Policy DH1 – Design Principles

New sustainable development will be supported where:
It is demonstrated that the design has been informed by the principles and processes set out in the Cornwall Design Guide 2021 and where appropriate, ‘Building for a Healthy Life’. It incorporates design features that minimise the fear of crime; minimise opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour; and support personal and property security by application of ‘Secure by Design’ standards.
It demonstrates a positive relationship with the public realm, maintaining and improving the permeability and safety of pedestrian routes.
It uses materials that are resilient to Cornwall’s humid climate and climate change
If using MMC, it incorporates elements that reflect local character and distinctiveness.
It does not have any unacceptable impact on the local microclimate, for example in terms of the speed, direction or tunneling of wind.
There is adequate road width to the frontage of the development to ensure that walkways, pavements, entrances and driveways do not get blocked or obstructed by parked vehicles and that delivery and emergency vehicles may pass.
The privacy and daylight of adjoining residential properties is not compromised.
It Is not located on visually-exposed plateaus, ridges or skylines or on steep sided valley sides or other visually exposed sites unless it can avoid material adverse visual impacts through an appropriate design and landscape mitigation.
If residential, the proposal being of a similar plot-size to and integrating with adjacent existing properties in proximity to the proposal site. The relationship between the building size and plot size and orientation is such that provision of garden space is appropriate to the size of the dwelling proposed and able to encourage recreation and physical activity for all ages

The designs are well related to other communal green spaces that provide a cohesive and usable space which is suited to a range of activities and space for nature. Designs should incorporate sufficient car parking to realistically meet demand (including residents, visitors, delivery and work vans) without impacting on the appearance and safety of the development in locations where users are likely to feel confident that their own security and that of their vehicles will not be compromised.

The design should demonstrate that there is sufficient room within the site for vehicle maneuvering without impinging on the ability of adjoining properties to access garages and parking spaces. Proposals must also comply with NDP Policy DH2.

For levels of appropriate parking please reference the Cornwall Council Travel Plan and Parking Standards Guidance

POLICY DH2: HERITAGE, DESIGN & CORNISH DISTINCTIVENESS

1. New development proposals will be supported where, as appropriate to their nature and location, where:

1. it is demonstrated that their format, scale, massing, density, articulation and use of materials and other external finishes, orientation and location within the site, is drawn from and influenced by the distinctive historic architectural, design and cultural traditions established in the surrounding character area.
2. Exceptionally, a deliberate contrast to the prevailing locally distinctive characteristics may be acceptable, but only where this would provide a demonstrably greater contribution to local distinctiveness and design quality than following those local characteristics.
3. If proposals involve or would have an impact Designated or Non-Designated heritage assets, they comply with Cornwall Local Plan Policy 24 and seek to preserve the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Such proposals must be accompanied by a heritage impact assessment which demonstrates that any harmful impact of the development on the significance of the asset and its contribution to the historic character of its setting is adequately mitigated or that an enhancement results.
4. In view of potential for prehistoric and mediaeval sub-surface evidence of sites in the Parish, a proportionate archaeological and heritage assessment is accepted and any subsequent archaeological investigation and heritage impact mitigations are agreed. For mitigation consideration should be given to the provision of material/resources to Kresen Kernow (County Records Office).

NOTE: In applying this policy users should be aware of and carefully take into account the needs of groups with special characteristics as set out in the Equalities Act 2010.