NM4: Design Quality
Policy NM4: Design Quality
All development and surrounding spaces, including alterations and extensions to existing buildings and replacement dwellings, will be well designed to reflect the distinctive character of the town, as described in the New Milton Local Distinctiveness Supplementary Planning Document, and of the settlements within the New Forest National Park. All applicants will be required to demonstrate that development has full regard to the New Milton Design Guidance and Codes including the following:
- is of high-quality design and layout and includes appropriate landscaping and well-connected greenspace integrated with existing landscape features;
- contributes positively to, and clearly defines, public and private realms and should normally be designed with active building frontages facing streets and public open space to provide natural surveillance;
- creates a sense of place while addressing the character and scale of the surrounding buildings and landscape;
- contributes to local distinctiveness and where possible should enhance local character and heritage including the special character of the New Forest National Park;
- protects open spaces, trees and gardens that contribute to the character of the area;
- does not cause significant harm to the amenities, health and wellbeing of existing nearby residents and future occupants of new dwellings, including taking account of the impact on privacy, outlook, daylight and sunlight;
- creates a pedestrian-friendly layout that is safe, well connected, legible and accessible;
- incorporates well integrated parking that does not dominate the street environment. Consideration should be given to availability of electric vehicle charging points in communal parking areas;
- positively addresses climate change through early consideration of layout and building design, and through passive design, energy and water efficiency, and renewable energy measures;
- takes the opportunity to encourage community interaction by creating layouts with a focus on community;
- optimises the potential of the site to deliver housing typologies suited to younger people and families in accordance with other policies of the development plan; and of the development plan; and
- optimises the potential of the site to accommodate development.
In addition to the above requirements, all development proposals must ensure the protection of local biodiversity assets and should seek to provide additional habitat resources for wildlife and green spaces for the community that result in a biodiversity ‘net’ gain for the town.
Larger developments of over 50 homes should include areas which will provide a community focus and amenities such as communal gardens.
New and improved utility infrastructure will be encouraged and supported in order to meet the identified needs of the community.
Supporting text
The purpose of design policy is to ensure that development creates pleasant, healthy and sustainable places to live. This is a shared ambition of the community of New Milton, the District Council and the National Park Authority.
The policy has been modified to reflect the introduction of the New Milton Design Guidance and Codes which reflects the policy wording an introduces a more visual explanation of the policy to aid in its understanding. There are distinctive features of New Milton that shapes it character. The Design Guidance and Codes is an integral part of the policy but is extensive and the document is therefore attached as an Appendix for representational purposes only. It therefore carries the full weight of the development plan in decision making and is not subordinate or supplementary guidance carrying lesser weight.
The Neighbourhood Plan requires high quality in design of all new development that contributes positively to the private and public realm (including streets and open spaces), protects and enhances heritage assets, valued townscape and landscapes and creates accessible and healthy environments rich in biodiversity. It also takes the opportunity to continue to encourage housing typologies suited to younger people and families and how new development should be as energy efficient as possible.