Urban design involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscape, in villages, towns and cities, and looks at how well new development fits into it’s existing surroundings. As the Local Planning Authority we establish processes and produce planning policies, and design guidance documents that will assist in the delivery of high quality, successful development.
We believe that high quality urban design is of critical importance to Gateshead. New development such as the Sage, Gateshead, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the refurbishment of Saltwell Park and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts have shown what can be achieved in terms of creating great places. However there is no reason why good urban design should be confined to high profile sites such as Gateshead Quays. Every development, no matter what the scale or purpose, should embrace the principles of good urban design.
What we do
From large strategic inner city regeneration schemes and housing developments, to small localised environmental improvement proposals, the council's urban design team works to ensure that sound urban design principles and best practice are promoted and implemented through the entire development process.
From large strategic inner city regeneration schemes and housing developments, to small localised environmental improvement proposals, the council's urban design team works to ensure that sound urban design principles and best practice are promoted and implemented through the entire development process.
To help achieve this we:
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Produce urban design frameworks, masterplans and development briefs for strategic areas and sites across the Borough.
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Prepare and advise on design policy contained within the Local Development Framework
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Provide Urban Design advice to Development Management as part of the Development Management Process and other Council services on regeneration schemes and projects throughout Gateshead
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Promote an integrated and design led approach to streetscape and highway design
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Carrying out urban design appraisals and studies
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Promote and undertake Building for Life Assessments to ensure high quality design in new residential developments.
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Have established (in conjunction with Northumbria University and Newcastle City Council) a 3d modelling service to assist in the development and assessment of proposals during the pre-application and planning application stages. (www.virtualng.co.uk)
Urban design policy and advice
We are working with a various other services and external organisations and developers to secure a high quality built environment for Gateshead. A key priority is to establish a robust urban design policy framework through the LDF in the following documents.
NewcastleGateshead Core Strategy|
Urban Core Area Action Plan (AAP)|
Gateshead Placemaking (SPD)|
Householder Alterations & Extensions (SPD)|
We have recently completed work on evidence based documents which will feed into the LDF including:
Urban Core Movement and Place Framework|
Urban Character Assessment|
New Housing Audit|
Significant Buildings Audit|
Quality of Place Topic Paper (LDF Core Strategy) (not available on line yet)
For more information on various regeneration projects, urban design guidance and masterplans which seek to create high quality places across the Borough click here|.
For more information on public art in Gateshead click here|.
For more information on how conservation and heritage influences design in Gateshead click here|.
Useful external links
CABE at the Design Council|
Urban Design Compendium|
Quality Reviewer| (from The Homes and Communities Agency).