Information about New Development, Urban and Landscape Design and Public Art
Attractive and lively buildings, streets, parks and neighbourhoods, especially those with a mixture of compatible uses and historic character, all contribute to making the area a special place which is a pleasure to live in. The quality of our surroundings is also now recognised as a vital factor in attracting and retaining businesses, employers and tourists.
Current government policy asks developers 'to think imaginatively in the future as to how proposals can incorporate mixed land uses, to produce lively and successful developments and provide a positive contribution to the quality of our towns and cities'.
The borough has many historic buildings, so it is important that we should preserve and enhance our architectural heritage. It is also vital that we strive to improve the quality of design of new development and avoid some of the mistakes of the past.
But just what is good design and is there more to it than personal taste?
Good design is concerned with all the practical aspects of building design; soundness of construction, energy conservation, drainage, access, car parking, daylight and over-shadowing for instance, as well as quality of appearance. But well designed buildings can enrich our surroundings and cultural life.
Good design is about quality more than style and taste. Our philosophy is that new development should meet all the necessary practical design considerations, that it should not damage the environment, and that it should respect its surroundings. In Conservation Areas and the older parts of town this will normally point towards a more 'traditional' approach, not necessarily slavishly copying the past but complementing it, with the use of traditional forms and materials. In other locations, such as business parks or free-standing sites, imaginative modern designs which make a 'statement' are positively welcomed. In all locations, however, the intrinsic 'quality' of the design will be the chief benchmark.
Urban design is the process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities, towns and villages. It is the art of making places and can involve the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, and establishing the processes that make successful development possible.
The City has an Urban Design Guide and Public Realm Framework which is an adopted SPD (Supplementary Planning Document). A further resource is the SPD ‘Achieving Better Designed Housing’.
Our Urban Design Officer can provide guidance and advice about urban design and public realm in Carlisle District on 01228 817077 or email rogerh@carlisle.gov.uk
The Council encourages public art as an integral part of new development or refurbishments. Public art enriches our surroundings, symbolises community identity and adds value to developments.