Policy DBC3: Design in the Low-Density Areas
- The Neighbourhood Plan identifies Low Density Areas, as shown on the Policies Maps (page 63) and map 10 (below).
- Development proposals located within the low-density parts of Cumnor Parish should have regard to the following essential characteristics as appropriate to their scale, nature and location within the low-density areas:
- Reflecting the small-scale and fragmented building patterns, including maintaining visual gaps between buildings
- Ensuring soft boundary treatments (such as low walls, hedges and native species planting) are used on the boundaries with the public realm to avoid hard, urban edges and create a green transition between the built and open areas
- Ensuring that new driveways and accesses are no wider than is essential, and constructed in surface and curbing materials to complement the rural feel and character;
- Avoiding siting vehicle parking provision and ancillary buildings, such as bin stores and cycle shelters, so that they intrude into the streetscene.
- The policy has been designed to guide small-scale development and conversions. The scale of development and potential impact on the open character of the rural and low density setting of Cumnor are key issues in applying the policy.
- The policy seeks to protect key characteristics of the area that are detailed in the Cumnor Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessmentsattached as Appendix A but forms part of the NDP without precluding development that has been justified in accordance with National Policies L2 Making effective use of land and L3 Achieving appropriate densities (which also accords with paras. 125, 129 and 139 of the 2024 NPPF. The Design and Access Statement should include a detailed character study and demonstrate how different elements of this policy have been applied
- The topography of sloping sights must be considered carefully, and design solutions found which do not result in over-dominant buildings which intrude into long views or harm the prevailing character. Full details of existing levels, spot heights and finished floor levels of proposed new buildings in relation to adjoining development should be included where appropriate in applications in these areas.
- Driveways should be no wider than is essential for entrance and egress. This will normally mean small radius curves from the road, an access width of no more than 3 metres and a permeable surface finish such as gravel or paviours.
- A detailed character study is a key requirement of the design process when new buildings are being introduced into rural or lower density parts of the Parish. The Design and Access Statement should explain how the scheme responds to the character of the area.