part 4

space around
buildings
 space around
4 SPACE AROUND THE BUILDINGS buildings
4.1 The Art of Place Making

4.1.1 New development should be integrated into the local

context and contribute to making places by giving equal
importance to the design of buildings and the space
around them.

4.1.2 The design of the spaces around dwellings and the

streets that connect them should be considered as
‘urban design’ and ‘street design’ and not ‘highway
design’. In this way a balanced approachto designing a
place where an attractive environment is the first priority
can be achieved. Successful developments respond to
the natural and built characteristics of the surrounding
area with a design that is attractive and functional and
that integrates the setting and buildings into their
context.

4.2 Site Development Constraints

4.2.1 Proposals for new development should take into

consideration a number of potential constraints that may
affect the development of the site and the environment
around it (refer to those listed in Appendix H).

4.2.2 Consideration should be given to potential contamination

of the land, both on site and off site, and how it might be
safely remedied as well as how future contamination
should be mitigated. Residential developments can be
particularly sensitive to the risks presented by land
contamination. The possibility of land contamination These town houses have no private soft
affecting a development should be assessed prior to landscape space in their front curtilage;
construction commencing. Where risks are identified a instead an attractive boulevard of street
scheme of remediation will be required that will ensure trees has been planted - Harlow
the long term safety of the site, neighbouring properties
and the wider environment. The City Council’s
Contaminated Land Strategy should be consulted for
further information and advice.

4.2.3 The City Council is committed to improving air quality in

the city and exceeding the National Air Quality Strategy
Standards. It will only consider development in areas of
poor air quality if sufficient mitigation is designed in. For
further details refer to advice on the Air Quality
Management Areas and Action Plans.

4.2.4 The pressure for development often places housing near

to noise sources such as transportation, industry and
commerce. Potential noisy impacts must be assessed in
accordance with appropriate guidance and standards,
which may require some change in design or mitigation
of the development. Where design or mitigation cannot
be carried out, the development may be deemed to be
inappropriate for housing.

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4.3 Maximising Provision of Public and Private Space

4.3.1 An appropriate balance of high quality amenity

space (both public and private) and streets to connect
them should be provided.

4.3.2 An attractive well designed environment ‘lifts the spirits’

promoting good mental and physical health. Careful
consideration should be given to the quality, amount and
siting of land allocated for access roads and car parking
so that land used for public and private amenity e.g.
gardens and play space, can be maximised.

4.3.3 The public realm and private defensible space should

be clearly distinguishable.

4.3.4 This should be implicit in the design of these spaces,

associated soft landscape and access paths, as well
The threshold space clearly defines the as ‘threshold’ spaces and boundary treatment.
public realm from the private defensible Consideration should be given to changing paving
space - Harlow materials to define thresholds and respond to the more
intimate scale of private spaces such as front gardens.
Boundaries should be clearly defined, using
appropriate boundary markers, such as gates and
gateways, hedges, fences and walls.

4.4 Private Amenity Space

4.4.1 All developments should provide an appropriate

amount of private amenity space for each dwelling to
use (see Part 2 for further guidance).

Balconies inset behind the building line 4.4.2 This space can be created in a variety of ways from
front gardens and back gardens to roof gardens,
offer a sheltered amenity space and
balconies and communal courtyards.
sun catch - Basingstoke
4.4.3 Private amenity space should be fit for the purpose
intended.

4.4.4 The provision of amenity space will be assessed for

its quality and usability. All dwellings should have
access to a private space that is not overlooked. For
example, family homes should have some private
space in rear gardens and a block of apartments should
have private balconies and access to some private
communal space. Rear gardens should have useable
space with some privacy and therefore should not be
steeply sloping, awkwardly shaped or very narrow. A
balcony for an apartment should accommodate a table
and chairs to allow residents to sit out comfortably.
Proposals should include suitable locations for sitting
outside in sun and in shade, planting beds, hanging out
washing and barbecues.

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4.5 Movement & Connectivity buildings
4.5.1 All streets and paths should connect to other streets
and paths, creating smaller blocks of development of
increasing activity closer to district centres (see Part
3 - 3.7.7 for further guidance).

4.5.2 All streets and paths should be safe places, designed

to an appropriate scale for the anticipated level of
movement and overlooked by openings in the fronts
and sides of dwellings and well lit at night.

4.5.3 Care needs to be taken to avoid creating easy escape

routes or hiding places for criminals. The location of
public open spaces or pedestrian pathways should be This new street has no places for
avoided where possible to the rear of dwellings where vehicles to park as parking is provided
they cannot be naturally surveilled. Dwellings that in rear courtyards. This will have the
front onto these spaces should be provided with well negative effect of reducing activity on
defined private defensible space. Semiprivate the street and also natural surveillance
communal service pathways that pass to the rear of - Hythe
dwellings should be securely gated on the building
frontage line as well as on the entry points to
individual gardens.

4.5.4 Layouts should also ensure that ‘rat runs’ are not
created. The design of spaces needs to enable a
variety of uses to take place in a safe manner whilst
responding to the anticipated levels of pedestrian and
vehicle movements. Highway engineering standards
should not be restrictive but should be used as a
platform for imaginative and which are sought to add
character to the surrounding area. Spaces must be
inclusive to all users, including those with mobility
and sight impairments.

4.5.5 Large developments should prepare movement This pathway is not overlooked - Hythe
frameworks and travel plans that encourage occupiers
to use alternatives to the private motor car. Where
appropriate, consideration should be given to the
diversion of bus routes through sites.

4.5.6 Lighting design is an integral part of the design of

spaces and should place emphasis on movement
routes. Feature lighting should be used to place
emphasis on public art and key landscaping features.
Where possible lighting should be wall mounted to
prevent clutter and designed to be robust, fit for
purpose, accessible for maintenance and resistant to
vandalism. Further guidance on lighting design is
given in Chapter 7 of the City Centre Development
Design Guide, and will be the subject of design This rear access alley is open to
guidance to be prepared in the future. anyone and therefore a safety risk.
Where it is not possible to design out
Far left: Local parks can provide opportunities for rear access alleys they should be
communities to take ownership of public spaces by controlled and limited to only a few
planning planting schemes, events and setting up dwellings
management groups
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4.6 Public Open Space & Play Space Provision

4.6.1 New developments should provide an adequate amount of

open space and play space (as appropriate), preferably
on site, to meet the future needs of the occupants and
the wider community.

4.6.2 The type and level of provision will vary, depending on the
specific characteristics of the development, the site and
its context. It will be necessary to assess the extent and
quality of provision in the wider context (especially for
Public space should be overlooked by large developments) and use this to inform the design of
an open space hierarchy.
adjacent housing - Hythe
4.6.3 Where on site provision is not suitable or sought, off site
provision or a financial contribution to enhance an
existing open space or play space must be provided.

4.6.4 All public open spaces and play spaces should be

overlooked by the fronts of buildings.

4.6.5 A high potential for natural arcs of surveillance from

openings in adjacent buildings will help improve the
safety of people using public open spaces and play
spaces.

4.6.6 Access to green public open space should be within an

easy walk of new housing development.
A local neighbourhood play space at
4.6.7 A variety of different types and size of green public open
Northam Home Zone, Southampton
space giving opportunity for different uses should be
available.

4.6.8 Play space should be fit for purpose, provide opportunity

for learning through play and be adequately maintained.

4.6.9 With the exclusion of sheltered housing, student

accommodation and one-bedroom units, new
developments must provide adequate play space
provision. This may take the form of on site provision in
which case future maintenance methods will need to be
stated. A method statement for the maintenance and
inspection of the play area must be produced. The
statement should be based on the relevant standard,
currently BS EN 1176 and 1177.
A new ‘pocket park’ has been created
4.6.10 Details about the contents and other design issues for
on previously derelict and under-used play spaces can be obtained from the City Council’s
land - Northam Home Zone, adopted Play and Play Area Policies and Strategies.
Southampton

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4.7 Landscape Design buildings
4.7.1 All developments will be required to submit a landscape
appraisal together with detailed plan, hard and soft
landscape details for the site, including a tree survey
and details of tree protection.

4.7.2 Southampton City Council’s Landscape Checklist for

New Development should be consulted when preparing a
planning application (see Appendix G). This clarifies the
submission requirements in relation to survey, analysis,
layout, hard and soft landscape details.

4.7.3 Developers will be expected to demonstrate how their

schemes have been shaped by the site and its context.
Equal weight should be given to the design of the public
realm, landscape, the spaces and streets as to the
buildings themselves.

4.7.4 The landscape design should follow current sustainability

good practice. Use of compost and mulch derived from
decaying green matter enriches the soil, protects against
weeds and reduces the need for removing waste from the
site. Consideration should be given to storing rainwater in
water butts from hard surfaces, such as roofs and
driveways, for irrigating container plants and lawns in
periods of hot weather. However care must be taken to
ensure these are safe from children and secured to A high quality landscape scheme. Trees
prevent toppling over. The use of permeable paving is should have a girth of 14-16 cm and
also encouraged to reduce water run off from driveways. should be adequately staked to prevent
vandalism - Southampton
4.7.5 Trees and shrubs should be include in all new residential
development, including extensions to dwellings, in order
to improve visual amenity and ‘green’ the city. Trees are
particularly encouraged, where appropriate, trees on
street footpaths, verges and front gardens.

4.7.6 Trees and shrubs make an important contribution to

enhancing the appearance of a development and
improving the character of the local environment. Trees
add visual interest, give seasonal variety, structure and
form to public and private space, and can be useful
markers to improve the legibility of a place. However,
care should be taken when planning and positioning
trees so that conflicts between foliage and column
mounted illuminaires do not occur in later years. Trees Small planting beds should be of sufficient
absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and provide a size to allow shrubs to establish. The use
haven for wildlife and increase biodiversity. Native trees of shrubs that have variety in colour all
and shrubs are encouraged and care should be taken to year and colours that complement building
ensure that species chosen will not to cause damage to
materials is encouraged - Harlow
foundations, block light and take water from nearby
shrubs.

4.7.7 Proposals for new buildings or structures should be

located so as not to damage the root systems of
existing trees and shrubs on and in the vicinity of the
site. Adequate protection should also be provided for
them during construction to avoid damage.
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4.8 Biodiversity and Habitat Creation

4.8.1 All new developments should protect and enhance

biodiversity by improving the character of the natural
landscape, and making space for habitat creation.

4.8.2 The mild and sheltered coastal climate in Southampton

supports a great number of species in a range of wildlife
habitats across the city; many of these habitats are of
national and international importance. Back gardens and
amenity space also have an important role in connecting
these spaces, creating wildlife corridors that form an
The use of a green roof provides a
intricate network for the movement and migration of
place for biodiversity and habitat species. Existing natural features, such as trees,
creation hedges, ponds and streams could be home to rare
species such as bats, lizards or badgers. These natural
features and wildlife corridors should be protected and
the creation of new natural features, creating potential
natural habitats, is also encouraged.

4.8.3 An ecological assessment should be carried out for all

developments of five units and above, but may also be
required on developments with less units. This should be
submitted as part of the planning application (or as part
of an Environmental Impact Assessment where
appropriate). It must examine elements to be retained,
consider habitat creation and look to link existing
habitats in the locality. The results of the assessment
will shape the development and its landscape setting.
Retaining features of value and creating additional space
for nature also leads to more attractive and desirable
developments which in turn improves the quality of life for
the local community.

4.8.4 Southampton City Council’s Ecologist should be

consulted at the earliest stages of design, prior to
preparing a planning application. The City Council’s
Biodiversity Action Plan should also be consulted.

4.8.5 Landscape schemes should create space for nature

through careful design and planting, using native
species, variety of species and features to
sustain and encourage biodiversity. These could include
dry stone walling, log piles, rock piles, hedges,
wild flower meadows, wild corners, bird tables, nest
boxes, compost heaps, ponds and bog gardens.

Left: Biodiversity provides opportunities for

native species to thrive (above: large skipper,
and below: St. John’s Wort)

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4.8.6 Innovative designs that encourage habitat creation are
encouraged. A green roof, planted with sedum, grasses
buildings
and other alpines makes a rich habitat from an otherwise
‘dead’ flat roof. Living walls can be created using similar
techniques. Nest boxes for birds, bats and bees can be
installed in the eaves of buildings and in trees. Integral
roosting sites can be created within the roof spaces of
cycle and bin stores and even for larger birds such as
owls, and bats.

4.8.7 Consideration should be given to the impact of existing

Tree Preservation Orders on and in the vicinity of the site.

4.8.8 Existing trees make a significant contribution to the

biodiversity of our city so advice should be sought from
the Tree Officer regarding trees and hedges covered by Nesting boxes for Swifts have been
Tree Preservation Orders. These are normally only fitted under the eaves of this house to
allowed to be removed if they are dead, dying or encourage swift numbers to try to
diseased, and should be replaced by trees of similar prevent further decline of the species
species on a two for one basis.
(25% in the UK since 1994)

Bat boxes, in this case for the brown

long-eared species, should be provided
as compensation for the loss of exist-
ing bat roosts on a development site

Suitable protection, such as this chain A ‘badger orchard’ has been provided
link fencing, should be installed on a on this site as a source of food for the
site to protect existing habitats, such badgers and rotting fallen fruit to
as badger setts and ‘badger corridors’ encourage earthworms and insect
to facilitate movement larvae, which also form part of the
badger’s diet

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4.9 Enriching the Public Realm

4.9.1 New paving and street furniture should enhance local

character, and provide clean, safe, accessible, well
designed and attractive streets and public spaces.

4.9.2 Southampton City Centre Streetscape Manual was

approved in March 2005. The general principles set out in
this document are just as applicable to the city wide
context, and it is intended that a City Wide Streetscape
Manual will be produced in the future.

4.9.3 New paving and street furniture should be consistent

with existing styles colours and materials, whilst taking
the opportunity to enhance existing provision and quality
where this is poor. However, where new paving and street
furniture is to be provided by the developer then advice
should be sought from the Planning Officer to ensure that
specifications are consistent with those currently used.

4.9.4 ‘Special places’ such as district centres or local

Streetscape Manual - March 2005
shopping parades should have their own unique design
for the public realm, of the highest quality, individually
designed to enhance their ‘special’ role in the city.

4.10 Public Art

4.10.1 Public art should form an accessible and integral part of

new developments be of an appropriate size, and
contribute to enhancing a sense of identity and local
distinctiveness.

4.10.2 Artists should be appointed to work as part of the design

team from inception of the scheme. Art should be
permanent, however temporary installations are also
A public art feature provides a focal encouraged on sites taking many years to develop. Art
point in a courtyard at Northlands Road, should be integral to the fabric of the development, its
Southampton buildings and/or landscape, forming a new reference
point or memorable space for residents and the local
community. Public art should be robustly designed to
withstand vandalism and require low levels of
maintenance. The City Council’s Public Art Officer and
Public Art Strategy - ArtPeoplePlaces should be
consulted at the earliest stages of design, prior to
making a planning application.

4.11 Maintenance and Management

4.11.1 A management plan will be required for all spaces, public

or private around the building, including landscape, public
realm, public art and habitat creation proposals.
Access covers and manholes should
4.11.2 This should include design concept and objectives,
be laid level with surrounding ground
provision for long term management, a specification for
levels to facilitate easy maintenance of the maintenance regime (frequency and type of
lawns maintenance operation) and identification of the
management agency.

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