Contentsdemocracy.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/documents/s2586... · that designing a high quality...

Contents1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose1.2 Background

2. Policy Context2.1 National2.2 Local

3. Placemaking & Design Principles: The Broader Area3.1 Introduction3.2 Landscape Character

4. Placemaking & Design Principles: Local Area4.1 Character4.2 Siting of Development4.3 Site Assets4.4 Accessibility and Ease of Movement4.5 Public Realm4.6 Development Form4.7 Uses and Activities4.8 Design Quality and Performance

5. Placemaking & Design Process5.1 Introduction5.2 Appraising the Site and its Context5.3 Developing a Design Concept5.4 The Planning Application Process

6. Case Study

1.1 Purpose1.1.1 This Supplementary Planning Guidance(SPG) has been prepared to guide andpromote high quality, sustainable design withinthe County. It provides further guidance, andwhere applicable elaborates on the policiesand proposals of the Carmarthenshire LocalDevelopment Plan (LDP), providing additionalclarity to assist developers in understandingthe core requirements and considerationsnecessary to be included within a planningproposal.

1.1.2 The guidance contained within the SPGis aimed at securing a deliverable, coordinated,high standard of development and ensuringthat proposals reflect and respect the characterand requirements of Carmarthenshire.

1.1.3 Production of this SPG has taken placefollowing the adoption of the LDP and havingregard to National Planning Policy. Its mainpurpose is to provide further information anddetail on the principles and parameters thatdevelopers should adhere to in order toachieve deliverable, well designed andcohesive developments. It also explains andsets out the other considerations to beaddressed as part of a planning applicationsubmission.

1.1.4 It should be noted that whilst SPG donot have the same status as adopteddevelopment plan policies, they may be takeninto account a material considerations indetermining planning applications.

1.2 Background1.2.1 Achieving good design and creating aneffective sense of place requires anunderstanding of the relationship between allelements of the natural and built environment.Design is a fundamental component in creatingsustainable development and consequentlyneeds to include the social, environmental andeconomic aspects of the development, as wellas its aesthetic form.

1.2.2 Employing better design in developmentshas a number of advantages. For example,aesthetic improvements to the builtenvironment could result in the revitalisation ofrun-down neighbourhoods, whilst introducingthe concept of green infrastructure todevelopments can result in benefits andenhancements to habitats and biodiversitywithin the natural environment. In addition, welldesigned, well connected public spaces will

encourage local residents and the public towalk and cycle, thereby reducing reliance onthe motor car. These, together with simpleenvironmental design improvements, such astraffic calming, new landscaping and streetlighting can result in better places to live andenhanced social cohesion.

1.2.3 Design is important to our quality of life.Well designed landscapes and townscapeshelp to instil a sense of place, something thatis important for communities andneighbourhoods. Creating well designedplaces, whether urban or rural, will result inquality environments which will help fostercommunities that are safe and accessible foreveryone.

Introduction 1

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2.1 National2.1.1 Planning Policy Wales (PPW, Ed 7) setsout the land use planning policies of the WelshGovernment (WG). Its central objective is topromote and provide a framework forsustainable development within Wales. One ofthe key factors in achieving this is thepromotion of sustainability through gooddesign.

2.1.2 Design is defined in PPW (Ed.7) as: “the relationship between all elements of thenatural and built environment. To createsustainable development, design must gobeyond aesthetics and include the social,environmental and economic aspects of thedevelopment, including its construction,operation and management, and itsrelationship to its surroundings.” (Paragraph4.11.1)

2.1.3 Technical Advice Note (TAN) 12: Designconsiders design issues and sets out WG’sobjectives for new development. The purposeof the TAN is to provide all those involved in thedesign of development with advice on how thepromotion of sustainability through good design

may be facilitated through the planning system.The TAN emphasises that good designrequires a collaborative, creative, process ofproblem solving and innovation - embracingsustainability, architecture, place making,public realm, landscape, and infrastructure.

2.1.4 WG is committed to promoting moresustainable forms of development, and theirsustainable development scheme, One Wales:One Planet, (2009) sets out their approach tosustainable development. Through theplanning system in Wales, good design can beused to play a major role in deliveringsustainable forms of development and PPWprovides guidance on how the planning systemin Wales can achieve this.

2.1.5 There are a number of ways in whichplacemaking and design principles cancontribute towards sustainable developmentand sustainability. These include:

- respect local character and distinctiveness;- respect landform & topography;- respect landscape and biodiversity;- sustainable use of natural materials andresources;

- construct robust and durable buildings

These principles are covered in detail insubsequent sections where they form part ofthe place-making and design process.

2.2 Local2.2.1 This document should be read inconjunction with the policies and guidance thatare set out in the Carmarthenshire LocalDevelopment Plan (LDP), adopted December,2014. The SPG is supplementary to the LDP,and principally this policy:

Policy GP1 Sustainability and HighQuality DesignDevelopment proposals will be permittedwhere they accord with the following:a) It conforms with and enhances thecharacter and appearance of the site,building or area in terms of siting,appearance, scale, height, massing,elevation treatment, and detailing;

b) It incorporates existing landscape orother features, takes account of sitecontours and changes in levels andprominent skylines or ridges;

c) Utilises materials appropriate to thearea within which it is located;

Policy Context 2

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d) It would not have a significant impacton the amenity of adjacent land uses,properties, residents or thecommunity;

e) Includes an integrated mixture of usesappropriate to the scale of thedevelopment;

f) It retains, and where appropriateincorporates important local features(including buildings, amenity areas,spaces, trees, woodlands andhedgerows) and ensures the use ofgood quality hard and soft landscapingand embraces opportunities toenhance biodiversity and ecologicalconnectivity;

g) It achieves and creates attractive, safeplaces and public spaces, whichensures security through the‘designing-out-crime’ principles ofSecured by Design (includingproviding natural surveillance,visibility, well lit environments andareas of public movement);

h) An appropriate access exists or can beprovided which does not give rise toany parking or highway safetyconcerns on the site or within thelocality;

i) It protects and enhances thelandscape, townscape, historic andcultural heritage of the County andthere are no adverse effects on thesetting or integrity of the historicenvironment;

j) It ensures or provides for, thesatisfactory generation, treatment anddisposal of both surface and foulwater;

k) It has regard to the generation,treatment and disposal of waste.

l) It has regard for the safe, effective andefficient use of the transportationnetwork;

m)It provides an integrated network whichpromotes the interests of pedestrians,cyclists and public transport whichensures ease of access for all;

n) It includes, where applicable, provisionfor the appropriate management anderadication of invasive species.

Proposals will also be considered in light ofthe policies and provisions of this Plan andNational Policy (PPW: Edition 7 and TAN12:Design).

Other relevant LDP policies include:

H1 Housing AllocationsTR2 Location of Development- Transport

ConsiderationsTR3 Highways in Developments- Design

ConsiderationsTR4 Cycling and WalkingEQ1 Protection of Buildings, Landscapes

and Features of Historic ImportanceEQ3 Regional and Local DesignationsEQ6 Special Landscape AreasREC2 Open Space Provision and New

DevelopmentsEP1 Water Quality and ResourcesSP13 Protection and Enhancement of the

Built and Historic EnvironmentSP16 Community Facilities.

Due regard should be had to other SPGprepared in respect of the CarmarthenshireLDP.

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Placemaking & Design Principles: The Broader Area

33.1 Introduction3.1.1 Carmarthenshire is the third largestcounty in Wales covering some 2,365 squarekilometres, which represents 11.5% of the totalland mass of Wales. Carmarthenshire is a richand diverse county of contrasts. Theagricultural economy and landscape of ruralCarmarthenshire is juxtaposed with the moreurban and industrial south-eastern area.Within the County, the former coal, steel andother heavy industries have left theirenvironmental legacy, whilst at the same timelarge areas have been afforded with nationalor local designations due to their specialecological or landscape value. The Council iscommitted to meeting the demands of themodern economy and society through ensuringthat all new development is of high quality,sustainable and respects and where possible,enhances the distinctive character of thespecific location where the development isproposed.

3.1.2 The process of placemaking relies onunderstanding a range of social, economic andenvironmental factors during the planningapplication and design process. For the

purpose of this guidance, the process has beenbroken down into three different, interrelatedstages:

1. how a new development fits in to and thefunctional role it can play within the broaderarea, taking into account the environmentaland visual context; 2. how a development relates to and forms anintegral part of a local area and community;and 3. the positive contribution that individualbuildings within a development can make to anarea, in terms of its design quality andfunctionality.

3.1.3 Whilst this Section, and Section 4 belowrespectively deal with stages 1 and 2 above,stage 3 is touched upon in Section 4, however,specific design considerations relating toindividual buildings will be subject to a separateSPG on residential design.

The Benefits of Good Design

3.1.4 There are environmental, social, as wellas economic benefits to creating a welldesigned development. Studies have shown

that designing a high quality environment is anessential ingredient to achieving economicprosperity as it will be more attractive topotential investors as well as being moreappealing to customers, key workers andtourists. Similarly, better designed buildingsand places for work will result in moreproductive employees. At the same time, well-designed neighbourhoods will create happierand healthier communities that will be morecommitted to the maintenance of theirsurroundings. The environmental benefitsmight include less pollution through thereduction in traffic, the protection orenhancement of biodiversity, and theconservation of the built heritage. All thesebenefits are central to achieving sustainabledevelopment and to the long term economicprosperity of an area.

3.2 Landscape Character3.2.1 It is important that new developmentacknowledges and respects the unique varietyof landscapes within Carmarthenshire. NaturalResources Wales (NRW) has produced alandscape character map for the whole ofWales, with 48 regional scale landscape

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character areas. Each has a distinctive senseof place that enables it to be recognised as asingle area – e.g. a range of hills or a majorurban area. Carmarthenshire contains 13 of

these distinctive character areas. Thecharacter areas cover landscapes from ruggedmountains to rolling green hills, from rural rivervalleys to post-industrial vales, and from rocky

coastlines with large beaches to picturesquetidal estuaries.

21-Cambrian Mountains; 28 Eppynt Plateau and Valleys; 30-Brecon Beacons; 33-GwendraethVales; 37 South Wales Valleys; 38-Swansea Bay; 40-Teifi Valley; 41-Towy Valley; 42-Pembroke &Carmarthen foothills; 44-Taf & Cleddau Vales; 45-Taf, Tywi & Gwendraeth Estuaries; 46 PreseliHills; 47-South Pembrokeshire Coast.

Landscape Character Map for Carmarthenshire

Upland landscapes vary from ruggedmountains to rolling hills.

For centuries the river valleys withinCarmarthenshire have providedgood quality agricultural land.

Rolling hills and attractive villageswithin the Gwendraeth Vale.

Picturesque, environmentallysensitive areas such as Llansteffanrequire a heightened sensitivitywhen it comes to designing for newdevelopment.

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3.2.2 These varied landscapes havehistorically influenced where settlements havebecome established, and this interrelationshipis essential to our understanding of how newdevelopment can integrate positively with thebroader landscape. New development shouldcomplement and reinforce existing characterby responding to the sense of place in amanner that reconciles the past with what issuitable and appropriate today.

3.2.3 Landscape character is influenced by anarea’s geology and landform. These need tobe understood and appreciated in order to gainan understanding of how development canappropriately fit in and contribute to the broaderlandscape of an area. Geological processeshave shaped the land into the general form thatwe see today and the rock types, often ofeconomic value, can influence the productivityof the overlying land. The resultant landform,from rolling hills to flat coastal areas, hasinfluenced the nature of human settlement andshapes the visual character of an area and howdevelopment can be incorporatedsympathetically into the landscape.

Special Landscape Areas

3.2.4 Special Landscape Areas (SLAs)represents a non-statutory designation whichwere identified following a formal assessmentof the landscape qualities of the County. Theirdesignation utilised the former CountrysideCouncil for Wales’ Guidance Note in applyingthe results from the LANDMAP data. In thisregard their designation reflects the aspectareas defined within LANDMAP and seeks toutilise ‘outstanding’ categorisations supportedwhere appropriate by those classified as ‘high’

3.2.5 LANDMAP is a Wales wide approach tolandscape assessment which describes andevaluates aspects of landscapes and can beused by authorities in informing policy anddecision making. It identifies five ‘aspectareas’: geological landscape, visual andsensory, landscape habitat, cultural landscape,and historic landscape.

3.2.6 SLAs are identified on the LDP ProposalsMap and are covered in Policy EQ6. Theynumber 18 in total and include river valleys,upland landscapes and coastal landscapes,however, the Carmarthen Bay and EstuariesSLA contains a number of distinct landscapeswhich have been considered as a continuum.

Ammanford and Mynydd Betws from Carmel WoodsNNR, on Carmarthenshire’s prominent limestoneridge.

Carmarthenshire Special Landscape Areas.Reference should be made to Policy EQ6 SpecialLandscape Areas.

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1. The lower part of the Tywi Valley SpecialLandscape Area is characterised by a widefloodplain dominated by agricultural land, withmature hedgerows and trees. Historic parklandsand castles are also a feature of this part of thevalley.

2. The sparsely populated Llwchwr Valley SpecialLandscape Area supports an attractive mix ofwoodland and agricultural land.

3. The upper part of the Tywi Valley SpecialLandscape Area is typified by narrow, risingsteeply sides. It is characterised by small fields,hedgerows, woodland, traditional farms, and theriver.

4. The Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SpecialLandscape Area: The juxtaposition of differinglandscapes, such as salt marsh, beaches andwooded estuary slopes create an area of highscenic quality.

5. The Mynydd Mallaen Special Landscape Area:A wild and exposed area of upland plateau.

Design Evaluation Summary for LandscapeCharacter:

P Does the form of the development proposalfit in with and complement the broaderlandscape?

P Has the design proposal taken into accountany landscape designations?

P Where landscape designations exist, havepre-application discussions been conductedwith the Local Planning Authority toascertain potential impacts or the types ofproposal that would be permitted / notpermitted?

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4 5

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• Parks and gardens - urban parks, countryand regional parks, formal and privategardens, and institutional grounds (forexample at schools and hospitals).

• Amenity green space - informal recreationspaces, play areas, outdoor sport facilities,housing green spaces, domestic gardens,village greens, urban commons, otherincidental space, green roofs, hedges, civicsquares and spaces, and highway trees andverges.

• Allotments, community gardens, city farms,orchards, roof gardens, and urban edgefarmland.

• Cemeteries and churchyards.

• Natural and semi-natural rural, peri-urbanand urban green spaces, including:woodland and scrub, grassland (for exampledownland and meadow), heath and moor,wetlands, open and running water,brownfield sites, bare rock habitats (forexample cliffs and quarries), coast,beaches, and Community Forests.

• Green corridors - rivers and canals includingtheir banks, road and rail corridors, cycling

routes, and rights of way. Green corridorscan play a vital role in protecting andenhancing biodiversity and reversing theeffects of habitat fragmentation onbiodiversity. They also deliver a range ofother social and environmental benefits,including enhancement of local landscapecharacter, and greater opportunities forpublic access and recreational use.

• Existing national and local nature reservesand locally designated sites for natureconservation (for example Sites ofImportance for Nature Conservation(SINCs) etc.).

• Archaeological and historic sites.

• Functional green space such as sustainableurban drainage schemes and flood storageareas.

Green Infrastructure

3.2.7 Green Infrastructure is the term usedfor the harnessing of the natural environment,such as ecological features, green space,water management systems to the benefit ofthe social, economic and environmental healthof an area. It provides a systems approach toplanning and development that strives tointegrate the potentially competing objectivesof development and the requirements topreserve and enhance the naturalenvironment. Whilst the Green Infrastructureapproach identifies the natural environment asan asset which developers can utilise to bringabout economic growth, it also provides themeans whereby these ‘assets’ can be robustlyprotected and enhanced. This is why Greeninfrastructure systems are viewed as a criticalelement of sustainable development.

Green Infrastructure Assets

3.2.8 The following examples of assets thatcan be considered to be green infrastructureare provided in the Town and Country PlanningAssociation’s ‘The essential role of greeninfrastructure - eco-towns green infrastructureworksheet’ (2008):

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1. New housing set around attractive public openspace.

2 The incorporation of a water feature and the useof appropriate planting have resulted in a pleasingenvironment which adds to the sense of place.

3. Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli: stretching fromPembrey Harbour in the west to the Loughorestuary in the east, this comprises a series ofdistinct landscapes, habitats, places andlandmarks linked by a foot and cycle way.

4. Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo: Popular visitor attractionproviding extensive footpaths and managedparkland.

5. Effective use of amenity open space.

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Design Evaluation Summary for GreenInfrastructure:

PHave the elements (assets) of GreenInfrastructure highlighted above beenaddressed in the design proposals?Examples might include:

- Full regard to, and integration of greeninfrastructure features both within andoutside the site area;

- Sufficient green open space within a newdevelopment;

- The use of SuDs where applicable;- Sites of ecological, geological, historicaland landscape value are properlyacknowledged in the design proposal andno adverse effects will result.

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Placemaking & Design Principles: Local Areas

44.1 CharacterBuilt Character

4.1.1 An area’s distinctive built character isdefined by the existing layout and architecturalstyle of its buildings, features, spaces andstructures. New development proposalsshould be designed to have a positivecharacter that is appropriate for, and can besuccessfully integrated into, the place where itis located. To achieve this, it is important thatan understanding is gained of the historicalorigins of a place – how it formed, and how newdevelopment can complement and enhancethe built character.

4.1.2 Built form contributes to the character,identity and distinctiveness of a place. Alongwith other aspects such as social andeconomic well-being, built form contributestowards a ‘sense of place’ – the qualities thatgive a place a distinctive character. It isimportant that new developments are not blandand lacking in character. The layout and formof the buildings are crucial in animating thecharacter of a place and creating a diversity ofinterest.

Carmarthen: Modern regeneration project within atraditional market town.

National Botanic Gardens. The impressive glassdome is a major piece of modern architecture whichprovides a contrasting yet iconic addition to the area’ssense of place.

Ammanford: Late Victorian listed buildings add to thesense of place in the centre of the town

Carmarthen: Transformation of a once busy road hasresulted in a tranquil, pedestrian friendly environmentbetween the historic St. Peter’s Church and the moremodern Myrddin Gallery.

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4.1.5 Carmarthenshire has a rich and diversehistorical and cultural built heritage with some27 designated conservation areas, 470Scheduled Ancient Monuments ranging fromPrehistoric to post-Medieval/Modern featuresof cultural historic interest as well as over 1,800listed buildings. The aims of the LDP in respectof the built environment and historic buildingsis, in conjunction with primary legislation, tosafeguard the cultural integrity of the historicsettlements, features and buildings within thePlan area, and where applicable contribute tothe enhancement of the historic and builtenvironment.

Built Heritage: Historic Origins

4.1.3 New development will need to respectand integrate with the existing pattern ofdevelopment. The historic make up andlocation of the towns and villages withinCarmarthenshire is central to their character,identity and sense of place and how they fitwithin the diverse range of landscapes withinthe County. It is important that newdevelopment acknowledges this historicalcontext by seeking to form logical additions tothe existing patterns of urban form and byavoiding standardised building forms and roadlayouts.

4.1.4 Applications for new development willneed to demonstrate an understanding andappreciation of the existing and historic makeup of the settlement in which it is proposed. Ananalysis of the present day form of thesettlement and its visual relationship with thebroader landscape should be carried out inorder to establish whether the form and layoutof the new proposals are appropriate to theexisting pattern of the settlement.

Market Town: Llandovery

Castle Town: Kidwelly, which originated as result ofits strategic importance

Harbour Town: Burry Port, harbour founded in trade(coal) has been transformed into a active marina

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4.1.6 The County’s historic buildings,townscape and landscape should be regardedas assets and positively conserved andenhanced for the benefit of residents andvisitors alike. The special and often diversecharacter of the County, with its unspoiltcountryside, industrial heritage and wealth ofhistoric towns and villages, reflects thechanges experienced through the ages, linkingthe past to the present and maintaining thearea's distinct cultural identity.

4.1.7 Any proposals in respect of conservationareas will be assessed against their effect onthe character and appearance of the area.New developments should accord with thespecial architectural and historic interest of thearea. Designated conservation areas areidentified within the LDP and are shown on theProposals Map.

Nott’s Square and Carmarthen Castle: Carmarthen,as the oldest continuously inhabited town in Wales,provides a mix of new developments and traditionalshops within narrow cobbled streets and modernshopping areas.

The village of Cenarth, straddling the border withCeredigion, includes a picturesque section of theRiver Teifi, and Cenarth Bridge which exhibits notablebuilt conservation value.

Carmarthen has many old and historic buildings whichcharacterise the built environment and quality of thearea.

Design Evaluation Summary for Character:

P The proposal should exhibit anddemonstrate a clear understanding of theexisting built heritage, character and senseof place;

P The proposal should acknowledge andhave full regard to any built heritagedesignations on or near to the site andshould ensure that these are sensitivelydealt with in the scheme;

P The proposal should preserve or enhancethe existing built form;

P The proposal should contribute strongly toan area’s sense of place.

The familiar view of Bridge Street, Llandeilo fromacross the River Tywi. The prominent and manycoloured frontages to the houses defines thisentrance gateway into the town and reinforces thesense of place.

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4.2 Siting of Development4.2.1 An initial assessment of the developmentsite should be carried out to ascertain how thesite conditions will affect the proposal and,conversely, the potential impact that thedevelopment might have on its surroundingarea. This should include an analysis of thetopography and landform, aspect andmicroclimate of the site and its environs.

Landform and Topography

4.2.2 The landform and topography of anarea will influence how a new development willfit into a landscape, including how thedevelopment will appear from the surrounding

area, as well as the views from thedevelopment itself. New development shouldbe designed so as to complement thetopographic form. Development on ridgelinescan often be visually obtrusive and shouldgenerally be avoided. If developments are tobe situated close to ridgelines, then appropriatemeasures should be employed to reduce theirimpact, for example the use of trees forscreening (either in front or behind dependingupon the individual proposal).

4.2.3 Similarly with sloping sites, adevelopment should utilise the topography andnot impose itself on the landscape. The layoutof the buildings and the roads therefore shouldgenerally look to follow the contours of the

land; this will result in a complementaryrelationship between the development itselfand the character of the local area.

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Design response to sloping sites - examples of splitlevel housing. This can offer opportunities forinnovative, creative design solutions. For example, bybuilding into sloping land, the development cancomplement the topography and any potential visualimpact can be minimised.

Microclimate

4.2.4 Design proposals will need to haveregard to the climatic and site conditions,including the prevailing direction of wind, thesite’s aspect (the particular direction that apiece of land faces) and the topography (whichinfluences small-scale shelter and shading).Design solutions should seek to orientatebuildings to give a southerly aspect to gain thegreatest amount of heat and light during theday. Careful consideration of the orientation of

Harmonising the built form with the landform.

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a site’s aspect will ensure that the design of thedevelopment is as sustainable as possible andwill influence its design quality andperformance (refer to section 4.8, below).Sometimes it will be necessary to have dualaspect buildings due to changes in a site’stopography. Streets should be designed,wherever possible against the prevailing winddirection, to avoid wind tunnelling, however,where this is not possible, shelter could beprovided by planting. The use of existing treesand/or hedges should also be considered in ascheme, whether for shelter or as through theirretention as green infrastructure (refer tosection 3.2.8 above).

Design Evaluation Summary for Siting ofDevelopment:

PDesign proposals should exhibit a fullunderstanding of the following:

- The landscape characteristics of the area;- The local built character of the area;- The sense of place particular to that area

PNew proposals must harmonise with locallandscape and contribute to the sense ofplace, wherever possible enhancing thelocal character.

Design proposals for Cross Hands East Employment Site showing the incorporation of existing (and new) treesand hedgerows; the retention/creation of habitats; the use of sustainable a grade industrial buildings and the use ofSustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SuDS).

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benefits to developers in terms of increasedsale prices, as well as providing a moreattractive environment for inwardinvestment;

• Land regeneration - previously developed(brownfield) land can potentially providesocial, environmental and economicbenefits through conversion to greeninfrastructure;

• Ecological benefits - through the creationand enhancement of habitats, greeninfrastructure benefits biodiversity byintegrating into the built environment andenabling residents to appreciate nature.

4.3.2 The benefits will be achieved mostsuccessfully if green infrastructure creation ispart of an integrated approach to development.Some of the assets that need to be consideredin terms of landscape value include thefollowing:

Landscape Features

4.3.3 Development proposals should retainexisting features of value such as trees andhedgerows. New planting and provision shouldalso be considered as trees, woodland, open

Mature trees, and an area of green space adjacent toa watercourse, have been retained giving the newdevelopment distinctiveness and character.

space and hedgerows can greatly enhance thelocal character of a place as well as itsecological and recreational qualities.

4.3.4 Incorporating trees, other vegetation andestablished features can contribute to theunique sense of place of an area or settlement.Retaining existing features into proposals helpsto create places that are distinct and can helpto soften the impact of change by creating asense of continuity that acknowledges localidentity.

4.3 Site Assets

The Benefits of Green Infrastructure

4.3.1 Adopting a green infrastructure approachis increasingly viewed as being beneficial, notonly for the environment, but also because ofits potential to improve the health and vitalityof businesses and the lives of local residentsand the public. The benefits include thefollowing:

• Climate change – the importance of greeninfrastructure has increased in recent yearsas a response to climate change. Theapproach can play an important role ineducating the public and supporting theadaptation of people to a changing climate;

• Health and well-being – studies haveshown that residents and workers that liveor work in green surroundings are healthierand more content than their counterpartswho have no immediate access to greenspaces;

• Economic growth and investment -research has shown that investment ingreen infrastructure accrues financial

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4.3.5 As well as the visual amenity thatvegetation can provide, trees, hedges, waterresources and formal and informal open spacecan benefit local microclimate and biodiversitythrough for example providing shelter from thewind and a range of habitats for flora andfauna. They can also contribute towards thehealth and well being of local communities by,for example, screening a site from other uses.

4.3.6 Other features that should, wherepossible, be retained within a newdevelopment include watercourses (see greeninfrastructure, sections 3.2.8 & 4.3.1, above),as well as original buildings and walls. Lessobvious assets such as archaeological featuresshould be identified within the site survey andshould not be impacted upon by the proposal.

Landscape Planting and GreenCorridors

4.3.7 Planting should be considered early on ina development proposal as part of thelandscape design scheme. Planting serves anumber of purposes including, breaking up thebuilt form, screening, defining properties aswell as providing amenity and ecologicalbenefits.

4.3.8 Along with maintaining existing landscapefeatures, planting can contribute to providing anetwork of ‘green corridors’ within a newdevelopment whereby existing trees andhedgerows would be retained and enhancedwith new landscaping. Such green corridorscan have the effect of the countrysideintegrating into the new development. Thesecorridors will also allow for increasedbiodiversity and connectivity potential.

4.3.9 Reference should be made to otherrelevant SPGs, in particular Biodiversity, toensure that consistency of approach ismaintained.

Site and Settlement Boundaries

4.3.10 New development is often located onthe edge of a settlement. Indeed the LDPallocates land in such locations to enablesettlements to expand. These locations areoften visually prominent, effectivelyrepresenting the boundary between the builtform and the countryside. Consequently,development proposals at the edge ofsettlements will need to demonstrate that thevisual impacts have been fully considered anda favourable scheme is put forward thatcomplements the surrounding landscape.

4.3.11 Edge of settlement locations will oftendefine the entrance to a town or village from aparticular direction and so an attractive designthat blends in with both the settlement as wellas the surrounding countryside is crucial.Appropriate landscape planting together withvariety in the built form will create an attractivecomposition and a positive edge that issympathetic to the urban to rural transition.

The effective use of trees to soften and complementthe built form.

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Design Evaluation Summary for SiteAssets:

PNew proposals should identify the existingcharacteristics and features of the site andassess their value;

P The assessment should set out thosecharacteristics and features that contributetowards the local character and sense ofplace;

P The proposal should retain and work withthe valuable site features, integrating theminto the development;

P The proposal should respond positively tothe local characteristics of the area and itssense of place.

A poor edge of settlement development, with monotonous, bland built form, visually intrusive fencing andinsufficient landscaping.

Variation in roofline Building designed to overlook footpaths

Contrasting building line adds varietyIncorporation of open space

Green landscaping framing development

Creating an attractive and positive edge of settlement development would include providing variety in landscapeplanting and built form.

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4.4 Accessibility and Ease ofMovement

4.4.1 Accessibility and ease of movement aretwo of the most important aspects to any newdevelopment. Ensuring a development inwhich vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists aretaken into account is very important. An initialappraisal of the footpath, cycle and bridlewaynetwork and the hierarchy of streets in thesurrounding area will help in determining theaccess routes to a new development. It is vitalthat there is an early dialogue between thedesigner and the local authority’s Highway andPlanning departments to gain advice on accessand design issues.

4.4.2 Street design and accessibility within andbeyond the site is seen as being criticallyimportant in providing alternatives to car traveland achieving high quality in the environment.The arrangement of streets and other accessways within a new development must alwaysbe aimed at creating permeable places, andthese should be closely linked with the wideraccess network.

4.4.3 Making connections between new andexisting developments is essential in creatinga successful and vibrant place. Furthermore,

integrating a clear hierarchy of routes througha new development is important in creatinglegibility and permeability. For example, havinga main route through with secondary roadsleading to access roads will provide goodlegibility for a site. Such proposals shouldreduce the need to use the car and encouragewalking or cycling.

4.4.4 In terms of the existing access networks,it is essential that these are protected whereverpossible when designing a new development.It should be noted that public rights of way arematerial planning considerations and shouldtherefore be incorporated into new design.Appropriate mitigation should be provided ifimpacts to existing access are unavoidable.

Public Transport

4.4.5 Where possible, new developmentshould be related or accessible to publictransport (depending upon the scale of anindividual scheme). In some cases, it might beconducive for Developers and the Council todiscuss the potential for altering an existing busroute and / or creating new bus stops with thelocal transport company. This will offer futureresidents a choice of how to travel and will helpto reduce reliance on private cars. This willhave the consequence of reducing theenvironmental impact of a new development aswell as providing more opportunities andenhancing the experience of walkers, cyclistsand horse riders. There are obvious health andamenity benefits associated with this approach.

The network of streets should be permeable,connecting the development to adjacent areas.

Design Evaluation Summary forAccessibility and Ease of Movement:

Development schemes should:P Identify the accessibility of local publictransport services in relation to the site;

P Identify whether there is a need for new orimproved public transport services andwhether the proposal itself will provide orcontribute to these new services;

P Identify existing footpaths, bridleways andcycle ways and should highlightaccessibility to these;

P Set out clearly how access and linkages willbe achieved between the development andthe surrounding street/road network.

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4.5 Public Realm4.5.1 The public realm is the only part of aplace that every member of society can see,therefore it is important that new developmentsprovide quality, attractive and safeenvironments for all. All aspects of thedevelopment should be considered, not onlythe public spaces themselves (green spaces,playgrounds, squares etc), but also the positionof buildings, surfacing, lighting, street furnitureand planting. Such attention to detail willenhance the overall environment and help todefine its “sense of place”. It is important thatthe public realm is overlooked and therebypotentially supervised. New developmentsshould have windows and doors onto publicspaces; this provides surveillance and helps tocreate safe and secure environments in whichto live and work.

4.5.2 Buildings should be located so that thepublic realm is supervised. Housingdevelopments are particularly effective atproviding supervision. In new housingdevelopments, active frontages (where thefrontage facade of the building, including themain entrance, faces and open towards thestreet) should be designed to overlook thepublic realm. Windows, particularly from living

accommodation, should overlook streetfrontages. Supervision is particularly importantfrom the ground floor level of development, andless so from windows on staircases orbathrooms. Where side elevations face ontothe public realm, then windows to livingaccommodation should be included and blankgable walls should be avoided.

4.5.3 Other methods of supervising the publicrealm and ‘designing out crime’ includeproviding adequate street lighting and the useof plant species to deter access and tominimise opportunity for unobserved crime. Interms of pedestrian routes, these should bewide with no hidden corners and with clearlines of site.

4.5.4 Most new developments in town centreswill benefit from the public realm, it is thereforeappropriate that such developments shouldcontribute to public realm improvements andmaintenance. This can be achieved throughdeveloper contributions (Section 106Agreements). At the same time, it is imperativethat public realm areas within new proposals(for example, open spaces within housingsites) are designed to be readily maintainableand that a management structure is in place toguide and protect them. The developers of thepublic realm must seek to ensure that allunnecessary maintenance is taken intoaccount at the design stage and that amaintenance plan is put in place wherenecessary.

Adding visual interest to an area through the use ofhard and soft landscaping. Housing overlooking a footpath adds to the sense of

security.

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Car Parking

4.5.5 Development proposals shouldincorporate sufficient parking to accommodatenot only cars but also other modes of transportsuch as bicycles and motorcycles. The parkingmust be safe, convenient and attractive andshould contribute to the quality of theenvironment and the sense of place. TheWelsh Government’s policy on residential carparking is set out in Planning Policy Wales,supplemented by TAN 8, however theDepartment for Transport’s Manual for Streetsgoes into more detail with regards parking inrespect of cycles and motorcycles as well ascars.

4.5.6 Parking provision should beincorporated into the design proposal from theoutset, as parking can have a significant impactupon the quality of a new development. Carparking within the development will need tobalance the requirements set out in relevantguidance with the desire to create a highquality public realm.

4.5.7 Developments should avoid a parking-dominated landscape that would compromisethe character and quality of the place. Parkingshould be designed sensitively; employing a

mixture of parking options such as on-plotgarages, courtyards and on street parking willhelp to avoid motor vehicles dominating thestreetscene. Reference should be made to theCouncil’s car parking standards.

Pedestrianisation, attractive street furniture andsensitive treatment in a regeneration scheme of listedbuildings help to add to the sense of place.

Courtyard Parking

On-street parking

On-site parking (driveway)

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SuDS: Legal and policy context

4.5.10 The Flood and Water Management Act2010 (Schedule 3 - which has not beencommenced), requires new developments toinclude SuDS features that comply withnational standards. The Welsh Governmenthas proposed to publish interim nationalstandards on an advisory basis until such timeas it determines the most effective way ofembedding SuDS principles in newdevelopments in the longer term. Until suchtime as the SuDS Approval Boards (SABS) arein place, the Authority’s Technical Services(Hydrology) Department can continue to assistdevelopers in the implementation of SuDS aspart of a collaborative approach. Developersare advised to undertake early consultationwith the Authority (and where appropriatepartner agencies such as Natural ResourcesWales) in order to achieve the best possibleoutcomes for all parties and ensure that anysystems can be subsequently adopted.

4.5.11 Whilst Schedule 3 has yet to becommenced, there is a firm policy commitmentto the implementation of sustainable drainageapproaches within Carmarthenshire. LDPPolicy SP2: Climate Change, outlines thepotential contribution of SuDS and flood

resilient design towards the delivery ofsustainable development. LDP Policy EP3:Sustainable Drainage, requires that theeffectiveness of incorporating SuDS should befully investigated and that the details andoptions resulting from this investigation mustshow that there are justifiable reasons for notincorporating SuDS into the scheme. To thisend, Policy EP3 seeks to reflect national policyin the form of Planning Policy Wales TechnicalAdvice Note 15.

RainScape: Llanelli & Burry Port

4.5.12 There are keynote examples ofsustainable drainage approaches beingdelivered across Carmarthenshire. Suchschemes are testimony to an innovative andcollaborative approach towards place-making.Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) isdeveloping and using new, innovative solutionsto manage the amount of surface waterentering the sewers in the Llanelli area. Bybuilding upon lessons learned from theinternational examples of surface waterschemes in Malmö, (Sweden) and Portland(Oregon, USA), DCWW has created its ownrange of surface water solutions that it callsRainScape. Such solutions can beincorporated into new developments, or

Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes(SuDS): What is SuDS?

4.5.8 The introduction of SuDS intodevelopment proposals provides opportunitiesto manage surface water runoff in a fashionthat minimises the impacts of development.Such interventions can impact upon the qualityand quantity of road runoff, whilst alsomaximising amenity and biodiversityopportunities within both rural and urbansettings. Successfully implemented schemescan slow down the flow of water, thuscontributing to a reduction in flood risk andprotecting water quality as well as reducing anylong term maintenance obligations and costs.

4.5.9 Where feasible, SuDS provides analternative to conventional, piped drainage viamethods such as permeable paving,soakaways, green roofs, swales and ponds. Inexploring their feasibility, it is vital that adoptionand management arrangements for SuDSinfrastructure and all drainage elements areagreed with the local authority or sewerageundertaker at the planning stage. This canensure that SuDS infrastructure is properlymaintained and functions effectively for itsdesign life.

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installed into the existing sewer systems andinclude Basins and Planters, Swales, Porouspaving, Filter strips, Grass channels andGeocellular storage.

4.5.13 RainScape is particularly needed inLlanelli as the area sees almost as much stormwater in its network as Swansea, despite thefact that Swansea serves three times thenumber of properties, and three times the areacompared with Llanelli. One project that hasbeen completed is the construction of a swaleon the Queen Mary’s Walk playing field. Duringperiods of heavy rainfall the swale captures thewater, and lets it gradually seep into a belowground storage unit, before releasing it into thesewer network. This delays the time it takes forthe water to get into the network. The swalehas been planted with a range of interestingplants and trees, especially selected to helpwith soaking up the rainwater. At a cost of£850,000, it is anticipated that it will removeapproximately 4,365,000,000 litres of water ayear from the sewer network.

4.5.14 LDP Policy EP1: Water Quality andResources recognises that the fact that wateras a resource is extremely valuable. Proposalsshould seek wherever possible to incorporatewater conservation techniques including

rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling.In terms of water quality, recognition is give tothe need to improve the whole waterenvironment and promote the sustainable useof water for the benefit of both people andwildlife. Water quality can be improved througha number of measures including the effectivedesign, construction and operation ofsewerage systems, the use ofwetlands/greenspace for flood alleviation, theuse of SuDS and sustainable water use indesign.

The use of aswale as part of a SuDS,Llanelli.

Employing aSuDS atStebonheathSchool,Llanelli.

Employing a SuDSwithin a street in Llanelli.

Design Evaluation Summary for PublicRealm:

P To achieve greater security, buildingfrontages should be designed so as tooverlook streets and public spaces;

P Safe routes should be created through thedevelopment for walkers and cycliststhrough surveillance and appropriate design(e.g. street lighting);

P Appropriate car parking should be designedinto a scheme; it should be safe, attractiveand should not dominate a development;

P It would be more favourable to provide avariety of parking options such ascourtyards and street bays rather than haveone dominate.

P The introduction of sustainable drainageinto development proposals should beconsidered where feasible.

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The use of traffic calming methods and landscapefeatures helps to maintain driver awareness andassists in improving the amenity and safety of anarea.

4.6 Development Form

Streets and Roads

4.6.1 Until recent years, there had been atendency towards development being designedaround car movement, based on technicalhighway design criteria. Such an approach,where streets were essentially channels for themovement of vehicles, did little to enhance anarea, rather it resulted in an erosion of its senseof place through the development of uniformand linear streets.

4.6.2 There is now a return to a more holisticview of streets and their role in modern life.The role of streets in new developments arenow seen as central to social and leisureactivities, and are now being designed as muchwith the pedestrian and cyclist in mind as themotorist. Large new developments shouldtherefore avoid creating monotonous,homogeneous layouts, but should ratherensure that the design concept is clear indefining distinct places which display ahierarchy of streets and a range of densitieswithin the built form.

4.6.3 Developers should consult the Manual forStreets when designing their layouts. Ahierarchy of streets, with associated publicspaces, will provide people (whether these areresidents, shoppers or workers) with an easeof accessibility and navigation as well aschoices as to where to move around and meetothers.

4.6.4 A clear hierarchy of streets also hashighway safety benefits. An avoidance ofunbroken straights will reduce driver visibilityand will help to reduce traffic speeds, therebyimproving the safety of walkers, cyclists andhorse riders. Other traffic calming measurescan be achieved through using changes in roadsurfaces (such as a rougher surface toencourage speed reduction) or sharedsurfaces (which helps calm traffic speed andencourages greater use by pedestrians andcyclists).

4.6.5 Reference should be made to the casestudy in Section 6, which incorporates many ofthe factors set out above, as well as other issuesuch as the importance of linking the design ofa new street network with that of thesurrounding area, thereby achieving continuity.

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4.6.7 Development blocks should generally besmall enough to accommodate a mixture ofstyles and should ensure that there is clear ahierarchy of streets. The surrounding area willhave an influence on the new developmentwhich will need to blend in and complement theexisting built form in terms of both buildingstyle, access and linkages.

4.6.8 In terms of housing schemes, a numberof different styles could be employed todevelopment blocks, dependent uponindividual circumstances such as topographyand the nature of the surrounding built form.Types of development might include sensitively

designed cul-de-sacs, such as mews orcourtyards. In response to changes in slopeand topography, more innovative types ofdevelopment might be employed, such asthree storey and split level properties. At edgeof settlement locations, attractive frontagedevelopment will help to define the entrance tothe town from that particular direction andenhance an area’s sense of place, particularlyif this mirrors the architectural characterelsewhere in the town.

A development employing a clear hierarchy of streets and a varied mixture of housing styles. Integration andaccess with the Llanelli Coastal Park is provided through a direct link with the existing footpath/cycleway.

Development Blocks

4.6.6 New development should be made up ofclearly defined development blocks, withbuildings orientated to emphasise a cleardistinction public and private space. This canbe achieved through the fronts of buildingsfacing the streets and the rear facing privateareas. The most successful designs are thosewhich achieve this distinction to best effect;they not only contribute towards making people(whether residents, workers or visitors) feelsafe and secure, but can enhance thecharacter of the development and help tocreate a sense of place.

An example of high quality design in a Cul-de-sacsetting.

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4.6.9 Public open spaces should be locatedwhere they are likely to be well used, forexample where streets meet. They should beoverlooked by well-defined frontages toreinforce security. Areas of open space can beof varying sizes, with Local Area for Play(LAPs) or Local Equipped Area for Play(LEAPs) being provided within them. Smaller,incidental areas of open space can also be ofvalue to a new development; sometimes thismight be an opportunity to display innovativestreet furniture to enhance the character of thearea, or it might be large enough to incorporatean informal play space. Reference should bemade to SPG on Leisure & Open SpaceRequirements for New Developments.

4.6.10 The importance of frontages in a newdevelopment has been covered above, inrelation to supervision and security. Thecontinuity of frontages in a developmentdepends on where it is situated. Frontages inan urban street will be mostly continuous; thisenclosure will reinforce the feeling of securityand will make people feel safe when walkingthrough them. The design of the frontages insuch locations can enhance an area (if donesensitively) and can also help to create a senseof place.

Shared Surface Junction- can act as a natural traffic calming measure- the square would be framed by open spaces and alandmark building- allows for seamless transition between thegreen/open spaces

Hedgerows and Wooded Areas- existing hedgerowshelp to define developments plots- where appropriate, hedgerows and trees will be maintained and enhanced where needed

Incidental Open Space- small triangular open space framedfrom a strong frontage with propertiesdirectly overlooking the space, which islarge enough for informal play space

Key Frontage Development- the front of the buildings create an active frontageand present opportunities for passive surveillance or‘eyes on the street’Open Space

- open space framed by executive housing to the south and a semi-formalfrontage of detached and/or semi-detached properties- a LAP or LEAP can be provided within the space

An example of a proposal employing a variety of development blocks and open spaces.

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New residential frontage development.

4.6.11 In a new housing development there isgreater flexibility for experimentation withfrontages. This might be associated with theprovision of a wide range of housing types. Alarger development might include severalareas of terraced or semi-detached propertieswith almost continuous frontages, as well aslarger, detached properties where thefrontages are broken to include the largercurtilages. In all cases however, it is importantthat the treatment of public and private spaceis carried out as outlined in paragraphs 4.5.1 &4.5.2 above, so that no areas are seen asexclusive. Reference should be made to Mixedtenure at paragraph 4.7.6 below. Mixed use frontage development with residential

above the shops.

Permeability and Legibility

4.6.12 The provision of a permeable streetlayout that is well integrated with the characterand form of the surrounding area, is key toachieving a sustainably designeddevelopment. By creating a range of attractiveroutes through a site, in a well-defined streethierarchy, permeability is enhanced whichencourages increased pedestrian and cyclemovement and less dependence on themotorcar.

4.6.13 The legibility of a development isreinforced when it contains features and areadily identified layout which allows ease ofmovement around the site. The use oflandmarks and focal points at key nodes withinthe site is an effective way of enhancinglegibility. People will identify with such featureswhich not only aid navigation but will alsoenhance the character of the site. The use oflandmark buildings, public squares or openspaces are some examples of these features.Increasing the legibility of a site can beachieved through a number of means,including variations in character betweendifferent areas within the site – part of the sitemight be steep and would require specificarchitectural building styles to cope with the

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Design Evaluation Summary forDevelopment Form:

P Larger residential and mixed usedevelopment proposals should establish aclear hierarchy of streets;

P The streets should have appropriate accesslinks with the existing built form andhighway network;

P The streets should be designed to be safefor all types of users;

P The sense of place should be consideredthrough an appreciation of how thedevelopment will be experienced as usersmove through it;

P The scheme should set out well defineddevelopment blocks with well defined streetfrontages;

P There should be clear distinctions betweenprivate (individual properties) and publicspace (e.g. pavements, cycle ways,recreational open space).

topography, whereas another part mightrequire strong frontage development toemphasise an entrance gateway to the site.

The Beacon, Dafen Employment Site, Llanelli The Sospan and the North Dock Area, Llanelli

Landmark buildings create focal points which canmake a development more memorable and legible.

Permeability and LegibilityStrong building lines provide continuity through a development and reinforcepermeability with surrounding areas. Landmark buildings also help with legibility withinthe site by identifying key spaces or places.

CONTINUOUSSTREET FRONTAGE

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4.7 Uses and Activities

Community Facilities

4.7.1 In terms of new housing developments,it is important to ascertain whether newcommunity facilities are required or whether theproposed residents could utilise existingfacilities within the settlement. Communityfacilities provide an essential contribution to thevibrancy of neighbourhoods - from parks, playareas and shops to community centres,schools and healthcare. Reference should bemade to LDP Policy SP16 CommunityFacilities.

4.7.2 Community facilities provide an importantsocial role in creating places where membersof the community can meet one another. Theyalso help to support health and well-beingthrough encouraging walking and cycling andby providing education, healthcare, localservices and employment.

4.7.3 The importance of integrating newdevelopments with their surroundings hasbeen noted above (refer to paragraph 4.4.3).Where new facilities are deemed to benecessary, their location in relation to theexisting built form of the settlement must be

carefully considered. Locating them towardsthe edge of a new development will enable itsuse by both new and existing residents and willhelp to promote social integration. It might bemore appropriate to provide a new facility morecentrally within a settlement, or extending anexisting one.

4.7.4 Accessibility is a vital factor whenconsidering community facilities. In terms ofnew developments, it is important to locatethem as close a possible (in terms ofwalking/cycling) to existing facilities. If newfacilities are to be provided, then they shouldbe located within walking distance of as manyresidents as possible (existing as well as new).

Mix of Uses

4.7.5 Developments that incorporate a mix ofuses are more sustainable and are morebeneficial to the social, economic andenvironmental wellbeing of communities. A mixof uses, including housing, communityfacilities, shops, open spaces and employmentcontribute towards meeting the local needs ofresidents, workers and visitors. Suchdevelopments can reduce the reliance on themotor car and add to the vibrancy of an area,resulting in a safe and well used environment.

Mixed Tenure

4.7.6 In terms of larger residentialdevelopments, a wide range of housing typesshould be provided ensuring that the needs ofa variety of potential residents are catered for.The use of mixed tenure housing will enhancethe social cohesion of a community byproviding accommodation for the needs of all,including owner occupied (including affordablehousing) and rented. The mix should also beevenly distributed throughout the developmentso as to avoid social segregation. A poor mixof housing tenure can result in an unevensocial mix within an area and the potential forsocial exclusion.

Ysgol y Bedol Glanamman – an attractive, modernsustainable development incorporating multiple uses,including primary school, library and communitycentre.

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Examples of mixed tenure housing within a newdevelopment.

Mixed-use development

4.7.7 Mixed use development includes avariety of different uses, for exampleresidential, employment, retail, community useand leisure. Where mixed use development isproposed, care should be taken to ensure thatthere is no potential for conflict between thedifferent uses.

The Discovery Centre, Llanelli includes a mix of usesat a key tourism location.

Design Evaluation Summary for Uses andActivities:

P Proposals should identify local communityfacilities (shops, schools, health facilitiesetc) in relation to the site;

P Proposals should identify whether theexisting facilities can be accessed on foot orby cycle;

PWhere facilities cannot be accessed on footor by cycle, the need for the provision ofsuch facilities should be considered in theproposal;

P For mixed use proposals, the mix of usesshould provide sufficient choice in terms ofhousing and work places;

P For mixed use proposals, the different usesshould be compatible with one another andshould have no negative effects uponamenity and quality of life;

PResidential proposals should identify thelocal need for mixed tenure and affordablehousing;

P Schemes should provide mixed tenure andaffordable housing to meet the localdemand;

P Proposals should distribute the differenttenures across the site to ensure abalanced social mix and to avoid socialsegregation.

4.7.8 In larger developments outside of a towncentre, the mix of uses can be located close oradjacent to one another, for example a healthcentre or mini supermarket next to or within aresidential area. It is important however, thatthe different uses relate well to one another –the two aforementioned examples for instancewill benefit the local neighbourhoods and willreduce the need to travel by car.

4.7.9 In town centres, mixed use developmentcan be accommodated in different levels withina building, for example shops on the groundfloor with flats above. The use of upper floorsencourages owners/occupiers to keep theproperty in a good condition, which in turncontributes to the vitality of the town centre andmakes it more attractive to visitors.

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4.8 Design Quality andPerformance

Introduction

4.8.1 It is not the remit of this SPG to coversuch detail as the design of street layouts orthe design and construction of individualbuildings. This will be covered in a separateSPG on residential development. What isdetailed in this SPG however, are the place-making and design issues, such as adevelopment’s relationship with itssurroundings, general architectural quality,durability and fitness for purpose, and theinfrastructure and services that must beaccommodated within development and shouldbe considered early on in the design stage.

Relationship to the Site

4.8.2 Developments (whether whole sites orindividual buildings) should conform with andcomplement the form and make-up of thelandscape or townscape in which they occupy.Designs should exhibit a knowledge of thelandform and topography of the area and alsoan appreciation of features of interest such astrees, hedgerows and streams. Similarly, in a

more urban context, new buildings shouldrespond to the nature of the existing built form.Whilst there might be opportunities toexperiment with different architectural forms in,for example new residential or employmentdevelopments in a streetscape, new buildingsshould generally complement the neighbouringbuildings in terms of built frontage, roofline andstorey heights.

Carmarthen: A new streetscape which hasbeen developed and which complements thehistorical built form.

Fit for Purpose, Durable andSustainable

4.8.3 New developments should be well-built,durable and suitable for their intendedpurpose. This includes their layout, orientationand aspect. The internal layout will include thenumber, size and position of rooms, whilst theexternal elements will include the size,orientation and aspect of gardens and carparking space (in respect of residentialproperties) and potential vehicular parking,cycle bays and landscaping (in respect ofpublic buildings, employment and commercialproperties).

A new development integrated within existinglandscape features.

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4.8.4 Wherever practicable developmentsshould utilise sustainable materials (materialswith a low environmental impact) which havebeen sourced locally (to reduce transportemissions). Additionally, the use of used,reclaimed and recycled materials should alsobe investigated.

Infrastructure Requirements

4.8.5 It is important that the infrastructurerequirements of a proposal are consideredearly on during the design stage in order forthem to be integrated into the scheme and sothat any potential problematic issues can beaddressed. Typical infrastructure elements that

Fit for purpose and durable – Furnace School Llanelli,high standard, sustainable development.

need to be addressed include sewerage,electricity, water supply andtelecommunications. In addition, the localhighways authority should be consulted onmatters of highway access and design of on-site streets and roads.

Waste and Recycling

4.8.6 One of the more detailed designconsiderations in a scheme relates to thestorage and recycling of waste. Due to thechanging way in which waste is dealt with thereis pressure to separate waste into recyclablesand non-recyclables before it is collected.Therefore one household or business mayhave more than one storage bin.

4.8.7 It is essential to allow sufficient space forrefuse storage and to incorporate this into thedesign of the development. Bins shouldpreferably be stored in covered units, forexample as part of a garage block, a lean-toextension to a building, or an enclosed woodedunit.

4.8.8 Access is also very important. Users ofthe waste facility should be able to accessthem safely and conveniently. This is also truefor collections, as ease of access to the storage

areas should be achievable from main roads.Pollution and safety are also concerns whendealing with gathered waste as odours andvermin are potential problems. Goodventilation of any facility as well as enclosing itas much as possible will reduce the impact ofodours and restrict access to vermin.

Architectural Quality

4.8.9 Generally, buildings should beattractive and pleasing to the eye. Sometimesit is important that a development reflects someof the attractive qualities of the local historicform of buildings in the area. In theseinstances, new buildings are likely to sit well inthe landscape and streetscape. Sometimeshowever, new developments fail to emulatetraditional buildings or the built form and theresult is a poor imitation of the traditional localstyle.

4.8.10 Whilst not having a particularvernacular style, many settlements withinCarmarthenshire are characterised and arerecognisable by their streetscapes and distinctbuildings, whether this is due to the nature ofthe building stone used (often reflective of thelocal geology) or the historic make up of theindividual town. Therefore, if a traditional

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approach is to be followed then it should betrue to the original form to which it is following,in terms of style and materials used.

Modern restoration of a farmhouse that has re-interpreted traditional styles.

4.8.11 There are, alternatively, many modernapproaches that can be used to achieveattractive and pleasing developments. Urbanenvironments for example, are places wherethe styles have evolved to incorporate newforms that result in innovative and distinctivestructures. Carmarthenshire is a County thatis renowned for its historic importance and onethat can boast a number of impressivemedieval castles, modern architecturallypleasing developments have beenincorporated in recent years in both urban andrural areas.

Design Evaluation Summary for DesignQuality and Performance:

P Proposals should conform with andcomplement the form and make-up of thelandscape in which they are located;

P Proposals should endeavour to createattractive and sympathetic environments;

PNew developments should be well-built,durable and suitable for their intendedpurpose;

P Infrastructure and service requirements of aproposal should be considered early on andshould to be integrated into the scheme.

Furnace Theatre, Llanelli: This quality moderndevelopment within a historic town centre makes astrong architectural statement which adds to theappeal of this popular visitor attraction.

Quality modern design at the new teaching andlearning building at the University of Trinity SaintDavid in Carmarthen.

Pont King Morgan Carmarthen: a modern, visuallypleasing addition to the townscape and landscapeproviding pedestrian and cycle links from the railwaystation to the town centre.

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Placemaking & Design Process

5

Working together: early discussionwith planners/local community:

At an early stage of the design andplacemaking process, pre-applicationdiscussions with a planning officer shouldbe undertaken in order to ascertainwhether the site is appropriate for thenature and scale of the developmentenvisaged and whether the project is likelyto be supported in planning terms. Theplanning officer, and colleagues such asthe County Ecologist, will also be able toadvise as to what information shouldaccompany the application. The Planningofficer will also be in a position to advise onhow to engage with key local stakeholdersand produce a proposal that will be

IntroductionAchieving good quality and well designedplaces requires a step by step process, basedon the evolution of a proposal together with anunderstanding of the character ofCarmarthenshire, and taking into account allthe factors detailed in the sections above.

supported through the application process.Applicants / Developers are also advisedto contact external agencies andorganisations such as Dwr Cymru/WelshWater; NRW, Dyfed Archaeological Trust toascertain a comprehensive understandingof the site and any issues which mayimpact upon it.

Initial considerations

The process from instigating an initialproposal to ultimately submitting aplanning application will normally consist ofa number of steps, set out below.

• Initiation of the Project - this willinvolve selecting a site and carrying outan initial appraisal based on localplanning policy, site constraints andpotential technical issues;

• Understand the Character ofCarmarthenshire - identify thecharacter area in which the proposeddevelopment is located. Considerthe key characteristics and designand placemaking principles as thestarting point for the design process;

• Identify the design andplacemaking principles - Establishthe development vision based on theinitial appraisal of site and characterarea. Set out how the proposal willcontribute towards the sustainabilityof the area and can complementand/or enhance the character of thearea.

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Appraising the Site and itsContext

Developers should carry out a detailedanalysis of the site and its immediatesetting. This will usually involve both adesktop study and a site analysis, asset out below.

The desktop study will include thecollection of the following types of datadepicting the site and its surroundings:

- Development Plan inset map of site;- Aerial photographs;- Relevant information detailing utilities& services, land contamination, sitesof archaeological importance; sites ofnature conservation interest etc;

- Advice from suitably qualifiedspecialists e.g. preliminary ecologicalappraisal.

The site analysis should identifyconstraints and opportunities that willinfluence the design of the proposaland should be illustrated by annotatedplans, photographs and sketches. Theanalysis will cover such aspects as:

- Landscape - including topography,microclimate, drainage etc;

- Views and Vistas - e.g. are there anynotable views or landmarks? Whatare the opportunities for respondingto views into and out of the site?

- Existing Land Use and facilities - e.g.current land use, surrounding uses,capacity of existing services etc;

- Ecology and Biodiversity - e.g. arethere protected species or anydesignated national or local sites onor adjacent to the site;

- Built Form - description of the natureof any buildings on site, will they beretained?

- Access and Movement - how dopeople travel between local facilities?Location of any bus stops, what isthe pattern of pedestrian movementin and around the site?

Developing a Design Concept

The design concepts of the projectshould respond positively to thecharacter of the site and its environsbased on the site analysis and theDesign and Placemaking principles.Some essential considerations wouldinclude:

- Existing Character - proposals shouldpositively contribute to and not detractfrom their surrounding environs. Wherethe site lies within an area that has nodistinct character or identity, then thedevelopment should draw influencefrom the broader character ofCarmarthenshire and the designprinciples set out within this SPG;

- Green Infrastructure - proposalsshould have full regard to, andintegration of green infrastructurefeatures both within and outside the sitearea;

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- Landscape Character - Positivefeatures in the landscape such asmature trees and hedgerows should beretained wherever possible and shouldbe contiguous with the surroundingarea;

- Built Character - existing buildingstyles in the area should be understoodin order to inform new developments.This does not mean that the new buildshould copy the existing forms, butthere should be a general relationshipin visual terms;

- Infrastructure and Utilities -Developers should ensure that thenecessary infrastructure (water, gas,electricity, sewerage etc) is eitheravailable or could be accommodatedwithin a new development. This wouldinvolve prior discussion with theappropriate utilities companies;

- Facilities and Services - Newdevelopments should be designed soas to make the most use of existingcommunity facilities, such as shops andschools;

- Access and Movement - Newdevelopment should be designed sothat it can be integrated into thesurrounding area, taking advantage ofthe existing movement framework, andwherever possible enhancing it throughreinforcing pedestrian and localtransport linkages, and through thepotential for other opportunities such ascreating new cycle ways;

- Ecology and Biodiversity - Theseissues should be addressed at an earlystage in the design process to ensurethat there is minimal impact uponhabitats or species present.Developers should ensure that asuitably qualified professional isengaged to be able to produce anynecessary ecological report that may berequired.

The Planning Application Process

The culmination of the design andplacemaking process will be thesubmission of a planning application(should the developer chose to do so).Planning applications will need to beaccompanied by the relevantdocumentation - appraisals of all thefactors set out in the earlier sections ofthis SPG.

Information regarding the submission ofa planning application can be foundonline on the Council’s website. Here,there is a link to the Planning Portalwhich sets out further guidance onsubmitting an application, pre-application advice and local andnational requirements. You can submitan application online, or you prefer youcan download a pdf, complete it andsubmit it by post.

35

Hall

Junior and InfantSchool

ESSTank

Issues

Car Park

LIME STREET13.7m

TCB

Car Park

CEC

IL RO

AD

Car Park

ED

Bdy

Def

1

Sta

Superstore

10

PH

113

136

101

91

18

11

2

Shopping Park

1

4

5 to

6

Laundry

6

FillingStation

54

63

40

42 to 44

2

2

67

& 68

1

1

60

81

79

Market

11

Club

17

El Sub

142

79

30

Community Centre

1611

1

34

40

Library

74c

12

77

74a

75

3

Works

115

117

116

1

6

114

107

113112

49

61

Hall

ElSta Sub

46

16

10

76

47

103

23

7572

35

66

18

30

49

50 to

53

2

6

66

42to

64

707480

102

to 1

28

102

90

76

62

135

74b

1 to 6

7 to 12

ElSub Sta

41

2

6

8

10 to 20

8

ESS

31

37

11 2

72

15

17

19

25

100

90

45

28

32

41

47

49

39 to 49

19

14

8

1624

29 to

39

27

58

222

206

10

131

5 to 1

7

26

2

3230

26

15

119

8

28

21

42

13

18

10

52

50

46

1 2

36

8

2931

44

4038

Libanus

2

31

25

13

12

29 27

30

56

1

124

129

123

10

18to40

1

5

7

35

29

115

47

48

55 54

56 to 59

QUEEN'S AVENUE

16.8m

CHUnd

Car Park

El

MAE

S GLA

S

CF

El Sub Sta

ESS

GLY

N RH

OSY

N

YSTRAD EINON

Und

CWCF

Sta

83

96

78

257

6 to

14

913

18

32

28

14

2

13

1

Amb Sta

6 & 7

7

5

10

1

PH

2a

87

3

2

8941 6

2

2

71 3

3

22

1

34

20

26

12

Bus Stop

PC

10

8

14

1 4

9

Bank

108

3521

Tabernacle

Cwrt Hywel

52 to 55

11

19a

1527

16

28a

2

ESS28

40

30

50

47

61

26

1

39

51

127

132

121125

131

137

130

Capel

111

107

117

118

1

108

89

6

Fire

34

Station

2

1

7

1213

16

1

2

6

2

83

77

1

8993

1 to 6

10399

6856

61

65

55

61

to60

55

PW

70

76

24

37

1931

41

4244

2

63

Broadlands

10

5

8

51

42

32

22

31 to

36

39

11

10

22

30

17

32

28

11

3

15

28

16

23B

ellm

ount

46

2

1

51

29

12

27

8

18

14

20

19

18

1

6

147a

147

149

2

39

48

151

1

143

1115

11

1656

44

Medical Centre

400 metres

200 metres100 metres

Case StudyThis chapter seeks to draw upon the designprocess highlighted in previous chapter in theform of a hypothetical case study, in order toindicate how good quality and well designedplaces can be achieved. As indicated inchapter 5, achieving quality design requires astep by step process, and the following casestudy identifies the key considerations withinany development proposals.

Map 1- Appraising the site and itscontext

A key consideration of a scheme is to identifythe growth area in which the proposeddevelopment is located and to appraise the siteand its more immediate setting.

Development should be designed to integratewith, protect and enhance the landscape andbiodiversity. The key considerations in thiscase study would be to consider thetopography, watercourses, ecologicalimportance and potential development area.

A brownfield parcel of land within acentral urban location. The proposeddevelopment should have regard tothe surrounding urban facilities andamenities.

The tree coverage on the site issporadic however it does show astrong ecological potential on thenorthern end along the watercourse.

The site offers the potential todesign in new features to promotebiodiversity and to ensure thatestablished ecological or landscapevalue are protected in anydevelopment scheme.

Map 1

KeySite BoundaryWatercourseKey Services & AmenitiesRetail & Commercial UsesExisting TreesExisting Access

6

36

Map 2 - Movement Strategy

An important feature of any new development is the accessibility and ease ofmovement considerations of the scheme. New development should bedesigned so that it can be integrated into the surrounding area, takingadvantage of the existing movement framework, and wherever possibleenhance it through reinforcing pedestrian and local transport linkages, andthrough the potential for other opportunities such as creating new cycle ways.

LB

LIME STREET13.7m

TCB

Car Park

E

Def

1

PH

113

136

101

91

18

11

2

Shopping Park

1

4

5 to

6

Laundry

FillingStation

54

63

40

42 to 44

2

2

67

& 68

1

1

60

81

Market

1

7

142

79

30

1

34

40

Hall

74c

12

77

74a

75

3

Works

115

117

116

1

6

114

CapelSeion

107

113112

49

61

Hall

ElSta Sub

46

47

103

23

7572

35

66

18

30

49

50 to

53

2

6

66

42to

64

707480

102

to 1

28

102

90

31

76

62

135

74b

1 to 6

7 to 12

41

2

6

8

10 to 20

8

ESS

3

11 2

72

100

90

2

6

10

131

5 to 1

7

15

119

36

8

438

Libanus

2

31

25

13

12

29 27

30

56

1

124

129

123

10

18to40

1

5

7

35

29

115

47

48

55 54

56 to 59

16.8m

CHUnd

El

M

83

96

78

6 to

14

14

2

13

1

Amb Sta

6 & 7

7

5

10

1

PH

2a

87

3

2

8941 6

2

2

71 3

22

34

20

26

12

Shelters

PC

10

8

14

8

121

Capel

111

107

117

118

108

Fire

34

Station

2

1

2

2

83

77

1

8993

1 to 6

10399

6856

61

65

55

61

to60

55

PW

70

76

24

37

1931

41

4244

2

5644

Map 2b

KEY Pedestrian LinkTertiary RoadSecondary RoadMain Road

ESS

Issues

Car Park

LIME STREET13.7m

B

Car Park

ESS

C

Car Park

ED

Bdy

Def

1

Sta

Superstore

10

PH

113

136

101

91

18

11

2

Shopping Park

1

4

5 to

6

Laundry

6

FillingStation

54

63

40

42 to 44

2

2

67

& 68

1

1

60

81

79

Market

11

Club

17

El Sub

142

79

30

Surgery 1611

1

34

40

Hall

74c

12

77

74a

75

3

Works

115

117

116

1

6

114

CapelSeion

107

113112

49

61

Hall

ElSta Sub

46

16

10

76

Works

47

103

23

7572

35

66

18

30

49

50 to

53

2

6

66

42to

64

707480

102

to 1

28

102

90

76

62

135

74b

1 to 6

7 to 12

ElSub Sta

41

2

6

8

10 to 20

8

ESS

31

37

11 2

72

15

17

19

25

100

90

45

28

32

41

47

49

19

14

8

1624

29 to

39

27

58

222

206

10

131

5 to 1

7

26

2

3230

26

15

119

8

28

21

42

13

18

10

52

50

46

1 2

36

8

2931

44

4038

Libanus

2

31

25

13

12

29 27

30

56

1

124

129

123

10

18to40

1

5

7

35

29

115

47

48

55 54

5 6 to 59

QUEEN'S AVENUE

16.8m

CHUnd

Car Park

El

MAE

S GLA

S

CF

El Sub Sta

ESS

GLY

N RH

OSY

N

YSTRAD EINON

Und

CWCF

Sta

83

96

78

257

6 to

14

913

1828

14

2

13

1

Amb Sta

6 & 7

7

5

10

1

PH

2a

87

3

2

8941 6

2

2

71 3

3

22

1

34

20

26

12PC

10

8

14

1 4

9

Bank

108

3521

Tabernacle

Cwrt Hywel

52 to 55

11

19a

1527

16

28a

2

ESS28

40

30

50

47

61

26

1

39

51

127

132

121125

131

137

130

Capel

111

107

117

118

1

108

89

Fire

34

Station

2

1

7

1213

16

1

2

6

2

83

77

1

8993

1 to 6

10399

6856

61

65

55

61

to60

55

PW

70

76

24

37

1931

41

4244

2

63

Broadlands

10

5

8

51

42

32

22

31 to

36

39

11

10

22

30

17

32

28

11

3

15

28

16

23B

ellm

ount

46

2

1

51

29

12

27

8

18

14

20

19

18

1

6

147a

147

149

2

39

48

151

1

143

1115

11

1656

44

Bus Stop

3

12114

15516

7

Key

Recreation Area

Retail & Commercial Area

Key Services & Amenities

Existing Biodiversity Corridor

Potential Access Frameworkwithin Site

Pedestrian linkages to Key Services & Amenities

Main Road

Secondary Road

Site Boundary

Junior andInfant School

MedicalCentre

Library

Map 2a

37

LB

C

LIME STREET13.7m

TCB

Def

136

9111

54

63

40

42 to 44

2

1

142

79

30

34

40

Hall

74c

12

77

74a

75

3

49

61

Hall

ElSta Sub

46

47

23

35

18

30

49

50 to

53

2

6

6670

90

31

76

62

135

74b

1 to 6

7 to 12

41

2

6

8

10 to 20

8

ESS

3

31

25

13

29 27

3

56

1

124

129

123

10

18to40

1

7

35

115

47

48

55 54

56 to 59

CH

14

2

13

1

Amb Sta

6 & 7

5

10

3

22

1

34

20

26

Sh 4 1 4

108

2

83

77

1

8993

1 to 6

10399

6856

61

65

5561

to60

55

PW

70

76

24

37

1931

41

4244

210

5

8

31 to

36

10

5644

Map 3 - Permeability, legibility, viewsand features

Within an overall well-connected andpermeable site there should be opportunitiesfor a full range of street designs, however themonoculture of street types should be avoided.At a more detailed design level, considerationwould be given to the spaces and shape ofplots, building width, facade and features.

The overall visual effect of the developmentmust be considered by looking at thedevelopment from the surrounding area. Thissite considers the placement and design oflandscape and buildings to create memorablespaces and focal points, and also creatinglandmark buildings to define the entrance tothe development. The density of thedevelopment is reflective of its surroundingarea and existing character, and allows for aclearly defined and enclosed residential street

Map 3

Landmark buildings on the corner ofthe site to define the entrance

Provides an active frontage

Ensures the block structure / layoutallows for overlooking, enclosure ofstreets and spaces and a cleardistinction between public andprivate spaces

KEY Trees Retained

Trees Removed

Pedestrian Links

Tertiary Road

Secondary Road

Key Views

38

LB

LIME STREET13.7m

TCB

Def

136

101

91

11

54

63

40

42 to 44

142

79

30

34

Hall

74c

12

77

74a

75

3

49

61

Hall

ElSta Sub

46

47

23

35

18

30

49

50 to

53

2

6

2

90

31

76

62

135

74b

1 to 6

7 to 12

41

2

6

8

8

ESS

56

124

129

123

10

35

115

47

48

55 54

56 to 59

CH

14

2

Amb Sta

6

3

22

1

34

20

26

15

2

83

77

1

8993

6856

61

65

55

61

to60

55

PW

70

76

24

37

1931

41

4244

2

63

10

5

8

42

32

31 to

36

1

22

1

5644

Map 4 - Illustrative Layout

The site designs in open space andutilises the existing tree coverageand vegetation to buffer the site fromthe existing surrounding dwellings.

From an early design concept, theexisting landscape and biodiversityhas shaped the northern element ofthe site, offering and attractive andopen space to this part of the site.

Mixes vertical and horizontalemphasis to limit repetitiveness

Use of hard and soft landscapingelements to provide continuity andenclosure of streets and spaces

Houses overlooking open space andimproving safety on the secondaryroad

Road lined with landscaping

Formal parking spaces breaks up straight road

39

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