The idea that good quality architecure is beneficial to the whole community is the basis behind Exeter City Council’s new design guide, which points to succesful projects in the city and is calling for input from residents and businesses.
The a draft guide is intended to help developers create more successful housing schemes within the city, by providing all those involved in the development process information about the standard of housing design required by Exeter City Council for proposed residential developments.
It is based on the premise that good quality residential design is beneficial to developers, residents and the community as a whole. The draft guide will cover a wide range of issues including sustainability, design of streets and public spaces, car parking, amenity and internal space standards.
Some existing high-quality developments in Exeter provide good examples of the potential standard which future developments should meet. Fleming Way has a high quality landscape structure which incorporates play areas and existing trees. A Listed building has been retained as part of the development, creating a strong sense of place and maintaining local identity.
Wyvern Barracks has also retained existing trees and used these to enhance the quality of streets throughout the development. The site has simply designed streets and public spaces which are well overlooked. The design of all of the buildings in Wyvern Barracks is based on design features of local historic buildings which can be found in the areas surrounding the development, enhancing the identity of the site.
Some recently built individual properties demonstrate the potential for high quality contemporary architecture to make a positive contribution to Exeter’s streets. 12 St Leonard’s Road is a modern villa located with St Leonard’s conservation area. The building relates well to the building line and height of adjacent properties and is a significant positive addition to the area.
The Lewis House, 54 Wonford Road, is another contemporary building within St Leonard’s. The design of the building is a good example of the implementation of a strong architectural concept – a lightweight wooden box floats above a necklace of clear and opaque glass, above a heavy rendered ground floor. This house won the 2010 south west region RIBA award and is on the long list for the 2010 RIBA Manser Medal (which awards the best new houses in the UK).
The draft guide is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will provide detailed guidance in support of policies in the Exeter Local Plan First Review and the emerging Local Development Framework Core Strategy.
The consultation will run from from to Thursday, August 4.
Copies of the draft Residential Design Guide SPD together with the supporting documents will available for public inspection at the Customer Service Centre, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday during this period.
Copies of the draft Design Guide and guidance on how to submit comments can also be found on line at www.exeter.gov.uk/resiguideSPD
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