Northern Ireland Planning Service

Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Strategic Plan Framework: Urban Design Policies

Regional policy for the design of development in settlements is contained in policies SP 18, DES 2 and DES 4 of Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland (PSRNI), PPS7 - Quality Residential Environments, PPS 6 Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage and Addendum to PPS 6 - Areas of Townscape Character .
Policy DGN 1 Quality in New Non-Residential Developments in Settlements
Planning permission will only be granted for proposals for non-residential development where all of the following criteria are met:
  • the development respects the surrounding context and is appropriate to the character and topography of the site in terms of layout, scale, proportion, massing and appearance of buildings, structures and landscaped and hard surfaced areas;
  • features of nature conservation interest, features of the archaeological and built heritage, and landscape features are identified and, where appropriate, protected and integrated in a suitable manner into the overall design and layout of the development;
  • where appropriate, adequate provision is made for open space and landscaped areas as an integral part of the development. Where appropriate, planted areas or discrete groups of trees will be required along site boundaries in order to soften the visual impact of the development and assist in its integration with the surrounding area;
  • a movement pattern is provided that supports walking and cycling, meets the needs of people whose mobility is impaired, respects existing public rights of way, provides adequate and convenient access to public transport and incorporates traffic calming measures;
  • adequate and appropriate provision is made for parking;
  • the design of the development draws upon the best local traditions of form, materials and detailing;
  • the design and layout will not create conflict with adjacent land uses and there is no unacceptable adverse effect on existing or proposed properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, noise or other disturbance; and
  • the development is designed to deter crime and promote personal safety.
Planning permission will not be granted for any proposal for non-residential development that does not achieve the appropriate quality of design.
The purpose of this policy is to extend the approach to quality development contained in PPS7 - Quality Residential Environments to developments for non-residential land uses.
The vitality and viability of town and city centres can be enhanced by the application of quality design standards to new development. The creation and retention of active ground floor facades can help to achieve a quality urban environment and can have a positive impact on the perceived safeness of the public realm.
Policy DGN 2 Security Grilles and Shutters on non-industrial buildings
Where new development includes security shutters, they shall be fully integrated into the frontage of the building at the initial design stage, with the shutter box recessed behind the fascia, and the guide rails concealed within the shop front surround or window reveals.
In the context of building refurbishment and installation of new shop fronts, security shutters shall either be fully recessed behind the fascia, or properly integrated into the new fascia.
Surface mounted shutters will not be granted planning permission. Shutters shall be perforated or lattice type and colour coated to match the shop front. Unpainted galvanised shutters will not be granted planning permission.
Increasing levels of crime and vandalism, and the fear of them, have led to many businesses taking measures to improve security. A number of options are used, including video surveillance, alarm systems, provision of removable external grilles, and other external roller shutters of various designs.
Whilst some of these measures may have little impact on the appearance of a building, others can have a significant impact both individually and collectively on the street scene. Externally mounted security shutters can be highly intrusive and damaging to the appearance of an area, particularly when located on Listed Buildings or on buildings within Conservation Areas or ATCs. Their impact can be reduced by installing latticed or perforated shutters colour coated to match the shop front. This also permits some penetration of light from within the premises creating a more pleasant night-time environment.
Internal lattice grilles are the least damaging, allowing window displays and lighting to remain visible. Use of toughened glass is another alternative.
In determination of applications for planning permission for external grilles and shutters, account will be taken of their impact individually and cumulatively on the street scene and the need for security.
Policy DGN 3 Car Parking on Ground Floor at Street Frontages in New and Existing Developments in City and Town Centres
In City and Town Centres, planning permission will not be granted for ground floor car parking at street frontages in association with new or existing development.
In the past, car parking requirements associated with developments in city and town centres have often been located on the ground floor. Given the small plots often found in these locations, car parking has prevented active uses at ground floor level. This has resulted in features detrimental to quality urban environments, visual amenity and vitality and vibrancy of city and town centres at ground floor level. These include long blank facades, security grilles or roller shutters and service entrances.
Car parking will no longer be permitted at ground floor level where it would result in dead frontage. In order to promote vitality at street level, new development will be expected to incorporate active uses and positive features at ground floor level such as shop fronts and windows. These features assist in the animation of the street and improve legibility.
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