21/05/2025
๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐จ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป ๐
Huge thanks to Angela Jacobs from Prospect Design Studio for popping over to our offices for an interesting CPD session on urban design and masterplanning.
๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐จ:
+ The importance of understanding access arrangements in feeding into the proposed on-site infrastructure and potential layout (i.e. capacity, type of movement, impact on the surrounding context).
+ Taking the time to understand local context (built form and natural environment), infrastructure, neighbouring built form layout, and green spaces early in the process to help inform the site layout, number of homes/commercial units and understand potential constraints which will influence the plan form.
+ Working collaboratively with other disciplines (such as ecology, arboriculture, highways, heritage) to help inform the response to constraints and inform the opportunities to make the best use of the site. For example, creating spaces which can act as visual markers for future residents to orientated themselves within the wider development.
+ Design Guides, Design Review Panels, and the National Design Guide & Code, can help inform the initial background research and offer an understanding of the proposal site and wider area, which can then be assessed and applied in relation to local and national planning policies.
+ Local opinions through consultation and engagement can be beneficial in offering practical knowledge on the local context and site constraints. Also aligns with the preferred means of practice set out in the NPPF, which seeks to encourage public consultation.
+ An informational discussion during the CPD highlighted the difficulties faced in the industry where Councilโs do not have in-house design support and the importance of collaboration in ensuring high quality and desirable places where people want to live and work can be delivered.
๐กA really informative session and we look forward to applying lessons learnt to future projects and collaborating with Prospect Design Studio again.
