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4. Public Space
4.1 Introduction
This section of the Design Code sets out high-level principles for designing public spaces, in line with Cheshire West and Chester’s Local Plan. The Local Plan explains the type and amount of public and play space required in new development, which includes allotments, natural green space, parks, village greens, garden squares and play areas.
4.2 Creating places with a heart
In the context of the Design Code, places with a heart refers a distinct focal space within a neighbourhood where residents come together to socialise, exercise, work, shop and interact.
This section sets out design principles for creating thriving, mixed use communities. Truly sustainable places require ready access to the amenities and services that underpin everyday activities: ideally within a 10-minute walk of homes. ‘Places with heart’ section applies to developments with 10 or more dwellings.
Sites proposing 10-250 dwellings must create a ‘heart’ through layout and form.
Sites between 250-500 dwellings must have a central ‘heart; that is accessible by active and sustainable travel and contain a flexible commercial or community space. Where this is not possible, the layout must incorporate a building with a ground floor capable of conversion.
Sites more than 500 dwellings must create a ‘heart’ through both use and design.
Non-residential services and facilities should be co-located and adjacent to a public space within a residential scheme.
4.3 Design principles
Green space must be little and often, overlooked and relate well to public spaces.
Back gardens must not back onto streets or open spaces.
Public spaces must be linked by safe and accessible active travel routes and not stop short of the entrance.
Public spaces must have a clear plan of how public spaces will be managed and maintained.
Open space must have a clear function.
4.4 Play areas
All areas of play must be fully inclusive and entrances and internal routes in play areas must be step-free and accessible to all.
Play areas must not be located close to railway lines and streets with heavy traffic.
Play equipment should be durable and made with natural materials. Landscape features should be usedwhere possible.
Where schools or community facilities are included in residential areas, ‘play streets’ or ‘play corridors’ could be included. (Play streets and play corridors are streets closed to traffic during specified times and sometimes equipped with recreational facilities for use by children as a play area)
‘Trim trails’ or ‘play trails’ could be used to support activity (Trim trails are obstacle courses made up of outdoor exercise stations, usually placed in playgrounds or parks).
4.5 Edible landscapes and 4.6 boundary treatments
Edible landscapes should be created through allotments, orchards and community gardens.
There must be a clear separation between public and private spaces.
4.7 Street furniture
Street furniture must be kept to a minimum and must not obstruct people moving along streets and paths.
Litter bins must be provided on all new primary streets and in public spaces.
Specific guidance should be followed on the type of litter bins that should be provided.
Benches must have a back rest and be age friendly.
Benches should be accessible, comfortable and located at regular intervals along high streets and within green spaces, particularly in locations with shade, good views and with access to nearby amenities.
Plastic bollards must not be used and the type of bollards used should be based on the area type.
Lighting should be located every 15 to 25 metres on high streets, every 20 to 30 metres on residential streets and every 20 to 30 metres on segregated footpaths and cycleways.
Lighting columns should be metal.
In town centres and conservation areas, lighting must be ‘heritage’ lantern style (Heritage lantern style is traditional street lighting with a classic, historic appearance, designed to reflect local character and heritage).
4.8 Service and utilities
Refuse should be located within a dwelling or communal areas and concealed behind a wall or hedge.
Bin enclosures must be timber, stone or brick.
Sub-station must not be located at the front of homes and screened by planting if in public open spaces.
More information on the Public Space section can be found here
4. Public Space
4.1 Introduction
This section of the Design Code sets out high-level principles for designing public spaces, in line with Cheshire West and Chester’s Local Plan. The Local Plan explains the type and amount of public and play space required in new development, which includes allotments, natural green space, parks, village greens, garden squares and play areas.
4.2 Creating places with a heart
In the context of the Design Code, places with a heart refers a distinct focal space within a neighbourhood where residents come together to socialise, exercise, work, shop and interact.
This section sets out design principles for creating thriving, mixed use communities. Truly sustainable places require ready access to the amenities and services that underpin everyday activities: ideally within a 10-minute walk of homes. ‘Places with heart’ section applies to developments with 10 or more dwellings.
Sites proposing 10-250 dwellings must create a ‘heart’ through layout and form.
Sites between 250-500 dwellings must have a central ‘heart; that is accessible by active and sustainable travel and contain a flexible commercial or community space. Where this is not possible, the layout must incorporate a building with a ground floor capable of conversion.
Sites more than 500 dwellings must create a ‘heart’ through both use and design.
Non-residential services and facilities should be co-located and adjacent to a public space within a residential scheme.
4.3 Design principles
Green space must be little and often, overlooked and relate well to public spaces.
Back gardens must not back onto streets or open spaces.
Public spaces must be linked by safe and accessible active travel routes and not stop short of the entrance.
Public spaces must have a clear plan of how public spaces will be managed and maintained.
Open space must have a clear function.
4.4 Play areas
All areas of play must be fully inclusive and entrances and internal routes in play areas must be step-free and accessible to all.
Play areas must not be located close to railway lines and streets with heavy traffic.
Play equipment should be durable and made with natural materials. Landscape features should be usedwhere possible.
Where schools or community facilities are included in residential areas, ‘play streets’ or ‘play corridors’ could be included. (Play streets and play corridors are streets closed to traffic during specified times and sometimes equipped with recreational facilities for use by children as a play area)
‘Trim trails’ or ‘play trails’ could be used to support activity (Trim trails are obstacle courses made up of outdoor exercise stations, usually placed in playgrounds or parks).
4.5 Edible landscapes and 4.6 boundary treatments
Edible landscapes should be created through allotments, orchards and community gardens.
There must be a clear separation between public and private spaces.
4.7 Street furniture
Street furniture must be kept to a minimum and must not obstruct people moving along streets and paths.
Litter bins must be provided on all new primary streets and in public spaces.
Specific guidance should be followed on the type of litter bins that should be provided.
Benches must have a back rest and be age friendly.
Benches should be accessible, comfortable and located at regular intervals along high streets and within green spaces, particularly in locations with shade, good views and with access to nearby amenities.
Plastic bollards must not be used and the type of bollards used should be based on the area type.
Lighting should be located every 15 to 25 metres on high streets, every 20 to 30 metres on residential streets and every 20 to 30 metres on segregated footpaths and cycleways.
Lighting columns should be metal.
In town centres and conservation areas, lighting must be ‘heritage’ lantern style (Heritage lantern style is traditional street lighting with a classic, historic appearance, designed to reflect local character and heritage).
4.8 Service and utilities
Refuse should be located within a dwelling or communal areas and concealed behind a wall or hedge.
Bin enclosures must be timber, stone or brick.
Sub-station must not be located at the front of homes and screened by planting if in public open spaces.
More information on the Public Space section can be found here
