Design Code - Nature section

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2. Nature

This section on the Design Code sets out how new development should protect, enhance and connect natural features so that communities can benefit now and in the future.

2.1 and 2.2 Green infrastructure and responding to the landscape

  • Development should respond to the landscape
  • Green spaces within and outside a site should be connected to encourage active travel. Sections of hedgerow should only be removed where necessary to provide these connections.

2.3 Trees and planting

  • Existing significant healthy trees must be retained and well-integrated into public green spaces. Trees must not be removed to accommodate lighting or utilities
  • Primary residential streets, high streets, secondary residential streets must include street tree planting, and tertiary streets should have tree planting no more than 16 meters apart
  • Trees and hedgerows should be planted in appropriate locations throughout a development, following the guidance on tree planting
  • A variety of tree species must be used in a development. Streets must have at least 2 species
  • A Management and maintenance plan must be submitted.

2.4 Sustainable Drainage (SuDS)

  • Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) must be included on all developments which could affect drainage on or around the site and considered early in the overall design of the development (A Sustainable Drainage System manages rainwater in a natural way. It helps stop flooding by slowing down, storing, or soaking water into the groups near where it falls. They are designed to work now and in the future as rainfall increases because of climate change).
  • SuDS should be delivered on site in line with the guidance set out in the Design Code, as well as relevant Council and national guidance.

2.5 A home for nature

  • Enhanced biodiversity must be included, and artificial grass must not be installed
  • Front and rear gardens must include hedgehog highways
  • Grass verges should use species rich or wildflower seeds and included in a maintenance scheme
  • Green walls and living roofs could be included in developments with limited space.

2.6 Lighting and protecting dark skies

  • All lighting must be designed to minimise impact on nature including the colour temperature
  • In the rural area, all lighting must be DarkSky® approved (The Darksky Approved Programme provides independent certification for products, designs and completed projects that minimise glare, reduce unwanted light spill and don’t pollute the night sky)
  • Lighting requirements should be risk assessed on a site-by-site basis.

More information on the Nature section can be found here

2. Nature

This section on the Design Code sets out how new development should protect, enhance and connect natural features so that communities can benefit now and in the future.

2.1 and 2.2 Green infrastructure and responding to the landscape

  • Development should respond to the landscape
  • Green spaces within and outside a site should be connected to encourage active travel. Sections of hedgerow should only be removed where necessary to provide these connections.

2.3 Trees and planting

  • Existing significant healthy trees must be retained and well-integrated into public green spaces. Trees must not be removed to accommodate lighting or utilities
  • Primary residential streets, high streets, secondary residential streets must include street tree planting, and tertiary streets should have tree planting no more than 16 meters apart
  • Trees and hedgerows should be planted in appropriate locations throughout a development, following the guidance on tree planting
  • A variety of tree species must be used in a development. Streets must have at least 2 species
  • A Management and maintenance plan must be submitted.

2.4 Sustainable Drainage (SuDS)

  • Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) must be included on all developments which could affect drainage on or around the site and considered early in the overall design of the development (A Sustainable Drainage System manages rainwater in a natural way. It helps stop flooding by slowing down, storing, or soaking water into the groups near where it falls. They are designed to work now and in the future as rainfall increases because of climate change).
  • SuDS should be delivered on site in line with the guidance set out in the Design Code, as well as relevant Council and national guidance.

2.5 A home for nature

  • Enhanced biodiversity must be included, and artificial grass must not be installed
  • Front and rear gardens must include hedgehog highways
  • Grass verges should use species rich or wildflower seeds and included in a maintenance scheme
  • Green walls and living roofs could be included in developments with limited space.

2.6 Lighting and protecting dark skies

  • All lighting must be designed to minimise impact on nature including the colour temperature
  • In the rural area, all lighting must be DarkSky® approved (The Darksky Approved Programme provides independent certification for products, designs and completed projects that minimise glare, reduce unwanted light spill and don’t pollute the night sky)
  • Lighting requirements should be risk assessed on a site-by-site basis.

More information on the Nature section can be found here