Agenda item

Report HPR2022/45

The report recommended that the draft Urban Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be published for six weeks public consultation.

The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy introduced the Local Authority’s Urban Design Officers who made a presentation to the Committee.  Members were advised that the draft Urban Design Guide had been designed to inform and engage developers, applicants, planning officers, residents and all other stakeholders involved in proposals for development in Bromley.  The aim of the Urban Design Guide was to support good planning practice by all parties with a view to ensuring that development across the Borough was sustainable and of high design quality. 

The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy reported that the consultation draft had been presented to the Development Control Committee who had approved the document subject to some amendments.  These were tabled and considered by the Committee.  It was noted that Officers had supported six of the seven amendments proposed by the Development Control Committee.

In opening the discussion, the Chairman noted that the document before the Committee was not a final document, and that the Committee were being asked to recommend to the Executive that the draft be approved for six weeks public consultation.

The Committee supported the Officers proposal that the reference to Mavelstone Road be removed entirely as well as the proposed redraft of the DCC amendment relating to the Knoll area.

In respect of the issue of Active Travel, the Chairman recognised the need for consistency and supported the Officer’s proposal suggesting that the following wording be added to paragraph 3.24 of the document “consider the age profile of population and the need for all forms of transport.”  This recognised that there was a need for residents to use their cars in parts of the Borough.  The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy welcomed the proposed wording suggesting that it may however sit better in another part of the document such as the guidance notes.  A Member suggested that it may be appropriate to include the wording within the design principles.  Consequently, it was agreed that the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy would liaise with the Chairman following the meeting to agree the best place for the proposed wording.

The Committee confirmed that it supported the Officer suggested amendments to the amendments proposed by the Development Control Committee.

In response to a question, the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy confirmed that Officers had sought to use images of Bromley precedents for the Urban Design Guide however such precedents had been limited.  Throughout the consultation, Officers would welcome the submissions of precedents from across Bromley that could be used in the Design Guide once it was finalised.

In response to a question concerning the aspects that would be taken into consideration for characteristics and culture of sites, Officers explained that in relation to characteristics aspects such as heights of buildings, architectural styles, existing trees, footways and connections would be considerations.  Cultural aspects were usually identified through community engagement which helped Officers understand the character of surrounding areas and particular site characteristics.

RESOLVED: That the Executive be recommended to endorse the draft Urban Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (shown at Appendix 1 of the report) and supporting documentation (at Appendix 2 of the report) for six weeks public consultation, noting that there may be further minor amendments prior to consultation.