SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 127
protection and management of existing tree stock on site should be in accordance with
industry best practice, with a view to achieving a harmonious and sustainable relationship
between new construction/existing structures and their surrounding trees.
399.
In well-designed places, water features also form part of an integrated system of landscape,
biodiversity and drainage. Sustainable Drainage Systems can be used to enhance the
surrounding environment and provide many additional benefits including attenuation,
improvements to biodiversity and habitat, character, amenity and open space.
400.
The policy recognises that planning can help increase resilience to the impacts of climate
change through the built design, layout and landscape design of development, such as
promoting low carbon design approaches to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The
Council is committed to ensuring developments and places are designed to deal with the
challenge of adapting to and mitigating to Climate Change and would therefore encourage
applicants to exceed building regulations where possible.
401.
Policy P15 also requires development proposals to create safe and attractive streets and
public spaces, which reduce crime and the fear of crime. Whilst adherence to Secured by
Design principles is important for all new built development, it can also be relevant to smaller
scale proposals such as changes of use to licensed premises and the installation of cash
points, where applicants should engage with a West Midlands Crime Prevention Design
Advisor at an early stage. As well as considering the impact of development proposals on
public safety and the incidences of anti-social behaviour, the reference to crime in the Policy
also relates to creating safer buildings and places that are better protected from terrorist
attack.
402.
The Borough’s high quality natural, built and historic environment is fundamental to its
success as an attractive place to live, work and invest. As such, the policy strives to create
development with the highest standards of design and sustainability, across the Borough.
This should be evidenced by demonstrating compliance with Building for Life 12 or its
equivalent. Development associated with the key economic assets within UK Central will be
expected to be designed to the highest quality standard to ensure these areas become
design exemplars for the Borough and sustainable communities. Policy P1 makes clear that
to assist the growth proposals for the UK Central Growth Area, a concept framework will be
prepared to ensure that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is followed.
403.
However, not all parts of the Borough have a high quality environment and a key part of the
strategy is to improve the built environment, particularly in some areas of North Solihull and
parts of the Mature Suburbs.
404.
Concept Masterplans have been prepared for all residential sites allocations in the Local
Plan. The Masterplan approach is born out of the Council’s ambition to accommodate
growth, with place-making providing the central theme. The illustrative concept masterplans
are intended to demonstrate how sites could be brought forward for development in a form
which both seek to respond to the Borough’s needs and safeguards the long term desirability
of Solihull as a place to live and work. Each concept masterplan sets out at a broad level
how the sites ought to be developed and the likely housing capacity. The Council will require
the development of residential site allocations in the Plan to be in general accordance with
the principles of the Concept Masterplan for the respective site allocation.
405.
The appropriate density of residential development will be informed by the need to make
efficient use of land together with the desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing
character and setting. Where it can be demonstrated that a higher density would improve
the character and quality of an area, this will be supported.
406.
In more sustainable locations, which are highly accessible by public transport, as well as
walking and cycling, there will be opportunities to increase densities. However, careful
consideration must be given to the existing character of the local area.
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