Derwenthorpe cited in National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
The government has released draft guidance on well-designed homes and places as part of revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We’re pleased our RIBA-award-winning project Derwenthorpe helps illustrate the liveability (the extent to which a place is suitable for living in) section alongside around 50 examples of what the government considers good housing and well-designed places.
Derwenthorpe has been created as an edge-of-town extension of over 500 new homes in York to allow residents to link to the existing infrastructure. The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust project aims to provide a socially and environmentally sustainable community of energy efficient homes, with incentives for lifestyle change, the promotion of community participation and long-term custodianship. The design focused on the creation of high-quality public space, with careful attention given to the design of streets, play areas, landscape and parking courtyards to ensure that all spaces were subject to overlooking and that play areas and recreational facilities were close to homes. The generosity of the public space extends to the spatial standard of the individual houses.
From the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government draft guidance:
“Liveability can play a key role in determining people’s quality of life. Liveable places are enjoyable to spend time in and encourage healthy, mixed, vibrant and integrated communities. They optimise people’s proximity to each other, reducing isolation and creating the conditions for people to live equitable and safe lives. Liveable places provide access to jobs, local services and facilities and enable physical activity for all.”
