Design Code - Identity section

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6. Identity

6.1 Introduction
This section of the Design Code sets out expectations for how new developments should respect and reinforce the design, character and identity of its surroundings.

Where a design document exists, such as the Neighbourhood Design Code or Conservation Area Appraisal, the design guidance must be followed. Where there is a conflict, the borough-wide design code will take precedence.

6.2 House types

  • New development should have a similar level of design and detail to the example houses set out in the code.
  • Standard house types must be adapted to the local area using materials and architectural features.

6.3 Architectural Design Principles

  • Size, type and spacing of the window and door openings must not be random and haphazard.
  • House frontages should be designed to the detailed guidance in the code.

6.4 Materials

  • Houses must be clad in materials set out in the code.
  • Houses must use materials set out in the code.
  • A mix of materials should be delivered.
  • The type of bricks that must be used (or not used) is set out in the code.
  • Render should have a traditional textured finish and be painted in off-white, cream or other pastel colours that complement the local character.
  • Details on the colour and type of stone that must be used, including mortar.
  • Requirements for how timber must be used.

6.5 Roofs

The shape and material of roofs contribute to defining the character of a building.

  • Roofs should feature traditional pitched forms with consistent rooflines across developments, avoiding false pitched roofs and ensuring roof designs reflect the character of the area.
  • Pitched roofs must be slate, clay tiles or metal.
  • Where imitation materials are used, they must be indistinguishable from natural material.
  • Chimneys should be traditionally designed and constructed using materials that complement and match the building.

6.6 Windows and doors

  • A house must not have random, haphazard openings.
  • Windows should be well-designed, use high-quality frames, and be positioned to suit the style and character of the surrounding area.
  • Walls of a bay or oriel window must be constructed from the same materials as the house and not uPVC.
  • Dormer windows must be in keeping with the building and must match the materials of the house.
  • Doors should be set back from the front of the building and made from high-quality materials that enhance the building’s appearance and character.
  • Porches and canopies should use traditional, well-crafted materials that reflect local character and enhance the building’s appearance.

6.7 Building details

  • The code sets out the features that houses must include.
  • External glass balustrades must not be used (Balustrades are a row of rails and supporting posts, often used along balconies, terraces, stairways or raised areas to provide safety and define edges).
  • Interlocking dry verge system and box verges must not be used.
  • Eaves should be well-designed, include traditional details and complement the character of the building.
  • Rainwater goods (for example gutters and downpipes) should be metal
  • Lintels must be used on windows and doors and details on how this must be constructed.
  • Details on how meter boxes must be located and how they should be concealed.

6.8 Boundary walls and fences

Boundary treatments play an important role in settling a new building into its street.

  • Closed board fencing must not be used in public-facing boundary treatment.
  • Commercial buildings should use paladin fencing. (Paladin fencing is strong mesh security fencing)
  • Gates must be timber or painted metal.
  • Boundary treatments should use high-quality, locally appropriate materials, such as brick, stone, railings and hedging, to help reinforce the local character.

6.9 Garages

  • Garages should be designed and built to the same architectural quality as the house.
  • Garages must comply with the same architectural code as the house and the guidance in the parking standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
  • Garage door should be in keeping with the house.

6.10 Shopfronts

Cheshire West and Chester contains a variety of high quality and well-preserved historical shopfronts, a heritage that is worth preserving and replicating.

  • Existing shop front guidance must be referred to.
  • Chester Rows and Northwich town centre have additional requirements that must be followed. New shopfronts must provide clear, level access to entrances, and stall risers must be included.
  • The code sets out how shop fronts, fascias and signs should be designed.
  • Shop blinds must be traditional canvas and retractable.
  • Hanging signs should be of an appropriate size and traditional design, using metal brackets and details that reflect local character.

More information on the Identity section can be found here

6. Identity

6.1 Introduction
This section of the Design Code sets out expectations for how new developments should respect and reinforce the design, character and identity of its surroundings.

Where a design document exists, such as the Neighbourhood Design Code or Conservation Area Appraisal, the design guidance must be followed. Where there is a conflict, the borough-wide design code will take precedence.

6.2 House types

  • New development should have a similar level of design and detail to the example houses set out in the code.
  • Standard house types must be adapted to the local area using materials and architectural features.

6.3 Architectural Design Principles

  • Size, type and spacing of the window and door openings must not be random and haphazard.
  • House frontages should be designed to the detailed guidance in the code.

6.4 Materials

  • Houses must be clad in materials set out in the code.
  • Houses must use materials set out in the code.
  • A mix of materials should be delivered.
  • The type of bricks that must be used (or not used) is set out in the code.
  • Render should have a traditional textured finish and be painted in off-white, cream or other pastel colours that complement the local character.
  • Details on the colour and type of stone that must be used, including mortar.
  • Requirements for how timber must be used.

6.5 Roofs

The shape and material of roofs contribute to defining the character of a building.

  • Roofs should feature traditional pitched forms with consistent rooflines across developments, avoiding false pitched roofs and ensuring roof designs reflect the character of the area.
  • Pitched roofs must be slate, clay tiles or metal.
  • Where imitation materials are used, they must be indistinguishable from natural material.
  • Chimneys should be traditionally designed and constructed using materials that complement and match the building.

6.6 Windows and doors

  • A house must not have random, haphazard openings.
  • Windows should be well-designed, use high-quality frames, and be positioned to suit the style and character of the surrounding area.
  • Walls of a bay or oriel window must be constructed from the same materials as the house and not uPVC.
  • Dormer windows must be in keeping with the building and must match the materials of the house.
  • Doors should be set back from the front of the building and made from high-quality materials that enhance the building’s appearance and character.
  • Porches and canopies should use traditional, well-crafted materials that reflect local character and enhance the building’s appearance.

6.7 Building details

  • The code sets out the features that houses must include.
  • External glass balustrades must not be used (Balustrades are a row of rails and supporting posts, often used along balconies, terraces, stairways or raised areas to provide safety and define edges).
  • Interlocking dry verge system and box verges must not be used.
  • Eaves should be well-designed, include traditional details and complement the character of the building.
  • Rainwater goods (for example gutters and downpipes) should be metal
  • Lintels must be used on windows and doors and details on how this must be constructed.
  • Details on how meter boxes must be located and how they should be concealed.

6.8 Boundary walls and fences

Boundary treatments play an important role in settling a new building into its street.

  • Closed board fencing must not be used in public-facing boundary treatment.
  • Commercial buildings should use paladin fencing. (Paladin fencing is strong mesh security fencing)
  • Gates must be timber or painted metal.
  • Boundary treatments should use high-quality, locally appropriate materials, such as brick, stone, railings and hedging, to help reinforce the local character.

6.9 Garages

  • Garages should be designed and built to the same architectural quality as the house.
  • Garages must comply with the same architectural code as the house and the guidance in the parking standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
  • Garage door should be in keeping with the house.

6.10 Shopfronts

Cheshire West and Chester contains a variety of high quality and well-preserved historical shopfronts, a heritage that is worth preserving and replicating.

  • Existing shop front guidance must be referred to.
  • Chester Rows and Northwich town centre have additional requirements that must be followed. New shopfronts must provide clear, level access to entrances, and stall risers must be included.
  • The code sets out how shop fronts, fascias and signs should be designed.
  • Shop blinds must be traditional canvas and retractable.
  • Hanging signs should be of an appropriate size and traditional design, using metal brackets and details that reflect local character.

More information on the Identity section can be found here