walkers and horse riders, and minimise the impact of noise. Where a clay pigeon shoot is to take place near to a public road, footpath or bridleway the Council will be seeking to ensure that no shooting takes place within 50 metres of the highway and that all shooting positions are so designed to direct shot and falling debris away from the highway. LIMITATIONS ON USAGE Prevailing winds, the topography of the land and other physical features on or near the proposed shooting grounds will have an effect upon the noise emanating from a site. To ensure that __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 5 others may enjoy other legitimate, more peaceful, countryside activities it will often be necessary to impose rigid restrictions on the hours clay pigeon shooting can take place. The use of a site for clay pigeon shooting will therefore normally be subject to limitations on the hours of use and the days of the week on which shooting can take place. Only at remote or sound secure locations will shooting be permitted on Bank Holidays and Remembrance Sunday unless express prior consent is obtained from the Council. Limitations will often be imposed on the number of people shooting at any one time. In general the number should not exceed 8 but this may be reduced further depending on the individual characteristics of the site. LANDSCAPING In open and exposed sites, particular in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it may be necessary for special noise attenuation measures and landscape screening to be carried out, even where the sites concerned are relatively remote from residential areas. If planning permission is granted for a clay pigeon shoot conditions may be imposed to limit the noise emanating from a shoot, and the visual impact of any structures required for its use. Off site planting and landscaping and sound bunding will be required at all sites for new clay pigeon shoots. In certain circumstances it will also be necessary for the Council to require only sub-sonic cartridges to be used. Where the Council considers it necessary the above controls may form part of a legal agreement between the Council and the site operators. ACCESS In assessing the merits of an application for a clay pigeon shoot due weight will be attached to the means of access to the site and the provision of car parking space. Access to a site will be required to conform with the County Surveyor’s requirements and all shooting sites should have adequate provision for parking so that the proposal does not result in parking on a public highway, bridleway or footpath. FALL OF DEBRIS The fall of shot and clay pigeon debris can result in an accumulation of lead in the soil and a scatter of visually intrusive litter. To ensure that no long-term environmental damage is caused the Council will require that all of the land on which debris is likely to fall is in the control of the applicant and that the debris is regularly removed. In areas where there is a real danger of longterm lead pollution to a water course the Council will require, through legal agreement, the use of non-toxic shot. The Council is also anxious to ensure that wildlife and important natural habitats are no damaged by any proposed shoot. Planning permission for clay pigeon shoots is therefore unlikely to be permitted where it is likely to cause undue damage to interests of nature conservation, or disturbance to important wildlife habitats, result in the release of high concentrations of lead onto agricultural land or an adjacent water course. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 6 Landscape Strategy An analysis of the Vale’s landscape, and a proposed strategy ___________________________________________________________________________________ “The Vale of White Horse has always formed a topographical unit, and the landscape forms one spectacular whole; on a clear day it can be seen almost in its entirety from the highest point of the District, White Horse Hill itself. Chalk ridge, clay vales and Corallian ridge and the Thames Valley run roughly parallel across the view, and yield distinct local scenery.” Nancy Stebbing, The Vale of White Horse, 1978 “The Vale of White Horse is at once a national heritage of incomparable beauty and home for the villagers who live there.” J R L Anderson, 1972 One aim of this Local Plan is to safeguard the distinctive character of the Vale. The countryside and its landscape is one very important part of the Vale’s acknowledged beauty. Much of the landscape of the Vale is designated for its special quality. The Government has approved the Berkshire Downs as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recognising that their landscape is uniquely precious and vulnerable. Elsewhere, such as the water meadows of the River Thames, and the ridge of high ground between Wytham and Buscot, the planning authorities will take account of the impact of proposed developments on local landscape character. Planning Policy Statement 7, August 2004, requires the planning system to ensure that the quality and character of the countryside is protected. All local plans are required to include policies to support development that contributes to rural economies, take account of the need to protect natural resources and conserve features and sites subject to statutory designations. The Countryside Commission, in Countryside and nature conservation issues in district local plans, 1990, strongly recommend that District Councils place increasing emphasis on an approach to landscape conservation based on landscape character – the characteristics and features that make one landscape different fro another, rather than necessarily better or worse. The District Council believes that the best means of protecting the Vale’s landscape and enhancing its quality and character is through preparation and the implementation of a clear strategy. The two broad aims of the Council’s landscape strategy will be: • • to conserve, maintain and enhance the variety of landscape character of the area; to promote and encourage appropriate new planting and other schemes, particularly to accelerate the pace of woodland development in certain areas. There are four distinct landscape zones running across the landscape from west to east, reflecting the underlying geology. Each zone has a distinctive character, and the Council, through its programme of grant aid from the Countryside Commission, advice to parish councils and its own works has specific landscape aims in each zone. These aims will also influence development control discussions. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 7 ZONE 1 THAMES VALLEY AND CORALLIAN RIDGE The quality of this landscape arises from the juxtaposition of two landscape features – the Corallian ridge and Thames Valley. ZONE 1A UPPER THAMES VALLEY The soft Oxford clays have been eroded by the river, and are covered in parts by gravels and alluvium. As the river meanders in its valley, the landscape combines water meadows (which flood regularly), small woodlands, pasture, and willows growing on the river banks and in hedgerows. Upstream of Oxford the river valley has an increasingly remote and tranquil character. In the Oxford area, from Wytham to Kennington, the Thames has cut through the Corallian ridge; and at Nuneham, through the lower greensand. Traditionally the Willows were pollarded regularly. In recent years this practice had largely ceased, so that many larger Willows split, losing limbs, and decaying. The Council aims to encourage Willow pollarding, and the planting of new Willows within this area. Some of the small copses and woodlands in this area have been neglected: here the Council aims to encourage good woodland management, for example, through support for the work of the Oxfordshire Woodland Project (which operates throughout the Vale). This is a free and impartial service for owners of small woodlands in Oxfordshire. ZONE 1B THE CORALLIAN RIDGE The ridge is made up of limestone and sandstone and runs from Wiltshire to Waterperry, but is most striking as a landform between Coleshill and Kennington, with a steep north-facing scarpslope. In the west the ridge (sometimes called the Golden Ridge) has been dissected by streams, which have eroded steep slopes to hills such as Badbury Hill and Faringdon Folly. The ridge is characterised by woodland, including a significant proportion of ancient woodland; country houses in gardens designed to look out over the north-facing scarp; limestone villages built of local coral ragstone’ and expansive views to north, south and, at the Oxford Heights, to the east. The soils tend to be light and sandy, with large arable farms to the west. The sands which form the heaths around Frilford are part of the Corallian landscape. Some of the woodlands in this area are well maintained, but others have been neglected over the years, and the Council aims to encourage good woodland management. Hedgerow planting will also be encouraged, through the Countryside Commission grants scheme. ZONE 2 THE CLAY VALE A broad lowland of kimmeridge and gault clays forms the centre of the Vale of White Horse. The clay vale begins near Uffington where a hilly promontory of lower greensand stretches north as far as the Corallian ridge near Faringdon, but leaves on the south side a narrow depression of gault clay through which flows a headstream of the Ock. East of the greensand hillock, the gault meets kimmeridge clay and the two form a wide unbroken vale as far as the Thames at Abingdon. There are extensive alluvial flats and gravel terraces where the Ock meets the Thames: these continue to Dorchester. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 8 The heavy wet soils of the clay vale were not attractive to early settlers and made farming laborious. They were used for permanent dairy pasture, some of very poor quality, producing little until crop improvements in this century. Throughout the clay vale, Willows are found on the alluvium, along the river valleys and tributaries where the land tend s to be of lower agricultural quality. Coppicing of osiers used to be widespread here. The Council aims to encourage Willow pollarding and planting of new Willows. Elsewhere in the main valley of the clay vale there are three types of landscape. ZONE 2A THE WESTERN CLAY VALE The pastures and hedgerows of the clay soils are concentrated in the west, between Woolstone and Lyford. In this area, the feeling of being in a vale between two land masses is most pronounced. Although the loss of Elm trees has left this landscape more open than it used to be there are still hedgerows, green damp channels, and brick and tiled hamlets and villages, usually on outcrops of gravel off the damp land. The earliest enclosures took place in this western area, where heavy soils and low-lying terrain meant management on a large-scale was necessary to ensure maximum benefits. Sometimes enclosures were part of the creation of a large estate, as at Hatford and Pusey. This part of the clay vale has been celebrated in literature for its atmospheric landscape. This area used to have many mature Elm trees, now lost through Dutch Elm disease. Hedgerows have also been removed, to create larger fields. Although there are fewer trees than there used to be, the presence of other tree species has retained some feeling of the traditional landscape, with its considerable tree cover in hedgerows and copses. To support the Council’s aim to safeguard the distinctive character of the Vale, the replanting of hedgerows, tree planting within hedgerows and planting of new woodland areas are encouraged. The clearance and restoration of ponds is also encouraged: Countryside Commission grant aid is available. ZONE 2B THE CENTRAL CLAY VALE There are hedgeless arable fields on the thin gravel terraces, which overlay the clay sub soil, concentrated in the east, between West Hanney and Drayton. In this area the vale widens out. The field patterns are larger than on the clay top soils, though there are still frequent drainage ditches. This part of the Vale used to be much wetter, and was the last part to be drained. There is a tradition of the open field in this area, e.g. Drayton Field, Steventon Field, Milton Field. The flat open landscape provides views of the Berkshire Downs and the Corallian ridge to the north, from which this area is also viewed. The area west of the A34 is characterised by a feeling of wide spaces, expansiveness, and rurality. The Council’s landscape aims in this area are to replace hedgerows; where appropriate to encourage tree planting in belts or copses; and to retain and maintain willows along streams. ZONE 2C THE EASTERN CLAY VALE AND RIVER LANDSCAPE East of the A34 a thicker layer of gravel overlays the clay: this can be seen from the gravel workings south of Abingdon and near Sutton Courtenay. The riverline landscape of the Thames passes through this area. There are a number of detracting features, such as Didcot Power __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 9 Station. The impact of the A34 is felt. This part of the Vale is in particular need of enhancement, through tree planting, hedgerow planting and the introduction of small woodland belts. Particular scope for improvement has been identified around Didcot Power Station, Sutton Courtenay and Appleford. In these areas there is scope to screen detractors, and frame attractive views. ZONE 3 THE LOWER CHALK AND UPPER GREENSAND The northern scarp of the Berkshire Downs and the ledge at its foot is made up of upper, middle and lower chalk and upper greensand. A distinction can be drawn between: • • the upper and middle chalk, which comprise the highest part of the escarpment, and the surface of the southern dip-slope; and the lower chalk and upper greensand which make up the rest of the scarp in a series of plateaux, and small gentle scarps. The lower chalk and upper greensand is a transitional landscape area, between the more open tops of the chalk and the pastoral landscape of the flat clay vale. In some areas the lower chalk forms a broad plateau, for example above East Hendred. From this plateau the upper and middle chalk appear as a higher range of hills. In other parts the lower chalk forms smooth fingers of land with valleys between, forming an undulating landscaping, again beneath the distinct hill tops forms from the upper and middle chalk (e.g. near West hundred). Near Uffington the lower chalk narrows to form a more narrow ledge before dropping again to the upper greensand. The upper greensand forms a ledge, narrow in the west of the District and more extensive in the east. The Old trackway, the Icknield Way, runs at the foot of the lower chalk but above the springline issuing from the chalk onto the greensand. Brooks drain from the springs into the river Ock (e.g. Letcombe Brook, Ginge Brook). Probably the best soils in the District are found on the upper greensand, and this, combined with the water supply, has led to a narrow band of villages here. Many of these villages are known for their distinctive character, including their landscape setting: for example, Ashbury, Uffington, Childrey, through Wantage to Blewbury. At its widest, around Harwell, the greensand supports fruit growing, as well as arable farming. The area around the upper greensand and the lower slopes of the lower chalk are characterised by considerable tree cover, both with woodlands, hedges and hedgerow trees. The higher parts of the lower chalk have some of the more open qualities of the upper and middle chalk, but also a feeling of transition towards the Vale in some areas with shrubby hedges, cattle farming, and more signs of habitation. The landscape is gentler than the higher Downland, with more cultivation, and better growing conditions for trees and hedgerows. The Council’s landscape aim in this area is to retain the attractive character of the existing landscape. This may involve encouragement of woodland management, and woodland, tree and hedgerow planting as appropriate. ZONE 4 THE MIDDLE AND UPPER CHALK The top steep scarp of the Berkshire Downs is formed by the middle and upper chalk. These chalk layers dip gently southward to form the main plateau of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The chalk has produced a thin grey soil; clay with flints and sarsen stones are sometimes found in the chalk. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 10 Grassy combes are found where the middle chalk drops down and meets the lower chalk (e.g. around the Manger, under White Horse Hill; and the Devil’s Punchbowl, near Letcombe Bassett). The Ridgeway track, said to be one of the oldest roads in Europe, is a major feature running broadly along the tope of the scarp. The old route allowed the traveller to avoid the densely wooded and marshy ground in the villages below. Today it is lined with trees and shrubs, which were first planted along the Ridgeway following the Enclosure Acts (1750-1800) to prevent livestock straying into newly cultivated arable fields. The White Horse and various hill forts looking out to the north add to the richness of the landscape. This is an open landscape with vast panoramic views. Whilst not wild, there is a feeling of being closer to the elements than in the rest of the Vale. The harder rock has produced the higher land which is more windswept than the lower chalk below. Sheep farming, the traditional land use of the Downs is still found; as a result of improved agricultural methods arable farming is also now widespread. Fields are large and divided by tracks or shelterbelts. There are small woodlands, mainly of beech, in small hilltop clumps and in belts in valley bottoms and down slopes. In recent years the beech trees have suffered storm damage. The District Council aims to retain the openness of the landscape, but within this context to encourage replanting of storm damaged Beechwoods, planting of new woodland belts, and replanting of hedgerows. THE URBAN FRINGE Another landscape type which does not fall into one zone is the Urban Fringe. Areas at the edges of towns and villages can often benefit from landscaping to screen and soften the hard urban edge. In these areas the Council aims to encourage planting of trees and woodlands. Specific areas suitable for landscape enhancement include land south of Abingdon, land west of Denchworth Road, Grove and land on the southern edge of Faringdon. The area around Sutton Courtenay, Appleford and Drayton can also be considered to have some characteristics of an urban fringe location. BACKGROUND TO THE STRATEGY: ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE LANDSCAPE OF THE VALE The Vale of White Horse, in its topographical sense, includes the upper greensand ridge at the foot of the chalk downs; the Gault and Kimmeridge clay of the central Vale (overlain with a thin layer of gravel to the east); and parts of the Corallian limestone where it flattens to form part of the floor of the Vale. This land lies between the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Vale Corallian Ridge, and has been celebrated for its contribution to the landscape as seen from both ridges of high land, and as providing a landscape that is unique and valued in itself. Some Authors consider that the Vale of White Horse extends to Wallingford (outside the area of this Local Plan). THE VALE AS PART OF THE WIDER LANDSCAPE The landscape unity of the vales and ridges that cross this District (and the rest of Oxfordshire), has been described by a number of authors, __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 11 “The Vale of White Horse has always formed a topographical unit, and the landscape forms one spectacular whole; on a clear day it can be seen almost in its entirely from the highest point of the District, White Horse Hill itself. Chalk ridge, clay vales and Corallian ridge and the Thames Valley run roughly parallel across the view, and yields distinct local scenery.” Nancy Stebbing, The Vale of White Horse, 1978 Arkell for example describes the series of alternating clay vales and limestone and chalk ridges crossing Oxfordshire, “Owing to physical, chemical and colour differences of the constituent rocks, each of these strips of country possess an individuality of its own and contributes to the richness and variety of the English landscape.” W J Arkell, The Geology of Oxford, 1947 The most obvious and defining characteristic of a vale is that it lies between two hills or ranges – in this case the nationally recognised Berkshire Downs; and the Corallian ridge and Thames Valley designated in this Council’s Local Plan. The Vale takes part of its character from the adjacent hills, and equally, the landscape perceived from these hills is affected by what is seen in the vale. As an example John Betjeman thought that Ashbury (on the upper greensand ledge outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was the most beautifully situated village in Berkshire, because it looked down to the Vale of White Horse. Similarly, he considered that Longcot (on the kimmerdige clay) was in a “lovely part of the Vale of White Horse”, where one could see “the noble roll of White Horse Hill and the North Downs”. Thomas Hughes, the author of Tom Brown’s School Days, who lived near Uffington (in the clay vale), wrote: “I pity people who weren’t born in a Vale. I don’t mean a flat country but a vale, that is, a flat country bounded by hills. The having your hill always in view if you chose to turn towards him, that’s the essence of a vale.” This Council’s survey of the North Vale Corallian Ridge has demonstrated the importance of views from the vale towards the downs and the Corallian ridge, and from the higher ground across the vale to wider views. THE LANDSCAPE VALUE OF THE VALE ON ITS OWN MERITS Quite apart from the views of which it forms part, the vale has been valued in literature for its unique landscape qualities. John Betjeman wrote extensively about the vale, which he described separately from the downs and the Corallian ridge. “The Vale of White Horse with its willows and elms, chalk-built or timber-framed thatched cottages, streams and meadows lying under the high northern ridge of the chalk downs is another beautiful kingdom of its own.” Murray’s Berkshire Architectural Guide, 1949 __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 12 The following characteristics emerge from the literature and from a landscape survey conducted in 1992. THE INFLUENCE OF WATER, STREAMS, RIVERS, ISOLATION Much of the vale is drained by the River Ock, which has numerous headsprings (e.g. Little Coxwell, Compton Beauchamp, Woolstone). From somewhere near Shrivenham (which sits on the divide between the river Ock and river Cole) to the confluence of the Ock and the Thames at Abingdon, there are damp, floodable pastures along the watercourses which were not settled until much later than the higher, drier land to north and south. This land was extremely swampy until drained in quite recent historical times. The Anglo Saxon ieg., island, survives as the suffix – ey, and is found in some villages one would not know imagine as islands – Tubney (Tubba’s island), and Charney (Cern island). When they were named the streams that surround them were crossed only by fords, and the land was mars or fen. These villages had defensive advantages, as did the Iron Age earthwork, Cherbury Camp, which sits on a slight rise of Corallian beds which probably used to jut into marshes. The pastures have now been drained (since enclosure) and the streams are crossed by quiet country lanes, over often attractive small stone bridges. However, miles of the River Ock’s willow-lined banks are still undisturbed, even by footpaths, and there are numerous small streams and ponds. ATTRACTIVE VILLAGES AND ISOLATED FARM BUILDINGS On the greensand ridge below the Berkshire Downs are unusually attractive villages, often with finely proportioned stone church, a big house and a collection of stone and timber buildings. Some of these villages are not within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but are acknowledged as attractive in themselves and in their setting within the landscape. For example, Betjeman called Woolstone “this most perfect Berkshire villages”, and Compton Beauchamp “the most attractive unspoilt place in the Vale of White Horse”. The quiet rurality of these villages was noted: Sparsholt was “one of the most countrified of Berkshire villages”. There are also many attractive villages in the clay vale, often unspoilt and remote, like Bourton, Garford, Shellingford and Charney Bassett. Isolated traditional farm buildings are another component in the rural landscape. PASTORAL ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE: A PLACE TO DISCOVER THE NATURAL WORLD The Vale has attractive southern English countryside. It does not have the bolder and more obvious appeal of more well-known landscapes. It is the type of landscape that holds secrets, off the beaten track. R P Beckinsale, in 1951, wrote in The Companion into Berkshire: “the Vale take much knowing and improves with acquaintance. It is known only by footpaths… Only on foot are seen the kingfishers of the Ock, the hornet’s nest in the bulrushes of the large water-filled sandpits, the isolated ponds abounding in efts and aquatic flora, and the honey-filled combs of the wild bees in the mossy banks beneath the hedgerows.” Many parts of the Vale retain these qualities of solitude, remoteness and unspoilt countryside. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 13 SPECIAL QUALITIES OF ATMOSPHERE, LIGHT AND MIST Writing in 1908, Eleanor G Hayden, in poetic style, drew attention to the qualities of light, mist and atmosphere found the Vale, “the subtle and less obvious effects of atmosphere, of cloud and sky, of vivid sunset tints and ghostly, creeping mists reveal themselves most clearly to the discerning vision.” Islands of the Vale, 1908 The “gossamer veil clinging to the sombre background of trees” that she describes, can still be seen. The wide views of the stars at night, hedgeless fields and evening bands of vapour are all described as singularly picturesque. Today, there are some intrusions from 20th Century living, but in many parts of the clay vale these qualities are still apparent. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 14 Broad Landscape Zones in the Vale of White Horse ___________________________________________________________________________________ Zone 1 Thames Valley & Corallian Ridge 1a Upper Thames Valley 1b Golden Ridge and Oxford Heights Zone 2 Clay Vale 2a Western Clay Vale 2b Central Clay Vale 2c Eastern Clay Vale & River Landscape Zone 3 Upper Greensand Ledge and Lower Chalk Zone 4 Upper and Middle Chalk Downs __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 15 Cross Sectional Landscape of the Vale ___________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 16 Geology of the Vale of White Horse ___________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 17 North Vale Corallian Ridge (Formerly known as North Vale Area of High Landscape Value) Study and review ___________________________________________________________________________________ In the preparation of the Vale of White Horse Local Plan 2001 a detailed study was undertaken to appraise the characteristics of the area referred to as the North Vale Corallian Ridge and to review its boundaries. The study is described in detail in a Local Plan Topic Paper No. 1, Review of the North Vale Area of High Landscape Value, August 1992. The study used methodology recommended by the Countryside Commission in Landscape Assessment: A countryside Commission Approach, CCD18, 1987. The criteria examined were: topography, geology parish boundaries, archaeology, tree cover, traditional buildings in the landscape, views, detractors, and associations with the landscape. Field work was used to confirm and enhance the findings of an initial desk study. The desk study found that there are broadly three main parts to the area within the Vale of White Horse: • • • the Thames Valley (excluding major built-up areas) the Oxford Heights the Golden Ridge (as Betjeman called it) or The North Berkshire Ridge (as it was known to Pevsner) The desk study identified the Corallian ridge which comprises the Oxford Heights and Golden Ridge as a distinct landform between Buscot and Boars Hill, with a steep scarpface to the north, and a general south facing dip slope. To the east the ridge is cut through by the River Thames at Oxford. Most of the woodlands in the area of the Vale of White Horse District are on this ridge: there is a considerable amount of ancient woodland, dating back to Roman Britain. In parts, the light sandy soils of the Corallian beds support arable farming, particularly to the west. In other parts, where the stony coral rag forms the surface, there is pasture. The coral rag of the Corallian limestone has been used as a local building material for houses, walls, milestones etc, and its use broadly reflects the underlying geology, contrasting with the brick and tile of the clay vale. A number of country houses have been built to take advantage of the views and landscape setting of the ridge, particularly the northern scarp, where the gardens were landscaped down the scarpslope. Views north and south along the Golden Ridge, and from the Oxford Heights across the Thames Valley and the Vale of White Horse, are important aspects of the attractiveness of the landscape. The ridge is also a valuable part of the well-known views from White Horse Hill, and also of other attractive views from the Berkshire Downs and the Vale of White Horse. The Oxford Heights, the Golden Ridge and the Thames Valley have been described affectionately in literature as landscape of special quality, by authors known for their appreciation of the environment, and built form, such as Betjeman and Beckinsale. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 18 Parish boundaries broadly provide an appropriate southern boundary to the landform and the attractive landscape associated with it. Further work was needed in the field however to check exact boundaries. The field study in May and June 1992 endorsed the conclusions of the desk study, confirming the Corallian ridge and adjoining Thames river valley as a distinctive landscape of high quality, which in localised areas was on a par with the quality of landscape found in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The southern boundary of the area had been based previously on parish boundaries and the field study found that along much of the southern boundary these were appropriate and well-related to recognisable physical features on the ground. However, several changes to the boundary were recommended: • • • • south of Faringdon, where hilly and wooded slopes form a spur from the Corallian ridge, and are a recognisable element in the landscape. In order to include this land the study recommended that the area be washed over Faringdon. The designation of an area is necessarily broad in nature and it was considered inappropriate to exclude small pockets of land from it even if these had less landscape merit in themselves: the study recommended that the area between Faringdon and the by-pass offered opportunities for landscape enhancement; in the area between Wadley Manor and Hatford, where the landform of the ridge gently rolls down to the streamline, forming part of a pleasant, tranquil landscape; Cherbury Camp, which as an ancient monument is clearly a feature of historic and visual interest and is an integral part of the attractive landscape around it; around Abingdon, where the dip slope of the ridge clearly reaches down to the Abingdon northern peripheral road. The field study showed the great importance of long and wide views across the district. The Berkshire Downs, the clay vale and the Corallian ridge interact to produce the scenery of the Vale, much of which is characterised by expansiveness, spaciousness, openness, with wide skies and a feeling of peace and tranquillity, and which is clearly vulnerable to the visual impact of any inappropriate development. Following publication of the consultation draft of the Local Plan in November 1993, representations were received regarding two areas of land – between Coleshill House and the A420 and at Dry Sandford. These areas of land were surveyed using the same techniques as in the main survey, and it was subsequently agreed by the Planning and Development Committee on 27 June, 1994 that these additional pieces of land should be included within the North Vale Corallian Ridge. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 19 House Conversion to Flats Design Guidance ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION This guidance has been produced to help those considering conversions of houses into flats. The Council recognises that house conversions can make a more effective use of dwellings. They can meet the growing demand for smaller dwellings both for the elderly and for single people. However, if inappropriately designed and located, they can have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of established residential areas. Although the following advice is aimed mainly at the conversion of houses, many of the points apply to small-scale new developments of flats. PRINCIPLES OF CONVERSION What makes a proposed conversion acceptable or unacceptable? The Council has adopted a number of criteria which will be used to access proposed schemes: • The effect of the conversion on the residential amenities of the existing and future occupants of the property. This will particularly apply to the layout of rooms, the level of noise insulation, living space standards, and the amenity space available; • The effect of service and highway requirements, particularly the amount and location of parking; • The effect of the amenities and privacy of neighbours, and on the character of the area. The criteria are reflected in Policy H14 of the local plan 2011. The Council is determined to resist conversions where they would affect adversely the established character of a housing area. This particularly applies to inter and post-war estates, especially where only one of a semi-detached or terraced property is involved. INTERNAL LAYOUT When considering the internal layout of a conversion scheme, the following points should be considered: it is important that the needs of people with impaired mobility are borne in mind, particularly within ground floor flats. All flats should be self contained, having a bath or shower room, WC and a kitchen for the sole use of the occupiers. Entrance lobbies should be provided for each flat and that entrance should not lead directly into any room, or directly off a flight of stairs. Bathrooms and bedrooms, and preferably all rooms, should open off a common lobby in order to avoid the need to walk though other rooms. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 20 Careful attention should be given to the layout of flats in relation to adjoining properties. Main habitable room windows should usually be orientated in such a way as to avoid overlooking of neighbouring properties. Where flats are above each other, rooms in the same use should ideally be positioned so they are above on another. Where flats adjoin one another, similar rooms in each flat should be adjacent to the party wall. A good level of ventilation and daylight should be available to all rooms. A suitable scheme of sound insulation between the units and neighbouring properties will be required if the conversion scheme is within a semi-detached or terraced dwelling. Details can be obtained from the Council’s Building Control Service. OTHER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS During a conversion scheme architectural details such as cornices, chimney stacks, etc can be damaged or lost. Other alterations can ruin the character of a building if not designed as an integral part of the scheme. Measures to meet fire risk requirements, for example, should be sensitively incorporated into the scheme. When designing the internal layout of a conversion, the kitchens and bathrooms should ideally not be placed at the front of the property, as these uses may well require the addition of flues and pipework which can be unsightly. New pipework and cables should run along side and rear elevations. DETAILED ASPECTS OF SCHEMES Having established that the principle of the conversion is acceptable in a particular area, care must be paid to the more detailed design aspects of the scheme. Attention to detailing can help to minimise the visual impact on the area and create a more pleasing environment. It can also produce a scheme which is more successful in functional terms. The following points are illustrated on the plan overleaf: PARKING AND ACCESS 1. Parking will normally be expected to be provided within the site rather than on the road. Hardstandings in front gardens shall normally be avoided, (unless the gardens are large enough to allow some landscaping in front). Parking areas should normally be located away from the flats or neighbouring properties in order to reduce disturbance from traffic noise and headlight glare. Where possible vehicles will be expected to be able to turn around within the site. 2. The retention of existing walls, fences, trees and shrubs will be encouraged, and additional screening required alongside boundaries, parking areas and amenity space. 3. Access drives should allow for convenient use and meet the Highway Authority’s requirements. Surface materials for access drives and parking areas should be chosen carefully. Certain materials such as pea shingle can cause unnecessary noise and may give rise to maintenance problems in the longer term. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 21 AMENITY SPACE 4. Sufficient amenity space must be provided for the residents. Careful consideration should be given to its location. The aim should be to create areas which are attractive and convenient. 5. Amenity areas should cater for the needs of the residents to sit out, meet other residents and enjoy pleasant surroundings. 6. The provision of private ground floor patio areas will be encouraged. Where overlooking can be avoided, balconies can be a valued asset for residents. Ground floor units should have direct access to amenity space wherever possible. In small-scale schemes where amenity space may be very limited, the use of high quality surface materials and low maintenance shrub planting may be more appropriate than lawned areas and flower planting. In larger schemes some form of management company may be required to ensure that amenity areas are properly maintained over the longer term. EXTENSIONS 7. Wherever possible the conversion of houses to flats should be contained within the existing fabric of the buildings. However where an extension is unavoidable then it should be designed in accordance with the Supplementary Planning Guidance on House Extensions. 8. Where loft space is being converted, velux type rooflights can be a useful method of lighting. If dormers are used they are usually less obtrusive if positioned on the rear slope of the roof. They should usually be of a modest size. DRYING AREAS AND BIN STORES 9& 10 These important areas should be provided in a separate enclosure and not located near to areas of amenity space such as patios and seating areas. Dustbin areas should be able to accommodate at least two bins per flat. It is essential there is a separate bin store allocated to each flat to ensure personal responsibility for these areas. SPECIAL CASES In the following special cases, applications for the conversions of buildings into flats may be subject to additional controls. The advice of a Planning Officer should be sought at an early stage to establish the planning position where: • • • • listed buildings are involved; the buildings are in a conservation area; the buildings are located in the Oxford Green Belt; the buildings are in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 22 The numbers on this diagram refer to the points on the previous page. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 23 Shopfronts and Advertisements Design Guidance ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION EXISTING SHOPFRONTS The aim of this design guide is to encourage attractive shopfronts with appropriately designed and postioned signage. This will help to create an effective overall advertisement for the business, and enhance the appearance of the built environment. In this guide, the term “shopfront” refers to the WHOLE elevation from roof to floor and across the full width of the shop, and not just the display window and its surround. The Vale of White Horse possesses examples of some early shopfronts and a wide variety of 19th Century forms ranging from slender ironwork to heavily decorated This guide provides informal pointers to the approach the Council will use when considering and deciding applications for shopfronts and advertisements on commercial properties. This advice applies to the whole of the Vale of White Horse District. It emphasises the special need for careful design within Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings. Statutory regulations require that consent be obtained from the District Council before many types of sign are displayed or new shopfronts installed. Consent for a new sign or shopfront is more likely to be granted if the advice in this guide is followed. woodwork. Where consent is given for a new sign, it will normally be for a period of five years, although the sign may continue to be displayed unless the Council actively seeks its removal. It is important that wherever old shopfronts of architectural merit survive every effort should be made to retain them as they contribute much to the history and character of the area. Consultation is advised with a Planning Officer prior to the submission of an application in order to minimise delays in the consideration of applications. Wherever detailing such as pilasters, columns, console brackets etc remain, every effort should be made to conserve them as part of any new shopfront. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 24 SHOPFRONTS The District Council will normally give preference to applications for “traditional styles” of shopfront, especially within Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings. Also remember that a customer’s impression of the quality of a firm can sometimes be influenced by the appearance of the shopfront: • Only ground floor aims to attract custom, though at the loss of character to the whole shopfront. • Upper floors detract – chance to give a good impression is loss. • An image of clutter and disorder, again a bad impression. • Whole building is attractive and a good advertisement. • Simple but effective shop sign. Building well maintained. • Display window relates well to upper floors in terms of design. __________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 25 ACCESS FOR MOBILITY PEOPLE WITH SIGNS AND ADVERTISEMENTS IMPAIRED It is important to consider signage on and around commercial premises and in the built environment in general. Too many signs can create clutter and confusion. All new buildings that are to be used by the public are required to be accessible to all. These requirements are set out in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and should be borne in mind when designing a new shopfront. Existing signs which reflect the character of their surroundings should not unnecessarily be replaced. It is often beneficial for neighbouring firms in the same building, shopping parade, or industrial estate to coordinate the display of their signs. CANOPIES AND BLINDS The traditional shop blind in this country is the straight awning type, mounted on a roller. Preference will be given to this style of blind as opposed to Dutch canopies, especially on Listed Buildings and within Conservation Area. In some particularly sensitive areas the display of any signage may harm the character of the local environment. FASCIA SIGNS MATERIALS: The traditional character of a building or a shopping area is largely derived from the use of natural materials such as brick, stone, tile, slate and timber. In these situations the materials of new signs on fascias should respect this traditional character. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 26 COLOURS: In cases where it is essential for the sign to be visible at night, positioned spotlights are the best way to achieve this. Harsh or garish colours should be avoided. Appropriate colours can be used to emphasize important elements of design, and to highlight structural details, such as gilding of mouldings. A SAFE LOCATION……? LETTERING: Badly positioned signs can cause accidents. The style of lettering can help to convey the image of a shop, but the size of lettering must relate to the proportions of the building. Signs should not be located where they will obstruct the vision of motorists or cause distraction. Signs should not obstruct footpaths or roadside verges. Choose simple and easy-to-read wording for roadside signs and avoid the use of misleading arrows. ILLUMINATED SIGNS In nearly all cases illuminated signs require advertisement consent from the District Council. Pavement signs. ‘A’ frame signs and other free standing signs should not be located on or adjacent to the highway or in front of shops as they can cause an unnecessary or dangerous obstacle to pedestrians. Illuminated signs can easily ruin the appearance of an historic building, a Conservation Area, rural landscape or residential area. In such areas the policies of the District Council seek to limit the number of illuminated signs. CHECK WITH A PLANNING OFFICER A Planning Officer will be able to advise as to whether a proposed advertisement or shopfront design is acceptable to the District Council. If an illuminated sign is felt to be appropriate the Council will expect its size to be kept to a minimum. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ADVICE CONTACT: In general, preference will be given to the use of reflected light from discreetly positioned lighting units. Vale of White Horse District Council Planning & Community Strategy The Abbey House Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 3JE HANGING SIGNS Internally illuminated projecting signs are unlikely to be permitted in historic streets, residential and rural areas and other sensitive locations. Telephone: (01235) 520202 Exceptionally a non-illuminated hanging sign of traditional design may be acceptable. Website: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 27 New Residential Areas Design Guidance ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION As a result of continuing pressures to make the most effective use of all available housing land, developers are seeking to achieve increasingly high densities on available sites. In the interests of amenity and environmental quality of the District, the guidance in this advice note is provided to help developers understand what is expected by this Authority. The District Council is seeking to create secure, safe and attractive residential environments which fit in well with their surroundings and are not dominated visually or physically by the car. In this context the Council will generally welcome proposals for housing designs and layouts which aim to improve energy conservation, and further guidance on this may be developed in the future. It has been argued that local planning authority design standards can unreasonably constrain the flair and imagination of architects and designers. This is not the Council’s intention in providing this guidance. The criteria outlines here are intended to encourage developers to take heed of the need to respect the local sense of place and special character which exists in many of the Vale’s villages and towns. The Council wishes to promote a more imaginative and inventive use of street patterns, building forms, dwelling types and architectural styles than is currently found in many housing developments. Although standards and design criteria are set out in the guidance, the diverse and varied character and appearance of the settlements within the Vale means that the standards must often be regarded as a minimum requirement. In many cases provision in excess of these standards will be sought. The Council is particular anxious to ensure that the diverse character of development found in the Vale’s existing residential areas, (especially in its villages) is respected and will not be eroded by new developments of inappropriate design. Developers should be aware that the standards appropriate to a town centre site will not necessarily be regarded as appropriate in villages or older residential areas. The standards set out in this advice note cover aspects such as access, and the provision of open spaces and footpath links. Advice is also offered on the use of materials, on density and on housing mix where appropriate. If a site has been allocated for residential development, further guidance may be provided elsewhere in the Local Plan and should be referred to accordingly. The guidance will be treated as a material consideration in determining any planning application submitted for residential development. THE SETTING OF NEW DEVELOPMENT No new development exists in isolation. In the design of any new housing area, thought should be given to the way in which it will relate to its surroundings. Noteworthy site features such as hedgerows, trees, footpaths and streams should be taken into account in the design process, as ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 28 their retention can give immediate identity to an area, and help soften the visual impact of new development. CHARACTER OF DEVELOPMENT On all residential sites, the way that new housing relates to its surroundings will be critical. It is particularly important that the density of new development does not conflict with or cause harm to the particular ambience and character found in the surrounding area. The sense of place of a locality must be respected, new developments will be expected to reflect traditional layouts and street patterns and use appropriate materials. On larger estates in particular, developers should, by the use of varied building forms, different densities, the careful positioning of key buildings, and the application of a variety of architectural styles, produce development which possesses its own character and sense of place. Bleak, open and featureless development lacking character. The buildings are too loosely grouped and of insufficient height to enclose a space. SPACES BETWEEN BUILDINGS Every space between dwellings should have a specific purpose. Dwellings should look out onto identifiable spaces and the views out of each space should be closed at least partially to help identify it as a space. In order to provide a degree of privacy, main windows facing each other should be at least 21m (69ft) apart, while a main window facing a flank wall should be kept 12m (40ft) away from it. When facing distributor roads, main windows should be set back at least 15m (49ft) from the kerb. In order to ensure adequate privacy and residential amenity the length of rear gardens should not normally fall below 11m. In many locations however, it will be necessary to determine the size ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 29 of the garden by reference to the surrounding plot sizes and character of the locality. All rear gardens adjoining public areas and parking areas should be enclosed by a strong traditional boundary such as a brick wall. Where driveways are provided in front of garages they should have a minimum building line of 6m (20ft) from the highway edge. Occasionally, specially designed houses can be built-up to the back of footpaths. GROUPED ACCOMMODATION Applications for grouped accommodation (include new flat developments and elderly persons and sheltered accommodation) should provide adequate useable amenity space for the residents. Such space may also form part of the visual setting and appearance of these schemes. In the case of accommodation for the elderly there should be attractively landscaped private sitting areas available. This is particularly important due to the length of time such residents are likely to be at home. It is important that proposals for new flats do not result in over-development of a site. Adequate sitting out and clothes drying areas must be made available for the occupants. Usable amenity space (i.e. not fronting main roads or car parking areas) should be provided to the minimum standard of 15 square metres (161 square ft) per bedroom. It is important that these areas are not rendered unusable by either traffic noise or absence of privacy. Wherever possible the dustbin storage areas and drying areas should be screened from view. ACCESS AND CIRCULATION The relationship between the vehicle and the pedestrian environment varies depending upon the type of road being used. For instances, on major traffic routes the driver may be predominant, but in residential cul-de-sacs the pedestrian is always more important and the design of the road should reflect this. Traffic from small groups of cul-de-sacs is collected on a larger road before joining the distributor road. The width and configuration of all routes will therefore relate to the number of dwellings being served. The standards operated by the Oxfordshire County Council, which is the Highway Authority, are set out in the County’s Design Guide for Residential Roads and are summarised in the attached table. They should not be considered as rigid constraints but rather as flexible design tools, which aim to provide safe roads and footpaths for all users including cyclists and pedestrians. If an existing footpath or cycleway crosses a site proposed for development it should be incorporated into the layout of that development. New footpaths or cycleways should provide direct and safe access to public facilities and link up to the footpaths and cycleways on the perimeter of the site. TRAFFIC CALMING Schemes to slow down traffic such as the narrowing of the carriageway or introduction of textured surfaces can be beneficial to the design of a scheme. If traffic calming is considered necessary or beneficial to a new residential development then measures should be incorporated into the design of a development from the beginning. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 30 CAR PARKING Car parking in new residential areas will be expected to be provided in line with the standards set out in the Supplementary Planning Guidance on parking standards adopted by the Council in July 2006. New development will be expected to accommodate the needs of parking and access imaginatively. Parking and access requirements should not dominate the development. Communal garaging and parking areas should be enclosed and limited in size. Where parking areas are open to view, careful attention to ground surface detailing, screening and soft landscaping will be necessary. EXTERNAL DESIGN OF BUILDINGS Any new development should take account of the surrounding development. New buildings should be sympathetic in the choice of materials, style, proportion and fenestration. A contemporary approach in a new building may be preferable in certain locations rather than the imitation of an historic style. The overall composition of massing and fenestration should be carefully thought out to achieve interest and unity of design. The composition can be either predominantly horizontal or vertical. The general characteristic of older buildings is the predominance of wall area over openings. In certain areas the design of new buildings should endeavour to reflect this. MATERIALS The materials selected for a particular development should pay regard to the characteristics of the surrounding area; the choice of an inappropriate material can completely mar a development. Many parts of the Vale have very distinctive materials such as stone and brick which are particular to a local area. The use of too many facing materials should be avoided; simplicity and economy of materials and harmony between those chosen should be sought. With careful detailing a limited range of materials can be used to achieve variety and interest. The treatment of walls, fences, garages etc, should receive equal consideration. OPEN SPACE The amount of private garden area included in a development will have a critical effect upon its character and attractiveness. The character of many villages and older residential areas is largely dependent upon the open spacious gardens enjoyed by many of the houses. New developments must respect and reflect this. In more densely developed locations such as the heart of larger villages and in urban areas, smaller gardens may be acceptable. In no case should the minimum size of rear private garden area for a house fall below 55 square metres (592 square ft). Larger garden areas will be sought where this is deemed appropriate having regard to the character of the surrounding properties. Housing development will be expected to provide public open space in line with policy H23 of the Local Plan 2011. The purpose of the open space should always be specified at an early ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 31 stage as the use to which it will be put will influence its location and treatment. The open space should generally be in the form of sizeable elements rather than a larger number of smaller dispersed areas which could create long-term maintenance problems. Arrangements for the future maintenance of open space will normally be a requirement of planning permission. Open space ideally should be located centrally within the development and be overlooked by sufficient dwellings to ensure casual supervision. If the open space is to be used as a children’s play area, it should be located away from roads and play equipment and should be positioned sufficiently far from surrounding houses to avoid potential nuisance. On larger estates the District Council may require the developer to provide play equipment within the areas allocated as open space. CRIME The authority will treat the prevention of crime as a material consideration in determining planning applications and will seek to encourage layouts and designs which assist in natural surveillance and deter crime. Such considerations need to be balanced against other issues such as visual character and the suitability of development for a particular location. LANDSCAPING Landscaping helps to take the raw edge off new development and helps to give an area its character and identity. It is important that interesting site features and any proposed new planting are designed into a scheme form the outset. Hard and soft landscaping should also form an integral part of the design approach to the development. In preparing a landscape scheme it is advised that attention should be paid to: • • • • • the periphery of the site; existing natural features and whether they could be enhanced; the entrance to the site and areas adjacent to roadways and footpaths; areas of open space; areas adjacent to community facilities. For developments on sites where there are established trees and hedgerows, a detailed survey should be submitted with the planning application showing the species, location, spread and condition of the existing trees. Agreement should be sought with the District Council on the trees/hedgerows to be retained and proper arrangements should be made to protect these trees and hedgerows during the course of development. The approach to the landscaping of a space will often depend on its location and function. For example, where a site adjoins open countryside the informal planting of indigenous trees and hedgerows would be appropriate, whereas within urban locations a more formal ornamental approach may be appropriate. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 32 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 33 Road Types and Design Standards Road Type Local Distributor Maximum Number of dwellings served - Link Road - Links neighbourhoods within large residential areas, and accommodates regular non-residential uses. A built frontage is required and direct access to dwellings is allowed. Major Access Road 700 Principal access road that acts as the main collector of traffic from the residential area and the link to the distributor road network. Minor Access Road 100-200 Roads that give direct access to dwellings which can be either a loop or link or a cul-de-sac. Special surface finishes are required. Access Way 25-50 Minor roads which can be either loop, link or cul-desac. Special surface finish will be required and the use of rumble strips or humps at entry points. Car parking must be provided within the curtilage of the dwellings. Access Lane 25-50 Similar to access way, particular for rural areas. Shared surface roads. Mews 25-50 Shared vehicular/pedestrian surface. They must be short cul-de-sacs or loop roads in what is normally high density development. Special surface finishes and junction criterion will be required. Car parking can be provided in a variety of ways; within the dwelling curtilage, allocated spaces in parking courts and communal parking areas, or a combination of these forms of parking provision. Residential Square as defined by space enclosed Shared vehicular/pedestrian surface. A central feature should be located in the middle of the vehicle route to aid driver orientation. Home Zones Comments Multi-purpose local road, generally forming part of the local county road network. A street that is designed to prioritise its social and environmental functions over its highways function. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 34 Road Type Private Drives Maximum Number of dwellings served 5 Comments Shared pedestrian/vehicular surface. Adequate turning facilities for cars must be provided as part of drive layout where more than one dwelling is served. Additional parking spaces for visitors will be required where drives serve more than one dwelling. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 35 Access for People with Impaired Mobility Design Guidance for external access ___________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION The following guidance note is intended to encourage applicants and those who wish to design, develop and maintain the spaces surrounding buildings, and access to them, to consider the requirements for access for people with impaired mobility. The District Council, as Local Planning Authority wishes to promote and where possible enforce improved access for people with impaired mobility. The four main groups of people whose requirements should be considered are: • • • • the wheelchair user; ambulant disabled people; blind or partially sighted people; people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is important that the built environment is accessible to ALL members of the community, including mothers with pushchairs, elderly people, those who are temporarily disabled as a result of an accident or illness, those who are partially sighted or blind and people who are confined to wheelchairs or have a mobility problem. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 aimed to end the discrimination that many disabled people face. The Act gives disabled people rights in the areas of employment, education, access to goods, services and facilities, and buying or renting property. It also allows the Government to set minimum standards so that disabled people can use public transport easily. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 amends or extends existing provisions in the 1995 Act. In 2001, the British Standard Code of Practice BS8300 ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’ was published. It provides guidance on good practice in the design of accessible domestic and non-domestic buildings. Part M of the Building Regulations 2004 applies to applications for new development and extensions to non-domestic buildings. From 10 August 2006 the majority of planning applications will need to be accompanied by a ‘Design and Access Statement’ which has to detail how issues of access have been addressed. It should be noted that the dimensions referred to in this document were correct at the time it was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in November 1999. Government advise published since 1999 has changed some of the requirements set out in this guidance. Designers are therefore recommended to refer to the most up to date Building Regulations Approved Document before designing any access schemes. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 36 BARRIERS TO MOBILITY External spaces should allow free access for people with impaired mobility. To achieve this it is necessary to eliminate barriers which restrict or prevent movement. Many features of the environment which are barriers to people with impaired mobility do not affect able bodied. Indeed, many of the features intended to aid movement are impassable to people with impaired mobility. The list of potential barriers is long and includes: • • • • • • • • • • flights of steps steep ramps and gradients long walks or distances between resting places narrow gaps and openings poor surfaces kerbing inadequate handrails and supports variations in level • • • winding and splayed steps obstacles such as street furniture, display boards and parked cars frameless and unmarked glass doors inadequate facilities such as w.c’s, parking places, telephones, seating etc poor lighting IMPROVING ROUTES In our local well established village and town centres, it is difficult to make marked improvements to pedestrian areas without incurring great financial costs, though ideally all routes should be accessible to people with impaired mobility. However, a gradual change is possible so that the busiest routes can be improved and the disabled population given greater freedom of movement. HISTORIC BUILDINGS Historic buildings, especially listed buildings, can create access problems for people with impaired mobility which are difficult to resolve because features such as steps and staircases are often an important part of a building’s character. These problems can often be overcome if early negotiations with the planning department are carried out. For example temporary measures can be taken which will not affect the long term character of the building; for example: • • • an alternative entrance a temporary ramp temporary handrail to assist access etc ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 37 RAMPS AND STEPS • The maximum uninterrupted ramp length should ideally be no more than 6 metres. • Level platforms should be interspersed with level minimum dimensions of 1200 x 1200mm. • Minimum width 1800mm to allow wheelchairs and prams to pass. • Where the site is constrained and improved access into a building is required, then a single wheelchair width ramp could be installed with a minimum width of 1200mm. • Preferred ramp gradient 1:20, max 1:15. • In order to assist ambulant disabled people, i.e. people who encounter difficulties when walking on steep ramps (more than 1 in 20), steps should also be available, with a level platform at any door entrance. • Handrails to both sides of ramps and steps. • Handrails to be rounded and easy to grip; hardwood or nylon-coated are more comfortable, and should be brightly coloured as an indicator and aid to people who are partially sighted. • All surfaces should be non-slip. • All stepped approaches to be suitable for ambulant people with impaired mobility, treads minimum 280mm and risers a maximum 150mm. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 38 TEMPORARY RAMPS • Preferred ramp gradient 1:20, max 1:15. KERBS • Kerbs should be 100mm high (maximum 125mm). • Kerbs should be ramped at all crossing points. • Dropped kerbs should be almost flush with drainage channels or feathered into the channel. • Dropped kerbs should not be placed where they are likely to coax wheelchair users or cyclists into unappreciated dangers. • A minimum width of 900mm pavement should be provided behind the ramp to allow safe passage along the pavement. • Kerbs should be textured to assist blind people or people with partial sight. • All proposals on public highways should be in accordance with Oxfordshire County Council Highway Standards. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 39 PATHS • Paths should be firm, nonslip and well laid. • Path edges should be well defined. • Railings, where provided, should have low rail for detection by blind people using canes. • Handrails should extend beyond changes of level. • Colour contrast can assist partially sighted people. • Acoustically, surfaces should offer reasonable echoes to help blind and visually impaired people gain directional guidance. • All routes should be well lit. • Bollards, flower tubs, seats, lampposts etc. should be so located as to allow 900mm clearance for wheelchair passage. CAR PARKING • Car parking should be as close as possible to the building it is to serve. • Car parking should be located close to an accessible entrance. • Car parks should ideally be undercover. • In pedestrianised areas, car parking for disabled people should be within 50 metres of destination if parking uncovered, 100 metres if covered. • Bays should be wide enough for wheelchair transfer to and from the car. • Car parks should include designated spaces for use by people with impaired mobility. • They should have clearly signed entrances. • When designing a car park, normally 5% of spaces should be allocated for disabled users only. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 40 SHOPPING AREAS • Shops, banks, post offices, restaurants and other building uses within town centres, all need to be accessible to the disabled user, wherever feasible. • Projections from the shopfront, both horizontal and vertical, should be handled carefully; for example hanging signs should be located at least 2300mm above pavement level. • Also street furniture, bollards, lamp-posts, and pavement signs should not form dangerous obstacles on pavements and should allow sufficient width for wheelchair passage etc (at least 900mm width). SHOPFRONTS • Care should be taken over the junction of external paving and shop finish; use of a ramp, rather than putting a step in a shop doorway (see entrance alternative ‘A’). • The external ramp is not necessarily the only solution, in some cases it may be possible to provide a level external threshold and internal ramp plus steps to each the original design level (see entrance alternative ‘B’). • Where shopfronts are renewed or altered, planning permission may be required and accessibility for disabled shoppers may be suggested or even made a condition of obtaining consent. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 41 DOORS AND ENTRANCES • Some shops dispense with doors, except for security purposes, and here there should be cues for visually impaired people, such as a change in surface texture, colour, lighting, or a combination of these. • Other users will benefit from these dimensions being above the stated minimum. • Other factors which make for property accessible doorways are: - identifiable and user friendly fittings; - door closers which do not require excessive pressure; - well positioned glazing for good visibility when entering or leaving the premises. OTHER FACILITIES • To encourage an external environment that is accessible to all, street furniture and other facilities should be well suited to the needs of people with impaired mobility. • Furthermore street furniture should be located in a way which does not clutter pedestrian routes and hinder access. TELEPHONES • New telephones should be fully accessible to disabled people and other users. These are always of great value to people with impaired mobility, particularly as a means of calling up transport. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 42 SEATING • Provision of seating is appreciated by many, whether specifically disabled or not. • Seating points can be provided by using proper seats or ‘perches’, provided they are set at the appropriate height and with adequate support. • Resting places at 50 metre intervals should be provided, where possible, with seating for ambulant people with impaired mobility. • Rest areas should include high level seating (900mm) which are especially suitable for people with stiff hips. CHECK WITH A PLANNING OFFICER • Please remember that if there is an access problem, a planning officer or the Council’s Access Officer may be able to advise on possible solutions. USEFUL ADDRESSES • Centre for Accessible Environments 70 South Lambeth Road London SW8 1RL 020 7840 0125 www.cae.org.uk • Disabled Living Foundation 380-384 Harrow Road London W9 2HU 020 7289 6111 www.dlf.org.uk • RADAR 12 City Forum 250 City Road London EC1V 8AF 020 7250 3222 www.radar.org.uk • Dialability Oxford Centre for Enablement Windmill Road Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD 01865 763600 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Advisory Note – July 2006 43