Green and "Grey" Belt Planning Considerations - How Sensitive Design can Turn NIMBY's into YIMBY's

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out 5 stated aims:

• To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas

• To prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another

• To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment

• To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns

• To assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

One example is a masterplan that incorporated an area of protected ancient woodland and established wildlife corridors. Through our designs we enhanced biodiversity well above the government’s mandatory 10% net gain to achieve a 35% net gain.

Design solutions included:

• A landscaped masterplan incorporating the principles of a sustainable drainage strategy, maximising biodiversity uplift whilst providing a beautiful natural landscape that had screening and privacy built in through careful use of landscape features and planting.

• Sensitively located lighting and low-level light in pedestrian links to minimise the impact on wildlife.

• Working with the site's natural topography for rainwater drainage to mitigate any flood risks.

• Specifying local, natural and low embodied carbon materials to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

• Building design and materials specification helps ensure the development sits sensitively in its surroundings. Making use of green roofs and walls to soften the impact.

• Ensuring structural elements work with the natural topography to minimise earthworks and disruption to wildlife and residents, minimising the volume of heavy goods vehicles needed.

• Maintaining the existing character and visual ‘openness’ of the greenbelt is crucial. Clustering buildings and any hard landscaping and minimising the overall footprint/ visual impact where possible is important.

• Using AI software to implement passive design principles, experimenting with the buildings’ massing, orientation and materials specification and its impact on energy efficiency.