They are based on the principles employed by the Prince in Poundbury – a scheme described by urban taskforce chair Lord Rogers as "a questionable exercise in Hardy-esque nostalgia".
Poundbury employed strict design codes to ensure that all its homes reflected traditional Dorset house styles. Codes like this mean housing designs across new communities are varied but harmonious.
This approach to masterplanning was given a cautious welcome yesterday in a report by the government's design champion, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. CABE says the code has the potential to deliver houses quickly.
Alex Ely, head of sustainable communities for CABE said: "This doesn't mean we're going to see Poundbury replicated up and down the Thames Gateway. They can do a good job in establishing good design principles for holistic, joined-up neighbourhoods."
The new guidelines have already been adopted by English Partnerships in its 1200-home development in Upton, Northamptonshire.
On Wednesday, EP announced it had appointed Irish-based developer Shenley Lodge Developments to build the scheme's first 200 homes because of the company's commitment to the new approach.
Urban coding means developers agree detailed design codes with local authorities up front, to avoid wrangles over detailed planning consent later on.
Issues such as the height of key buildings, their positioning and the location of car parking would all be agreed in principle in advance. The Poundbury scheme used this approach.
A spokeswoman for the Prince's Foundation said: "We're absolutely delighted the government is taking on board some of our ideas, and is getting closer to practising the principals of traditional urbanism."
Source
Housing Today
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