Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

DM5 Design. SPS notes that only criteria e and f refer to special townscape character and architectural quality but consider that to be inadequate to control the delivery of high quality design. Notwithstanding the supporting text we believe that the policy should be more specific and robust and refer you to SCDC Design Policy DM21 as a better example:
Proposals that comprise poor visual design and layout, or otherwise seriously detract from the character of their surroundings will not be permitted. Development will be expected to establish a strong sense of place, using streetscenes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit. Accordingly, development will be permitted where the following criteria are met: (a) proposals should relate well to the scale and character of their surroundings particularly in terms of their siting, height, massing and form; (b) in areas of little or no varied townscape quality, the form, density and design of proposals should create a new composition and point of interest, which will provide a positive improvement in the standard of the built environment of the area generally; (c) alterations and extensions to existing buildings should normally respect the plan form, period, style, architectural characteristics and, where appropriate, the type and standard of detailing and finishes of the original building; (d) in order for extensions to existing buildings to be acceptable, particularly on those that are considered to be architecturally and historically important (including vernacular architecture) and those located in sensitive locations, the extension shall be visually 'recessive' and its size and design shall be such that the original building will remain the more dominant feature on the site; (e) layouts should incorporate and protect existing site features of landscape, ecological, heritage or amenity value as well as enhance such features e.g. habitat creation; and (f) attention must be given to the form, scale, use, and landscape of the spaces between buildings and the boundary treatment of individual sites, particularly on the edge of settlements. SCDC DM21
DM34 Countryside - criteria a and g are incompatible because a major housing development is unable to respect the character of the countryside which is defined by low density, sparse pattern of housing and open spaces. This policy also fails to specify a sequential approach to site selection, supporting brownfield before greenfield sites are released. Furthermore, the wording of the policy fails to include "enhance" when referring to council's statutory duty with regard to the AONB, in line with S.85 of the CROW Act.

SPS promotes investment in the historic environment as a major regeneration tool which in turn can be used to attract visitors.

SPS considers that high quality design that creates a strong sense of place while contextually sensitive. While there are some examples of exceptional design in Ipswich (Willis Building) much of the recent residential development lacks distinction and makes at best, a neutral contribution to the identity of the town.

SPS supports the use of Building for Life 12.

Yes. We support tall buildings (not exceeding 7 storeys) where they are of a very high standard of design and they do not cause harm to the setting of designated heritage assets.

We support the concept that gateway buildings should be of a very high standard of design however we would promote high standards of design in all sensitive townscape locations.

Policy DM8 lacks a positive statement setting out the approach of the management of the historic environment. We refer you to Colchester Borough Council Policy, DP14: Historic Environment Assets, as an example:
Development will not be permitted that will adversely affect a listed building, a conservation area, historic park or garden or important archaeological remains. Development affecting the historic environment should seek to preserve or enhance the heritage asset and any features of specific historic, archaeological, architectural or artistic interest. In all cases there will be an expectation that any new development will enhance the historic environment in the first instance, unless there are
no identifiable opportunities available. In instances where existing features have a negative impact on the historic environment, as identified through character appraisals, the Local Planning Authority will request the removal of the features that undermine the historic environment as part of any proposed development. Support will be given to the provision of creative and accessible interpretations of heritage assets. Colchester Borough Council

a clear requirement for a Heritage Assessment should be included within the council's heritage policy in order to fully understand the significance of the asset and any changes impacting on it.

The existing use of Article 4 Directions in conservation areas, together with appraisals and associated management plans, are appropriate measures but rely on regular review and strict application of the adopted guidance.

We support further development of the Waterfront where a very high standard of design is employed (not exceeding 7 storeys in this location) which does not harm the setting of designated heritage assets and better reveals their significance.