Design to preserve Wealden’s distinctiveness
Working with local parish and town councils, architects, developers and amenity organisations, Wealden District Council has drawn up a Design Guide highlighting the distinctive elements that make Wealden the place it is.
Embracing both Wealden’s built and natural environments, the Design Guide will be used to help prevent blots on the landscape, ensuring that future development is in keeping with the district’s architectural heritage, and makes a positive contribution to its surroundings.
The guide catalogues many of the distinctive features of buildings in the district which it divides into four zones of local landscape character : The High Weald, The Low Weald, The South Downs and The Pevensey Levels. Widespread use of photographs gives a clear idea of the ways in which tiles, thatch, stone and brickwork have been used through-out Wealden over many centuries of building. It also records the common elements of windows, doors, pavement surfaces and chimneys.
Sections of the document provide guidance on how sustainable development and good design can exist side by side, as well as the importance of location and positioning. It also looks at non-residential developments, the conversion of rural buildings, alterations and extensions and telecoms masts.
The Guide is still at its draft stage, providing an opportunity for Wealden’s residents to give their views about what it says. Members of the public are invited to make their comments by 5.30pm on Monday October 15. The Draft Guide can be seen on Wealden’s website, www.wealden.gov.uk, and printed copies can be viewed at Wealden District Council’s offices and local libraries.
“When drawing up this draft Design Guide, there was no mistaking the strength of feeling among representatives about the desire to see Wealden’s distinctive character conserved. We want to use this Design Guide to help ensure that new developments are in sympathy with the existing character,” said Councillor Keith Whitehead, Cabinet member for Planning and Development.
“We want to avoid off-the-peg designs for housing that are seen in so many estates up and down the country. The Design Guide will provide an excellent tool for talking to architects, developers, and residents to help create buildings that sit comfortably in the district.”
While looking at the traditional features that form the Wealden signature, the Guide will not be restricting the use of creative and innovative design. This will be particularly important when meeting the needs of climate change and encouraging more sustainable forms of development. The need for buildings to be sustainable and eco-friendly is likely to see the emergence of new materials and designs.
To help get involved in this consultation, an online questionnaire can be found on the Wealden web site, www.wealden.gov.uk.
As well as being available on the internet, and at Council offices and local libraries, a copy of the Draft Guide can be purchased for £20, and there are also free versions on CD. A printed version of the questionnaire can also be sent out on request . For more information please contact Wealden’s Planning and Environmental Policy service on 01892 602621.
