In this chapter

• Introduction to development management policy
• Housing
• Climate change
• Nature and ecosystem services
• Green Belt
• Jobs and economy
• Healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities
• Heritage and design
  • Policy HD/EQ: Environmental quality
  • Policy HD/WHSS: World heritage site and its setting
  • Policy HD/HE: Historic environment
  • Policy HD/SCCW: Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke
  • Policy HD/GUDP: General urban design principles
  • Policy HD/LCD: Local character and distinctiveness
  • Policy HD/UF: Urban fabric
  • Policy HD/SS: Streets and spaces
  • Policy HD/BD: Building design
  • Policy HD/A: Amenity
  • Policy HD/IBD: Infill and backland development
  • Policy HD/L: Lighting
  • Policy HD/AOSF: Advertisements and outdoor street furniture
  • Policy HD/PR: Public realm
  • Policy HD/DC: Design codes
• Sustainable transport
• Pollution, contamination and safety
• Minerals and waste
• Waste
• Infrastructure

Policy HD/A: Amenity

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

• Relevant national policy or regulations
• National or regional trends
• Local situation and needs/li>
• How we have dealt with this issue in the past
• The thinking behind the policy

Policy options for the new Local Plan

We may suggest a variety of approaches:

• Keeping existing policy as it is
• Making small changes
• Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
• Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future

Policy option analysis

• A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Heritage and Design Topic Paper for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.402 The delivery of well-designed places is also a key consideration set out within the NPPF. Section 2 - Achieving sustainable development amongst other things notes the planning system has three overarching objectives, paragraph 8 b) sets the overarching context for local policy. The NPPF further sets out the approach to design under Section 12 - Achieving well-designed places. Paragraph 126 as outlined above is of key consideration.

9.403 Placemaking Plan Policy D6 covers the issue of amenity, ensuring that developments provide the appropriate level of amenities for new and future occupiers, relative to their use and avoiding harm to private amenity in terms of privacy, light and outlook/overlooking.

9.404  The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Heritage and design Topic Paper.

Policy options for the new Local Plan

9.405 The policy remains fit for purpose. The policy broadly aligns with the National Design Guide 10 characteristics of good design, which reflects the government’s priorities and provides a common overarching framework for design.

9.406 Going forward as part of the new local plan the policy approach will seek to strengthen and provide more precise hooks/links to the National Design Guide 10 characteristics of good design, the B&NES Corporate Plan and priorities and WECA Placemaking Charter.

9.407 There are also opportunities to better align with the NPPF in particular the ‘Agent of Change’ requirement whereby existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established as outlined by paragraph 192.

Option A

Retain policy D6 with amendments as outlined above.

Advantages of Option A

• Adopted policy presents no significant issues or concerns arising from development management officers in its implementation
• No evidence to suggest major changes are required

Disadvantages of Option A

None identified.