Urban design

In Lambeth, urban design advice is an integral part of the Planning process. We want the right kind of development that enhances the character of the borough and improves living conditions and the experience for existing and new residents, visitors and businesses.

Urban Design is defined as 'the art of making places for people' in the government-sponsored publication, By Design.

The importance of urban design at a national level

The government recognises that 'Good design is indivisible from good planning' (Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development).

It believes that good urban design is central to the objective of delivering sustainable development, and has introduced the requirement to submit a Design and Access Statement with most planning applications.

This means that design quality will be a key factor in the assessment of planning applications.

The government's design watchdog, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), has issued advice on using and writing Design and Access Statements (PDF format).

The government also advises that local planning authorities should not accept 'design which is inappropriate in its context or which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions' (Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development).

The government-sponsored publication By Design (PDF format) sets out qualities for a successful place. These include the following:

• A unique identity, with new buildings that respect and respond to their surroundings
• Public and private spaces that are clearly distinguished
• Attractive and safe public spaces and routes
• Easy to get to and easy to understand layouts
• A variety and mix of buildings, spaces and land uses.

Applicants, their agents and architects need to take these considerations on board. A well thought out development proposal will create places with distinct character and streets and public spaces that are pleasant to use. This can help attract business, improve property prices and reinforce local pride. 

The CABE website is a good starting point for publications on various aspects of urban design.

Urban design in Lambeth

The Lambeth Community Strategy sets out a vision for Lambeth, including the following objectives:

• Create a cleaner and greener environment
• Encourage good quality urban design and sustainable development
• Revitalise the borough through well-designed places and facilities

Three objectives for urban design have been established by Lambeth's Planning division:

• Advice
  Provide support via guidance and policy as part of the planning application process and advice to public realm projects
• Area-based
  Produce area-based strategies, frameworks and design briefs to guide high quality development
• Added value
  Establish urban design as an integral part of Lambeth's planning, regeneration and environmental policy.

Urban Design Action Plan for Lambeth Planning

Over the next few years, an Urban Design Action Plan will set out projects to raise design quality in Lambeth under the three urban design objectives above.

Appointing a Design Champion

Since the council is committed to achieving good design, a council Design Champion will be appointed. For more information on what Design Champions can do, please see the CABE publication Local Authority Design Champions (PDF format). 

The Councillor who takes on this role will lend support to the Planning division and promote the following issues:

• enthusiasm for good design in council-led projects
• the value of urban design as a catalyst for regeneration and high quality development
• co-ordinated working to combat organisational silos
• supplementary policy guidance on design, planning and streetscene issues.

Encouraging sustainable design

The council recognises the importance of incorporating renewable energy and sustainable design ideas into the design of buildings and places in its new planning policies.

Applicants, their agents and architects should consider this issue at the outset of a new building design rather than it being 'added on' at a late stage. Further advice can be obtained on the Mayor of London website.

Urban design training

The council will work with organisations that provide training on good urban design such as London Open House and Urban Design London

Input into regeneration plans

Urban design will play a key role in planning strategies for the Central London transport nodes of Waterloo and Vauxhall in order the right mix, form and layout of new buildings and spaces is put forward to make these areas successful and attractive places to live and work. Waterloo and Vauxhall are also the focus for regeneration plans by the Mayor of London.

Design awards

The benefits of running a design award scheme or a design panel is currently being investigated.

Using the right designer

The council always advises that a fully qualified designer, such as an architect or landscape architect, should be employed to design new buildings, open spaces, parks and streets.

Further advice on using a professional architect can be found at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) website.

For advice on using professional landscape architects contact the Landscape Institute (LI).