Supplementary Planning Guidance

Fareham Town Centre Design Guide

Appendix 4

Characteristics of Development Form²

Layout: urban structure
The framework of routes and spaces that connect locally and more widely, and the way developments, routes and open spaces relate to one other.	The layout provides the basic plan on which all other aspects of the form and uses of a development depend.
Layout: urban grain
The pattern of the arrangement of street blocks, plots and their buildings in a settlement.	The degree to which an area's pattern of blocks and plot subdivisions is respectively small and frequent (fine grain), or large and infrequent (coarse grain).
Density and mix
The amount of development on a given piece of land and the range of uses. Density influences the intensity of development, and in combination with the mix of uses can affect a place's vitality and viability.	The density of a development can be expressed in a number of ways. This could be in terms of plot ratio (particularly for commercial developments), number of dwellings, or the number of habitable rooms (for residential developments).
Scale: height
Scale is the size of a building in relation to its surroundings, or the size of parts of a building or its details, particularly in relation to the size of a person. Height determines the impact of development on views, vistas and skylines.	Height can be expressed in terms of the number of floors; height of parapet or ridge; overall height; any of these in combination; a ratio of building height to street or space width; height relative to particular landmarks or background buildings; or strategic views.
Scale: massing
The combined effect of the arrangement, volume and shape of a building or group of buildings in relation to other buildings and spaces.	Massing is the three-dimensional expression of the amount of development on a given piece of land.
Appearance: details
The craftsmanship, building techniques, decoration, styles and lighting of a building or structure.	This includes all building elements such as openings and bays; entrances and colonnades; balconies and roofscape; and the rhythm of the facade.
Appearance: materials
The texture, colour, pattern and durability of materials, and how they are used.	The richness of a building lies in its use of materials which contribute to the attractiveness of its appearance and the character of an area.
Landscape
The character and appearance of land, including its shape, form, ecology, natural features, colours and elements, and the way these components combine.	This includes all open space, including its planting, boundaries and treatment.